On a damp and wet Friday evening on 31st March 2023 in a warm and dry Twickenham District Masonic Centre saw Brethren from Staines Mark Master Masons Lodge No.858 treated to a very rare occurrence in Mark Master Masonry a presentation of a 60 Year Certificate plus the Advancement of Bro. Sean Austin.
The Lodge first received The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Edward R. Garty included in his entourage were DPGM VW.Bro Steve Vanhinsbergh, APGM W.Bro Peter Hyde and APGM VW.Bro John Billet plus other Officers from the Province.
The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Rev. John Hillman then conducted an excellent Advancement Ceremony of Bro. Sean Austin that was well received and enjoyed by all present.
After the Ceremony the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Garty read a very interesting Citation, of which V. W. Bro Jack Flint had managed to get some interesting information about Harry, which helped the PGM give a most enlightening insight not only to his masonic background but also his personal achievements.
R. W. Bro Eddie and the recipient W. Bro Harry Cumming both being from the same City, namely Dundee they were both enabled to recall many landmarks, which were very personal to them both. They reminisced and bantered about their hometown of Dundee and of his time in masonry with Harry coming back with some very witty and equally clever quips
About Harry: Harry Cumming was born in 1940 in Dundee, Scotland. He was one of five having 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He started his education at Rosebank Public School before completing his education at Stobsell School.
Masonry: His Masonic journey started at the age of 20 as he was a Lewis and was initiated into St David’s Lodge No 78 Scottish Constitution in 1960. His Mark journey also started in St David’s Mark Lodge later that year. Regrettably, because of his work which took him all over Scotland and Ireland, it meant he was unable to attend Lodge meetings on a regular basis until 1992.
During the intervening years he was Exalted into the Royal Arch, honoured as a Cryptic mason, elevated into the Royal Ark Mariner and Knights of the East and West (English Constitution equivalent Royal and Select), also the Rose Croix or Ancient and Accepted Rite where he holds a 30th degree.
However, not to be outdone and having been unable to hold a regular office in all his masonic units in 1992 he was installed as Master of his Lodge, MEZ of his Royal Arch Chapter, Commander of his Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, Thrice Illustrious Master in the Cryptic as well as being in the Chair of The Knights of the East and West, in other words in the chair of 5 units at one time, now you have to all agree that’s something very special.
Honours: Harry has been a P. Prov. Steward in Craft, Royal Arch, Royal Ark Mariners and Cryptic Council as well as P. Prov. Grand Bard.
Honorary Membership: Harry is an Honorary Member of the Lodges of St David’s of Edinburgh No 36, Roineach Mhor No.1308 and Caledonia No. 254 both in Dundee Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia and is a most respected member of them all.
Orders: Harry is also a member of other orders including the Incorporation of Squaremen of Scotland (He also holds the highest order as Worshipful Grand Deacon of Squaremen of Scotland and the Present Head of the Order), Rose Croix – 30th Degree. Knights Templars, Knights Templar Priests, Royal Order of Scotland, and the Cork Degree.
Personal: Harry has a Son and Daughter although his beloved Wife passed on a few years ago, he journeyed south in 2006 not because of Freemasonry or his Son and Daughter but he wished to be close to his Grandchildren.
Harry joined Staines Mark in 2007 and Riverside Council No 100 where he has been an unbelievable asset to those units.
Harry was commissioned into The Royal Navel Reserve in 1966 and retired aa Lt. Commander. Lastly, Harry was Ordained in the Independent Congregational Church as an Elder the same year.
It was with great pride, honour and pleasure The Provincial Grand Master then presented Harry with his well-deserved 60 Year Certificate. Harry then thanked the PGM and gave a short reply to the Brethren present.
The meeting was then closed and photographs taken. Unfortunately, the PGM had to depart for personal reasons whilst the Brethren retired to the Festive Board.
At the Festive Board which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the DPGM Steve Vanhinsbergh informed the Brethren of the happenings in the Province and singled out praise for the way the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Rev. John Hillman conducted an excellent Advancement Ceremony for Bro. Sean Austin. He congratulated W.Bro Marcus Padman on his promotion to Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He also again congratulated Harry on 60 years in Masonry and his achievements which again Harry replied with short but witty retorts to.
By Bro Leon Hubbard, Photographs courtesy of Bro David North