On a clear and chilly Thursday in February, with the days growing longer and the waning moon in its crescent phase, The Palace at St Annes was aglow with a friendly atmosphere as the members of Lodge of Triumph No 1061, their guests and visitors totalling 46, put on their full-dress regalia and prepared for a very memorable evening to celebrate the golden jubilee of Kenneth Taylor.
The lodge was duly opened in the usual manner with Darren Collins being at the helm as the WM for the first time since his January installation. The newly appointed officers, wardens, deacons and inner guard were clearly well-rehearsed as the ceremony went without a hitch. As the lodge prepared to open in the third degree, Darren asked anyone below the rank of a master Mason to withdraw and lodge senior deacon, William Buchanan senior, promptly squared the room and led soon-to-be master Mason Jack Todd out of the meeting.
At the appropriate moment, lodge inner guard, Joe Shaw, announced that there was a report. Upon being asked to enquire what was the nature of the report, he proceeded to announce with vigour and zest that Assistant Grand Provincial Master Michael Tax with grand officers; David Barr, Edward Rhodes and Ben Gorry demanded admission. With admission granted, Darren, at the appropriate moment offered Michael Tax the gavel of the lodge. Michael announced that under the circumstances, he was pleased to accept the gavel and occupied the chair of King Solomon.
Michael then used the power vested in him to close the lodge to the first degree and asked all members to be admitted and also requested that Kenneth Taylor was placed comfortably before him. Michael began by saying what a privilege it was to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the momentous occasion and he thanked the brethren of the lodge and their guests for being present to support Kenneth and to help celebrate this milestone. He went on to say that few can ever truly imagine reaching the milestone of 50 years’ service in any workplace or organisation, but at 82 years of age, Ken has crossed a threshold that only a distinguished few will ever attain, joining the ranks of those who make up the esteemed 50s club.
Continuing, Michael then went on to relay key events of Ken’s life, commencing with the knowledge that Ken was born under the star sign of Libra. They are typically diplomatic, fair minded and charming. They excel at seeing others’ perspectives and resolving conflicts, thriving on companionship and preferring the company of others rather than being alone. A chuckle rippled around the room as Michael commented that he would allow others to decide how well these traits describe Ken.
Interestingly, Ken’s father, Thomas, was in the forces and due to him serving in both Africa and Italy and owing to the circumstances of wartime, Ken was two and a half years old before they eventually met. This was a key defining memory from Ken’s childhood. Ken was educated at Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, followed by a secondary school education at the newly-established Carr Hill. Ken was honoured to be awarded the role of one of the school prefects. This was a responsibility that instilled the values of leadership, discipline and pride, which would go on to serve him well in later life.
Aged 15, Ken began his working life as an apprentice fitter in the aircraft division of English Electric. As a man with an eye for detail and one who had a gift of building strong working relationships, Ken became a deputy head of the department as a senior engineer and it was said that Ken could have told Michael about his top-secret work on the Eurofighter project, but alas he would have had to then kill him.
Ken has had a loving and lasting marriage to Elizabeth and they were lucky enough to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary a matter of weeks before the evening’s celebration. Something else that is truly inspiring and is testament to the devotion and loyalty that Ken displays, both in his personal life and in his work as a Mason.
Ken was first introduced to Freemasonry by his father-in-law, who was a member of Standish Lodge No 4955. In 1972, Ken decided that he wanted to join Freemasonry, having been proposed by his brother-in-law and seconded by his uncle as a candidate for Chorley Lodge No 6287. However, Ken had to wait four years until 1976 before being initiated; a true example of Ken embodying the virtue of patience.
Ken was passed to the degree of a fellow craft on 6 April 1976 and raised to the sublime degree of master Mason on 5 October 1978, he was given his first role of responsibility as assistant secretary for two years, and became secretary of the lodge in 1980. 1992 was the year that Ken took that most prestigious of places in the lodge and occupied the chair of King Solomon. In 1995 he joined Phoenix Lodge of Installed Masters No 9206 and in 2006 he joined Kirkham Lodge No 6615. In 2022, this lodge was renamed to Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615 and it was at this point he decided to retire from the lodge. He then went on to join the Lodge of Triumph and was immediately put to work. Firstly, as senior deacon and then as junior warden for two consecutive years.
Ken has also been an active member of the Royal Arch, being exalted into Cuerden Chapter No 6018 on 8 March 1978, he then joined Chorley Chapter No 6287 on 25 January 1983, becoming first principal in March 1996. In Provincial Grand Chapter, he was appointed as Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 2003. Michael concluded by saying that Ken has had a busy, interesting and successful life in his service to Freemasonry and is a good example to all and he was pleased to hear that Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews had telephoned Ken to personally congratulate him on his celebration and to thank him for his outstanding contribution to Freemasonry.
Group chairman, Ben Gorry proudly read out Ken’s certificate celebrating the momentous occasion and group vice chairman Ian Park presented him with a badge marking his 50 years as a Mason. As the ceremony drew to a close, Michael returned the gavel to WM Darren Collins, the meeting was ended and the celebrations moved to the festive board. It was a delight to enter the hall, and as always from Lee Munro and team, the sweet aroma of fresh, hand-made food was in the air. Everyone sat, conversation amongst friends flowed and the feast was served.
It wasn’t long before thoughts turned to raising money for Masonic charities. Newly appointed lodge charity steward Peter Grihault and his eager assistant Jack Todd, sold the raffle tickets with their usual comedic style, the brethren were left smiling as they parted with their money, knowing it was going, as it always does, to support the good causes of Masonic charities. The top raffle prize, a bottle of whisky, was scooped by Peter Grihault, much to the dismay of William Buchanan Snr, who after winning more often than anyone else in the lodge, was sure he was going to win after ‘feeling it in his bones’.
Also, on the evening there was the draw, made by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax of Triumph’s 100 club. For just £5 per month, you will be entered into a draw with a monthly top prize of £50 and a runner-up prize of £25. All monies left over after prize money is distributed is added to the Masonic charity fund. The first prize £50 was won by number 50, John Nichols. This was fitting as this is the first draw with all 50 original numbers taken. Runner-up was even more fitting, number 40 held by Elizabeth Taylor, Ken’s wife. The draw is still open to anyone wishing to join. If interested, please contact Ted Rhodes for further details. A total of £472 was raised on the night, which included a £50 donation. Following on from the raffle, the toasts began in earnest and it was truly a pleasure to witness Ken at the centre of the celebrations. A prouder man it would be a struggle to find in the whole of Lancashire.
Michael Tax’s toast began with a heart-felt congratulations to the brethren who had taken part in the evening’s duties, commenting on how well everyone had done. Michael has about him a very personable style that puts people at ease immediately. Everyone listened intently as he presented Ken with a hard copy of his presentation and also a complimentary, framed copy of the seating plan to commemorate the evening. His toast ended with a ‘cheers to Ken’ and everyone was clearly delighted to stand and raise a glass in Ken’s honour.
Next to speak was Ken’s long-time friend Ted Rhodes. Ted began by saying that it was an immense honour to be asked to present a toast to Ken. It was immediately clear to see the camaraderie between the two of them as Ted joked that the shortened version of Kenneth’s name, Ken, can be used by his friends, but should only be applied when out of earshot of Elizabeth, Ken’s wife, who insists on using his full title only. The brethren erupted into laughter as Ted added that, being the boss of the household, Elizabeth must always be obeyed.
Indeed, Ted said, they have known each other for 40-odd years and even before Ted joined Freemasonry, he was vetted by proposer David Kelly via Ken. Ken vouched for Ted’s good nature and the rest is history. Ted went on to say that he once owned a Jaguar, his pride and joy and yet each time he picked Ken up, Ken would mock Ted, insisting that it was an old banger. Smiling at each other, Ted added that Ken’s best attribute is the fact that he is a blue badge holder, which allows them to park wherever they want. It was warming to see such friendship being played out in public.
Ted, more seriously, added that Ken is the consummate family man and takes pleasure in having seen his close-knit family having grown over the years. Additionally, he has always known Ken to take his Freemasonry seriously, contributing and supporting, not only lodge meeting meetings, but such events as Sunday lunches at the Bedford, the next of which is on 12 April, so please get in touch with Ted if you would like to book in. You will not be disappointed with the food and company on offer. Ted ended by saying fondly that Ken is not only a great asset to Freemasonry and the Lodge of Triumph, but that he is a true gentleman and friend. With that, everyone raised their glass again to celebrate Ken.
Ken was eager to return the toast. It wasn’t long before everyone was laughing as Ken began with a hint of sarcasm in thanking Ted for driving him to and from lodge. Especially now that he has a decent car, rather than the old decrepit Jaguar. Ken went on to thank Michael Tax for his courtesy whilst visiting his home and the way in which he had delivered the evening’s presentation. He also thanked Ben Gorry, for his eloquent reading of his certificate and Ian Park for the 50th badge marking the occasion. Ken has a deep sense of sincerity in the way he speaks and addresses people, and this was evident in the way he thanked the brethren and his guests for supporting him on his very special evening.
It was very touching for all present as he added that both his sponsors are now in the Grand Lodge above, and he carries their influence, guidance and examples with him every day and he sincerely hopes that the way he conducts himself, honours the faith they placed in him. He finished by saying that the evening has meant a great deal to him and will stay with him long after the toasts of the evening have been emptied. Once again, with rapturous applause, the brethren raised a glass to Ken.
As the final morsels were enjoyed, the plates cleared away and with the night waning fast, the celebrations were brought to a close with Darren Collins presenting Michael Tax with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which he said he would give to his mother as he was due to visit her and she would be delighted to receive them. The only thing left was for the ever-charismatic John Nicholls to deliver the tyler’s toast with his inimitable style and usual zest.
As Ken posed proudly for his picture at the end of the evening, it was especially warming to see his long-time friend, Alan Taylor, rushing to shake his hand to personally congratulate him on this, his most momentous of occasions. With a smile of pride and a sense of the deep integrity that oozes from Ken, he finished by quietly saying that, for him, Freemasonry has been more than a series of offices and titles, it has been a journey of fellowship, duty and growth.
