The Provincial Grand Master and his team visited Spennymoor Mark Lodge to present a 50 years certificate to William ‘Bill’ Swift. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons he was unable to attend.
There were many brethren there to show support for Bill despite his absence. A brief history of Bill’s distinguished Masonic career was given to help enlighten anyone who didn’t know Bill.
A short talk was given by Joe Bulmer about Spennymoor Mark Lodge and its history, which of course, features Bill in its content. For anyone who is interested, a copy of the talk can be found HERE
Bill started his Masonic career when he was Initiated into Doric Lodge on 19th April 1971 although as was often the case in those days, it would be 14 months before he became a Master Mason. He progressed through the various offices to the chair and in due time was promoted in Provincial Lodge to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. In 1999 he was rewarded with appointment to Grand Rank.
In the Royal Arch he was Exalted in Whitworth Chapter on 4th June 1975 and became their first Principal. He was later promoted in Provincial Chapter to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah and in Grand Chapter to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner.
Bill joined the Mark in January 1973 and became Worshipful Master in 1989. He was promoted to Provincial Senior Warden in 1993 and became Provincial Secretary between 1994 and 99. Grand Rank honours were awarded in 1995 as Past Grand Standard Bearer and then promoted to Past Grand Junior Deacon in 1999. In 2005 a further promotion followed with the rank of Past Grand Junior Overseer for the continuous work he has provided to the Order.
Bill also joined the Spennymoor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in 1981 becoming their Worshipful Commander in 1990. Provincial Grand Rank was awarded in 1996 and then he was honoured with Grand Rank in 1997.
It is fair to say that Bill is well known to Masons and particularly Mark Masons in the Province of Durham.
Bill was presented with his certificate at his home by the Provincial Grand Master and Master of Spennymoor Mark Lodge.