THE MASONIC PROVINCE OF YORKSHIRE WEST RIDING

Last night, 13th October 2020 we hosted our usual weekly Lockdown Zoom Lodge, with 31 brethren in attendance, along with two guests.
However this wasn’t a normai, well at least not ‘New Normal’ normal, weekly meeting.
We were all delighted to attend a very special occassion. We were all there as Brother David Goldsbrough received his 50 year certificate EXACTLY 50 years to the day since he was initiated into Freemasonry.
It was lovely that the Master for the night, Brother Christian Higgins, is a personal friend of Bro. Goldsborough going back many, many years, and he was able to deliver a warm and very personal ‘toast’ to David. In return Bro David spoke about some of his time in The Craft and how much he has enjoyed from it.
Whilst not the ideal ceremony for such a wonderful achievement, it was definitely a special night.
Congrats, Bro David.

​Sunday the 8th November saw the actual date that Knaresborough Priory Lodge no 4171 was consecrated 100 years ago.

Obviously due to the times that we are living in the official celebrations of this milestone has had to be cancelled however,the Brethren of the Lodge felt that this momentous event couldn't be just ignored so a special Zoom meeting was held on that date at which many of the Brethren and Honorary Members were in attendance.During this get together a brief history of the Lodge was given and then many memories of the Lodge were exchanged.

At 4pm (time of the consecration meeting) all raised glasses to the Lodge.

Even though the Lodge currently is unable to celebrate on a face to face basis plans are now been put in place to arrange for a full celebration to held in 2021 and further details are to follow.

​From W. Bro David Walker, 

On January 22nd 2021, my blood Brother, W. Bro. H.B. Walker (Brian), will have been a member of Kirklees Lodge for 70 years.

His 21st birthday was on January 6th, 1951. 

Our father, W. Bro. Herbert H. Walker was a founder member of Clifton Lodge at Brighouse and a very enthusiastic Mason, also a member of The Royal Arch and The Knights Templars.

He was in the Chair as Master, and he Initiated Brian (a Lewis) on the January 26th 1951.

Brian was Passed on February 23rd, Raised on March 30th and Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch on January 1st 1954. 

Brian took to his Freemasonry with great enthusiasm and joined Mirfield Chapter. Becoming Z in Mirfield Chapter No.1102 in 1995. He has now attained the Provincial Rank of PPGSN. 

He was a founder member of Woodsmoke Lodge, also meeting in King Street, Mirfield.

He was Master of Kirklees Lodge 4710 twice, firstly in 1985-86 and secondly 1989-90, He has been Director of Ceremonies for 2 years and Master of Woodsmoke Lodge 9317 in 1985.

He donated to the Lodge a large handmade wooden banner which is mounted on the wall behind the Worshipful Master's Chair in the dining room and is shown behind Brian in the photograph below.

THEN and NOW - from 70 years ago, to the present day a member of Kirklees Lodge.

There was a 'live in' Steward and his wife at the Lodge rooms at King Street.

Only Past Masters were allowed in the Bar Lounge, Junior Brethren had to consume their drinks in the entrance Lobby.

If any Junior Brethren set foot in the Past Masters' Room, it was extremely frowned upon and robustly challenged.

There was a full-size Snooker table in the Dining Room.

The WM had his own private reserved Car Parking Space.

At the Children's Christmas Party, which was free to attend, 30 to 40 children would be present, the WM provided all the savoury food with the sweet course donated by the Lodge Wives. All the Christmas presents were paid for by the W. M., a costly affair.

Ritual books were not allowed in the Temple even on Practice nights.
You were expected to learn the ritual.

The Master Elect was never allowed to sit in the Master's chair until the day of their Installation. A chair was placed on the floor of the Lodge where the incoming Master could practice.

As a mark of his outstanding achievement of 70 years in Freemasonry, Brian has been promoted to PPSGW.
This is no more than he deserves.

As your Brother, and on behalf of the Brethren of Kirklees Lodge, I congratulate you on a remarkable Masonic career.

A very early abiding memory is while wearing short trousers, sliding down the staircase bannister at Willow Royd Masonic Hall, West Vale, Halifax, at Savile Lodge Children’s Christmas parties. 
Dad had followed his dad Arthur into Savile Lodge. Arthur had died in his year of acting office as PrAGDC in 1948 shortly before I was born – my lack of a grandad was to be somewhat compensated by senior brethren of the Lodge whom I looked to as surrogate grandfathers. An early lesson learnt that still holds true is that there are old men of 30, and young men of 70 – it’s all a question of attitude. 
 
Following positive encouragement from beyond either family or Savile Lodge, I went through the membership application process and was initiated into The SAVILE LODGE 1231 on Thursday, 6 August 1970 by my father, W Bro Jack Priestley, during his year of office as WM; I was subsequently to be passed on 4 February 1971; and raised on 6 January 1972. 
 
With the exception of Inner Guard, but including Organist when I couldn’t play a note, I served in the progressive offices of the Lodge culminating in INSTALLATION as MASTER on 3 December, 
1981, a ceremony attended by RW Bros Norman H Fowler PrGM, and Fred Crosland PPGM. 
 
I was appointed DC of the Lodge in December 1984, a position to be held for 8 years, including acting as Installing DC on the occasions of his 2 visits to The SAVILE LODGE as Provincial Grand Master by RW Bro. J Trevor Broadley. 
 
I was invested as Grand Pursuivant in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, in May 1990, fulfilling the duties as Inner Guard previously missed in Lodge. RW Bro David Welch PrGM observed that my stentorian voice was suited to the Royal Hall, Harrogate – the Pursuivant was not then provided with a microphone! During that year the Acting Officers would be involved in 
consecrating a new Lodge at Otley, and the dedication of Masonic Halls at Southwood, Halifax, and The Allerton, Leeds. 
 
Invested as Junior Grand Warden in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, in May 1994, being promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in May 1995; from 1994 to 2000, I formally attended 59 Installation Ceremonies across the Province as the Personal Representative of the 
Provincial Grand Master. 
 
In April 1996, I was invested as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in the United Grand Lodge of England at Great Queen Street, London, by the MW Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Kent. 
 
Consequently was appointed as Secretary of the Halifax Grand Officers’ Panel in succession to W Bro. John Burnham upon his Installation as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. When W Bro. John was succeeded by W Bro. Robert Scorer, the Secretary’s remit was expanded to include Huddersfield and District, and Uppermill, the whole being designated as the Pennine Area of the Province. This appointment continued in total for some 10 years, latterly during the appointment of W Bro. Maurice Bendig as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. This period coincided with visiting VICTORY 
LODGE, RYBURN LODGE  and MEXBOROUGH LODGE, as Liaison Officer, services of 10 and 11 years to the latter two culminating in my election to Honorary Memberships. 
 
I served on the Formation Committee of the WEST RIDING ACTING OFFICERS LODGE 9645, being inducted as its Founding Senior Warden at the Consecration and Installation Ceremonies at the Connaught Rooms, Bradford, in April 1997. 
  
In 2013, I was inducted as Junior Warden of Mother Lodge, SAVILE; serving as Senior Warden for 2015, and being installed as Master of The SAVILE LODGE 1231 for a second term of office in December 2015. This ceremony was attended by W Bro. D Stuart Cummins PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, a courtesy returned as I had attended W Bro. Cummins’ installation as 
Master of the LODGE of CHARITY 4105 in October 1994 as Personal Representative of the Provincial Grand Master. In December 2016, having installed my successor, I was invested as Secretary of the Lodge in which office I served for 2 years, moving to Charity Steward in December 2019, my current office. 
 
A highlight of The Savile Lodge’s recent years, actively promoted by this third-generation member, was to be its Sesquicentenary, joyously celebrated in 2018. Maybe we can look forward to acknowledging Willow Royd’s century of use as a masonic hall come 2026. 
 
With the encouragement of my father, I was to be exalted into the Royal Arch CHAPTER of 
PROSPERITY 290, meeting at Greenhead, Huddersfield, on 20 December 1972. Service in the progressive offices culminated in my Installation as First Principal in March 1990. My later term of appointment as DC of the CHAPTER included the celebration of the Chapter’s Bi-Centenary in 1998 attended by MEComp The Lord Farnham, Pro First GP, and EComp. J Trevor Broadley, 
MEGSupt. 
 
Interwoven with my early Masonic career were my studies at the School of Architecture at the Manchester College of Art and Design, which would continue with periodic block releases until 
1973. During one such interlude, while working in Huddersfield, I met Jenny: we became engaged in 1970 and were married in August 1971. Temporary residence in Manchester would cease in 1972 when we found we were to expect a baby in the October – we decided to return to Huddersfield to set up home. Emma duly arrived to be followed 2 years later by Hannah. The dynasty has since increased by 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, ages ranging from 9 to 21. 
 
I secured employment in Halifax in 1973, finally qualifying in 1974 with election to corporate membership of the RIBA. I established my own practice in 1979, which would continue until my retirement in 2009. 
 
As our children grew up, I found I could resume my interest in golf. I joined Elland Golf Club in 
1978, was its Rabbits Captain for 1985, twice Captain in 1993 and 2002, and President for 2007-9. I was Chair of its Centenary Committee from 2003 to and through the celebrations in 2010 and served as Captain of Captains of the Halifax and District Past Captains Golfing Asociation for 2015. 
 
Is there time for anything else? Reading, country walking, historic buildings and industrial 
archaeology, DIY, selective gardening, rail and street transport (steam railways - full size and OO gauge – trams and trolleybuses), warships, travel at home and abroad…... 

JKB Masonic resume?

It all started in 1969 with a gentleman walking into a bank, an insurance policy tucked under his arm and with a request for an overdraft.

It transpired he was the JW of a masonic Lodge and was to be fast tracked to WM as the current SW had decided not to proceed. That had thrown his financial planning into disarray as his policy, taken out to provide funds for his ‘year’, was not due to mature until 1971 and cashing it in early would have meant the loss of significant bonuses due on maturity. That, it was explained, was a normal way of funding ones term back in the day. The application was considered and approved and so began a long association with his eventual proposer into Scarborough Lodge No 1214 on 21 July 1970. 

W Bro Jim says he had no prior knowledge of the craft, Scarborough Lodge or Blenheim House. Only visiting the latter once before his initiation and that was to attend his enquiry meeting. He does recall his mother, when he was 12 years old, pointing to a gable end wall and saying ‘If you want to get on in life you need to join them’ – the advert was for a monumental mason so not quite what she had in mind but it did show even back in 1952 public opinions of the order might have been somewhat misguided.

Cometh the day some 50 brethren attended his initiation, including W Bro Frank Harrison who was then an APGM (which meant nothing to Jim at the time). His two overriding memories are of the sea of dark and light blue that suddenly sprung before him as he was returned to the light and the dawning, half way through the Ancient Charge delivered by his proposer (who was then the WM), that he was delivering it from memory! 

Early memories as he progressed were almost a fear and awe of the senior brethren and their almost autocratic nature. Most were brilliant, prepared to talk and encourage but some much less so. Many were the times when he wondered what he had got into but here he is 50 years on with many, many good experiences to reflect on, many wonderful friendships made, and that goes for his wife Judith too, and an absolute truth that his life has been enriched in so many ways. The camaraderie, particularly amongst the junior brethren in the early years, was a joy to experience and as he keeps repeating formed lasting friendships which still endure.

Progress through the formative years were in the main uneventful and he found himself as Master Elect in December 1981 when the meeting was quorate by the skin of its teeth due to severe snow. 

A very enjoyable year in the chair was encountered. Ceremonies each month and with a still fairly strong social calendar. In the mid/late 70’s the Lodge had dropped, over time, the dinner dances held in September, October and November but still had very well supported events on New Year’s Eve and Mothering Sunday plus the annual Ladies Evening, together with the annual Children’s Christmas party and a Lodge Weekend, usually to the east coast. The first two are no more and although the Children’s Party is still active the Ladies Night and Lodge Weekend are spasmodically held at best.

After the obligatory year as IPM W Bro Jim acted as ADC for a couple of years and then took on the role of Secretary for a number of years. The most challenging task arose when it was decreed that the penalties should be removed from the obligations and rituals changed accordingly. Computer and spreadsheet use were in their infancy and 1214 had only recently invested in new bespoke ritual books, prior to which manual amendments by the hundred had to be made to Emulation ritual books in circulation. It was a difficult exercise to produce ritual which satisfied both the hierarchy and the brethren and also the get the same reduced and printed on to about 12 gummed pages for insertion into the ritual book stock.

He has witnessed many changes within the order, less formality, and expresses concern over the future of the order as social and working practices, which have changed massively, continue to impact on many groups and organisations. Individuals seem to be less and less prepared to participate and accept roles requiring commitment and responsibility.    

That said he says he has long and happy memories of his time as a member and will continue to actively support Scarborough Lodge particularly and Freemasonry generally as required. 

He said that this milestone has seemed to take an age to arrive and now it has, all he wanted was a nice meal with as many of his Masonic friends as possible, no fuss. Well the coronavirus pandemic has sorted that out for him he fully expects to take the toast to absent with the 1214 zoom team on the actual anniversary date, in isolation in his study, with just his old mate Elvis’s picture watching over him!

BUT NO!

On the 17th July, when the original Masonic Suspension ruling expired, it was not extended. This meant that the regular meeting of Scarborough Lodge due on the 21st July had to be held, unless certain criteria could not be met. Fortunately, due to the hard work of a few, the masonic hall at Blenheim House was deemed Covid secure and it was agreed that we could be quorate so the meeting went ahead. This was very fortuitous as within a matter of days Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council area was placed into lockdown due to rising new cases of the virus. This of course meant that any local masonic activities were again suspended. The Lodge meeting was held, 50 years to the day that W Bro Jim was initiated. Seventeen brethren were in attendance, including three visiting brethren. Not what was planned but a goodly number under the circumstances prevailing. The normal business of the Lodge was conducted plus on this special occasion, the minutes for the meeting held on Tuesday 21st July 1970 were read by the Secretary, WBro Steven Kimber PPDepGReg this being the day of the Initiation of W Bro James Kevin Batty into Scarborough Lodge No 1214, 50 years ago to the day. He was initiated this day, 50 years ago, in this very room, on the 21st July 1970. The Secretary, WBro Steven Kimber PPDepGReg, stood and read the history of how W Bro Batty had first become involved with the Lodge. W Bro Nicholas Batty IPM, W Bro Jim’s son, then invited his dad to come onto the floor, where he had the unique pleasure of presenting him with his 50th Jubilee Certificate, with an accompanying letter on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Bro. David Stephen Pratt. WBro Nick, spoke with great love and affection of his dad, providing a memorable and very touching tribute to him, on this special occasion. The brethren present were all noticeably affected by the sincerity of W Bro Nick’s presentation and gave them both a well-deserved heartfelt round of applause at the conclusion. WBro Jim then answered a few questions from the brethren present and he also explained some of the aspects of his masonic history, read out earlier by the secretary. At the close of business the brethren repaired to the bar of a glass or two together with a tasty cake that was suitably adorned with masonic emblems to mark the occasion. Sadly no Festive Board but hopefully that will be righted in the not too distant future.

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Jim Steggles, is proud to serve such a happy and 
successful Province and all the brethren who are dedicated to supporting it today. On behalf 
of the current members of the Province he wishes to thank all those West Yorkshire Mark 
Master Masons who have gone before and who, over the last 150 years, have contributed so 
much to that success. May Mark Masonry continue to prosper in West Yorkshire, as the 
Province now begins its onward journey towards its Bi-Centenary and beyond, Marking Well 
in all its undertakings on the way. ​

CIVIL CAREER

Brian Ward Price was born in 1942 in London, where his father was serving with the Air Ministry.
However, his roots have so far been traced back to the late 16th Century in Devon, Shropshire,
Worcestershire and Yorkshire. His family spent some years in India, but eventually settled in
Harrogate in 1954 where he was educated at Harrogate Grammar School.

After University in Manchester, he worked briefly as an industrial chemist in the textile industry, but in 1963 joined the Royal Air Force as a Supply Officer.

Over the years he also became an air transport specialist, an operations research analyst and computer modeller, and a Management Consultant in various Information Technology fields.

He held corporate Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Fellowship of the Institute of Management.

His Air Force career, lasting nearly 34 years, took him not only to many parts of the United Kingdom but also to Malaya, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Germany with a final tour working with NATO and the European Community in Belgium.

He was appointed as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1992 and retired from the RAF in 1997.

He now lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire with his wife Julia, a retired Junior School Teacher, whom he married in 1968. They have two children, Owen, (born 1971), and Eleanor, (born 1975); both are graduates and Owen is a Chemical Engineer and Eleanor is a doula and mother to Brian and Julia's three grandchildren.

​His hobbies and interests, besides Freemasonry, have included Gliding, Flying, instructing scouts, and genealogy, archaeology, classical music, walking, camping, and travel

MASONIC CAREER

Craft.

He was initiated in The Spa Lodge, No 7609 in Harrogate, on 17 June 70 when his father was Junior Warden and was installed as WM In October 1978.

While working in London, he joined the Royal Air Force Lodge, No 7335 in London in 1973 and served as WM 1981-82 and as Treasurer 1986-93. Between 1982 and 1986 RAF duty took him to the United States where he became a member of Fairborn Lodge No. 764 under the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Later still in the 1990s, RAF duty took him to Belgium where he joined Chevalier Ramsay Lodge No. 4 under the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium serving as its Director of
Ceremonies - an interesting office with members of a dozen or more nationalities, most without English as their first language and working an American ritual.

​He received the Provincial ranks of Past Assistant Grand Registrar (1988) and Past Junior Grand Warden (2000), in the Province of Yorkshire (West Riding) and London Grand Rank in 1990.

He was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2010. He has a keen interest in Masonic history and has been a Member of the Correspondence Circle of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No 2076 since 1971, and was elected a full member of that lodge in 2010 and WM in 2016-17.

Historical works include a History of his Mother Lodge to celebrate its 50-years in 2008, and he lectures on a wide variety of Masonic subjects. Recent speaking engagements include the UGLE Tercentenary Conference in Cambridge and the Opening Keynote Address at the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Regional Tercentenary Celebrations in Jamaica in 2017.

Royal Arch.

In the Royal Arch, he was exalted in November 1976 in The Spa Royal Arch Chapter No 7609, Harrogate serving as its First Principal in 1990-91, and as Director of Ceremonies 1997-2011.

He has represented the Chapter on the Leeds and District Royal Arch Council since 1997 serving as President in 2010-11 and Treasurer from 2007 until today. During another period of RAF duty in London, he joined the Royal Air Force Chapter No. 7335 in 1990 and has served three times as First Principal (1991-92, 2008-09, and 2019-20 although the Coronavirus Pandemic might well extend his current term for a second year.).

He received the Provincial ranks of Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (1996), Past Deputy Grand Sword Bearer (1997), and Past Grand Scribe Nehemiah (2002) in the Provincial Grand Chapter of Yorkshire (West Riding), London Grand Chapter Rank (1998), Senior London Grand Chapter Rank in 2010 and Grand Sword Bearer of the London

Metropolitan Grand Chapter in 2011. In the 1980s RAF service took him to the United States and it was his association with Rabboni Chapter No. 232 Fairborn, under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Ohio that the differences between Masonic Constitutions started to become obvious; in particular Royal Arch membership in the USA, as in Scotland, requires possession of the Mark and Excellent Master or Most Excellent Master degrees which, in England are part of the Order of Royal and Select Masters. His masonic knowledge consequently broadened considerably.

He lectures on several Royal Arch subjects and compiled the history of The Spa Chapter to commemorate its 50 years in 2013.

Other Degrees and Orders.

His RAF duties brought into contact with many other forms of Freemasonry - many of a very different character to the 'normal' English pattern which also showed how much changed in England as a result of the Union of 1813. This illustrated only too well the impact on global Freemasonry that Military organisations still have today - although to a much lesser extent than in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries during the heyday of Military Travelling lodges.

His interest in Military and Chivalric history naturally fuelled an attraction to Chivalric and Military Orders of Freemasonry and he is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix), The United Orders (Knights Templar and Knights of Malta), the Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests and Order of Holy Wisdom, The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, and the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City within the Rectified Scottish Rite. In most of these he holds Grand Rank.
Through deployment on military duties where he was stationed remote from his usual Yorkshire-based English masonry, his Freemasonry came to embrace Mark, The Order of Royal and Select Masters and the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees, but his historical interests show very clearly how these all had their base within Eighteenth Century Antients workings.

In most Orders he currently holds office and has been honoured with active Provincial or Grand Rank with particular recognition in the Allied Order as Deputy Grand Master in 2008-10 and Grand Historiographer since that date. This all illustrates a 50-year career of a globe-trotting Brother with a rather diverse pattern of activity in 5
different constitutions over which, including some 38 honorary memberships, brought membership of over 70 different masonic units including some in America, Belgium, Caribbean Islands, France, Germany, Guyana, India, and South Africa, as well as the British Isles; it is not surprising he is currently in his 27th Chair.

Addendum.

A brief resume of Brian's involvement with other orders and degrees may be of interest as they illustrate a slightly unusual masonic career, and they have a significant bearing on the extensive range of lectures for which he is well known. Active ranks are shown in Bold Type.

Mark. He received his mark in 1982 in Rabboni Chapter No. 232 Fairborn, under the Supreme
Grand Chapter of Ohio, and joined Knaresborough Castle Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 768 in 1999, and served as Master in 2011-12. In 2007 he became a founder member of Joey Dunlop Lodge No. 1881, the first Mark Master Masons Lodge for Motor Cyclists, occupied the Chair in 2009-10 and is currently Director of Ceremonies. His service to Mark Masonry was recognised with an appointmentas Past Provincial Junior Grand Overseer in West Yorkshire in 2013 and Provincial Grand Master Overseer in Leicestershire and Rutland in 2013 followed by Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2019.

Ancient and Accepted Rite. Brian's interest in Chivalric and Military Freemasonry took him towards such Orders early on in his career. He was admitted a member of the Ancient and Accepted Rite in Harrogate Rose Croix Chapter No 355 in 1974, serving as Sovereign 1991-92 and as DC from 2006- 14. He received the 30th Degree in 1992, 31st Degree in 2005, and 32nd Degree in 2012 and is currently prelate in Harrogate Chapter.

United Orders. In the United Orders, he was installed a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta in De Ros Preceptory No. 213, Harrogate in 1981, serving as Treasurer 1986-90, Preceptor and Prior 1992-93, Deputy Marshal (1996-2002), Marshal (2003-2006 and 2011-13). He served as Provincial Banner Bearer in the Province of West Yorkshire in 1996-97 and was honoured as Past Great Warden of Regalia in 2001. He was honoured with Honorary Membership of Nathaniel Greene Commandery No 81 KT, Xenia, Ohio, in 1982. He regularly lectures on KT subjects, is currently compiling the history of his Preceptory for its Centenary celebration in October 2020, and has recently completed the history of the United Orders for Great Priory.

Royal and Select Masters. His first contact with the Cryptic degrees was in his American Royal Arch Chapter where he received the Most Excellent Master degree in 1982 as a prior qualification for the Royal Arch. In this Order, his Mother Council is Wright Council No. 96 R&SM, Xenia, Ohio, USA.
He joined White Rose Council No. 17, in Harrogate, in 1985, served as Master in 1991-92 and 2018-19; Treasurer 1996-98, and DC from 1999-2005 and 2019-Date. He holds honorary membership in 10 English Councils. He served as Divisional Recorder for the North Eastern Division 1991-93, an interesting office in a Division extending from the River Humber to the Scottish border, relinquishing the appointment on Government assignment to Belgium. He was promoted to Cryptic Divisional Rank in 1993, served as Grand Sword Bearer in 1997, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (2000- 2002) and was promoted to Past Grand Lecturer in 2004 and Past Grand Councillor in 2010. He researched and published the Centenary History of White Rose Council No. 17 in 1999.

Allied Masonic Degrees. His first connection with the Allied degrees was in his United States Knight Templar Commandery where he received the Red Cross Degree in 1982. On return to the United Kingdom he joined Prince Edward Council "G" in 1986 (now in Ripon), served as Master 1992-93, and Treasurer in 1996-97. He joined Centennial Council No. 100 in 1998 in London, and holds honorary membership in 22 English Councils, 2 in India and 4 in the South West Caribbean. He received Allied Divisional Rank in 1995, was appointed District Grand Prefect for Yorkshire in 1997, and served as an elected member of the Executive Committee and a Trustee of the Order until 2010. During 2008-10 he served as Deputy Grand Master and is currently Grand Historiographer.
He has lectured on a variety of Allied subjects and was appointed Freddie Smyth Lecturer for the Order in 2005, 2007, and 2012 and has researched and published the history of Prince Edward Council to commemorate working from 1799 to date. He is recently published a volume of 23 lectures on different aspects of Allied history which trace its origins from Antients Craft roots.

Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. In the Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests,
he was admitted to Royal York Tabernacle No. 2, Harrogate, in 1988 and was a founder of Cliffe
Castle Tabernacle No. 201 at Keighley in 1997. He served as High Priest in 2000-2001 and has been Treasurer for the last 17 years! His services were recognised by successive promotions in Grand Ranks since 2003, currently holding the rank of Knight of Holy Wisdom. His research interests of relevance to this Order include an on-going study of the Lancashire and Yorkshire roots of the Priestly Order that formed an integral part of the Prince Edward Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees from 1819 to 1871.

Rectified Scottish Rite. In the Rectified Scottish Rite, he was admitted as a Scottish Master and
Scottish Master of St Andrew (SMSA) (4th Degree) 2008 St James's Lodge of Scottish Masters of St Andrew No 2, 2008, Consecrated as Squire Novice (5th Degree)and Commissioned Knight Beneficent of The Holy City (KBHC) (6th Degree) in the Prefectory of St George of London No. 1, 2008. He became a Founder Member of Constantine Lodge of Scottish Masters of St Andrew No. 13 in York in 2008, and Walsham How Lodge No. 18 in Morley in 2016 serving in a variety of offices in both Lodges and in the Prefecture of Brigantes. Further recognition came with appointments as Grand Banner Bearer of Grand Priory in 2015 and Past Deputy Great Herald in 2019.

Secret Monitor. In the Order of the Secret Monitor or Brotherhood of David and Jonathan he was
Inducted into Summus Conclave No. 3, in London in 2009 and Commissioned as a Supreme Ruler in 2015. He currently holds the rank of Past Grand Sword Bearer.

Red Cross of Constantine. In the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine he
was Installed as a Knight-Companion in St Andrews Conclave No. 15 held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India) 6 May 2009. He served as Acting Consecrating Grand Sword Bearer, St Joseph Conclave No. 491, Grand Imperial Conclave of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. (At Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India) in 2009. This was followed by installation as a Knight-Companion of the Holy Sepulchre and St John the Evangelist, St Helena Conclave, Harrogate 26 Apr 2011.

​During the 1950s, I attended several social functions at the Lodge of Friendship with my father, so after National Service, I spoke to him about joining the Lodge. I was initiated in June 1960.

In 1961 I was married and subsequently have had four children, two girls and two boys. I now have twelve Grandchildren and two Great Grandsons.

In March 1963, I was exalted in the Chapter of Faith and 11 June 1970, I was installed as a Knight by my Father into St. Laurence Preceptory.

In the 1960s the Lodge, which was strong with over 70 members, had a full-time stewardess with the Lodge. Meals being brought in and having to be carried up from the cellar by the stewards. It was two plates at a time until we obtained the stands which carried 5 plates. The steps were very uneven, so it was a miracle that there were no accidents!

In the early 60s, we had a visitor to the Lodge who was in the Black Watch regiment, and he gave a talk on Masonry in Cyprus. He was there at the same time as myself, and I wished I had been a mason at that time.

In those days we did not have very many Social Functions, just a Children's party and a Ladies evening.
The Children's party was always a huge success for upwards of 70 children. The ladies of the Lodge provided the tea while the children were entertained by a Professional Entertainer. After tea, there was a film show followed by Games and further Entertainment from the Entertainer. Carols were then sung, and Father Christmas came in on a sledge pushed by the Junior brethren. After the children, grandchildren, etc. had gone home, then there was a social for the remaining brethren.

During the year there was a Ladies night where visitors came and a good night was had by all.
Dependant on the WM there may be a ladies night for Brethren and their Lady only in November. It was on such an occasion when as Chief Steward I had to inform the WM Herman Jarvis of the assassination of the American President John F Kennedy.

In due time our stewardess retired and as no one was available to be appointed their quarters were incorporated into the Lodge. The Dining Room became bigger, The meals were provided by an outside caterer but prepared at ground level, and the stewards did not distribute the meal!! 
In recent years the bar lounge has been altered and extended so a member of the 60/70s would not recognise it now.

December 1973 was a little different for at the Installation the WM. The SW and I as JW were
appointed but we three were all Lewises whose fathers were active in the Lodge.

In November 1976 we celebrated W.Bro Clifford Haigh's 50 years in Freemasonry. It was for me worse than an Installation for we had not only the Dep.PGM but the ASSISTANT PGMS. David Welch was only a Grand Lodge officer then. I felt sorry for the Prov. Charity Rep. who had to give a talk on Provincial Charities!!

Tragically during my time in the Lodge, I have seen two W Brethren Pass away, one while I was WM.

In 1977 I was IPM when the Treasurer W. Bro Priestley Carbutt fell ill, and I was asked to take over as Treasurer.

We three Lewises decided that all surpluses from Social Functions would go into a special reserve account so that there was money available to maintain our Lodge Premises, rather than reduce Lodge Subs. This I am pleased to say has continued with the current brethren, so the Lodge is in a reasonably healthy position.

Besides being Treasurer I have also been assistant Secretary, Secretary, Auditor & Organist. The
Lodge was fortunate to have 2 Organists so W Bro. Alan Clough and I were appointed and played when the other wasn't available. I have been the full-time organist for the last 20 years.

In 1985 I received a promotion to PPDepDofC and in 2000 to PPGR.

In 2010 I was delighted to have W Bro. Stuart G. Carley, to present me with my 50 years Certificate. This was a most enjoyable occasion.

In 2017 I was admitted to the hospital with a second dose of Bowel Cancer. I decided that travelling to Cleckheaton from Bingley was too far for me as well as the brethren to me. I played for the  Installation in the December and then wrote my letter of resignation from the Lodge. It was a wonderful surprise to receive a reply asking if I would accept Honorary Membership; wonderful as I know that the Lodge does not give out Honorary membership lightly. I have played for their Installations and special ceremonies and accepted this wonderful gift.

I looked at the Lodges in Bingley and decided to join Shirley Lodge no 4978 This was approved in April 2019 and I was admitted in Sept. 2019 and am now the Almoner.

I was looking forward to the PGM presenting me with my 60 years certificate so my mother Lodge could enjoy the ceremony along with my new Lodge. Perhaps this may happen next year.

John Terrence (Terry) Hobson was initiated into Hillsborough Lodge No. 5444 on 8th March 1960, having been proposed by his father, W Bro A.E. (Jack) Hobson who was himself initiated into Hillsborough Lodge in 1944. Terry was passed in the May and raised in October of 1960 making steady progress through the long ladder of offices to be installed as WM in January 1975. He was appointed as PPDeputy Grand Sword Bearer in 1984, with promotion to PPJGW in 1993. Terry had been exalted into Hillsborough Royal Arch Chapter No.5444 in March 1973, installed as Z in 1980, appointed as PPAssistant Grand Scribe E in 1987 and promoted to PPGrand Scribe N in 1995, a reflection of his commitment to Sheffield Freemasonry which, has included him holding the position of President of Sheffield Royal Arch Council.

During his time in masonry Terry realised that he had made many early connections in life, having attended Oakwood prep school alongside W Bro Venon Outram, late of Royal Brunswick, before moving on to Ecclesfield Grammar School (which the late R W Bro JK Clayton also attended)  – gaining his School Certificate and Higher School Certificate. Terry then went into the RAF on national service and then on to RAF signals working mainly on V.H.F. D/F (Radar was not in general use at that time).  Demob was delayed for 6 months owing to the start of the Korean War, but on his discharge,  Terry followed his father into the butchery business. A career he continued through to his retirement on age 71.

Terry was married in 1960 to Shirley, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2011. They have two daughters and four grand-children.​

Unfortunately for Terry, Hillsborough Lodge handed back its warrant at the end of 2019, but to allow him to continue to enjoy his freemasonry and provide an outlet for his experience he joined Royal Brunswick Lodge No. 296 which meets in Sheffield and preparations had been made for everyone to celebrate his being presented with his 60th Jubilee Certificate. As we are all too aware those celebrations had to be postponed, but the lodge does intend to honour W Bro Hobson when ‘normality’ is resumed in order that we can hear more of his adventures.