W.Bro Jimmy Stott – 60 Years a Freemason

Picture the Old Bedford Modernians’ Lodge No 5268.  We are meeting in Rushden for a change and carrying out a 3rd Degree ceremony.  All has gone very well with the candidate, Bro Tom, who not only answered his questions splendidly but also reciting his 2nd Degree Obligation.  WBro James Lees is acting as WM, Bro James B, our JD, shares the rest of the Master’s work with VWBro Nick Edwards, a lodge member. WBro James (Jimmy) Stott was  called out to receive his 60th Year Certificate.  The Lodge not only had a general knowledge quiz on the year of his Initiation, 1961, but also a masonic history of Bro Jim himself. From his Initiation in a lodge in a tiny village in North East Scotland, to London, Hampshire and Isle of Wight and lastly Bedfordshire – the premier province. Bro Jim exhibited all the qualities of a good man and a good mason.  Dedication, skill at ritual, a concern for the welfare of our new brethren and those in need, a happy and cheerful disposition and, above all, a kind heart.In the photo he is flanked by the DPGM and his blood brother, WBro Dennis Stott. Around him are members of the Lodge.  A happy and joyous occasion indeed. 

W.Bro James Lees’s middle son Arthur pictured here with the Provincial Grand Master wearing the PGM’s jewels. Arthur was supporting his dad and other members of the Bedfordshire Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards at the recent Ladies Christmas luncheon, attended by over 30 widows and their escorts made up of Almoners of each respective lodge.

At our last Christmas meeting W.Bro’s Colin Humphrys and Dennis Stott presented Mrs Doreen Lambert with a lovely bouquet of flowers and a plaque that included the OBM’s banner and a thank you message for over 30 years of wonderful service and food supplied to the Lodge at the festive boards that follow our regular meetings.

Over 200 Years in Masonry! Picture here are V.W.Bro Gordon Staple, W.Bro Mike Cave, our PGM, Bro Lewis Cleaver (Initiate) W.Bro Ian Brown and W. Bro xxx being presented with 50 and 60 years in masonry certificates. What a fantastic evening had by all and what an achievement by these fine Brethren.

W.Bro’s Jim Lees and James Lees seen here on James’s installation as Master of the Lodge. After paying for his school fees for 10 years, I wonder if Lees Junior covered the cost of his Dad’s meal on the night? Our WM invested his father as SW of the lodge on the evening. Over 55 years of Masonry combined with these two pictured. Many more years enjoying freemasonry as father and son we are certain to follow!

June 2020 saw a fantastic event where members of the OBM lodge travelled to Ontario, Canada and met up with a number of OBM alumni. Great times had sharing fond memories of the school and the lodge. A couple even braved the journey over the boarder from the US for this special lunch. It is after all a worldwide fraternity!

Another meeting of the OBM’s with Wellington Square Lodge 702 of Canada. This is becoming a bit of a habit! Why not? Masonry is worldwide and a wonderful organisation where we can meet new people from all over the world who share a common goal, to become better.

Our W.M W.Bro James Lees passing his good friend and schoolmate Bro Tom Cropley to the 2nd Degree. Congratulations on a fantastic evening both, lots of fun and laughter shared amongst the brethren and raising over £200 for charity on the night too! Another fantastic ceremony enjoyed by 20 members and 18 guests from 14 different lodges!