A memorable evening at Manadon Hall in Plymouth saw the February Meeting of Dundas Lodge No. 1255 turned into a very special celebration, as the Head of Devonshire Freemasons, Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Nicholas Ball, presented W Bro Colin Gale, Past Senior Grand Deacon, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, with a certificate marking 60 years in Freemasonry.
For those outside the organisation, Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal societies centred on friendship, charity, personal development and service to others. Reaching 60 years of membership is a rare and remarkable milestone, reflecting not only long service but also a lifetime of dedication to fellow members and the wider community.
The Provincial Grand Master was accompanied by members of his Executive, along with many of the friends Colin has made over the decades. They joined members of Dundas Lodge, his mother lodge, as well as representatives from his other lodges: Old Plymothian and Mannameadian Lodge No. 6279 and Football Lodge South West No. 10063. Together they honoured a man whose contribution has touched so many part of Freemasonry in Devonshire.
Colin was initiated into Freemasonry on 3rd January 1966 at just 21 years of age. He later joined the Royal Arch, being exalted into Dundas Chapter on 22nd April 1975. Over the years, he has held many senior roles. He served as Master of Dundas Lodge in 1973, Master of OPM Lodge in 2019 and 2020, and was First Principal of Dundas Chapter in 1986.
During the certificate presentation, the Provincial Grand Master outlined the breadth of Colin’s service to the Province. Colin received his first Provincial Appointment in 1982 as an active Provincial Steward, Promoted to Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 2009 followed by promotion to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and later to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. After retiring from work, he played a major role behind the scenes, helping to create the Province’s membership database and servicing from 2005 as Assistant Provincial Grand Registrar. He was also responsible for transferring the Provincial Records onto the new Grand Lodge Database, Adelphi.
His contribution went far beyond administration. In 2008, Colin was entrusted with bringing together four separate Provincial Charities into what is now the Provincial Benevolent Fund, which continues to support shoe in need and of which he remains a trustee. He also organised the final event of the 2012 Festival at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay.
In 2011, Colin was appointed as Assistant Provincial Grand Master, one of the most senior positions in the Province, servicing until December 2021 with responsibility first for mentoring before moving on to membership. In 2019, he joined the United Grand Lodge of England’s Members’ Pathway team, representing the South West Counties and the Islands and helping to shape the development of guidance for members across the country. He only stood down from that role in 2025.
Still active around Devonshire today, Colin continues to serve as Secretary of OPM lodge. He received Grand Rank in the Royal Arch in 2017 and is also a member of Rose Croix.
In thanking the Provincial Grand Master, Colin said that the past 60 years had been made truly special by the wonderful people he had met across the Province and the many lofelong friendships he had formed. To mark the occasion, the members of Dundas Lodge presented him with a glass gavel and an engraved glass plaque, fitting tributes to a Mason whose service, commitment, and friendship have left a last mark on so many.
