Edmund John Lawrence - 50 Years in Freemasonry

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson gave praise, “to the consummate integrity, dignity and commitment made in 50 years service to Freemasonry by W Bro Edmund John Lawrence PAGDC.” Terry pointed out that the great number of brethren who had all attended the 50 years celebration of the well loved Blackpool Mason spoke volumes of the respect in which Edmund was held.

Edmund, Terry said, was born in 1920 in Fleetwood. He was the eldest of five children and was named after his great grandfather, Edmund Porter, who, in his time, was a very eminent, successful businessman, being a partner in the ownership of 38 three-masted mailing boats. He went on to say that, as a small boy Edmund would be taken to the docks at Fleetwood by his father. There the dock workers would give him sugar lumps as a treat from bags which had “accidentally” burst open.

Terry outlined to the brethren some of the high points of Edmund’s life. Edmund’s first job was as a ‘Second’ office boy but within three months and by his own endeavours, he was promoted to ‘First’ office boy with the other boy being demoted to number two. (Terry added that he had probably made a friend for life!)

Edmund’s army career was spent in anti-aircraft defences, radar and searchlights. A move to the Military College of Science saw Edmund emerge with three service medals plus a territorial medal, even after turning down a consideration for a commissioned rank.

After demobilisation Edmund worked for Fleetwood Corporation as an electrical engineer. Pursuing his studies, he gained the qualification of Chartered Electrical Engineer and in 1971 was elected as Chairman of the North Lancashire Institute of Electrical Engineers. During a long and distinguished career on the Fylde coast Edmund finally held the position of District Engineer at Blackpool, retiring in 1978. Terry observed, “Very soon Edmund will have retired for more years than he has worked!”

Distinguished guests celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry.

Edmund was initiated into Freemasonry in May 1961 joining Fylde Lodge No 2758. He was installed into the chair in 1971 by the Rev Dr Harold Kirk-Smith, a man, who Terry said, “Was a legend in his own life time”. 

Having served as lodge secretary, then as director of ceremonies, Edmund was appointed to Secretary for the North Blackpool Group. He thereafter took up the office of Group Chairman in 1993 and was appointed in 1989 to the Grand Rank of PAGDC.

Terry listed all of Edmund’s Masonic achievements both in the Craft and Royal Arch Chapter pointing out that his influence had been profound and was the reason why so many brethren were in attendance at his 50 years anniversary meeting.

Concluding, Terry wished Edmund and his wife Freda the very best of health and happiness for the years to come. He asked the Group Chairman, Ian Robertson to read a scroll which had been sent from the Provincial Grand Master to mark the occasion.