THE MASONIC PROVINCE OF YORKSHIRE WEST RIDING

5th August 1926 ~ 4th December 2020

Born on the 5th August 1926 Norman went to school in Warrington completing his school education at Boteler Grammar School. Within months of leaving school in 1944, Norman was called into the Army where he was selected for Officer training in the Border Regiment. Completing his training in India Norman served with the 2nd Battalion the South Lancashire Regiment and had reached the rank of Captain when discharged in 1948. 

Resuming his education at Manchester University, Norman completed an Arts Degree and Teachers Diploma in 1952 and began a career in education holding the post of Head of English at Secondary Schools in Solihull and Keighley and Deputy Head and Vice-Principal at Fairfax School in Bradford. Retiring in 1980 Norman continued as a supply teacher until 1991. 

At the age of 17, Norman was smitten by a young lady named Dorothy who he married in July 1949 with a son, John being born in 1958. 

John, after obtaining an Honours Degree subsequently emigrated to the USA where he married and has two sons, grandsons of whom Norman and Dorothy were very proud. 

Norman and Dorothy had a wonderful life together celebrating their 60th anniversary shortly before Dorothy died in 2009. 

Initiated into Merston-Culy Lodge No 6879 (Worcester) in January 1958 Norman became a joining member of Priory Lodge No 4671 (Yorkshire, West Riding) in January 1969 and served as Master in 2005. Following his year in the Chair Norman remained active in the Lodge holding various offices and was Senior Warden when the Lodge surrendered its warrant in 2014. He then joined Priory’s mother Lodge, Scientific No 439 where he received his 60-year certificate in 2016. 

Norman’s pastime was singing at which he excelled, and we will all remember his fine Bass voice singing the Initiates or Masters Songs at many Lodges throughout the Province. An amateur singer Norman performed for many years with West Riding Opera and Dales Opera as principal bass singing many important and interesting roles. 

Norman was a true Brother and gentleman and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 4th December 2020. He will be very sadly missed by family, friends and Brethren.

Granville was proposed by W Bro. Tony Oates and initiated into Pathfinder Lodge 8236 on the 6th July 2007. He served as Worshipful Master 2014-2015.

Always an active member of the Lodge with a willingness to partake in any event, he lived near Scarborough and latterly Pickering, travelling to Sheffield for Lodge meetings Summer and Winter not far short of 100 miles each way, a 4-hour trip, such was his dedication to Freemasonry.

Granville was a Police Sergeant with the North Yorkshire Police and served for many years around the “Heartbeat” countryside and was the Station Sergeant based in Whitby.

Granville’s other vocation was Scouting, and he was the Assistant County Commissioner for North Yorkshire and District Commissioner for Ryedale.

His willingness to help others was an outstanding part of his character and showed in the way he collected aged Brethren and their wives to enable them to participate in Lodge activities going out of his way to do so.

He was never short of words, and it could be said that a microphone was the last thing he needed such was the clarity of his delivery, from masonic ritual to his famous renditions of monologues “Albert and the Lion” being one of his favourites.

He was married to his first wife Pat, who he nursed through a long illness until she sadly died.

More recently he found happiness in the company of Jean, and they married on the 31st December 2019

It is tragic that as he was about to embark on a new chapter in life, Granville should contract the awful Covid 19 Virus which has cut short that journey.

A most kind, generous and sincere Mason with a devotion to stand by his word, an inspiration to many, he will be sadly missed by his family, friends and Freemasonry in particular.

May God shine a light perpetual upon him and bless him for all he did.

Ken was born in August 1931 in Ryton, just south of the Tyne before moving to Heaton a few years later. 

He went to the Heaton Grammar School, leaving in 1948 to follow a career building on his love of chemistry. 

He took a position at Timothy White and Taylor's drug company in Newcastle until his National Service in the RAF from 1950 to 1952, serving as a radar engineer at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. 

Returning to the North East, Ken joined Thomas Hedley and Company, part of Proctor and Gamble, working as a chemist in the soap formulation team. 

Ken's parents were Methodists, and he attended his local church where, on an inter-church competition he first met his wife to be, Betty. They married in 1956. 

In December 1958 Ken was initiated in Wallsend Lodge No. 2703 having been proposed by his father-in-law, a Past Master of the Lodge. 

Ken threw himself into Freemasonry as he did his other interests and was a regular performer, singing with his close Masonic colleagues at Festive Boards and Ladies Festivals around Newcastle and the north-east. 

From 1959 to 1965 the family grew with the addition of sons David, Richard and Andrew and 1973 saw the family move to Sheffield where Ken and Betty again threw themselves into an active social life. 

Ken became a cub leader at the 20th Sheffield Ecclesall Group, helping to organise meetings, camps and joining in the Group gang show produced of course by Betty! 

He went on to join Sheffield Teachers and Croft House operatic societies and Sheffield's Masonic Choir and was frequently "poached" by other societies to fill-in roles he was perfect for, including in his favourite, 'Guys and Dolls'. 

Ken joined St Philip's Lodge No. 7116 in Sheffield in 1978 having been introduced by Vernon Haw, a fellow local Scout Leader, a Past Master and Preceptor. Seven years later Ken became Master of the Lodge, taking that position again in 1992 and making lifelong friendships with other Masters and their wives in both years that survived to the end of their lives. 

Retiring in 1996 life seemed to get even busier as Ken expanded his interests in performing and became Preceptor at St Philip's before being promoted to PPJGW having been responsible for helping many a member to make their way safely through their year in the chair. 

The high standard of ritual for which the Lodge is still renowned owes much to Ken's diligent and encouraging approach. Having suffered from COPD for some years, Ken eventually found himself on permanent oxygen, and this began to severely limit his attendance at meetings. 

Despite his illness, Ken kept a keen interest in Lodge matters and retained his membership. 

Two years ago, at the age of 87, arrangements were made to present Ken with a certificate to commemorate his 60 years in Freemasonry. There were concerns about how Ken, now only able to leave home in a wheelchair and with the aid of portable oxygen, would manage an interview-style presentation. We need not have worried. He took centre stage and held everyone's rapt attention for 45 minutes as he told stories of his life in general and his experiences in Masonry. A born performer, his eyes glistened, and he enjoyed every moment! 

Ken was also an active Royal Arch Mason, having been Exalted in Tyne Chapter No. 991 in 1968 before joining St Philip's Chapter in 1985 until his health forced him to retire in 2014. 

Ken was a kind and compassionate man. A man of high standards to which he held himself and those around him. It was important to Ken that things were done properly, but any rebuke to others was always followed by a smile and friendly advice about how to do it right next time.  He was never a spectator but always wanted to get involved and improve things, and he always wanted to share the pleasure he got from his passions with those he knew. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and he was a major recruiter for St Philip's Lodge with many of our current and past members owing their joining to Ken's encouragement. 

Ken passed to the Grand Lodge above after a short illness on 6th November to join his lifelong love, Betty. Ken epitomised the phrase, "if you want something doing, ask a busy man". A full life, well-lived alongside his beloved Betty and in the company of his family, his brethren and his friends. There is no doubt that the impact Ken made on the lives of so many will live on as treasured memories in our hearts as his lasting legacy.

Born 3.10.1924, died 8.10.2020 
 
Fred was proposed by W Bro. John Mooney and initiated into Power Lodge 8051 in 1973.  He was Master of the Lodge in 1986 and again in 1988.  He was always an active member of the Lodge and always supported younger members.  He was Almoner of the Lodge for many years. 
 
After he retired from the CEGB, Fred joined the Overseas Voluntary Service.  He went to St Lucia to upgrade the island’s electricity generating system to the 20th century and to train local engineers to use and maintain the systems.  It was a hard couple of years and certainly not a 5-star all-inclusive package. 
 
I took over as Almoner from Fred and his support and guidance were invaluable to me.  He fully supported the amalgamation of Power Lodge and Lascelles Lodge and he made regular contributions to ritual at our ceremonies.  He was also an active member of Ainsty Chapter 2677, being first principal in 2003. 
 
Fred was devoted to his wife Margaret and they were married for well over 60 years.  Sadly, by the time of Fred’s 90th birthday party Margaret had developed dementia.  After her death, Fred continued to support others and he regularly attended Widow’s Lunches.  He was 94 on this last visit to one of the lunches. 
 
Fred moved into Connaught Court in November 2019.  He died peacefully there on the 8th October, a few days after his 96th birthday. 
 
As others have said, he was a family friend and a gentleman. I doubt we will see the likes of him again. 
 
W Bro Fred Emery certainly lived his life respected and died regretted.

How to sum up such a rich life - a journey from Skegness to York, and so many places in between. 

It was a windy and frosty morning on March 22nd 1937 in Skegness when Frank Arnold Chappell was born in an upstairs room at number 3 Dorothy Crescent, the second child to Connie and Charles. As he loved to say it was 9 months after the longest day and he would like to take a tipple on the longest day to celebrate the start of his journey on a life that was so rich and warm and would make a difference to so many people in so many ways.

Not an easy time to be a child during and just after the war, but he always said it was a great time. Skegness was a small and warm community in which he thrived having odd jobs such as baker's delivery boy. 83 years later he still yearned to return at any opportunity.

It was as a gangly teenager that he spotted a 14-year-old girl with gorgeous cheekbones playing the role of the Archangel Gabriel with papier-mache wings made by her father, holding a sword for all she was worth, and he knew then that this was the one. He said and always said he was the luckiest person to have met her, but he thought he never had a chance. 58 years later showed he was wrong. 

All his life he felt he was being nudged to make a series of choices and the finest came when at Durham University he had a voice in his head saying "Frankie Boy, you need to try the Ministry", and being a little cheeky he answered, "I will if you see yourself right to nudge Gail Bell and her cheekbones my way". And so it was. 

Dad went to Cheshunt Theological college (he said mainly because it was close to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground in the days of Danny Blanchflower one of his favourite players). The nudger was at work again as the Dean of the college had a great friend, Ralph Emmerson who was looking for a Deacon and so Dad headed to St Michael's, Headingley and Ralph Emmerson became one of Dad's chief mentors throughout his ministry.

Dad was ordained in October 1960 at Ripon Cathedral and on the same day became engaged to Gail Bell. St Clements Church, Skegness was the venue for the wedding on October 14th 1961, it even made the front page of the Skegness Standard newspaper – perhaps his first taste of celebrity !!

 It was in Headingley that Andrew was born in 1964, then from the home of cricket a move across the city to the home of football, Elland Road and Beeston Hill where he was appointed Vicar in 1965 with Christopher arriving in 1966.

I have many happy memories of Beeston, and one of my earliest memories is walking to the bottom of the hill with Dad and Andy and catching the bus into Leeds with Dad. These were the days of bus conductors. He paid for the bus and then screwed up the ticket. As the ticket inspector came, I was really worried that we would be arrested for non-payment. But as always through life, Dad somehow placated the inspector and ensured that all was well. This is typical of him, he always made sure that people came first, and their care was central to him. I always felt safe in his company, knowing that he would do everything in his power to make my life journey as happy as anyone could wish for. He would also occasionally take us down to Elland Road where I believe you could get in for the last ten minutes to see the game for free. It's quite daunting for a six-year-old in the stands, but he as always made sure all was well.

Then came the time to move, though not before Dad had turned down a few Parishes in order to ensure that the Church Hall extension was completed so that the community could benefit.

On to St Mary's Garforth in 1973 where we noticed that he and mum became a really strong part in the fabric of the community. And it was his personable and likeable approach that made him so valued there. Dad could be easily spotted around town on his bike with a handy saddlebag containing a small Communion set with which he could attend the sick and elderly residents. He said it was the best way to get around, it keeps you fit, and you can be easily stopped for a chat.

Mum became Sister Chappell, the Community Midwife. Mum was also known as the Vicar's wife, and he was known as the midwife's husband to many. They made a great team. His personal guidance was subtle, knowing that at heart, all people are good.

While at Garforth he joined the Masons and that also became integral to his life. He always said it helped him become a better person, and he gave so much to others. Personally, I feel blessed to have spent the last few years sharing Masonry with him. The car journeys to St Wilfrid Lodge in Leeds were always enjoyable as he regaled me with stories from his life. Such as the way he wooed my mum as they sat having a cold drink after tennis at the Derbyshire Miners holiday park in Skegness. Looking down, he noticed they had matching birthmarks on their legs in the form of an isosceles triangle and said it was a sign they were well matched. 

His final ministry was in Darley where he enjoyed the country community. We as a family would go beating the bounds on Boxing days, working off the Christmas day food. I know he took great interest in the way that all communities are different and felt the way to be part of a community is to accept everyone. It was here he also joined the Navy (as a Chaplain) and got to go to Portsmouth aboard the Ark Royal.

Dad and Mum also got the travel bug going to many far-flung places, Mexico, Australia, America, Scandinavia to name a few – they always managed to find friends and family along the way, with Dad often helping out in various Wedding and Christening services.

Another great love of his, and the rest of the Chappell family were the Mighty Imps – Lincoln City- we always look out for their results and knowing they have been really successful in the last few years kept him happy. His heroes were the Cowley brothers who were their managers.

Later in life Dad and Mum retired to York and welcomed four grandchildren, Max, Kate, Holly and Megan into the world who I am sure have treasured memories of their own that they will hold close to them. Whether it be the interesting presents he bought, his off the cuff quips or the way he lived such a busy and rich life and the absolute sheer fun they had with Grandad.  

Charles and Connie would be proud of the bundle of joy that they brought into the world and who gave so much to others.

The last months were a struggle for him and saw him in a lot of pain, but to everyone who visited him, he remained cheerful and upbeat. The care that Mum showed him throughout his life and particularly during the last period is to be admired. His last hours were peaceful, which was a comfort to us all.

He has been at the centre of all our family milestones Births, Deaths, Marriages & Christenings and he will forever remain that. Now it's our turn to say goodbye to Dad, Frank, Frankie Boy, Reverend, Grandad, friend, brother, son. You couldn't have been better at any of them.​

It is my honour and privilege to recount the major part played in Frank's life by Freemasonry over the last 45 years. 

Freemasonry is not a religion but requires members to believe in a Supreme Being, such as God, Allah, Shiva, Yahweh, Buddha etc. and follow their own faith. It is Theistic and insists that we avoid all Religious and Political discussion. It urges its members to have as a foundation the practice of every moral and social virtue and has Brotherly Love as one of its three main principles. The established churches have had problems with their understanding of Freemasonry over the years but if two previous Archbishops of Canterbury have been members and seen nothing wrong who are we to judge and Frank saw no conflict of interest.

Frank joined St Wilfrid Lodge at Castle Grove, Headingley, Leeds in June 1975. He was proposed by Jimmy Spencer who years before was the Chairman of the Parochial Council, St Michaels Church, Headingley and had interviewed Frank for the post of Curate. He became a family friend and is the Godfather of Christopher. Frank soon after joined St Michaels Chapter, a part of Freemasonry, in the same building. 
 
Masons are always looking out for three particular types of new members; Accountants to look after the money; Organists to play hymns, during processions and ceremonies; and Clergy to give prayers and graces before and after meals. Frank and his dog collar were therefore made very welcome, and he was in popular demand. His idiosyncratic little graces before meals were funny and apt and he must have spent a lot of time preparing them.

The Masonic structure is a Lodge or Chapter as a basic unit, of which there about 200 in West Yorkshire, overseen by the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding and then Grand Lodge in London. After Frank had been Master of his Lodge in 1992, he was rapidly appointed Provincial Chaplain and served with distinction for about 10 years. He was appointed to Assistant Grand Chaplain in 1999 and promoted again in 2010 to Past Grand Junior Deacon – the regalia he is wearing in the photograph on the Order of Service. In the Chapter, he was the Provincial 'Joshua', a priestly role, for 5 years and attained Grand Chapter rank. His duties as Provincial Chaplain saw him officiate at consecrations of new Lodges and Centenary celebrations as a result of which, he was made an Honorary member of nine Lodges. The wonderful Orations he gave at these meetings were tremendous and an inspiration to all present.

Beyond the Craft and Chapter are what are called 'Side Orders' of Masonry of which a number are Christian. Frank was quickly introduced into these: - 

In 1977 he joined the Loidis Conclave of 'The Red Cross of Constantine', in Leeds. He served as Divisional High Prelate for 24 years and 5 years as Grand High Prelate of the Order and was finally honoured as Knight Commander of Constantine. One of the highlights of his time was in 2006 when he assisted in the Service and arrangements for the Orders celebration, here in York Minster, to mark the 1700th Anniversary of Constantine's Proclamation as Emperor. We had over 500 Knights, and Ladies present from all over the World in Regalia and dined at York Racecourse. Constantine's Proclamation eventually resulted in Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire. The Statue of Constantine outside was very generously supported by contributions from the Red Cross of Constantine. In 2015 The Order sought to hold its 150th Anniversary here in York but the Dean at the time objected, and we instead visited and were welcomed to Lincoln Cathedral where Frank delivered the Prayers of Intercession.

In 1979 he was installed a Knight in King George V Preceptory of Knights Templar in Leeds. He was Provincial Almoner for 26 years looking after the welfare of the Knights and was honoured with Grand rank in both Knights Templar and Knights of Malta. In 2012 he was Eminent Preceptor again on the occasion of our Centenary, a very special event.

In 2003 he was perfected in Leodiensis Chapter of the Rose Croix in Leeds. The ceremony includes quite a lot of Bible readings and admonishments of which the Prelate on the day, who was a bit of a wag, said: "As if I need to tell you !!". He was a regular attender and travelled over on the bus from York to Leeds to attend practices even when not really required. Soon after he had been the Most Wise Sovereign of Leodiensis, he travelled to London to receive further honours.

In 2008 he was Installed as a Knight of St Thomas of Acon – a commemorative Order based on the Chivalric Order founded at the time of the Crusades in the 1100s and named after Thomas a Becket, the assassinated Archbishop of Canterbury. As a thank you for his assistance in organising their Annual Church Services he was appointed Honorary Provincial Almoner in 2019.

In 2008 he also became Honorary Chaplain of the Order of St John, a Christian Order, and organised their regular Church Services.

Recently he was admitted a Knight Beneficent of Holy City, an Order allied to the Knights Templars.

The only Christian Order he did not join was the Knight Templar Priests, and Order of Holy Wisdom. This Order wears a hat which could be loosely described as a Bishop's Mitre, and Frank felt it was inappropriate for him to be involved wearing such a headdress.

Overall, Frank has had a wide involvement with Freemasonry and met and became firm friends with a myriad of people who he would never have met in the ordinary course of his life. These have enriched his time on earth as he too has enriched theirs in so many ways. 

For example, when he became Vicar of St Luke's in Beeston among his congregation was Tony Walker a young man who he confirmed and later married to Jenny Shackelton who had previously lived and worshipped in Beeston. Her father was Horace Shackelton who was in charge of the Leeds and Holbeck Building Society and a member of my Lodge, St Michaels. Tony Walker joined St Michaels just after me in 1978, and for 25 years we were the firmest of friends. Sadly, he died of cancer and Frank officiated at his Funeral at Adel Church in Leeds. Another very firm friend of mine Michael Jones had, about the same time, divorced at the age of 70 and I introduced him to Jenny Tony's widow. They were married within a year and had 10 happy years together. Frank performed their wedding ceremony at Adel Church, and he managed to interweave the happy event of Tony and Jenny's wedding, Tony's sad funeral and Michael and Jenny's happy wedding day all beautifully said with such calm and natural aplomb. Whenever he saw Jenny over the last decade, he would say "I married her twice!!" Michael too has sadly passed away and guess who did the Service!

Frank, I have a complaint to make. I have seen you do many, many wonderful, kind, witty and thoughtful funeral services. Several years ago, I said to you, in all seriousness, that I wanted you to do my funeral service. You just laughed whenever I said this. You said it just once back to me that I could do yours! I understand from Gail that you said Tony Llewellyn can do some words! Well, Frank, it looks like I will have to find someone else to give my farewells, but here I am and can I say on behalf of all your Masonic Brothers that it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have known you. 

In one of our Masonic ceremonies, a Brother is exhorted to live respected and die regretted. You have done that in abundance Frank you have certainly lived respected and sadly die regretted by all those who have known and loved you.

God Bless, Tony Llewellyn

Terry was a proud Manxman, having been born whilst his parents were temporarily resident on the island. A keen member of Round Table, Terry was initiated into Lodge of King Arthur in 1991, remained a stalwart of the lodge throughout and became a companion of Fairfax Chapter. A devoted family man, Terry's principal interest was in his wife Carole, his children and grandchildren, but golf and his membership of Bradford Golf Club came a close second.. Coming late to bee-keeping Terry was a keen apiarist, getting involved in his local bee-keepers association and an inveterate member of Steeton Male Voice Choir.

Terry was a proud Manxman, having been born whilst his parents were temporarily resident on the island. A keen member of Round Table, Terry was initiated into Lodge of King Arthur in 1991, remained a stalwart of the lodge throughout and became a companion of Fairfax Chapter. A devoted family man, Terry's principal interest was in his wife Carole, his children and grandchildren, but golf and his membership of Bradford Golf Club came a close second.. Coming late to bee-keeping Terry was a keen apiarist, getting involved in his local bee-keepers association and an inveterate member of Steeton Male Voice Choir.