60 Years Masonic Service In Byron Lodge

W. Bros Colin Fraser PAGDC and W. Bro Paul Sully PSGD

This report from W. Bro Ian Mitchell PProvSGD.

The recent May 18TH meeting of Byron Lodge No 7426 was an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the 60 years of service of W. Bro Colin Fraser PAGDC, who has had a remarkable career in Freemasonry generally and been an inspiration to generations of Masons in Byron Lodge in particular.

The presentation of Colin’s 60 year certificate was made by Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Paul Sully PSGD, who made a surprise visit to the Lodge specifically to mark the occasion. The APGM made a gracious speech which detailed the breadth of Colin’s achievements.

He was initiated into Byron Lodge in May 1964, with his father, W. Bro. Henry Fraser (one of the Lodge’s Founder members), delivering the charge after initiation. He subsequently became W.M. of the Lodge at its 25th Installation meeting in 1980, before going on to hold roles including Almoner, Chaplain and Royal Arch representative, an office he currently holds, as well becoming a long standing Director of Ceremonies and Preceptor of the Lodge, in which capacity he has encouraged (and cajoled) the members of Byron for decades.

Colin’s Masonic activities outside Byron Lodge are equally impressive. He has been a member of more than 20 units and has attained Grand Rank in no less than six orders – Craft (PAGDC), Chapter, Mark, KT (serving as Provincial Marshall of Middlesex), KTP and RAM. His favourite role was working at Mark Masons Hall in London where he was Assistant Grand Tyler for 10 years until 2006. He also contributed his time and energy to the management of the Princess Alexander home in Stanmore and Prince Michael of Kent Court Masonic home in Watford, where he organised events and outings.

Remarkable though his service has been, the Lodge knows Colin (aka ‘Colin the Curtain’ from his day job running a curtain business jointly with his wife Christine) as a driving force. Happily, the Lodge is in rude health, with a double Raising ceremony carried out in May and a young and energetic crop of new Masons coming through. Unsurprisingly to anyone who knows him, Colin is in no mood to take a back seat – he still regularly attends Lodge of Instruction, and he refused honorary membership so that he could keep his voting rights.

The APGM’s remarks to Colin were warm and heartfelt, and afterwards at the festive board the Brethren also expressed their thanks for Colin’s service through a tribute and a gift presentation. A fitting way to celebrate a remarkable six decades of service.

The Brethren of Byron Lodge No 7426.
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