Six decades of ardent support for Masonry
September 2016
The evening of 22nd September was no regular meeting for the brethren of the Lodge of Fraternity 1418. The Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside, led a deputation of officers to pay a very special visit to Fraternity Lodge to celebrate 60 years of service to Freemasonry served by Worshipful Brother Raymond Atkinson Shaw and present him with a certificate to acknowledge it.
Eric looked around the lodge when addressing Ray and commented that there wasn’t a spare seat in the lodge room and that it was a delight to see so many friends that had turned out to support Ray. Eric stated that Ray has been an ardent supporter of our organisation during the last sixty years and listed the vast history that makes up Ray’s Masonic Career.
Ray, who is now 91 “years young” was initiated into the Lodge of Fraternity, after having been proposed by his father, on 27/09/1956, passed on 22/11/1956 and then raised on 24/01/1957. He was the Worshipful Master in 1970 and then took office as Director of Ceremonies from 1977-1991. He was awarded the position of ProvGSuptWks in 1979 and then PPJGW in 1990. Further to this Ray received Grand Rank of PGStB in 1997 and then was promoted to PAGDC in 2011. Ray was exalted into Tees Chapter in January 1963 and was appointed PP1stAGSoj in 1981 and then awarded PPGSN in 1988. Ray proudly declared that during his 60 years of service he never refused an office.
After Ray received his Grand Rank he was appointed to be the Visiting Grand Officer (VGO) for Eanred and The Lodge of Benevolence. Ray stated that he considers himself lucky to have represented 2 lodges with such fine ritual performance. Eric told Ray that he particularly remembers Ray as a VGO with the reports he submitted being such a joy to read; they were factual, constructive and conveyed the meeting for the full understanding by the Exec.
Ray shared his memories of coming into Freemasonry at a time when World War 2 had not long since ended and that people had come back from war resuming their positions within lodges or joining if they weren’t already a member. This meant the lodges appeared over-subscribed and long waiting times for those joining. In addition to this he remembered seeing the 2nd Degree Tracing Board for the first time and listening to the explanation, where he recalls thinking “someone wasn’t very good at mathematics”. Ray advised that he thinks of this ever since when he witnesses an explanation of the tracing board. Eric assured Ray he will look into it and see what he can do about the tracing board!
As well as Ray’s very colourful Masonic career he was employed as a chartered engineer working for Head Wrightson and for many years was the manager of the drawing office. As part of his working life Ray travelled the world and visited a total of 22 countries during his employment. When Ray retired he informed that he decided to write the memoires of his travels which he called “At the Company’s Expense”! Ray is has also been a keen golfer and a member of Eaglescliffe Golf Club for many years, now being an honorary member. He has also enjoyed gardening at home across the years and told everyone that he had once won a competition for the best garden in Teesside where the prize was a voucher for £500, which he decided to spend on a new lawn mower.
Before the meeting closed the Worshipful Master of Fraternity also presented Ray with a cheque for £60 which represented £1 for every year in Masonry, as well as a wine glass and bottle, on behalf of all of the lodge members.
After everyone enjoyed a spectacular meal at the Festive Board downstairs Michael Shaw, an Officer of the United Grand Lodge of England and Ray’s son, had the pleasant opportunity to propose a toast to his father. Michael made note to his father’s commitment to any and every task in the lodge and said that he feels indebted to his father’s encouragement within the lodge and his Masonic career overall. Ray responded to the toast from his son with heart felt words; “Thank you”. Raymond Atkinson Shaw is an advocate of the lodge of Fraternity and Masonry in general, being a brother who clearly continues to enjoy his Freemasonry.