A lifetime of friendship, commitment and service was celebrated on Wednesday 16th September 2026, when the Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by a Provincial delegation, visited the Lodge of W.Bro. Peter Hugh Adamson to mark his 50 years in Mark Masonry.
The occasion provided an opportunity to look back over Peter’s life and Masonic achievements, before a particularly special moment: his promotion to Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden of the Province of East Lancashire.
From Scotland to East Lancashire
Born in Edinburgh in 1951, Peter’s life has certainly not been short of variety. After leaving school at 15, he initially worked in a paper mill alongside his father. However, the prospect of shift work did not sit comfortably with his sporting commitments as a semi-professional footballer, playing for East Fife and subsequently Hearts before injury brought his footballing career to an end.
An apprenticeship in painting and decorating followed, during which Peter gained his City & Guilds qualification. By the age of 19, he was ready for another challenge and joined the Royal Air Force, later returning to his trade with Kirkcaldy Council.
Peter married Allison in 1973, and the couple subsequently ran a paper shop for six years. His enthusiasm for darts then helped inspire an entirely different career. With Peter spending so much time in the pub playing, Allison suggested that they might as well buy one!
They did just that, taking on the Railway Tavern near Arbroath, before moving to Alloa and eventually to the New Market Tavern in Dukinfield in 1985, bringing them closer to Allison’s family. A number of other pubs followed before Peter retired at 58.
Family remains at the heart of Peter’s life. He and Allison have three children, Nicola, Elizabeth and Andy, and five grandchildren. Alongside his family and Freemasonry, Peter enjoys cruising, supporting Rangers and, more recently, tackling jigsaw puzzles. His competitive spirit also earned him numerous darts trophies, including individual championship successes in Gorton and Denton.
A Masonic Journey Spanning Five Decades
Peter’s Masonic journey began in Lodge Randolph No. 776, under the Scottish Constitution, where he was initiated as a Lewis on 20th February 1975. He was passed in April and raised in October that year, before being advanced into the Mark Degree on 1st April 1976.
The Provincial Grand Master’s tribute drew upon some particularly meaningful records: Peter’s original application, his Grand Lodge certificate confirming his membership of the Mark Degree, and the handwritten minutes of his advancement. Those minutes recorded that Peter was one of eight Brethren advanced that night; a wonderful link to the occasion that began his 50-year association with the Order.
Peter maintained his Masonic interests in Scotland before joining Denton Lodge following his retirement, becoming its Worshipful Master in 2016.
In the Mark Degree, he joined Rose of York Lodge No. 1010 in 2012 and served as Worshipful Master twice. He became a member of East Lancashire Provincial Officers Lodge in 2020 and joined his present Mark Lodge in 2022.
His Provincial service has included appointment as Provincial Grand Inner Guard in 2019 and Provincial Grand Junior Deacon in 2024, serving in the latter office for two years. Earlier this year, he received the rank of Past Provincial Grand Senior Overseer.
Peter’s enthusiasm extends well beyond the Mark Degree. His Royal Ark Mariner membership began in 2012, and he is now a member of Skelmersdale Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, having received Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 2022. He also remains active in several other Orders, including serving as First Principal of Mossley Chapter for a third consecutive year and as Most Wise Sovereign of Huntley Chapter Rose Croix.
Recognition Richly Deserved
Paying tribute to Peter’s contribution, the Provincial Grand Master said:
“Your commitment to our Order is well known. Your support of the Provincial delegations when you have been in active office has been exemplary.”
The celebration included a personal letter from the Provincial Grand Master, commemorative certificates from Grand Lodge and the Province, and the presentation of a 50-year lapel badge.
There was also a touch of humour, with the Provincial Grand Master explaining that he would leave Peter to pin the badge onto his own jacket rather than take responsibility for any damage!
The occasion culminated in the surprise announcement of Peter’s promotion to Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden, adding further distinction to an already memorable anniversary. The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies was then called upon to escort Peter around the Lodge to receive the acclaim of the Brethren.
In offering his congratulations, the Provincial Grand Master wished Peter continued good health and many more years of enjoyment in Freemasonry, expressing the hope that he would also have the privilege of attending Peter’s 60th anniversary.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Lancashire offers its warmest congratulations to W.Bro. Peter Adamson on this wonderful milestone and his well-deserved promotion. Fifty years in Mark Masonry is an achievement to be proud of, and Peter’s continuing enthusiasm and commitment give us every reason to celebrate.
