At St Andrew’s Lodge in Stanley, Selwyn Smith Beattie celebrated his 60th anniversary as a Freemason on 1st November 2022.

The commemorative Certificate was presented by the Provincial Grand Master, John Paul Thompson and at the festive board which followed Selwyn received a gift of a special whisky and glasses.

As well as holding Grand Rank for 30 of his 60 year’s service, Selwyn holds grand rank in the Royal Arch Chapter and most of the Progressive Orders including Mark, RAM, KT, KM, RCC, OSM, SC, AMD and KBHC with the highest in the Royal and Select Masters as the first District Grand Master of Durham for a period of AAA14 years from 1997 to 2011 and became a member of the Ninth Arch in 2016.

In the unavoidable absence of the current District Grand Master Michael Graham the Royal and Select Masters were represented by the District Principal Conductor of the Work, Bryan Kennedy; Red Cross of Constantine and Scarlet Cord represented by the Deputy Intendant General and Deputy Provincial Grand Summus Gary D Taylor while Knights Templar by the Provincial Sub Prior John D Watts also present as craft Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the North West Durham area.

Selwyn is a skilled banner maker with his handiwork not only evident in his mother lodge but on many other unit and provincial banners throughout the region.

In his response to a generous toast at the festive board Selwyn thanked everyone for the support he’s received and that he is looking forward to receiving his 60th certificate presentation from Mark Masonry in only 6 years time and thereafter, the many other Progressive Orders which have given him so much pleasure.