June 2016
Should you ever visit the allotments at South Church you are likely to find a spritely gentleman, now in his 85th year called David Ross, fondly attending to the young and nurturing plants in his garden or greenhouse. This being one of his loves in life. Not too far away from his array of gardening implement’s you may be surprised to see a much cared for Masonic Ritual Book. For those who know David that would not be a surprise as he has a reputation for committing to twenty minutes of reading the contents of such books. The results of such attention of detail are evident when David delivers any parts during lodge meetings in various orders.
David was born in April 1932 and attended Seaham Secondary School. This period being a time when the world was at war. He left school in 1946 and served seven years apprenticeship at Seaham Colliery, but was released from it in 1954 not wanting to continue in mine working. Instead, he obtained work with the National Coal Board as a joiner in the building department. The following year he was called up for National Service and once that had been completed he returned to his post as joiner. He was appointed to Charge hand and then promoted to Foreman in charge of all trades. By 1958, he was General Foreman and then only two years later transferred to Area Headquarters as Inspector. Senior Management role followed with responsibility for many key decisions regarding liability for damage caused by mining subsidence.
With regard to Freemasonry, David was initiated into Penshaw Lodge on the 18th May 1966. This was the result of his attempts to join the organisation in 1960 but the lodge he had hoped to join then had a waiting list of 12yrs. Eventually, he was directed to Penshaw where the waiting list was only some 4yrs. He progressed to become Master in 1975. He remained a member of that lodge until 1988 when he joined Tristram Lodge in Shildon. In 2015, he joined Corinthian Lodge and became its Master in 2012.
It was at the last regular meeting at Corinthian Lodge that the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Sanders Hay made a formal meeting joining its members and visitors to celebrate David having attained 50-years in Freemasonry. The APGM further expanded of David’s masonic career to include Provincial honours in 2013 being appointed as Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. Also, his current participation in Royal Arch Tristram Chapter as First Assistant Sojourner.
More personal details included that David has been married to his wife for some forty years and they had a son and three daughters and now have two grandsons and five granddaughters. David has a love for music which originated from his time at Seaham where he attended St John’s Church where he sang in the choir. He became a member of various drama groups and operatic society’s often taking leading roles. He shares this love with his great friend Rance Richardson. The two had formed a long standing double act – performing for many years at initiations, installations and ladies evenings or lodges that required harmony.
He further explained that David was a well-known figure in the West of the Province and keen visitor of lodges and promoting Freemasonry to others who have joined our ranks.
Before presenting the certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, the citation congratulating him on 50yrs continued service to Freemasonry was read out.
On receipt of his certificate David thanked David and all who had attended to celebrate his award and in particular his friend Rance Richardson. He added that he enjoys everything that Freemasonry offers especially the friendships he has made.
At the festive board the celebrations continued and at the evenings conclusions I would not be surprised that after placing his certificate in a pride of place in his home with hi good wife Ann he then took 20 minutes to recite phrases from his cherished ritual book.