Celebrating 50 Years in Freemasonry

Phil Dodd, a longstanding and much-respected member of St Martins Lodge in Leicester, celebrated an exceptional milestone on Wednesday the 17th December 2025, marking exactly 50 years since he first joined the Lodge.

To commemorate the occasion, nearly 100 Freemasons, including members of St Martins Lodge, together with friends and representatives from across the Province, gathered to honour Phil’s half-century of dedication to Freemasonry. The evening was filled with warm recollections, shared stories, and plenty of laughter as those present reflected on five decades of friendship, service, and fellowship.

The celebration was made all the more special by the presence of Peter Kinder, Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, who presented Phil with his 50-year certificate. In his address, Peter spoke fondly of their long-standing friendship, recalling how they grew up in families that were closely connected and later came to share a mutual love of Freemasonry. His words highlighted not only Phil’s commitment to the Craft but also the enduring bonds formed through it.

Following the formal proceedings, members and guests enjoyed a superb celebratory dinner, once again expertly prepared and served by the team at Devonshire Place, whose hospitality contributed greatly to the success of the evening.

Bringing the celebration to a close, Phil expressed his heartfelt thanks to all those in attendance, saying:“I have to thank each and every one of you for coming out on a winter’s evening to enjoy this most memorable occasion, an event which has given me fond memories forever.”

The evening served as a fitting tribute to a remarkable 50-year journey in Freemasonry and to the friendships and shared values that have defined it.