Daniel James Wilson (Jim) achieved a momentous milestone and celebrated his Masonic diamond jubilee at Kerneforde Hall, Carnforth, in a ceremony led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Grainger and hosted by Carnforth Lodge No 4951. David was accompanied and supported on this occasion by Lancaster and District Group Chairman Jim Wilson (no relation!) and fellow grand officer Chris Butterfield. Also in attendance was the group vice chairman Neil McGill. A striking array of acting Provincial grand officers were also present led by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Mark Barton, together with Bernard Snape, Paul Fuery, Ian Thompson, Chris Larder and Chris Grey.
Jim, centre is congratulated by David Grainger, watched by Jim Wilson (left) and Chris Butterfield (right).
The master, Jim Catlow, warmly welcomed David Grainger into the lodge then offered him the gavel. After accepting the gavel David asked for Jim Wilson to be placed before him, and began his address by observing that there must be something in the air in Carnforth that promotes longevity because 10 years ago on 27 September 2006 we were celebrating Jim’s 50 years in Masonry and now tonight we are celebrating his ‘diamond jubilee’. This set the scene for a very interesting and illuminating reflection on Jim’s domestic, professional and Masonic life.
David began his address by putting in context what other memorable events had occurred in the year of Jim’s birth. He was born in 1922 when George V was King and the British Empire was at its largest extent covering one quarter of the globe and ruling one in every four people on earth. It was a time of great change on the world scene; the Ottoman Empire was abolished, Egypt was given its independence, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics came into being, but most importantly of all ‘Branston Pickle’ first appeared on the shelves.
Jim was born in Yanwath near Penrith on the Lowther estate. When he was three years old the family moved the short distance to Penrith where he attended the local junior school before moving on to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith. After leaving school Jim took up an apprenticeship as a printer with the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald. However, in 1940 with war on the horizon, Jim then 18 years old, joined the Royal Air Force and was trained as a radio mechanic. Jim was demobbed from the RAF in 1946 and shortly after took employment with the Lancashire Evening Post at Wigan in the production department, eventually taking over control of the Preston site in 1977. Jim is a member of the Institute of Works Managers and holds a Diploma in Industrial Management.
Ian Allison proposes the toast to Jim’s health, under the watchful eye of Mark Barton.
In 1942 Jim was married to Mary, but sadly Mary passed away some nine years ago. Jim has one son and has also been blessed with two grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. At this point David asked the lodge secretary to read an extract from the minutes detailing Jim’s initiation into Carnforth Lodge in 1956, which at that time was held in the Station Hotel. Jim held various offices in the lodge before being installed in the master’s chair in 1969. Provincial appointments followed in due course with the culmination of his appointment to the rank of PPrJGD in 2011. In the Royal Arch, Jim was exalted into Lancaster Castle Chapter No 5952 in 1961 and became first principal in 1971 and again in 1974. He holds the high Provincial grand rank of PPrGSN. In conclusion David expressed his pleasure with being in the company of Jim and considered it a privilege to have been part of the celebration of his 60th anniversary.
David then asked the group chairman Jim Wilson to read the commemorative certificate that had been issued by the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison in recognition of the occasion. After the presentation of the certificate David conveyed the best wishes of the PrGM on this outstanding milestone in Jim’s Masonic journey, together with his own personal congratulations before commenting that he had “enjoyed every minute of it”. Before retiring, David on behalf of Carnforth Lodge, presented Jim with a wrist watch to mark this wonderful event.
The festive board which followed was held at Kerneforde Hall and the brethren present were treated to an excellent meal fitting such a ‘diamond’ occasion. The toast to Jim’s health was proposed by Ian Allison who paid a very personal tribute to him by expressing his wish to be at Jim’s 70th anniversary. Ian moved on to inform the brethren of Jim’s continued involvement in the lodge, commenting that not only was he still the chaplain, but had in fact taken the masters chair again only seven years ago. Ian read out a very special greeting from Martin Baxendale, who wished Jim ‘many happy returns on this special event’. In response Jim thanked Carnforth Lodge members for their beautiful gift and their continued support over the years.
Jim (front, third from left), is pictured with David Grainger, grand and acting Provincial grand officers.