Charles Dodds Hammond PAST GRAND MASTER

The passing of Most Worshipful Brother Charles Dodds Hammond Past Grand Master

MWBro Charles Dodds Hammond, Past Grand Master, was Grand Master from 22/11/1996 to 27/11/1998. He passed on 3rd May 2023 at the age of 98 years. His funeral on 12th May 2023 was attended by MWBro Jim Watt, Grand Master, MWBro David Mace, Past Grand Master, MWBro Graham Wrigley, Past Grand Master, and Deputy Grand Master RWBro Pat Cooney. Lodges went into Mourning at their Regular Meetings from 3 rd May 2023 onwards throughout New Zealand.

A Gentleman and a gentle man

Most Worshipful Brother

Charles Dodds Hammond, Past grand master, was a true gentleman and a gentle man.

Charlie, to all who knew him, was initiated into freemasonry on the 15th of December 1970 in Lodge Edendale No 289. Passed on the 23rd of March 1971 and raised on the 22nd of June 1971.

Charlie became the master of his mother lodge on the 23th of July 1977. Lodge Edendale was a country Lodge, Charlie fitted in well, working in the local area.

In 1991, Charlie obtained the rank of Grand Steward, and he steadily rose through Grand Lodge, serving in the offices of Grand Director of Ceremonies, Provisional Grand Master and finally to the rank of Grand Master on the 22nd of November 1996.

A position he held for the then term of two years.

But who was Charlie? He was a dedicated family man and the epitome of a true Freemason. Lodge Edendale was considering closing when the word of his elevation to Grand Master was announced. Obviously, the Lodge did a quick rethink and remained open. Finally, closing in 2007. Whereupon Charlie joined The Lodge of Remembrance No 318. Charlie was a beloved member of Remembrance until his passing this year.

Charlie was held in the highest regard by his Brethren, both locally and nationally. This could be seen by the number of brethren present at his funeral. Over 40 local brethren attended, as well as the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and two Past Grand Masters. Two further Past Grand Masters sent their apologies for being unable to attend.

Of special note was his friendship with Bro Neil O’Rorke OSM RH. They shared a bond few will be lucky to emulate. Many a time, Neil would pick up Charlie and take him for a drive, and upon arriving at a brother’s house, for a visit, Charlie in the front seat, his smile was a beauty to behold.

Charlie was a quietly spoken man, he never raised his voice and never swore. He didn’t need to, the brethren held him in such a high regard. He was listened to and was a great source of inspiration and a font of knowledge. His quiet, unassuming demeanor and patience gave him a perfect platform to mentor those around him.

Sadly, Charlie lost his beloved wife, Doreen, and in doing so, lost his greatest supporter.

Charlie will be sadly missed by those who knew him, but he will not be forgotten. Those who knew him were blessed by his support and friendship.

Farewell, our brother, your time is up. Be reunited with Doreen, you have laboured well, and your time for rest is here. You have left this world a better place by your presence.

VWBro Peter Crepin District Grand Master, Southland