I Become a Freemason

—27— I Become a Freemason

In introducing this area of my life , I can feel that there will be a few eyebrows being raised by some. This is not surprising, as many people’s knowledge of freemasonry is based on hearsay and what they gain from the media. We all know that it is ‘bad news that sells newspapers’ and, in cases where journalists are asked to investigate matters that they do not understand, they can hardly be expected to produce a true and factual account, so they use the opportunity to write a story which is acceptable to their editor and will gain headlines. Such is the case with freemasonry.

The only way one can understand any organisation, club or society is by becoming a member. As one who gained his 60 year membership on 6 July 2017, I feel that I can speak with some sincerity and authority on this subject. I intend, hopefully, to throw some personal light on freemasonry and dispel some of the myths.

So what is freemasonry? It is part of the ancient wisdom and a spiritual science whose origin goes back into the mists of time, but obviously not in its present form. There is evidence which shows that there was a Masonic culture in ancient Egypt, although The United Grand Lodge of England only accepts that freemasonry started in the 18th century.

I do not accept this view, never have done and never will. There is too much evidence linking it to ancient times. I appreciate that when reviewing periods when there is little documentary evidence existing, one cannot be scientifically precise on events and times. In such cases, it is sometimes necessary to link areas to maintain a coherent story. This is the approach I adopt.

Again, I ask, what is freemasonry? The new candidate is told that it is based on Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Of course, the sceptic will immediately jump in with comments that all freemasons support each other, which to some extent is true, but no more than with members of any other organisation. So perhaps we should start with a few definitions.

Brotherly Love – On the basis that religion tells us that every man (and woman) has within them the spark of their creator, then every individual is either a brother (or sister) to every other man (or woman). The same argument which applies to families. Thus, when the freemason speaks of brotherly love, it applies not only to members of the Craft (as we are known) but to all men and women.

Relief – In the Masonic sense, relief means charity. Masons are expected to be charitable and give according to their means. It is a little known fact that, after the National Lottery, freemasonry gives more to charity than any other body. The Grand Charity dispenses in excess of £5 million in most years to deserving causes and this does not include local charity from Provinces and Lodges.

When there is an international disaster, the major charities know that Freemasonry will be one of the first to offer relief – usually within 24 hours of the appeal – and this can be significant (as high as £50,000). In the same way, every hospice in the country receives annual support, along with many other deserving groups from youth clubs to hospitals. There is much work and support at local level. Interestingly, the public never see an appeal or a collecting box. Why? Because donations come from the members who give generously. It is said that charity should be anonymous and that is the way we prefer, but recently some details of our charitable activities have been made public to show that we are not an introspective organisation only looking after own members.

candidate for initiation is asked in front of the Lodge whether he is influenced by any mercenary or other unworthy motive. If that were to be the case, he would not be admitted. Matters of this nature, however, are dealt with in the interviews and screening before he is accepted as a candidate, but it is right and proper that he has to answer the questions in front of the members in open Lodge. It brings home to every candidate, and is a reminder to all present, the importance that is placed on these matters.

Sadly, of course, occasions do occur when a freemason may get involved in possibly unfortunate or even criminal activities. If so, and if he is proved guilty, his case is considered by Grand Lodge and he may be expelled from the Craft, with virtually no chance of re-admission.

Whilst covering these areas, people do sometimes question whether freemasons have any influence in government circles, the police, the judiciary, business or other significant areas in society. Any such activity would be against Masonic principles and I have never found any evidence of its existence. Masonry accepts members from all walks of life; the nobility, judges, policemen, doctors, plumbers, teachers, actors, provided they accept our standards. I remember attending my grandfather’s lodge, Tredegar Lodge No.1625, with him in the early 1960s, when many of the brethren were detectives from Scotland Yard and whose names were household words. A more pleasant group of people you could not hope to meet, but then they didn’t have a bone to pick with me!

I know one senior mason who was a judge who told me that if any man came up before him and tried to indicate he was a mason so that it could influence the outcome of his trial, he would be more severe because such an action would be contrary to Masonic principles.

A most common misconception is one concerning jobs or promotions. No executive would jeopardise his own job by employing or promoting a man just because he was a freemason, particularly if there were better candidates. That would be plainly foolish. However, if presented with, say, two candidates who were equal in all respects, the final decision could rest on non-related factors; membership of a golf club; old boys of the same school; being a member of Rotary, the Lions or any other body, including being a freemason. If the latter, the employer would know the morals and standards of the candidate.

My Introduction

This occurred through my friendship with Ted Hayes. It was during one of our many meetings that it somehow came up that he was a freemason. I was interested (particularly because of my grandfather) and over the succeeding months, it evolved that I would like to join. Joining a Lodge is not easy. Firstly, one requires to obtain a proposer and seconder, who must be members of the same Lodge. This is a serious commitment on their part as, if you subsequently join, they accept responsibility for your Masonic membership. They are also required to give a character reference and to state how long they have known you. It should be a substantial period of time.

As it was, Ted proposed and his stepfather seconded, me. I then had to have an interview with certain members of the Lodge who quizzed me on various aspects of my life; my approach to charity and whether I would support the Lodge and its activities. I subsequently heard that I had been accepted and would be initiated at some future date. I waited about a year. The dress code was strict to include a dark lounge suit or morning dress; a white shirt; black tie and white gloves. It is the same today except a military or Masonic tie can now be worn.

For the sake of continuity, I will cover my entire Masonic career to date in this one chapter.

My Initiation

I remember the day so well. It was Saturday, 6th July 1957 and the Sirsum Corda Lodge No.6367 (Sirsum Corda means Lift up your Heart) was due to meet at 3.30pm at the Café Monico in Piccadilly, London.

Ted and I travelled on the Central Line to Piccadilly Circus. Not knowing what to expect, I was intrigued and felt that the occasion was significant, but did not know how. The day was very hot and, after reaching the Café Monico, we went to the Temple on the top floor in the lift. It was scorching and I found later that, for the first time, the Worshipful Master had ordered a shirt sleeve order.

Obviously, some of the details of my initiation are personal, but I feel that I must explain some aspects to help you understand. Most of this information is, of course, available to the public if they wish to enquire. The initiation ceremony requires the candidate to be admitted ‘in a state of darkness’ i.e. blindfolded. Why? Because a spiritual aspect of the ceremony implies that this is a re-birth from darkness to light. In the same way that man enters this world from the darkness of the womb, so he enters from earthly darkness into Masonic light.

So I was appropriately clothed, blindfolded and my arm taken by a guide (deacon). I was guided into the temple and, although I could not see, I felt that there were a great many people present. Remember it was hot, very hot. I could not see. Together with the tension of the occasion, I was perspiring freely. What would happen? I was escorted around the lodge, stopped several times and words were exchanged but I did not understand their significance.

Eventually, I was told to kneel and place my hands on the Volume of the Sacred Law (the Bible) to take a solemn obligation. I felt quite apprehensive. Not for this reason but because the voice of the Worshipful Master, (W.Bro Percy Tate) was so strange. It sounded hoarse, rasping and somewhat hollow. For someone already hot, perspiring freely and blindfolded; it was quite scary. Afterwards, I discovered that this man, whom I came to admire, had had throat surgery, his larynx had been removed and he spoke by swallowing air and belching it back to create sounds.

Anyway, after the obligation, I ‘was restored to the blessing of material light’, in other words the blindfold was removed. I was looking at the Bible on top of which was a square and compasses. I was told that the ‘sacred writings’ were to govern my faith, the square to regulate my actions and the compasses to keep me in due bounds with all mankind and particularly my Brethren in Freemasonry. Not that I understood the significance at the time, but it sounded impressive! As I looked round, I realised that the room was packed with men, mopping the perspiration from their brows, wearing white shirts together with collars, cuffs and aprons, some more distinctive than others.

The ceremony proceeded and I was struck by the beautiful language contained in the ritual. I was most impressed by the individuals who delivered these words. They were so profound, and obviously full of deep meaning which I could not appreciate at the time. I was even more impressed later when I was told that all these officers had learned these words and speeches. Even worse that one day I would have to learn the words myself for each office as I progressed!

Following the conclusion of the ceremony, I was congratulated by the Master and took my seat in the Lodge – the start of a long, fascinating and worthwhile Masonic career including visiting lodges in many countries of the world. After the Lodge was closed, everyone who was there came up to congratulate me. Ted was one of the first and he took me to the bar for a much needed drink. Like everyone else, I had lost a lot of fluid during the afternoon. Interestingly, in 1958, a gin and tonic (1/9d or 9p) was much more expensive than a pint of beer (10d or 4p), whereas today the situation is the reverse.

At the Festive Board, I was seated at the top table on the right of the Worshipful Master and was told, in no uncertain terms, that the next time that I would sit on the top table would be when I was Master. The meal was elegant and accompanied by a pianist playing suitable music throughout. Wine was served with the meal after which, during the speeches, Ted, as my proposer had to propose the toast to The Initiate. I was

It may be worth recording that the initiation fee was 25 guineas (£26.25p) and the annual dues were 6 guineas (£6.30p). These dues covered 5 meetings per year and included the festive boards with wine and entertainment. Those were the days!

Was it worth joining?

So how can I summarise my entry into freemasonry? I had realised during that ceremony that, although I did not understand much of what was going on, I felt that I had joined an organisation that was ancient, possessed profound teachings and could possibly give a new meaning to life. As the ritual involved the Bible and dealt with the building of King Solomon’s Temple, it brought me back to religion very forcibly. I never regretted that afternoon; in fact, I am so grateful as I can honestly say that it changed my life.

As I said, it brought me back to religion by giving it a new meaning. That seeds sown earlier in my life were about to germinate. As I learned more of the meaning of Masonic ritual, I learned more about the purpose of life and that inspired me to investigate further, through my own researches, which continue to this day. After all, the search for truth is one of the three grand principles of freemasonry.

There are other important advantages of a more material nature which help to mature an individual and thus improve his quality of life. I list some below, but these are not necessarily conclusive.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

By learning ritual, it helps to organise the mind. On many occasions, useful phrases come to mind during everyday life, often when running meetings, giving talks or presentations

Learning ritual can train and develop the memory

It teaches one to be able to stand up and speak in front of people, helping to eliminate ‘stage fright’

All men are equal in a Lodge so one learns to mix and be at ease at all levels

Performing ritual is invaluable training for public speaking

6.

7.

8.

Meeting and working in a Lodge gives confidence in handling people and dealing with others

Masonic meetings provide an intellectual opportunity through social intercourse

Becoming the Master of a Lodge, gives excellent confidence when chairing meetings of other organisations

I must admit that over the years I have seen on innumerable occasions, timid and weak men grow in confidence and ability once they have reached the chair. They have changed beyond all recognition and this has improved their lives in general and made them more rounded individuals.

In summary, and for the man who desires to progress, the rewards can be great in that he can set himself on a spiritual path, make new friends and develop his innate abilities.

Moving On

The next stages, those of the second and third degrees, took 18 months before I became a full Master Mason. The latter ceremony was long and impressive and I was delighted to be able to have my grandfather as my guest. He was 90 at the time and I collected him from his home at 5, Dorien Way, Hornchurch and

Once I was a Master Mason, I joined the Lodge of Instruction (LOI) where members learned and rehearsed the ritual. We met every Monday evening in a pub in Soho Square. It was quite a drive but it enabled me to get to know the members. Offices were progressive which meant one started at the bottom and each year moved onward. Progress was dependent on regular attendance at the LOI.

The Mark Master Masons Degree

After a couple of years, Ted suggested that I join the Mark Degree. He was a member of the Tudor Mark Lodge No.1092 at Upminster and John Kelley, the C.O. of 4F Squadron ATC, was the Master. How could I refuse? On 9 February 1960, I was advanced into the degree – something I never regretted as will be revealed later. It was much more informal than Craft, local and pleasant members. I settled in very quickly and soon started to climb the tree. One of the members was to become The Provincial Grand Mark Master for Essex. He was Leonard Enos Kirk, a weights and measures inspector in East Ham.

Len had served in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War so, through flying, we had an immediate rapport. He became a good friend, taught me a lot, and we had many good evenings together in the Lodge.

I had changed my job and in 1965, we moved to a new house at 98, Elmbridge, Old Harlow. I was permanently based at Harold Hill, Romford so whilst it was easy to get to Upminster for the Mark Lodge, it became increasingly difficult to get to LOI in Soho as it meant driving from Harlow to Romford to London to Harlow and arriving home at nearly 10pm. Not long after moving to Harlow, we joined the local Conservative Party where the Chairman was a Bruce Voller. He happened to be a member of Harlowbury Lodge. I visited as his guest, later joined and started at the bottom of their ladder.

Owing to the travelling involved, I could not progress in Sirsum Corda so I attended more infrequently. Ultimately, I resigned. One never likes to resign from a mother lodge, but the atmosphere was changing and I no longer felt part of it. But I was much more at home in my beloved Essex. In a London lodge one would only meet members at meetings. In a provincial lodge, one would meet frequently in the town and on social occasions.

But back to the Mark Degree. I progressed through the offices and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1968 – my first Masonic chair. As I had learned my ritual, I could enjoy my year and I did. During this year, one of my candidates was a Dr. David Avery; a GP on whom I had called when I was a medical representative, and who turned out to be an old boy of my school. Within two years of completing my year as Master, I received provincial honours as Acting Provincial Grand Senior Overseer. I didn’t realise the significance of this office, but it was very senior for a first appointment. With hindsight, it was an indication that I was destined for greater things, but circumstances would not allow it.

Royal Ark Mariners Degree (RAM)

This degree is linked (moored) to the Mark and during this time, it had been agreed that the Tudor Lodge should have an RAM. To become a founder, I joined the Fillebrook RAM Lodge in Loughton on 16 March 1966. The Tudor RAM Lodge was founded on 17 February 1967. I was a Founder, one of the first officers and became the Worshipful Commander in 1971.

Back to the Mark

Following a Tudor meeting at Upminster, Len Kirk, who was now Deputy Prov. Grand Master, called me aside and said that the Province (County) had an area with a growing population where a new Mark Lodge was needed. That area was Harlow and as I lived there, I should found it. I spluttered into my drink, mumbled

I did and on 29 November 1972, the Potters Clay Lodge No.1399 was consecrated in the Potter Street Masonic Temple, Harlow, and I had the privilege of being the first Worshipful Master. The Masonic Temple had been the junior school in Potter Street. It was redundant now as a school and, when it came on the market it appeared ideal as, apart from the rooms and two halls, the playground could be used as a car park. I was a local Councillor on Harlow UDC at the time so was able to provide information, although I could not be involved in the negotiations. That Temple has grown and is now the home to many craft lodges and other Orders.

The name Potters Clay is interesting. Being keen on local history, I researched the area to find that Potter Street was a medieval village which housed a number of potters, hence the name. They produced a particular form of pottery known as Metropolitan Slipware which was cream/orange in colour with a particular pattern formed with lines, circles etc. This is quite rare. There were many small potteries in the area and it is said that there is one beneath the school playground. When the A11 was being constructed (close to the Temple), apparently many of these potteries were unearthed – and reburied!

This background formed the basis of the lodge name – Potters Clay Lodge of Mark Master Masons. From my contacts with the Harlow Museum, I was able to borrow a piece of Metropolitan Slipware and its design was incorporated in the lodge badge. The same piece had place of honour on the top table at the Consecration Banquet. In 1997, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee and I had the privilege of co-writing a history of our first twenty five years together with Chris Carter, our founding Junior Warden. We also commissioned a banner made by one of our members, Tom Owen and his wife. This was a magnificent item of craftsmanship which was dedicated at the anniversary meeting.

It was always the intention of the Founders of the Mark Lodge that when the time was right we would found a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge to be moored to Potters Clay. This happened in 1987 and I was asked to be the first Worshipful Commander. This was a great honour and meant that I had accomplished a rare ‘double’ being the first master in both the Mark and RAM degrees in the same Lodge. I was later made a Past Grand Junior Warden.

Rose Croix of Heredom

On 13 January 1975, I joined the St. Hugh Chapter No.132 Princes Rose Croix in Harlow. This is a Christian order and one which I regard as quite special. On the York Rite (which lists degrees from 1 to 33), the Rose Croix is the 18th degree and if one proceeds through the chair as Most Wise Sovereign, promotion to the 30deg follows.

I received this honour in 1993 and in 2006 was appointed to the 31st deg as a member of the St Richards Chapter No. 675 in Bexhill where I have served as Treasurer for 15 years. There are a very limited number of masons who achieve this level – less than 30 in Sussex – so I feel very privileged.

I was made redundant in the mid ’70s and had to relocate to Hull when I joined Reckitt & Colman. Apart from the domestic upset, it created problems with my Masonic activities. All chance of active promotion in the Mark degree disappeared and in Harlowbury Lodge, I was about to become the Junior Warden – two years from Worshipful Master. The members of the Lodge were very kind and allowed me to continue even though I could not attend the weekly Lodge of Instruction. I did, however, attend all the meetings of the Lodge even though it meant driving 200 miles each way without the benefit of motorways.

I remember one night driving back around midnight when I had a frightening experience. I was by-passing Doncaster on a straight, open, country road when I saw in the distance what looked like four headlights.

These cars were racing. A quick flash on my lights made no difference. On they came, nearer and nearer and fast. There was rough ground and a ditch on my nearside and I pulled onto this just as they reached my car. There was a bang and they were gone. I stopped and walked back to find two wing mirrors lying in the road – mine and another. The driver had hit me with his wing mirror. I must admit that I was shaken and shaking. As I drove home, I realised they must have been driving at 70+mph and another 1 or 2 inches and the driver nearest me would have hit the front and offside of my car with, possibly, disastrous results.

I did progress through the two wardens chairs and in 1977 was installed as Worshipful Master of the Harlowbury Lodge No.7795. Although I had joined a Hull Craft Lodge – I had to learn all my ritual without the benefit of a Lodge of Instruction. Nevertheless, I carried out my duties as required although I did have to miss one meeting as we were snowed in and I could not get the car out of the garage.

Prior to my move north, it was suggested that I join The Holy Royal Arch as I would only need to become a joining member when I moved. On 5 June 1974, I became a member of the Harlow Chapter No.2734.

Freemasonry in Hull was an eye-opener. There were five temples with many old Lodges and much enthusiasm. Apart from Hull, there were temples in Beverley and many small towns. Things were done differently too. In some Lodges, the senior steward had the task of buying and bringing in the food for the Festive Board.

A cook was employed and the stewards acted as waiters. During the speeches, the stewards would dine on their own in a separate room. The senior steward also had to buy all the drinks so would arrive with a car laden with food, beer, spirits and wine. After he would have to clear the ‘bar’ and take away empties and remainders. Quite a task.

Our first Ladies Night at the Lodge of St. Michael was an experience. Held in the hall adjoining the temple, the food was cooked on site and, to my surprise, after the speeches, the members got up and put their dinner jackets on the backs of their chairs. They went outside and came back with brooms and dustpans and swept the floors before the dancing. These evenings were inexpensive, unsophisticated but enjoyable.

Lodge visiting was unusual and interesting. A Lodge would invite the Master and a Warden from all the other Lodges to their Installation Meeting. In addition, each Lodge would invite the members of other Lodges to a specific meeting each year.

The whole Lodge was welcome and everyone could attend, but fortunately few took up the offer. Dining fees (around £3 then) were paid by the host Lodge. On one occasion, I visited the Withernsea Lodge. The Temple was above a fish and chip shop. Guess what we had for our fish course? The steward would go downstairs, order so many portions of fish and it would be served straight from the pan – fresh, local fish. Wonderful.

One of the features of Yorkshire masonry was the Christmas Lodges which often included a local church choir which sang carols following the traditional Christmas festive board. Everyone joined in and the choir received mince pies and drinks suitable to their ages. They also had an enormous Christmas raffle for local charities. These raffles were quite a sight as they included turkeys, chickens, large joints of beef and pork, hams as well as champagne, wines, spirits and Christmas cakes. All prizes were donated by members – particularly the butchers!

Another difference I noticed was that, whereas in the South of England, provincial wardens hold a senior office, but it is mainly in name only, in North & East Yorkshire it is a working office. Provincial Wardens were required to wear short-tailed morning coats, carried out official visits to lodges and were accompanied by an

Yorkshire masons are very proud of their rituals. Many date back over 200 years and are quite different from other parts of the country. I was privileged to be invited to the Bicentennial Meeting of the Humber Lodge No.57. This was a special occasion as not many lodges can boast that age and Humber Lodge had a ritual to match. Accordingly, Grand Lodge sent a very senior Grand Lodge Officer to attend the celebratory meeting. The Festive Board was held in the Hull City Hall and was attended by 200 members and guests. It was a grand occasion with a menu to match.

Following the toast to Grand Lodge, this very senior mason from London replied. Having congratulated the Humber Lodge on their achievement, he then dropped a brick! He went on to say that whilst their ritual was interesting, it did not conform to that approved by Grand Lodge. Instead of applause, he sat down to silence. Then one of the senior Past Masters rose, thanked him for his comments, and said that if the lodge decided to change their ancient ritual and customs, they would phone him! This was greeted with great applause. He must have returned to London very subdued.

I really got into the swing of Yorkshire Masonry and, as a result, found I was joining different Orders. On 29 April 1976, I joined the St. John of Beverley College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia. This was an interesting Order, but I have not joined in Sussex as I do not agree with attending meetings on a Saturday evening.

On 15 April 1980, I became a member of the De la Pole Conclave No. 132 of The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. Another Christian Order and one which I have grown to respect and enjoy. There is a second part to this order, known as the Appendant Orders – a most impressive and spiritual experience. I completed this in Hull on 16 March 1982.

When we moved to Eastbourne, I joined the Rose of St. Mary Conclave No.274 and in 1993 became the Most Puissant Sovereign. I was appointed a Divisional Officer and in 1999 was appointed Past Grand Vice-Chamberlain. In 2005, I was appointed to the acting rank of Divisional Senior General for the Division of Sussex.

This was a very enjoyable year and involved visiting Conclaves with the head of the Order for Sussex, known as the Intendant-General. Sadly, our Intendant-General died during my year so I was asked to take on extra duties including official visits with an escort.

In the Rose of St. Mary Conclave, I have held the office for some years now as High Prelate. This is an office which I find satisfying and hope to continue as long as the members will have me. The Appendant Orders are held in Sussex at St. Leonard’s and I have been fortunate to have occupied most of the senior offices.

Humber Lodge of Mark Masters

Just after arriving in Hull, I found that a senior colleague was a mason and a member of one of the Mark Lodges – The Humber Lodge of Mark Masters No.182. I was invited to a meeting and soon became a member in what was their Centenary Year. Although their ritual was different, my Essex experience was useful, and I soon became involved with their ceremonies. They also needed a new Treasurer which I took on and held until we moved back to the south. I was appointed to the same Provincial rank which I held in Essex, so I am a Past Provincial Junior Warden in Essex and North & East Yorkshire.

Our first Mark Ladies night was memorable. Similar to the Craft one although at a different venue, we were seated at tables for six. One of the vegetables on the menu – which we eventually got used to – was boiled onions. A lady opposite grabbed the dish as soon as it was put on the table and finished up with hot onions down the front of her dress. There’s always one, isn’t there!

The Humber Mark meetings were held in a small, very old and beautiful temple in Dagger Lane, Hull. One of the interesting characteristics was the entrance door. The end of the temple was curved and so was the door. The door was around seven feet high and four feet wide made of oak specifically for the building by a craftsman over 150 years previously. Having large blacksmith-made hinges, it closed gently without a murmur. Wonderful. One cannot help but wonder how many had passed through that doorway over the years, or how many times it had opened and closed!

Knights Templar

Before leaving Hull to move back south, I was invited to join the Knights Templar. For some deep reason (I was told much later that in a previous incarnation, I had been one), I felt drawn to this particular Order and so on 18 March 1982, I was installed as a Knight of the Order. A very impressive ceremony. I attended one further meeting before moving to Eastbourne.

The problems of running our Post Office in Eastbourne, coupled with the fact that we did not close until 5.30pm, meant that it was not easy to get to meetings, and there was also the cost involved. Staff had to be employed and one could not expect a locum to come in from, say, 4.30pm for one hour so it meant a complete afternoon.

As Provincial Prelate at Knights Templar, following the KT Public Service in Hurstpierpoint College

The result was that a number of my masonic interests had to be shelved. The Knights Templar was one. It is a fact of life that if one does not attend meetings of any sort regularly, interest wanes. Thus it was with the KT. I never expected to attend another preceptory meeting until two local friends, Hugh Gipson and Denis Best, approached me one day and said that they were joining and, knowing I was a member, asked whether I could explain the regalia, which I did. Having joined, they invited me to join the William of Normandy Preceptory No.488 which met in Battle. I declined but they persisted and when my circumstances improved, I decided to attend as a visitor – just once, in 1997! That once was enough. I joined and started on the ladder of offices. The more I attended, the more I enjoyed it. In that same year, I went through the Malta Degree which I did not achieve in Yorkshire before I left.

I served the office of Second Constable which is two away from being Eminent Preceptor – the equivalent of Master – when the First Constable became ill and could not proceed at the time. I was asked whether I would become the Eminent Preceptor with only three weeks’ notice. Although the ceremony of installing a knight is quite long and involved, I agreed. I had been learning the work for some time so knew it reasonably well. The complication was that having been installed, immediately, I had to carry out a ceremony. Fortunately, all went well and I managed the whole ceremony. The meeting was attended by the Provincial Prior (the Head of the Order in Sussex) and his Officers and they seemed delighted.

My year was a busy one and we had so many candidates that we had to have an extra meeting in the year. Sadly, one of my officers, the Rev. Phillip Wood who was Chaplain, became ill. I was very fond of Phillip and in subsequent years would meet him most weeks and take him out for a coffee. We would often come back home to our sanctuary and I would give Phillip healing before taking him home. This became a regular event and when we were out Phillip would ask, “Before we go back, Eric, will you give me your Blessing” (his words, not mine). Sadly, when we returned from our holiday, there was a letter from his wife to say that he had passed away. Maureen and I were shocked and deeply saddened. His wife, Debbie, said that they wanted to delay the funeral until our return, but we were away for several weeks. Phillip was one of the

As my year came to an end, I was asked whether I would take the office of Chaplain. I had already done this in the Mark and RAM Degrees, so I was delighted to accept particularly as the Chaplain has a much greater role in this Order. I discussed this with Phillip and told him it was on the basis that I would keep the seat warm for him until he came back. This was not to be and as soon as I had installed my successor, I became Chaplain. This was in 2003 and I have been since.

In 2005, I received Provincial rank as Provincial Captain of Guards. This required me to attend visits with the Provincial Prior and his Provincial Officers. I also had to take part in the Annual Provincial Meeting. Having completed my year in September 2006, I had been offered – and accepted – the office of Provincial Prelate for the Province of Sussex. Apart from visiting with the Provincial Prior and carrying out the chaplain’s role at the Annual Provincial Meeting, I have the responsibility of arranging and conducting the Bi-Annual Knights Templar Service in the Chapel of Hurstpierpoint College. This is in full regalia and attended by around 200 members, their wives, families and friends. I feel it is a great honour and privilege to be chosen to serve my Creator, the Order and the public in this way.

The Royal Order of Scotland

This is another of the five Christian Masonic Orders. I joined the Provincial Grand Lodge of the South Eastern Counties in April 2003. Meetings are held five times a year in centres in Sussex and Surrey. An interesting degree but I have not progressed very far at present.

The Knight Templar Priests

This is a Christian Order closely linked to the Knights Templar. As the name suggests, it is a priestly order and is also known as The Order of Holy Wisdom. The teachings incorporate the perfect and venerable number, seven – the world being created in seven days; the Lamb of God having seven eyes and seven horns and which opened the seven seals which were the seven spirits of God, etc (see Revelations). I was admitted, constituted and anointed into the St. Clement Tabernacle No.70 on 23 September 1999 and went into the chair in 2008.

In 2005, I invited two of my old masonic friends from Hull to visit our Sanctuary which was a great success. This is not surprising as Peter Donnison was the Deputy Grand High Priest of the Order, and Tony Hayes was the Deputy Grand Recorder. This was quite an evening for the Sanctuary as Peter was number two in the Order. After the meeting, we had a long chat (and much malt whisky!) in the hotel.

Peter was made The Grand High Priest of the Order.

The Royal and Select Masters

I really do not know why I joined this degree in October 2001! Probably because a friend happened to be the District Grand Master for Sussex. It is quite complicated, is composed of four degrees and covers the historical period between the end of the Craft and the time of the Royal Arch Chapter.

Although I had not been in very long, somehow I was rapidly promoted and went in the Chair as the Thrice Illustrious Master in 2006. I later served as District Grand Chaplain and Past Grand Sword Bearer.

Order of Athelstan

Consecration took place on the 9 June 2007 at Herstmonceux when I was appointed the first Junior Warden. I became Master on 13 June 2009; was appointed Past Provincial Junior Warden in 2013 and Past Grand Burgh in 2017

Historically, Athelstan was the first King of All England; was born in 896AD and crowned in 925AD at Kingston-uponThames. He was the grandson of Alfred the Great and became a distinguished and courageous soldier. In 926AD, there was a General Assembly of Masons in York wherein the great traditions of symbolic and operative masonry were constituted, revised or organised, and a new code of laws for the governing of the Craft instituted.

Summary

Badge for service to Freemasonry for 50 years

This was the story of my masonic career to 2021. How it will go in the future, one cannot tell. Much will depend on one’s health and circumstances. Although learning ritual is not so easy with advancing years, at least trying helps to keep the mind active.

I feel that becoming a freemason has been a real asset to my life. It has complemented my search for spiritual truth. It has taught me leadership and, hopefully, how to be a more ‘rounded’ person. I have learned interesting history, how to conduct myself in formal situations and the importance of charity. In masonry, one meets people from all walks of life – from the lower stations in life to the highest, including in my case HRH The Duke of Kent and HRH Prince Michael of Kent, as well as Lords and others holding various titles. Masonry is a great leveller and, although one respects an individual’s office or rank, all men are equal and we enjoy each other’s company both within the Lodge and without. If all men accepted this principle, the world would be a much better place.

Congratulations “Achieving a magnificent sixty years in Freemasonry”