On Saturday, 28th June, Gateshead was again the destination for Freemasons of the Province of Durham, and beyond, as they came together once more to witness a significant moment in Masonic history-the Installation of VWBro John David Watts as both Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent.
It is just three short years since the last such occasion, the Installation of John Paul Thompson to those same Offices, but higher duty has called for him, and his appointment as Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, marked the end of his tenure.
The importance of today’s events was clear, with the FED Banqueting Suite filled to capacity. Attendees were treated to a day rich in tradition, ceremony, and celebration-hallmarks of Freemasonry’s enduring heritage.
The day commenced with the formal opening of Provincial Grand Chapter by ME Comp Sir Michael Snyder, Past Second Grand Principal, and his assisting Officers, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Yorkshire West Ridings, James Newman, OBE, and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Yorkshire North and East Ridings, Dr. David Chambers, who proceeded to invest Excellent Companion Watts as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Durham. That complete, MEGS Watts, then appointed his Deputy, E Comp Clinton Eliot Leeks, OBE, his Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Stephen Ranson, and his Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Julian Ward.
MEGS Watts then gave a brief address to Chapter, thanking Sir Michael for his attendance and advising those assembled that there will soon be the promotion of Building Together, the four steps in Freemasonry - the Craft including the Royal Arch, enthusing each companion to encourage the 57% of our Craft membership that aren’t members, to take the next step. Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed.
A swift turnaround of the room by our excellent Provincial Stewards, and it was time for part two. On this occasion Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by the Presiding Officer, WBro Clinton Eliot Leeks, in his last official capacity as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He then respectfully passed the reins to the Deputy Grand Master, Sir Michael Snyder, who again completed the Investiture of VWBro Watts as our new Provincial Grand Master.
Once installed into his new seat, the Provincial Grand Master then appointed his Deputy, WBro Andrew Peter Fall Foster, and his Assistants, reappointing Dr. Rakesh Bhalla, Thomas Fred Gittins, and Martin Rankin, whilst newly appointing Michael Stuart Shaw and John William Henry.
Following his official installation and the appointments of the rulers, RWBro Watts addressed the Brethren with some inspiring words that were met with great applause. His speech reflected his vision for the Province and generated great enthusiasm for the future.
You can read his address here or listen to an updated and extended version below.
Provincial Grand Lodge still being open, it was then time to rapidly move on to the appointment and investment of all those receiving Craft honours on the day, a full list of which can be found in the accompanying booklet, a copy of which will be uploaded in due course. As the formal part of the day drew to a close, the suite was quickly transformed to host a celebratory luncheon. Over 450 members gathered to enjoy an excellent meal and continue the festivities well into the early evening, marking the occasion in true Masonic.
The collection on the day made in excess of £4000, a magnificent sum, all going toward our Durham 2032 Festival.
Pictures of the day have now been collated and can be found here.
