Son Rises in the East

A truly memorable evening unfolded at Forest of Arden Lodge No. 3826 in February, as Daniel Watson was installed into the chair of King Solomon.

In a gesture that underlined the family significance of the occasion, the outgoing Worshipful Master, Bill Davies, graciously stood aside to allow the Lodge Director of Ceremonies, Tim Watson, also known affectionately as Worshipful Brother Dad, to conduct the inner workings of the ceremony for his son. It was a highly emotional evening for all concerned, but not totally unprecedented you may think.

While family connections in Freemasonry are not uncommon, the circumstances were particularly noteworthy. Dan Watson, having diligently progressed through the various offices of the Lodge, has attained the chair at the remarkable age of just 25  – a significant achievement and a testament to his commitment and ability.

The Watson family’s Masonic story is set to continue at the Lodge’s next meeting, when Dan is due to initiate his 18-year-old brother, Ted. With that ceremony, the family’s membership within the Lodge will rise to three, equalling the number of the McPherson family (all of whom, confusingly, share the same first initial). So the Lodge may yet witness a similar installation in years to come.

Proceedings concluded with an excellent festive board, where the Lodge further marked the occasion by announcing a £1,000 donation to the Warwickshire Tercentennial Appeal for Fisher House which supports the families and loved ones of military personnel and veterans being treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, The announcement added another uplifting note to an already special evening.

A strong turnout of Provincial officers was in attendance, lending their support to the newly installed Worshipful Master and his understandably proud father, ensuring the evening will stand as one of the highlights in the Lodge’s recent history.

Article originally published in The Bear