Sebastian Stowell’s journey into the Craft, however, did not conform with the long-established tradition of the Lewis: it was in fact his father-in-law, W. Bro Bob Baker, rather than his own father who had introduced him into The London Rifle Brigade Lodge No1962 in March 2016.

It was then Sebastian's turn to introduce his own father, Bro Philip Stowell, into his Mother Lodge in November 2017.  While all of this is has probably happened before, installing both your Father and your father-in-law into the chair of King Solomon over the course of 4 days must, however, even in the expanse of Freemasonry, be a rather unique and serendipitous occasion. 

On Friday 10^th  January 2025, the WM of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge, W Bro Christopher Reid, entrusted the privilege of installing his successor, Bro Philip Stowell, into the capable hands of his immediate Past Master and Son of WM elect, W. Bro Sebastian Stowell. On Monday 13^th  January, Sebastian, being the reigning Master of St Thomas of Acon Lodge No 5233, installed his Father-in-law into the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom.

"This was Bob’s fifth time through the Chair", Sebastian pointed out. "He has assisted me with my Masonic learning from the very beginning, so it felt rather odd placing him in the Chair in a 'teacher becomes the student' sort of moment. Particularly as W Bro Bob Baker performed the role of Installing Master when I was first installed as Worshipful Master of The London Rifle Brigade Lodge in 2023.  With Dad it was slightly different, and I have to admit, rather more emotional. It was truly a very special day and perhaps the moment which is most clearly engraved in my mind was later at the Festive Board when Dad stated that he wished that I hadn't had to invite him into Masonry and in his words: 'I wish that what I have experienced today, what I experience at every Lodge meeting, what I experience as a consequence of being a Mason, had been a part of my life for the past forty years'.  As a son I am very proud to have given the gift of Masonry to my Dad and very indebted to my dear father-in-law Bob for having opened that door for us both."

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.