A remarkable milestone in Masonic service was celebrated yesterday when W Bro Michael Skudder was presented with a certificate marking 70 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry.
The presentation was made by W Bro Charles Yelland, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire, in recognition of a Masonic journey which began on 7th March 1956, when Michael was initiated into Tudor Lodge No. 6681 in London.
Few Freemasons can look back on such a long and active association with the Craft and Chapter. Over seven decades, Michael has served with distinction in London and Devonshire, holding numerous offices and giving loyal support to his Lodges, Chapters, and the wider Masonic community.
Michael was installed as Master of Tudor Lodge in February 1968 and went on to serve that Lodge in a variety of offices, including Almoner, Charity Steward, Treasurer, Chaplain, and Secretary. HIs commitment to his Mother Lodge continued for more than half a century, an achievement of exceptional loyalty and consistency.
Following the amalgamation of Tudor Lodge with Hornsey Lodge No. 890, Michael continued his service there and was Worshipful Master in 2011, the year of the Lodge’s 150th anniversary. He was later delighted to be made an honorary member.
After moving to Devon, Michael joined Braunton Lodge No. 5624 in October 1997. His contribution to the Lodge has been outstanding, serving as Master from 2019 through the covid years. He has also held the offices of Assistant Secretary and Almoner, continuing to offer steady support, guidance, and care to the Brethren around him.
Michael was also a founder member of the Scout Lodge No. 9783 in Devonshire, where he served as founder Chaplain from 2004 to 2007.
His service has been recognised at the highest levels. In the Craft he was awarded London Grand Rank in 1978 before being appointed to Grand Rank as Past Grand Standard Bearer in 1985, and later promoted to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1994. He also served as a visiting officer in both London and Devonshire, supporting Lodges and Chapters through many years of experience and sound judgement.
Michael’s career in the Royal Arch has been equally distinguished. He was exalted into the Ronaldsay Chapter No. 3361 in London in October 1957, serving as First Principal and Treasurer, and for many years delivering the Mystical Lecture, whether in full or in part, at every exaltation. After moving to Devon, he joined Chapter of Loyalty and Virtue No. 251 in November 1997. His Royal Arch service was also recognised with London Grand Chapter Rank, and then Supreme Grand Chapter Rank as Past Grand Standard Bearer, and later promotion to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner.
Beyond Freemasonry, Michael’s life has been one of public service, education, and community involvement. A mathematician and statistician by training, he taught mathematics and quantitative methods in higher and further education, and held senior academic responsibilities before retirement. He also service as a London Borough Councillor, became Mayor at the age of 30, and was appointed a lay magistrate in 1964, at the time becoming the youngest Justice of the Peace in the country. He later served in Devon and received recognition for his long service to the magistracy.
His wider life of service has also included many years in the Scout movement, membership of St John’s Ambulance, and service within the Church of England as a licensed Lay Minister and parish officer.
The presentation of his 70-year certificate as therefore far more than the marking of time. It was a tribute to a lifetime of commitment, reliability, leadership, and service.
The Province of Devonshire congratulates Michael on this extraordinary achievement and thanks him warmly for his outstanding contribution to Freemasonry over the past 70 years.
