When Bro Graham Thornton was installed as Worshipful Master of Ormerod Lodge, No. 5713, he followed in the footsteps of both his father and his grand-father, and if his surname seems familiar, it is because Bro Thornton is the son of WBro Paul Thornton, District Chairman for Burnley and Pendle.His maternal grand-father was WBro Haworth, PPDepGSwdBr, who, like his father, was a Past Master of the Lodge. While Bro Graham Thornton is the third generation of his family to occupy the Chair of King Solomon, it is also almost certain that at the age of 26 he is the youngest Master ever in Ormerod Lodge. After a full ceremony, featuring the APGM supporting and standing in as ADC, conducted by the Installing Master, WBro Andrew Kershaw and the Officers, Bro Thornton took charge of his Lodge conducting the remainder of the business calmly and confidently, contriving to look comfortable and relaxed from the outset.
WBro Martin Roche, PSGD, APGM, who represented the Provincial Grand Master, made reference to the outstanding support which Bro Thornton and his father enjoyed from their family. WBro Roche was also accompanied by a “bevy” of Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, together with many well-known Brethren from Burnley and Pendle, as well as other Districts, all gathered to enjoy a unique occasion and welcome the newest master of Ormerod Lodge, Bro Graham Paul Thornton.
report and pictures from WBro Trevor Thomas
Pendle Lodge of Freemasons 
WBro Paul Thornton should be immensely proud of his son Graham. At 26 years old he is by far the youngest Freemason I know, never mind Worshipful Master. My initial thoughts were he is far too young and wouldn’t have the experience to sit in the Chair of King Solomon. How wrong can you be.
On being placed into the chair and taking control of the gavel he immediately looked at ease and there was no hint of nerves in his voice, in fact his tone was authoritative and controlled, the brethren responded with ease to his words and all was well in Ormerod Lodge.
I strongly recommend paying a visit to Ormerod Lodge at your next opportunity, they are a small group of happy masons with an impressive young WM at the helm, and you don’t see that everyday.
Congratulations Graham, and see you at your next meeting.
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