Last night, Wednesday, 17th of May, Maccabee Lodge had something special to celebrate, the 50th anniversary of. W. Bro. Michael Colin in Freemasonry.
Everyone has different reasons for joining the Freemasons, and it could be as simple as a family tradition, to have extra time out with our friends, or simply something we always wanted to do to join one of the most illustrious fraternities in history.
When this happens, a journey begins, mysteries start to be unveiled, and brotherhood plays an integral part in our lives; then suddenly, we wake up one morning and realise we have spent 50 years in our Freemasonry.
This happened last night in Maccabee Lodge 8947 for W. Bro. Michael Colin, who joined Freemasonry in 1973 and never looked back.
After the Lodge was opened and the minutes confirmed, W. Bro. Lee Gridley Prov. Dep. G.D.C. was admitted and announced that W. Bro. Mark Davies, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Manchester East Area, demanded admission.
Bro. Colin first joined Freemasonry with Carmel Lodge 7835 (West Lancs) in 1973, one of the most significant years in the United Kingdom as the population endured power cuts, the three-day working week and the oil crisis. Leeds United won the Premier League but lost in the F.A. Cup against Sunderland, which is not so crucial for a vast Rugby fan as Michael, coming from a Rugby tradition.
It was then a young brother named Michael Colin decided to change his life and the life of many others joining Freemasons. A charitable man who never stopped helping others in need, becoming a pillar of society.
In 1980 Michael and 19 other Freemasons formed a new Lodge; this Lodge grew with new ideas and a fresh style. Over the years, the founders have resigned or gone to the Grand Lodge above, leaving only two Founders in the Lodge, Michael and W Bro Lawrence Rickless.
Michael received his Provincial Honours in 1988, and he has always been an exemplary Mason in Craft and deserves this tribute.
Bro. Ian Paul conducted a heartfelt speech to Michael, talking about Michael’s life and how he moved with his parents to Manchester, becoming a chartered accountant, a brilliant father, husband and a committed Mason.
Michael married his first wife Ann, who sadly passed away in the early 90s due to cancer, leaving Michael with his three daughters before meeting and getting married to his second wife Denise, who also sadly died of cancer in 2012.
Two years later that W. Bro. Ian Paul’s wife introduced her best friend Sue to Michael. They got married in 2014, and they share many happy times and interests, including seven children between the two of them.
After presenting W. Bro. Colin with his illuminated Certificate, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Mark Davies, requested that the Prov Dep DC let Michael sit in the middle of the Lodge, delivering a speech to him. Many words for a kind man who dedicated his entire life to his family, charity, and his other big passion: Freemasonry.
After the speech, the Provincial Deputy Chairman, W. Bro. Ed Beaman, gave Michael a badge for his 50th anniversary in the Freemason.
Michael responded to the speech and felt emotional talking about one of the members who suddenly passed away last year, W. Bro. Cliff Valins, a lifelong friend with whom he shared many memories. At the end of his speech, he presented a cheque for 250 to go to the local charity.
At this point of the ceremony, the Lodge was called off, and all the member’s wives, partners and families were welcomed into the Lodge room.
W. Bro. Davies requested that the Prov Dep DC again place Michael in the centre of the Lodge. Once he sat comfortably, he began remembering the year Michael was initiated into Carmel Lodge 7835 (Sadly now closed) in 1973.
An enjoyable night to remember, to keep deep in our hearts and, eventually, to lighten the nights when we feel lonely, always retaining that Masonry gave us a Sacred bond with our brethren and friends such that we are never lonely; we always have family, we always will be Freemasons.
Then a convivial social board followed, where the Celebrant and his guests had a wonderful evening.
Story by Brother Francesco Toto
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