Former PGM gets 60-year certificate at Wellow Abbey Chapter
Why Lodges’ commitment is vital in ‘new members’ relay
January 30, 2026
Gordon Walkerley Smith passed another milestone in a Freemasonry career spanning 63 years when he was presented with a certificate to mark his 60 years’ service as a member of the Royal Arch.
Initiated into St James Lodge in Grimsby in April 1963, he has held a great many posts since then, including being Provincial Grand Master between 1999 and 2008. He joined the Royal Arch at Astral Chapter in Grimsby in December 1965, and became a member of Mizpah Chapter in London, then becoming a founder member of Wellow Abbey Chapter, where he was presented with his 60-year certificate.
Gordon Smith and John Leary
He has done much work behind the scenes, with eight years as Provincial Grand Scribe E starting in January 1987, and spending time as Provincial Grand Secretary. He was also honoured with an active Chapter rank, as Grand Sojourner, in 2001.
He’s an honorary member of 11 Craft Lodges, was PGM for Lincolnshire’ Mark Masonic Province between 1993 and 2007. He has been a Mark Mason for 57 years, as well as a member of Rose Croix for more than 50 years, having joined in 1973.
To mark the Royal Arch certificate presentation Grand Superintendent Dave Wheeler took his team to the meeting, along with other senior members of the Province including the Past Grand Supt Graham Ives and the current APGM David Bird.
It was also a special evening for the newest member of Wellow Abbey Chapter, Comp John Leary, who was presented with his Chapter Certificate.
In our picture, top, are from left: David Bird, Graham Ives, Gordon Smith, Dave Wheeler, and DC Keith Bickley
