I had the honour to present a 60 year certificate to a brother last night at Bective lodge No.1532 in Carlisle and it was a wonderful evening of happiness.
Bro John Melrose Simpson, arrived at around 6.45 and I was introduced to him.
John seemed a little nervous at first but I found out his interests and broke the ice with him and after that he never stopped smiling. John is a retired structural engineer and college lecturer. He has served his lodge in an exemplary manner holding many offices over the years, such as Tyler, Inner Guard, Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden and Assistant Secretary, some more than once, yet John has never been installed as master of his lodge, work commitments and travels precluded this.
When I went through his Celebrant form and knowing that I did not have a lot to work with, I asked him some questions, he was very forthcoming and was a fountain of knowledge.
How pleased I was to be able to present a 60 year certificate to a brother who enjoys his freemasonry and has set a fine example for others to follow in his footsteps,
What wonderful memories I will always have about this brother.
Submitted by Bill Morley BEM DPGM
