It runs in the family
24 April 24
Five generations – twice!
To have five generations of masons in a lodge is not only something to be extremely proud of, but it is also quite a rarity. So who would have thought it possible that this issue of Freemason would be covering such an occasion TWICE!
By RW Bro Alan Gale and RW Bro Owen Sandry
One Lodge – five Gavels In February Lodge Condobolin initiated the fifth generation of the Gavel (rhymes with ‘navel’) family, which has an unbroken family membership dating back to 1905.
Bro Andrew Gavel became the fifth generation of his family to join Lodge Condobolin 185. It drew the attention of the Grand Master, who attended the occasion. ‘This is an awesome event, that makes me proud to be a Freemason,’ Grand Master Les Hicks told the large number of brethren from throughout the state who attended the historic meeting. ‘Five generations in the one lodge is a tribute to the way the men of the Gavel family have lived Freemasonry, setting set such an example that son after son has followed the father’s footsteps into the local lodge.
‘There is a lot that Freemasonry can learn from the Gavel family,’ he said. Andrew’s 92-year-old Grandfather RW Bro Richard PJGW (initiated 1959) was in the chair, and his father Bro Paul (initiated 1981) was the Chaplain. Great-grandfather John was initiated in 1922 and Great-Great Grandfather James was initiated in 1905.
But that’s not the end of the family involvement – there is a brace of in-law relations in the lodge; family member W Bro Rex Presser is the current Senior Warden, and cousin W Bro Robin Sanderson is the current Treasurer. On the maternal side, Andrew has another Great-Grandfather as a past member – James McKeough – who joined in 1950.
Both Grandfather Richard and James McKeough were Masters of Lodge Condobolin and then DGIW. Other members of the extended Gavel family have also been members of Lodge Condobolin, including Rex Presser’s grandfather – Alfred, who joined in 1921.
The Gray Legacy: Five Generations of Freemasonry in Weston-Kurri Kurri
The February meeting of Weston-Kurri Kurri Lodge featured a significant event: the Initiation of Brother Hayden James Gray. It marked a continuation of a proud tradition, as Hayden represented the fifth generation of Freemasons in the old Northern Coalfields area of NSW.
Hayden was sponsored into Freemasonry by his grandfather, VW Bro Alan Gray, and his father, W Bro Michael Gray. Sadly, on the evening of his initiation his maternal grandfather, W Bro Graeme Limn (Lodge Weston-Kurri Kurri), could not attend due to serious illness.
The roots of Freemasonry in the Gray family trace back to Hayden’s great-great-grandfather, W Bro Archibald Gray(1858–1940), a member of the St Andrews West Wallsend Lodge.
Additionally, both of Hayden’s paternal great-grandfathers were Freemasons: Bro Archibald James Gray (Lodge Kurri St George) and Bro James ‘Skeeta’ Wilkinson (Lodge Weston). These two lodges eventually merged to form the current Lodge Weston-Kurri Kurri.
Professionally, Hayden is a Senior Executive Officer at Newcastle University. His grandfather Alan, a Freemason for over 70 years, played a significant role in his upbringing. Hayden spent much of his youth assisting Alan in maintaining and setting up the lodge rooms for meetings and functions.
Worshipful Master Ray Leggett commented on Hayden’s initiation, praising his intelligence and commitment. He expressed confidence that Hayden would uphold the masonic values of family and community service, bringing a new energy to the Lodge.
The initiation ceremony was a grand affair, attracting brethren from regions as distant as the Upper Hunter and Central Coast. It was not just a celebration of Hayden’s entry into the Lodge but also a testament to the enduring legacy and community spirit of Freemasonry.
A footnote from WM Ray Leggett provides a glimpse into the wider influence of the Gray family. He shared an anecdote about ‘Skeeta’ Wilkinson ‘Hayden’s great-grandfather, a renowned football player both in the Northern Coalfields and on the national stage. Wilkinson’s football career, spanning 24 seasons with 574 first-class games, earned him a place in the Hunter Region Sporting and Australian Soccer Halls of Fame. His legacy extends beyond Masonry, illustrating the diverse talents and contributions of lodge members.’
Left: Bro Hayden Gray (centre) is congratulated by father W Bro Michael Gray (left) and Grandfather VW Bro Alan Gray (right).
Right: The assembled brethren of Lodge Weston Kurri Kurri on the occasion of Bro Hayden’s initiation.