A great night was had by all as the companions and guests of Loyalty Chapter No 897 came together to celebrate Gratten Williams’ fantastic achievement of 50 years in Royal Arch Freemasonry. The chapter opened at 6:30pm with Peter Whalley as first principal, Gratten Williams as second principal and Chris Gleave acting as third principal.
On completion of the chapter business, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (Craft) David Boyes announced that Colin Rowling stood without and seeks admission. Colin was accompanied by Mersey Valley Group Vice Chairman John Gibbon, Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe Ezra Mick Southern and other distinguished companions. Peter, on behalf of himself and his co-principals, expressed their delight that Colin had honoured the chapter with his presence and was pleased to admit him.
Peter and his co-principals greeted Colin warmly and hoped that he would have a wonderful evening in the company of the companions of Loyalty Chapter. Colin replied that he was looking forward to a great night of celebration for his close friend Gratten and that there was no place that he would rather be.
As Colin took his seat in the chapter, director of ceremonies David Boyes rose and positioned the lectern in the northeast corner of the chapter. He then escorted Colin to the lectern, where Colin expressed his delight at being there to celebrate Grattan’s remarkable achievement of 50 years in Royal Arch Freemasonry. Colin started his tribute by telling the assembled companions that music is a huge part in Gratten’s life and various pieces of music will be played during the tribute to Gratten. Click here for the five decades of dedication script.
Moving on to Gratten Colin said that Gratten was born in St Helens Hospital in June 1948. Gratten and his Mum were discharged to his grandma’s on Bleak Hill Road on the corner of Stuart Road, where Gratten and Diane now live just a stone’s throw away.
Gratten attended Bleak Hill Primary school, Rainford Secondary School for his first year, and then Prescot Grammar School, where he gained seven ‘O’ levels. Later, he studied at St Helens Technical College for an HNC in Business Studies.
He began work at Pilkington’s in 1966, first in the export office, then the invoice department and general sales. At 21, Gratten was chosen to train for two years as a sales representative on the export side. Celebrating his 22nd birthday in Nairobi, he visited the cathedral regularly and joined the choir and drama clubs. He also worked in Kampala and Tanzania, sometimes managing to make a telephone call to his then girlfriend Diane.
While in the export side, Gratten was moved to London and having met some Freemasons in a local church was treated to visits to Barbican Lodge No 8494 as Gratten had already been initiated into Windle Lodge No 7512 in St Helens.
Gratten aged 26 and Diane were married on 15 April 1974. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. Their elder daughter lives in Hong Kong with her husband and family, whilst their younger daughter lives in Sydney with her partner and their two boys. He says they come first and foremost in their lives.
Moving to Gratten’s Royal Arch career, he was exalted into Loyalty Chapter on 18 November 1975 and reached the chair of first principal on 19 of May 1992 due to work commitments. He was appointed organist in 1994 and acted as charity steward from 23 May 2013, but was appointed organist again on 31 May 2018.
Gratten was appointed the Royal Arch Provincial Grand Organist on 23 April 1997 and served in this capacity until 10 April 2013, when he was promoted to Past Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer. On the 27 September 2023, Gratten achieved the very high promotion to PPGSN. Colin’s full tribute to Gratten can be read by clicking here.
Finishing his tribute to Gratten, Colin said: “Gratten, such is the importance of celebrating 50 years in Royal Arch Freemasonry the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews has caused the certificate to be struck to mark this wonderful achievement.” Colin then requested John Gibbon to read the contents of the certificate.
Following Colin’s heartfelt tribute to Gratten, everyone retired to the dining room to continue the celebrations. The evening served as a fitting tribute to a companion who had dedicated many years to the Royal Arch and the Craft as a whole. It was clear to all in attendance that Gratten is a well-loved and respected member of Chapter of Loyalty and the fraternity at large.
Very many congratulations were given to Gratten; the remarkable man, skilled Mason and true friend to everyone lucky enough to know him. HIs warmth and talent shine brightly, and everyone present celebrated him at the festive board.
