A generous attendance of Mark Master Masons gathered at the Masonic rooms, Rotherham Golf Club on Thursday, 20th February 2025, to witness the presentation to R.W.Bro. Jim by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Trevor Bolton. The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Chris Hamer and the Dispensation forming the meeting was read. A report brought forward the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Mark Holland who confirmed that R.W.Bro. Trevor demanded admission which was duly granted, he entered with an Appropriate Escort and all took their seats, salutations followed according to Rank.
R.W.Bro. Trevor then took the floor with R.W.Bro Jim who entered Freemasonry at Sandbeck Lodge No. 7275 on the 14th of October 1971, took the chair on the 8th of May 1986 and now holds the Rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon. Exalted into Royal Arch in January 1974, he was appointed Past Grand standard Bearer in 2011.
He was advanced into Mark Masonry at Rother Lodge No.651 on the 17th of October 1974 and attained the chair on the 19th of March 1987 having served most Offices in the intervening period. A trip to a foreign land took him to the Province of Derbyshire as a founding Member of the Round Table Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1664 on the 8th of September 1989., he remains a member. Fortunately for the Province of West Yorkshire he returned home, initially as Provincial Grand Inner Guard in 1991, the following year finding his true path to success culminating as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies which he held until 2004, ultimately Provincial Grand Master from 2007 to 2012.
In terms of the Mark is also important to record that he was admitted Member of the Lord Swansea Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1892 where, having been the Treasurer for eight years in 2022, he became Worshipful Master in 2024, what next for this Masonic workaholic? an example to us all. He was Elevated in April 1976 in Welcome R.A.M. Lodge No.651, installed as Worshipful Commander in January 1984 and a founder member of the Carl Whitehead Lodge of R.A.M. No 110. Finally, if all that was not enough, he is a member of the Thomas de Rotherham Chapter Rose Croix no 1058 and the Allied Masonic Degrees. R.W.Bro, Trevor at this juncture presented both the Grand and Provincial Grand Certificates to R.W. Bro Jim which concluded that part of proceedings which moved to other presentations. They were Grand Patron Gold Award to W.Bro. Michael Nowell and Provincial Grand Masters Distinguished Service award to V.W. Bro. John Morgan and W.Bro, Jim Reynolds both thoroughly deserved after many years devoted service to the Province. The Lodge was closed in due form and all adjourned for a very pleasant and welcome Repast.
Whilst all these Masonic activities were occupying life Jim and his brother Ian owned and Directed a substantial distribution company which they sold in 2021. A wonderful almost Sixty years married to Lorna sadly ended when she died in 2020, but he enjoys the comfort of three children, six Grandchildren and four Great Granddaughters. Bro. Ian proposed the Toast to Jim, very caring and demonstrating the respect and admiration they have for each other, A very proud occasion for all present as Jim is most highly regarded throughout Freemasonry, truly a role model for all to follow, and long may he continue to dignify our Order by his presence.
Smile and be happy, you are all Mark Master Masons,
V.W.Bro. Duncan Smith P.G.J.O.