Jersey Lodge recently welcomed W. Bro. Ian Ferguson, PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, for a memorable evening centred on the presentation of two 50-Year Certificates, recognising the remarkable Masonic service of W. Bro. Percy Wraight and W. Bro. Louis Tidy.
Receiving a 50-Year Certificate is one of the most significant milestones in a Freemason’s journey, marking half a century of commitment, friendship and service to the Craft. For Jersey Lodge, it was a special occasion to celebrate two brethren whose dedication has left a lasting impact on both the Lodge and the wider Province.
W. Bro. Fairfax Percy Wraight was initiated into Jersey Lodge in May 1976 and has devoted fifty years to Freemasonry, both in the Craft and Royal Arch. His professional life reflected the same spirit of service that would later define his Masonic career. Following an engineering apprenticeship, Percy served for thirty years in the Metropolitan Police, including involvement in the rescue of residents during the River Brent floods of 1977.
Within Freemasonry, Percy has been a pillar of Jersey Lodge. He has served as Worshipful Master on three occasions, most recently in 2024–25, and spent almost twenty years as Lodge Secretary. Beyond Jersey Lodge, he has supported numerous Lodges and Chapters throughout Middlesex, particularly through his extensive service as Tyler and Janitor. His contribution has been recognised through senior Provincial honours in both Craft and Royal Arch Masonry, culminating in appointments as Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Past Provincial Grand Scribe N.
Presenting the certificate, W. Bro. Ferguson praised Percy’s constancy, reliability and quiet dedication, describing him as a brother whose service has strengthened every Lodge and Chapter with which he has been associated.
The second presentation honoured W. Bro. Louis Joseph Tidy, who was initiated in March 1976 and has similarly completed fifty years of distinguished Masonic service.
Louis’s life has been characterised by enterprise, community involvement and family. Beginning his career in market trading, he later co-founded the successful Welch & Tidy cash-and-carry business. Known for his humour, generosity and enthusiasm, Louis has also devoted considerable time to charitable fundraising and community activities, including supporting Rotary events and organising golf days that raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Within Freemasonry, Louis has been an active and valued member of several Lodges and Chapters. Since joining Jersey Lodge in 2008, he has served in a variety of offices, including almost nine years as Treasurer. In Jersey Chapter, he progressed through the Principals’ Chairs and served for many years as Director of Ceremonies, a role requiring dedication, patience and exceptional organisational ability. His contribution has also been recognised through a series of Provincial appointments in both Craft and Royal Arch Masonry, including Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
In presenting the certificate, W. Bro. Ferguson highlighted Louis’s generosity, sense of fun and unwavering commitment to family, community and Freemasonry, noting that his fifty-year journey exemplified the values of service and friendship that lie at the heart of the Craft.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise other achievements within the Lodge. W. Bro. Steven Osgood received a Solomon Certificate following the completion of Freemasonry’s online learning programme. Steve was congratulated not only on his educational achievement but also for his continuing work as Provincial Grand Membership Officer, helping Lodges across Middlesex attract, welcome and retain new members.
Festival Jewels were also presented to W. Bro. Stephen Harriss, W. Bro. Christopher Brooks, Bro. Eugene Antwi-Appiah and Bro. George Osgood in recognition of their support for the charitable work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
Before concluding the evening, congratulations were extended to W. Bro. Steve Osgood on his reappointment as Provincial Grand Membership Officer and to W. Bro. Stephen Harriss on his promotion to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
While the evening celebrated learning, charity and service, its lasting memory will undoubtedly be the recognition of two exceptional brethren. Between them, W. Bro. Percy Wraight and W. Bro. Louis Tidy have given a century of combined service to Freemasonry, leaving a legacy of commitment, friendship and dedication that will continue to inspire future generations of Middlesex Freemasons.
