Presented by WBro Philip Hutchens PPJGW on behalf of Rt WBro Ian Kingsbury PPGM, on Thursday 19 December 2024 at a regular meeting of Unity Lodge 1332, Crediton.
Rt WBro Ian Kingsbury PPGM has asked me (WBro Philip Hutchens) on his behalf to present this 50-year certificate on behalf of the PGM Rt-WBro Nicholas Ball who sends you his best wishes and congratulations on your achievement in serving Freemasonry for 50 years.
It also comes to you with the authority of our Grand Master His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.
A little about David’s personal life:
David was born in 1947 and is a proud to be a true “Kirtonian”.
He attended St. Boniface primary school until the age of 11, passing his 11+ he went on to Queen Elizabeth Grammar school in Crediton.
Aged 16-18 he studied at Exeter College for his OND in building and construction. After qualifying he joined EBC Sleemans where he met his dear wife Janet, who sadly is no longer with us. David and Janet married and had two children – Susan and Christopher, and later five grandchildren.
David went on to join the family building firm in Crediton mid-1970s.
Apart from being a devoted family man, David has also found time to support the community having been chairman of Friends of Crediton Church for many years.
Now we come to the rough stuff! David joined Crediton Rugby Club in 1964/65 until 1976/77, where he played 249 games for the first team, 79 for the second team and 83 for the third team, 411 games in total for Crediton Rugby Club, what an achievement.
David did manage to fit in some leisure time and had many happy days with TWH tours; that is Tonkin, White and Howison…
David’s Masonic Life
Initiated into Unity Lodge 1332 – Crediton on 21 Nov 74
Passed 20 Feb 75
Raised 15 Apr 75
One brother looked on at David’s initiation. That brother was Ian Kingsbury (later PGM).
Ian had the pleasure of installing David into the Chair of King Solomon in Sep 88 whereafter Ian was David’s IPM.
Provincial Rank:
In 2000 you were invested PPJGD
2006 PPGReg
2013 PPJGW
Advanced into Unity Mark Lodge 783 4 Jun 81
- April 1993 and again in April 2023 for the centenary celebrations.
1999 Active PJGD
Onward invested as PPStdBr
2019 promoted to the grand rank of PGJD.
Exalted into Sun RA Chapter 106 on 7 Oct 91
David also joined Devon Mark Rugby Lodge and the Devonshire Lodge of Installed Mark Masters.
Elevated 27th October 2016 Royal Ark Mariners
Commander in 2022
You are the present Most Wise Sovereign of St Peter in Tiverton Chapter of Rose Croix.
What is truly outstanding is that David has undertaken the duty of Unity Lodge Almoner in an exemplary manner for 33 years, and he has done so in such a respectful manner with a touch of his unique dry humour which lifts the spirits of us all.
Congratulations David, and thank you.
