The Provincial Grand Master RWBro John Thompson and his Provincial Team travelled to Kepier Masonic Lodge in order to honour Bro Colin Mackay who celebrates 70 years in Freemasonry. Colin's dedication to Masonry has been recognised with a full room of visitors from across the Province. Colin is a true stalwart of Durham Masonry.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro John Watts led a most informative conversation with Colin in the lodge room where he spoke candidly about his Masonic life .John then tried to surprised Colin with the news his cousins son and other brothers had travelled down from Scotland to celebrate his achievement to which Colin replied yes I know and he stated they had presented him with a Wallet to which John replied there goes my surprise, the lodge broke out in laughter.
John went on to ask Colin about his past, Colin said he was called up for National Service when he was 18 years of age and joined 40 Royal Marine commandoes where he served for approximately 2 years 3 months seeing service in Cyprus, Palestine and Malta.
Colin joined Fawcett Lodge 661 in Seaham in 1954 and remained a member for 25 years but due to family commitments he did not attend for a few years. In 1979 a friend he worked with, Harry Wills, persuaded him to become a joining member of Kepier Lodge No. 8308.
At the close of the meeting the Provincial Grand Master surprised Colin with field promotion to Past Provincial Grand Organist . Everyone then retired to an excellent festive board at the close of the evening the Worshipful Master Julian Ward presented Colin with an engraved Whisky glass and a wee bottle.
Congratulations Colin on your 70th Platinum Anniversary
by Jim Hall, Comms Reporter.
