It was an overcast evening in Prescot, but the brethren and guests of Old Priory No 6362 did not vacillate in their course to enter the Masonic Hall, the soft glow of the lighting beckoning each brother onward, for the highlight of the night was to celebrate with Henry ‘Harry’ Unsworth, who has been privy to the glorious mysteries of Freemasonry for an astonishing 60 years.
The lodge was opened promptly at 18:30hrs by the WM, Mark Thomas and his faithful and as ever unerring junior and senior wardens Kenneth Acton and Brian Beaumont respectively who were all word perfect as is to be expected at this righteous lodge of exceptional gentlemen.
Minutes of the last meeting were duly proposed and seconded then were confirmed. Paul Duncalf then read the ancient Charge No 6 part 2, but almost instantly started to recite the text from memory, which was a most impressive sight to witness, Paul read the almoner's report too.
Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Bryan Cambidge then sought admission on behalf of Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Murphy looking resplendent in his extremely impressive Provincial regalia, Bryan’s voice commanded respect and authority with every letter he conveyed io the assembled temple chamber, this was after the deacons retired for a short period of time to allow the procession of the grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers to be admitted as well as the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
John was offered the gavel of the lodge by Mark and graciously accepted it for the upcoming event of celebrating Harry’s 60th year in this magnificent fraternity. The salutations were given to John and returned smartly. Then came the moment that everyone had been waiting for, the fascinating story of Harry’s 60-year journey through Freemasonry from that first step across the threshold of a temple’s chamber, up through the various degrees, being installed as master of a lodge and so on to this illustrious evening.
John Murphy gave the following illuminating history. “In 1937 some very famous people were born in the persons of Jack Nicholson the actor, Jane Fonda the actress, Ned Beatty the actor, Una Stubbs the actress, Morgan Freeman the actor, Don Everly the singer, Jackie Collins the writer, Bobby Charlton the footballer, Shirley Bassey the singer. The most famous of them all was Henry (Harry), Unsworth born in January 1937 at his parents’ house, 35 Breckfield Road South, Liverpool, to father Harry Unsworth and mother Lydia. Harry had two brothers, Charles and Stephen. In 1939 the family moved from Liverpool to Moreton on the Wirral where whilst growing up he kept pet pigs and chickens. Harry went to school at Barnstone Lane Primary School for all stages of his early education. He then attended senior school at Moreton Secondary Modern School.
Harry enjoyed fishing and supporting Liverpool Football Club. Upon leaving school, Harry secured an apprenticeship with the firm of William Morris & Sons as an apprentice plumber. As was the norm in those days, Harry was called up to do his National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and was posted to Cosford. Harry served in Donington and was assigned to 9 Battalion and served on heavy armaments. An interesting fact is that Harry did not pass the driving test in the Army, as if he had done so, the Army would have wanted him to serve extra years which he did not want to do!
It was whilst on home leave in 1959, that Harry attended the Grafton Rooms dance hall in Liverpool and there met a young lady, Audrey Brain, who became the love of his life. Harry and Audrey continued their romance and eventually married on 6 October 1962. Moving to their home in Deepdale Drive, Rainhill. Their union was blessed with a son Phillip born in 1969 and a daughter Diane born in 1974. Sadly, Audrey passed away, aged 70 years, in 2011. Harry attend St Ann’s Church in Rainhill, where he rendered assistance when necessary. Turning to your journey in Freemasonry, your father was a Freemason and proposed you into the Good Samaritan Lodge No 6199 at Birkenhead in the Province of Cheshire and you were seconded by W H Dawson Jnr. You were initiated on 12 March 1966, passed to the degree of fellow craft on 9 April 1966 and raised to the sublime degree of a master Mason on 15 May 1966. You resigned your membership of the lodge on 30 November 1996 and joined Old Priory Lodge on 27 February 1997, Harry, you served as WM in 2012.
You were elected to honorary membership of the lodge on 23 March 2023. Your service to the Craft was recognised by the Province of West Lancashire on e 9 May 2018 when you were appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.”
The man of the moment, Harry was then presented with a framed certificate commemorating his years of service to the fraternity by John Murphy which can be displayed in pride of place for all to gaze upon. The gavel was returned to the WM by John Murphy; the charities were honoured by all present then the various communications were given to all brethren.
Distinguished visitors then retired from the temple chamber. Greetings were given by the remaining visiting brethren and then apologies were given for the absent members. The lodge was closed at 19:33hrs by the WM and his wardens in peace and harmony and all retired to the festive board.
The festive board was a delight to be a part of; Harry was showered with gifts and cards from the brethren of the lodge, the food was superb, the company was excellent, the toasts equally as good as the company and it was an amazing night and a great pleasure by all present to celebrate Harry’s remarkable achievement.