Derwent Lodge No. 4250

On Wednesday 19th December a large number of members and guests were delighted to gather to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Thomas William David Railson in reaching 50 years of continuous membership of Freemasonry. Numerous distinguished Brethren from across the Province joined with the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Michael Graham, to mark the enormous contribution that David has made towards Freemasonry across the Craft as well as a range of other orders.

After the Worshipful Master, Bob Bennie, had opened proceedings, and prior to the presentation of David’s 50th Certificate, the first business of the evening was to Initiate Mark O’Neill. After a faultless First Degree Ceremony the mood was then set to fast forward 50 years as Michael asked David join him on the floor of the Lodge to reflect upon some of the milestones and highlights of David’s Masonic experiences to date.

WBro T.W.David Railson with His 50 Year Certificate and WBro Michael Graham AsstProvGM (Right) WBro Bob Bennie WM and Bro Mark O’Neill Initiate

David was initiated in to Derwent Lodge on 18th December 1968, Passed on the 23rd March 1969 and raised on June 25th 1969. He was Installed as W.M. on the 26th October 1983. He then went on to explain that when he was 13 his father sadly died, and Derwent Lodge Freemasons, who knew his family, stepped up to support David and his mother in their time of need. With David’s Grandparents coming from High Spen, David also had local family connections that strengthened his bond to the Chopwell area. David explained that he felt completely at ease in the family of Freemasonry that he joined 50 Years ago at Derwent Lodge. He regards the Brethren as true salt of the earth people, both then and now. David recalled that of particular support and inspiration to him had been WBro John Campbell (Uncle Jack) who was a Past Master of Derwent Lodge in 1949.

David went on to share his vivid memories of his Initiation especially the terrible weather outside and the nerves that he felt which, despite his vast Masonic experience, he said were also present on this special night. He also clearly recalled being led by the Deacon and seeing his reflection in the mirror over the organ, which still serves to remind him of that evening 50 years ago to this day.

Michael then began to review David’s enormous contribution to Freemasonry over so many years. David became Worshipful Master of Derwent Lodge in 1983, where David said that he had always felt a ‘groundswell of fraternal support from the membership’, and he was also a founder member of Beamish Temple Lodge in 2006, becoming Worshipful Master in 2007. David was Exalted in September 1972, becoming First Principal in both 1987 and 1990, and also becoming a founder of Elevation Chapter in 1985.

In 1992, David was honoured in both the Craft and the Chapter as Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and Chapter Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer. In 1998, David then became Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Royal Arch, taking over as Provincial Director of Ceremonies in 2001, a role that he performed for 9 years. That same year David was recognised by Supreme Grand Chapter when appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and in 2003, David’s talents were further recognised when he was appointed Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer.

Michael then congratulated David on his extremely successful and high ranking Masonic career across a host of Masonic orders and including becoming Provincial Grand Master in the Masonic Order of Athelstan and the Provincial Grand Master in the Royal Order of Scotland.

David then shared with those assembled, several humorous anecdotes from his 30 years of service in the Newcastle City Police Service where he had made ‘wonderful friends’. He then went on to express his deep love and gratitude for their support that he felt towards his wife of 44 years, Christine, as well as to his 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren.

Michael then took the opportunity to congratulate David once again on behalf of all those in attendance and asked his Provincial DC, Derek Wake, to read the citation from the Provincial Grand Master, prior to formally presenting the certificate. The attending Brethren then showed their great appreciation for the commitment that David has shown to Derwent Lodge in particular and to Freemasonry in general over the last fifty years. David then took the opportunity to present Mark O’Neill, the new initiate with his own cufflinks to mark the beginning of Mark’s own Masonic journey.

WBro Coliin Urwin Presented W.Bro David Railson with Decanter & Glasses

At a Festive Board downstairs, WBro Colin Urwin gave the toast to David outlining the valuable work he has done in the offices he has held and was presented with an engraved decanter and glasses together with a bottle of whisky as well as a bouquet of flowers for his wife Christine as a mark of the Lodge’s appreciation of his long service. David then took the opportunity thank those present for their attendance and expressed his desire to continuing to serve Freemasonry and the Lodge in the future. Following the completion of the formalities a very enjoyable evening was had by all with many brethren socialising with friends and Lodge members long into the evening.

Monday 11th August 2014 was an important night in the history of Derwent Lodge and special for one man in particular and indeed for anyone lucky enough to be present on this marvelous occasion.

65 brethren joined Harold and his daughter, Margaret, for an excellent Festive Board of Harold’s favourites. These dishes were thoroughly enjoyed by all the Brethren present. On the completion of the meal the Immediate Past Master of Derwent Lodge, Dr. Paul Mundell, stood to deliver the toast to the special guest, by outlining his life and achievements, both personal and Masonically.  Paul also read an email from Peter Kipps, President of the River Lodges Association. In the email he wishes Harold a Happy Birthday and informed him that the greeting was also posted to their Twitter account reaching 18,500 followers.

At the completion of the toasts and being a Birthday Party after all, the birthday boy received his presents and a fabulous birthday cake on behalf of the Lodge and his many friends, before being visibly moved as the Brethren stood and sang Happy Birthday to him. In his reply Harold thanked everyone for coming, but felt overwhelmed by the turnout. He thanked the Brethren of the Lodge for their friendship over the years and Margaret, well just for being there!

At 10pm Harold and his daughter took their leave, mentioning that even at the age of 100 years old he still needed his beauty sleep! He left to a standing ovation!

All of the Brethren present on this magnificent occasion had spent the evening in the company of a very special man and Mason and a true gentleman in every sense of the word!

50 Years WBro Joseph Leslie Laverick & 60 Years WBro Harold Rutter

50 Years in Freemasonry is a special occasion for any Brother, 60 years is even more remarkable; combine the two together and present certificates for each on the same night is wonderful occasion.

And so it was at the Christmas meeting of our Lodge when a Provincial Deputation led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro  George Clark  PGSwdB attended to present two certificates for two incredible landmarks. Celebrating 50 years was WBro Les Laverick and 10 years his senior in Masonic terms was WBro Harold Rutter.

WBro Les Laverick was initiated into Derwent Lodge on the 18th December 1963, passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on the 25th March 1964, and raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the 26th June 1964. He was Installed as Master of the Lodge on the 24th October 1979 and appointed to Provincial rank PPAGDC in 1988.  He was a Founder Member of Derwent RA Chapter on the 18th March 1978.

He was proposed by WBro James Halkier, the local chemist, and seconded by his father, Bro Robert Laverick. In remembrance of their father, Les, his brother Robert, who was also a member of the Lodge, and another brother Tommy, who was a member of St Luke’s Lodge No. 6564 in Wallsend, donated the Volume of the Sacred Law which is in regular use in Derwent Lodge and has seen many a Brethren Initiated and many a Master Installed in its years.

After the Lodge had been opened in due form and the Deputation had been admitted and the usual salutation given, VWBro George Clarke  the Deputy Provincial Grand Master then had the pleasant  duty of presenting a certificate for WBro Les Laverick to mark 50 years service. Sadly WBro Les could not be present to receive his certificate due to failing health.  VWBro Clark then gave details of his working career and Masonic achievements and informed the Brethren that he has been a valuable servant to the Lodge over his many years service. The certificate was presented to the WM WBro Keith Walker  for the Lodge’s very own deputation to present it to him personally at the Manor House Nursing Home in Whickam where he now resides.

WBro Harold Rutter PPSGW was initiated into Derwent Lodge No 4250 on the 23rd December 1952 his 10th wedding anniversary, past to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on the 24th March 1954 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the 23rd June 1954. He was proposed by WBro Fred Cowan’s brother, Bro George Cowan, and seconded by Octavius “Ockie” Nevin (the local bookie).
He was installed Master of the Lodge in October 1970 and appointed to Provincial rank PPJGD in1980 and promoted to PPSGW in 2004. Harold was DC for 9 years from 1975 – 84. From 1990 to 2011, for the purpose of Installation, Harold was IG 6 times, JW 3 times and SW 10 times (a fine achievement). He has given the Traditional history on more occasions than we can remember, and most recently in June 2010 and February 2011. He was exalted into Royal Arch Masonry on the 10th October 1979.

VWBro George Clark then presented the certificate to mark 60 years service and invited WBro  Harold to join him in the centre of the Lodge, sitting facing each other in a relaxed format when they reminisced on a truly magnificent Masonic and working career.  He told the Brethren that he had been actively involved in Freemasonry before he even knew it, once a month, one of his school teachers, in his last year at school used to task him with folding paper in to envelopes, attaching labels, envelopes he later found out contained Lodge Summons, it turned out his teacher had been assistant Secretary of his Lodge and by default he was Assistant to the Assistant Secretary before he was ever Initiated. He also informed the Brethren that he had been actively involved in the 2nd World War as a Gunner in the Navy. VWBro Clarke then congratulated him on a wonderful Masonic career and wished him more happy years in Freemasonry. WBro Rutter then presented a cheque for £300.00 to VWBro Clark which is to be credited to Durham Benevolence and thanked him for the presentation and the Brethren for making it such a memorable occasion. VWBro Clark then thanked WBro Rutter for the most generous cheque.

At the Festive Board that followed WBro DavidRailson PAGSwdB gave a moving tribute and toast to WBro Harold and presented him with an inscribed Carriage Clock, WBro Ian Campbell PProvJGD SW then presented him with a Personalised Christmas Cake showing Harold in his Regalia with Masonic Symbols. WBro Harold responded to the toast and thanked the Lodge for the presentation helping to make it such a memorable occasion for him and he looks forward to many more happy times ahead.

On the 9^th January 2014 the WM and a deputation of Dewent Brethren made a special visit to Manor House Nursing Home, his wife Dorothy and his daughter Dianne were also present. The WM WBro Keith Walker then read out and presented WBro Les with his 50 Year Certificate and thanked him for his service to the Lodge over the years. WBro Dr Paul Mundell then gave details of his Masonic achievements over the years and presented him with a book on the “History of Chopwell”. The Secretary Bro Winston Ridley then presented his wife Dorothy with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for all the work that she had done for the Lodge Social Evenings. Everyone  had a wonderfull afternoon together and enjoyed the afternoon tea which was very kindly provided by the Home.  WBro Les’s wife Dorothy thanked everyone for making the afternoon so special for the family.

On the 27^th February 2013 The W.M. W.Bro Dr Paul A.Mundell  welcomed W.Bro John M.Y.Wood of the River Lodges Association to Derwent Lodge. W.Bro Woods informed the W.M. that he was very pleased to be present in the Lodge as he had the honour of presenting Derwent Lodge with its Joining Member Certificate of the River Lodges Association. W.Bro Wood informed the Brethren that to become a member of the Association a Lodge has to be named after or connected with a river in the UK or abroad, W.Bro Wood then outlined the aims of the Association. The W.M. then thanked W.Bro Wood for the Presentation.

                                        Photo’s –  click on images to view a larger version.

At the Festive Board the Lodge held a Burns Night Supper in celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robbie Burns.The haggis entered the Dining Room to piped music and the Address to the Haggis was given by W.Bro Ken Cook who also gave the Immortal Memory and everyone drank to the toast to Robbie Burns. W.Bro Dr Paul Mundell W.M. recited Burns poetry.

W.Bro David Miller W.M. Vulcan Lodge No. 5757 presenting the Vulcan Travelling Gavel to W.Bro Dr Paul A.Mundell PPGReg

On Wednesday 24th October 2012 at the Installation of W.Bro Dr Paul A.Mundell PPGReg the Vulcan Travelling Gavel was presented to him from W.Bro David Miller W.M. Vulcan Lodge No. 5757.  The Vulcan Lodge No. 229 Traveling Gavel is in its seventh year and has now traveled over 73,000 miles to 178 Lodges in five countries on four continents plus traveled on a cruise of the Caribbean and been held by eighteen Grand Masters. It was presented to Rt WBro Norman Eric Heaviside Provincial Grand Master W.M. of Benfeldsyde Lodge No. 7807 at their 50^th Anniversary of their Consecration.

On the 11th November 2012 W.Bro Dr Paul A.Mundell presented  the Vulcan Travelling Gavel to W.Bro Andrew Gailes WM Conside Lodge No.7179.

Vulcan Lodges :- The start of the Travelling Gavel

Vulcan No. 229     Kansas USA

Vulcan No. 3181   London

Vulcan No. 4382  Alfreton Derbyshire

Vulcan No. 4510  Middlesbrough

Vulcan No. 5757  Blackhill Durham

Vulcan No. 74      Alberta Canada

Vulcan No. 498    Bristow Iowa USA

W.Bro Dr P.A.Mundell PPGReg WM Derwent Lodge No. 4250 presenting W.Bro Andrew Gailes WM  Conside Lodge No. 7179 with the Vulcan Travelling Gavel on the 11th November 2012

50 Year Presentation to W.Bro Bill Ellis MSc PPGStB 26th September 2012

W.Bro George Clark PSGD Deputy PGM Presenting W.Bro Bill Ellis MSc PPGStB with his 50 year Certificate

W.Bro Bill Ellis MSc PPGStB was initiated into Rowlands Gill Lodge No 4648 on the 6th June 1962 past to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on the 6th November 1962 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the  6th February 1963.

He was Installed Master of Rowlands Gill Lodge in 1974, 2006 and 2007, receiving Provincial Honour Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 1984. He joined Derwent Lodge No 4250 on the 19th December 2007 and was Installed Master in 2011. He was exalted into Rowlands Gill Royal Arch Chapter No 4694 on the 11th May 1967 and was Installed as “Z” in 1979, 1996 and 2008 receiving Provincial Honours 1986 – Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar he was promoted 1997 – Past Provincial Grand Registrar and again in 2005 to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. He joined Derwent Royal Arch Chapter on the 11th June 2008.

W.Bro George Clark PSGD Deputy Provincial Grand Master presented the certificate to mark 50 years service and invited W.Bro Ellis to vacate his chair and join him in the centre of the Lodge, sitting facing each other in a relaxed format when they discussed his working career, his passion of dancing shared with his wife Jane and his Masonic career, the Royal Arch Chapter he sees as the pinnacle of Freemasonry. He then congratulated him on a wonderful Masonic career and wished him many more happy years in Freemasonry.

At the Festive Board that followed W.Bro T.W.D.Railson PAGSwdB gave a moving tribute and toast to W.Bro Bill and presented him with pair of Crystal Brandy Glasses together with a bottle of Brandy. W.Bro Bill responded to the toast and thanked the Lodge for the presentation helping to make it such a memorable occasion for him.

On Wednesday 25th January 2012 at the Festive Board the Lodge held a Burns Night Supper in celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robbie Burns.

The haggis entered the Dining Room to piped music and the Address to the Haggis was given by W.Bro Ken Cook who also gave the Immortal Memory and everyone drank to the toast to Robbie Burns. W.Bro Dr Paul Mundell recited Burns poetry.

50 Year Presentation to W.Bro Alan Cox PPJGW 26th January 2011

W.Bro G Clark PSGD Asst PGM Presenting W.Bro Alan Cox PPJGW with his 50 Year Certificate

W.Bro Alan Cox PPJGW was initiated into Derwent Lodge on the 28th December 1960 past to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on the 23rd March 1961 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the 28th June 1961.

He was Installed Master of the Lodge in October 1974 and appointed to Provincial rank Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1984 and subsequently promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1990. In 1978 he was appointed Lodge Almoner an office he served extremely well for 17 years. He was exalted into Rowlands Gill Royal Arch Chapter No 4694 and was Installed as “Z” in 1978, 1995 and 2007. He was a Founder Member of Derwent Royal Arch Chapter which was Consecrated on the 18th March 1978 and was Installed as “Z” in 1982. He was appointed the Chapter Almoner in 1996 an Office he served for 5 Years.

W.Bro Alan’s brother Jack was also a member of Derwent Lodge and was Master of the Lodge in1973,when he Initiated W.Bro Alan’s son Brian into the Lodge on the 28th November 1973 who was Installed as Master of the Lodge in 1985.

W.Bro George Clark PSGD Asst Provincial Grand Master presented the certificate to mark 50 years service and gave details of his working career and congratulated him on a wonderful Masonic career and wished him many more happy years in Freemasonry.

At the Festive Board that followed W.Bro T.W.D.Railson PAGSwdB gave the toast to W.Bro Alan Cox and presented him with an inscribed crystal glass and a bottle of Whisky. W.Bro Alan responded to the toast and thanked the Lodge for the presentation helping to make it such a memorable occasion for him.

40 Year Presentation to Bro Edwin Stanger PProvGStwd 15th December 2010

Bro Edwin Stangers 40th Year Presentation with W.Bros Alan Nixon SW 1970, Bob Cook WM and Harold Rutter WM 1970

At their Festive Board On the 15th December 2010 W.Bro’s Harold Rutter and Alan Nixon presented Bro Edwin Stanger with an inscribed crystal glass and a bottle of whisky in recognition of 40 years service and his 37th year as Lodge Organist, which is an excellent achievement.

W.Bro Harold Rutter was W.M. and W.Bro Alan Nixon was S.W. when Bro Edwin was initiated into Derwent Lodge on the 23rd December 1970 past to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on the 24th March 1971 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on the 23rd June 1971.

Bro Edwin was Appointed & Invested Organist of the Lodge in 1974 by the W.M. W.Bro Alan Cox who was also present on this occasion. He was appointed to Provincial Rank ProvGStwd in 1985

Bro Stanger responded to the toast and thanked the Lodge for the presentation, helping to make it such a memorable occasion for him.

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