November 2014

MR HERBERT RHODES was born in Oulton West Yorkshire on the 23rd December 1917 and educated at Oulton St John’s School before leaving at age fourteen. Having received his initial training he joined the Royal Artillery and saw active service in the East Africa campaign where he was wounded on Valentine’s Day 1941.After a period of recovery he returned to the theatre seeing further action in the Western Desert but was overrun at Tobruk on 20th June 1942 and taken prisoner. Following a short period in a pow camp in Italy he escaped to spend fifteen months with partisans before being reunited with friendly forces two weeks after D-day.

Bert met his wife Eileen in the army and after the war and settled in the North East where he enjoyed working in various industries including ICI Billingham, printing, and banking before becoming an usher at Stockton-on-Tees Crown Court where he retired in 1982.

Bro. Bert was initiated into Harte Lodge No.4217 on the 20th June 1960 became Worshipful Master in 1972 and was the Director of Ceremonies for seventeen years. He was exalted into Royal Arch Chapter joining Harte Chapter before becoming a joining member of Eanred Chapter. In the Province of Durham he was promoted to PPGReg in 1982 and in Provincial Chapter to PPGSN in 1999.

On Monday 22nd September 2014, The Third Grand Principal E Comp Michael Shaw visited the Lodge to present Bert with his 50th Anniversary Certificate. He thanked him on attaining this special masonic milestone and thanked him for his service to Royal Arch Freemasonry during the past fifty years. The event was supported by the Hartlepool brethren and the Provincial team deputation to mark the occasion. The MEZ John Thompson thanked Bert for his service to the Chapter and he went on to explain about the open treasures project and that Brethren/ Companions were encouraged to purchase a stone. John further explained that the Chapter wanted to mark his significant milestone so it was decided that the Chapter would purchase a stone in his name. Therefore leaving a lasting legacy in tribute to a wonderful Mason in Durham Cathedral.

Bert thanked the Companions for their kind thoughts and the naming of a stone in his name, he present the Chapter with a cheque to be used for charitable purposes and he also presented a Bible for use in the Chapter.

The Companions then retired to the festive board, where Bert with presented with a very fine bottle of Malt Whiskey for use when he returned home.

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