Beaconsfield Lodge was the setting for a remarkable celebration of service, friendship and more than a little humour on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, when WBro Kenneth “Ken” Wake, PJGD, PPJGW, was presented with a certificate marking 65 years of membership of Freemasonry.
Born on 5th July 1937, Ken had celebrated his 89th birthday just two days earlier, making the evening an opportunity to mark two significant milestones surrounded by friends and contemporaries from across the Province.
The presentation took place at Gateshead Masonic Centre, where Ken’s remarkable Masonic journey, which began in 1961, was celebrated by those who have shared in many chapters of his 65 years in Freemasonry.
The 65 Year Certificate was presented by Provincial Grand Master John Watts, in the company of Past Provincial Grand Master Eric Heaviside, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master George Clark, distinguished guests and members of the Lodge.
Ken’s Masonic record reflects a lifetime of commitment. He was installed as Worshipful Master of his beloved Ravensworth Lodge in 1971, received his first Provincial appointment in 1981 and was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1996. He was appointed to Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2003 and promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2016.
Throughout his 65 years, Ken has remained an active and committed Freemason. His contributions have extended across a number of Lodges and roles, including serving as a Visiting Grand Officer and a Visiting Support Officer.
When he eventually stepped away from those duties, it was not to make things easier. Instead, he became even more involved in Beaconsfield Lodge, serving as Chaplain and Lodge Mentor and continuing to share his considerable experience with others.
Ken’s commitment to Freemasonry also extends to the Royal Arch. On 24th November 2026, he will return to Gateshead Masonic Centre, where he will receive another remarkable long-service certificate, marking 50 years as a member of De Burghi Chapter No. 424.
Described by his friends as a quiet and unassuming Freemason, Ken is known for his high standards, tremendous memory and collection of stories from more than six decades in the Craft. While firmly believing in the importance of maintaining standards, he also recognises that times change and that Freemasonry must continue to change with them.
Away from Freemasonry, Ken lives in Newcastle upon Tyne and has been married to his wife Ann for almost 60 years. Together, they have a close and supportive family. His commitment to service has also extended into the wider community, including many years serving as a Justice of the Peace.
During his working life, Ken was a manager with the North Eastern Electricity Board, better known to generations across the region as NEEB, in Newcastle.
Ken’s long Masonic journey also brought him into close contact with many leading figures in Durham Freemasonry. For many years, he was the regular driver for Past Provincial Grand Master Alan Martin Davison. Alan would drive from his home in Rothbury to Ken and Ann’s house in Newcastle, before Ken took the wheel for their onward journeys to Lodges and Chapters across the Province.
It is one of many stories from a Masonic life spanning generations and a reminder that behind the ranks, appointments and certificates are the friendships and shared experiences that make Freemasonry special.
One of the lighter moments of the evening came when Ken revealed that he was wearing the same pair of Masonic gloves he had bought 64 years earlier for his Raising.
After more than six decades of service, the gloves were understandably showing their age, complete with a few holes. Ken asked John Watts whether he might now be able to return them, much to the amusement of everyone present.
The moment was captured perfectly in the photographs from the evening, with John inspecting the well-worn gloves with an expression of mock horror. After 64 years, Ken may have some difficulty finding the receipt.
Presenting the certificate, John Watts said:
“Sixty-five years of membership is an extraordinary achievement and represents a lifetime of commitment to Freemasonry. Ken has given so much through his service, experience and friendship, but perhaps his greatest contribution is the example he continues to set for others.
“He has witnessed enormous change during his Masonic life, yet he remains as committed today as he was throughout the decades that came before. It was a great privilege to present Ken with his certificate in the company of so many of his friends.”
The Worshipful Master of Beaconsfield Lodge, Kevin Turner, paid tribute to Ken and the contribution he continues to make to the Lodge.
“Ken is a quiet and unassuming Freemason, but his contribution over 65 years has been remarkable. He has a wealth of experience, a tremendous memory and more than a few great stories from his many years in Freemasonry.
“What stands out most is his continued commitment. Even after stepping back from his Provincial visiting roles, Ken chose to become more involved in Beaconsfield Lodge, serving as our Chaplain and Lodge Mentor and sharing his experience with others.
“We are immensely proud to have Ken as a member of Beaconsfield Lodge. He is great company, a good friend to so many and thoroughly deserves an evening filled with the joy and fellowship that he has given to Freemasonry throughout his life.”
Reflecting on the evening, Ken said:
“Freemasonry has been a very important part of my life for 65 years and has given me many wonderful memories and, above all, many lasting friendships. I have seen many changes over those years, but the friendship and fellowship at the heart of Freemasonry remain as important as ever.
“To receive this certificate surrounded by so many friends, just two days after my 89th birthday, was very special. I am grateful to everyone who made the evening one I will always remember.”
The evening continued at the Festive Board, where the celebration of Ken’s remarkable milestone was filled with the friendship, stories and good humour that have characterised his long Masonic journey.
Few milestones demonstrate a lifetime of service quite like 65 years of membership. For Ken Wake, the evening was not simply a celebration of longevity, but of a lifetime spent contributing to his Lodges, supporting other Freemasons and serving the wider community.
And with his 50 Year Royal Arch Certificate presentation still to come in November, 2026 is proving to be a particularly special year in Ken Wake’s remarkable Masonic journey.
Gallery of Images
