Taking a few moments to ‘Google’ the events surrounding the 18th March 1976 is both evocative and emotive when looking at the world fifty years ago today. The word Google did not exist back then, but then again neither did the internet. Harold Wilson was about to resign as Prime Minister. Across the pond, Jimmy Carter was gaining momentum for the forthcoming Presidential Election. A young, upcoming film director was just four days from starting principal photography on an ambitious film concept whose premise was set around a ‘space opera’ which would be known as Star Wars! The Four Seasons were at number one in the US charts with ‘Oh What a Night!’ while in the UK, Tina Charles was at number one, waxing lyrical about just how much her baby just loves to dance.
At various homes and business premises, the officers and brethren of West Ham Abbey Lodge would undoubtedly have been going about their usual last-minute processes of preparing to welcome their newest Initiate to Freemasonry. Finishing work early and dashing off to the Piccadilly Hotel on the Strand, a young(ish) telecommunications executive was eagerly waiting to take his first regular step in Freemasonry.
It must have gone well, because 50 years on, Mike remains as active a Freemason as he was on the day of his Initiation. He remains modest in his estimations of how many orders he holds membership, ‘Oooh about ten different orders…’, but I’ve counted at least 12. And that’s without the multiple units of each order to which he remains a subscribing member. His masonic CV reads like a treasure trove of accolades, milestones, and most importantly to Mike, service. Worshipful Master of West Ham Abbey Lodge 3 times, First Principal of the chapter FIVE times! The Covid hiatus has led to a unique incidence of serving as MEZ for four consecutive years, which will simply never be replicated. He is proud of being our lodge’s DC for 9 years. Secretary for 17 years while also concurrently serving as Treasurer, Scribe Ezra, and other vital roles in lodges, chapters, preceptories, and every other masonic gathering. He is a Grand Officer in KT and HRA KTP and was lovingly dubbed the nickname Mike the Knight by the catering team at Upminster Masonic Hall.
In 2024, Mike was asked to serve as Master of his Mark Lodge (Mark of Industry Lodge No.1413) in celebration of their half-century, as well as the First Principal of West Ham Abbey Chapter where we celebrated 100 years of uninterrupted Royal Arch Masonry; both in the same year. His attendance in all of his units is still impeccable even in his 88th year, and his ability to deliver fine ceremony remains as effortless as I have ever seen in the 27 years that I have known him. It was hardly surprising that when we asked if he would see in his 50th year as Master of West Ham Abbey Lodge, his response was, ‘It would be an honour!’
In celebration of Mike’s long and diligent service, West Ham Abbey Lodge will be welcoming the Worshipful Assistant Provincial Grand Master – W. Bro. Elliott Chevin at our next meeting on Friday 8th May 2026 where a presentation in recognition of Mike’s long service will be made. If you would like to come along to celebrate the achievement, please get in touch to request a summons using either our contact section or by emailing secretary@westhamabbey.org.uk . It would be really wonderful for Mike to share the evening with you!