Tony makes his “Mark” as Grand Sword Bearer
Tony Farrar is a well known and extremely popular freemason here on the Fylde Coast. Such high regard is patently felt by his friends and is also discernible across the entire Province of West Lancashire.
He is unquestionably a proud Baines Mason having joined the Lodge in 2013, and save for his mastership in 2018, he has been the Lodge’s secretary throughout. His endeavours in this regard have always been fulfilled with professionalism, dignity and class.
Tony’s initial link to Baines was through the current Worshipful Master John Lee. The pair were known to play competitive football together, and from this their association and friendship grew. John was very keen to stabilise Baines at a time when the Lodge was suffering. Tony became a key player in that regard, and his undeniable skill set, helped ensure longevity and success for the Lodge.
His mother Lodge meets within the North Fylde where he currently enjoys the responsibility of being the Group Vice Chairman. After being initiated in to South Shore Lodge in 1997, he went on to fulfil many Lodge and group roles, culminating in him being promoted to the very high rank of PPrJGW in 2021. Tony is also a devoted member of Dona Conferentes Lodge and Senatories Lodge of Installed Masters.
While Tony has always been a strong supporter of both the Craft and Royal Arch, his passion for masonry has often been found within the Mark Degree, and indirectly, within the Royal Ark Mariners, Royal and Select Masters, the Allied Masonic Degree and the Rose Croix.
It’s been within the Mark Degree that Tony has found his true standing. He was advanced in to Semper Fidelis Mark in 1999 and he became Master in 2010. He subsequently joined Philadelphia Mark Lodge becoming their Master in 2015. He also held the office of secretary between 2018 and 2021. Tony further joined Unity Mark Lodge and Adoniram Lodge in 2014, and subsequently, Bootle Lodge in 2021.
After many years of unstinting service, devotion and commitment, Tony was appointed to the prestigious rank of Provincial Grand Junior Warden in 2014. His year in office was a successful one and he was subsequently appointed Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies between 2016 to 2020, and thereafter, to Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies between 2020 to the present day.
Grand Rank followed in 2017 when he became Acting Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. This was yet another role he fulfilled with absolute distinction, notwithstanding, the many other commitments he continued to fulfil within the Craft.
Tony was born in September 1965. He is married to his long-standing wife Amanda and they share three sons and two grandchildren.
Tony is employed as a Group IT Manager and is also a passionate supporter of Newcastle United and an F1 enthusiast. Tony and Amanda also share their love for the USA having travelled there together on no fewer than 18 occasions within the past 17 years.
On 26th March 2022, our dear friend and highly respected brother, received a letter from R.W.Bro R A Williams P.G.J.W, Grand Secretary, offering him, in this Grand Lodge, the exceedingly high appointment of Grand Sword Bearer which Tony has duly accepted. He was absolutely astonished to receive such an honour and continues to look at his letter to check that it’s both real and happening.
Tony has undoubtedly brought huge honour to himself, his various lodge’s, his Group and the Province. All his friends, family, colleagues and brethren, wish him a memorable investiture in London, an enjoyable year in office and the very best of good health to benefit from his new badge for many years to come.
Photographs: Left - Tony appointed Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2017Right - Tony & Amanda Farrar
