The Magic of the Mark - 13th October 2022
 
Today is the Birthday of W.Bro. Anthony Eustace Johnson. PGJD.   (Known as Tony)

He has reached the Grand old age of 103, he must be one of the oldest Mark Masons in West Lancashire if not the oldest, I know he wouldn’t mind me saying he still has all his marbles in place.

He was advanced into Shepherd Eastwood Mark No.1173 (now known as Flixton Shepherd Eastwood) in February 1968 and has been an active member ever since - 54 Years.
He has a wonderful history not only in Freemasonry but in his life in general, including a stunning War Record and in 2020 he received the Rank of Chevalier in the order of National De La Legion d ’Honour from the French Ambassador.
He has during his lifetime been a member of many different Degrees and still visits his Mark Lodge and his Mother Craft Lodge Royal Protector in Urmston, I have followed in his footsteps wherever possible and when I first joined the Craft I remember you wouldn’t even speak to Grand Officers and quite often you’d think he was asleep during practice but you soon found out he wasn’t, any mistakes and he was soon on his feet putting us right.
He unfortunately lost his wife of many years not too long ago and still lives in the same house, I go and visit him whenever I can and his family still look after him and make sure he is ok. As you can imagine he has lots of tales to talk about, including the many offices he has held, Group Chairman, Festival Rep etc and all the fine Masons and not so fine Masons he has known along the way.
He always asks about Mark Team visits and how Keith, Geoff and the other members of the executive are doing, he is bright as a button and I’m sure we all wish him good health for many more years.    
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark.  No.1173