Ashington Lodge Generation Game

24th June 2023

The end of May saw the members and guests of Ashington Lodge No.2868, which meets at Ashington Masonic Hall, witness an unusual family affair when Ryan Joseph Andersson, a Security Officer from Bedlington, joined his Grandfather, Father and Uncle as a member of the Lodge meaning that there are now three generations of the same family on the Lodge.

His father, Bro Kevin Anderson, was initiated into Freemasonry when he joined the Lodge in April 2000.

HIs Uncle, W.Bro Paul Anderson, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1992 becoming a joining member of Wansbeck Lodge No.5171, prior to its sad demise. He subsequently became a joining member of Portland Lodge No.6170, whilst still retaining his membership of Ashington Lodge. He was Exalted into Royal Arch masonry when he joined St Cuthbert Royal Arch Chapter No.1902, which meets at Bedlington Masonic Hall, subsequently resigning and joining Ashington Royal Arch Chapter.

He has occupied the Office of Master of Ashington Lodge on an incredible four occasions and was acknowledged in Provincial Grand Lodge when he was appointed to the office of Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 2011, before being Promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2016.

His Grandfather, W.Bro Edward Anderson, was Initiated into Freemasonry in 1981, subsequently becoming a joining member of Northumbrian Masters Lodge No.3477, which meets at Fern Avenue Masonic Hall, in 1999. He joined the Royal Arch Chapter when he was Exalted into Ashington Royal Arch Chapter in 1991. He has been the Master of Ashington Lodge on two occasions and occupied the chair of Z in 2005.

He was acknowledged in Provincial Grand Lodge in 1999 when he was appointed to the acting rank of Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, receiving subsequent promotion to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2006. He was also acknowledged in Provincial Grand Chapter in 2009 when he received appointment to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Congratulations to Ryan, from everyone at Northumberland Freemasons and we wish you all the best in following in the footsteps of the rest of your family.

If you have a story, event, or news item that you would like to share, please email the Provincial Communications Team at news@northumberlandmasons.org.uk