Tony gets 50-year certificate in surprise presentation
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In a surprise event Tony Stanberry has been presented with a certificate marking his 50 years in Freemasonary by Lincolnshire’s Deputy PGM John Crutchley.
Taking the gavel at St Godric Lodge, V. W. Bro. Crutchley confirmed the minutes of the last regular meeting and asked the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to present W. Bro. Stanberry to him after which he presented the certificate. The Deputy PGM read the certificate and letter in open lodge, and recounted some of the things W. Bro. Stanberry had done in Freemasonary. That included his service to the province, the masonic centre in Spalding, and his dedication to the lodge. Chief among these were Tony’s active roles within the Province, supporting the visit of the Most Worshipful Grand Master to Spalding in March 2019, and not missing a single meeting of St. Godric Lodge in his 50 years. W. Bro. Stanberry was quite emotional and touched by the presentation. He thanked the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the brethren, and said he had loved every moment of his masonry, otherwise he might have missed the odd meeting.
It’s not too much to say that W. Bro. Stanberry is something of a local Masonic legend (and grandfather to the lodge) and the brethren gave him a standing ovation to demonstrate their appreciation for his years of service to St. Godric Lodge, and Masonry in general.
At the festive board, W Bro Crutchley broke with protocol, to offer W. Bro. Stanberry a moment to say a few words, as he’d been unable to say much in the lodge meeting as he was clearly moved by the presentation. Tony recounted a couple of anecdotes from his initiation and masonic journey, including many members of St. Godric going back to his house after his initiation, which was his wife’s birthday.
Finally, W. Bro. Stanberry was presented with a bouquet of flowers for his wife Jackie to thank her for all she has done to support him and the lodge.
