The Second Provincial Grand Principal, Gordon Brewis was delighted to attend St Hilda Chapter in South Shields to present a 50-year certificate to Rodney Curtis Brown.

Rodney was exalted in to St Hilda Chapter on the 16th February 1966 and whilst he has never progressed through the Principal offices he has remained an active and supportive member of the Chapter. Having taken an active role in the Finance and General Purposes committee and playing the organ for several years he has kept a low profile.

This night, however was an opportunity to celebrate his long standing and valued contribution to the Chapter.

50-years membership of the Chapter is a tremendous achievement but to have maintained his interest and enthusiasm without progressing is of special note.

After witnessing an exemplary ceremony of exaltation, performed to a large extent by the First Principal, James Johnson, the Second Provincial Grand Principal then requested Rodney to join him to receive his certificate. His masonic career was then announced to the companions and the certificate read and formally presented. Having received his certificate Rodney retired to his seat in the west.

Unfortunately, Rodney was unable to stay for the festive board but his achievement was again recognised. As a former teacher he now lives between his home in Chester-Le-Street and his holiday home in Barnard Castle.

In his response to the toast to Provincial Officers, Gordon Brewis referred to the amazing success of the Cathedral project and the preview of the Open Treasures exhibition for those who had sponsored stones in the Great Kitchen. We all look forward to the formal opening of the exhibition later in 2016.