Pilgrim Fathers’ Lodge welcomes centenarian to April meeting

At their last meeting before the summer break members of Pilgrim Fathers Lodge Boston were delighted to welcome one of their longest serving, and by far their oldest member, W. Bro Walter Beard, writes Lodge Secretary Rick West.

Walter will be celebrating his 100^th birthday in June and the brethren of Pilgrim Fathers wanted to mark his birthday at our closest meeting to it. Hishealth has prevented him from attending recent meetings, but it was an absolute honour and a pleasure that he could attend on this special occasion.

WBro Beard has been a member of Pilgrim Fathers Lodge for 44 years, having been initiated in April 1979. He was installed as Master in 1988. As a Past Master he has held the offices of Almoner, Treasurer, Mentor and Secretary.

I speak for many of the brethren of Pilgrim Fathers in saying what fantastic support and encouragement I received from Walter during my early years in Freemasonry, he has always had so much time for newer members and nothing is ever to much trouble, he really has inspired a generation in our lodge. Always a fantastic ritualist himself, he was certainly very instrumental in encouraging me, and many others to take part in ritual for the first time.

Such has been Walter’s contribution to both Pilgrim Fathers Lodge and to Freemasonry in general that he was awarded the PGM`s Certificate of Merit in 2008, as only the fourth recipient of the award, and in 2017 he was made an Honorary member of Pilgrim Fathers.

At the meeting Pilgrim Fathers DC read out a letter from the PGM to Walter, in which he described him as a “role model”. Walter responded by mentioning the wonderful times he had enjoyed during his time in Pilgrim Fathers before enjoying stuffed chine and a pint of beer at the Festive Board.

It was brilliant to see Walter again, and a real highlight on which to head into the summer break.

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