Very Eminent Knight Donald Jowett, P.Gt.2nd.Const.
28 April 1933 – 9 April 2017
On 9th April 2017, the Provincial Priory learned of the sad passing of Very Eminent Knight Donald Jowett.
Don was a very popular and most respected Freemason in our Province.
Initiated in 1972 into Hexham Priory Lodge No 6318, he was its Master in 1982.
He subsequently also joined Epicure Lodge No 9618 and the Northumbrian Masters Lodge No 3477, acting as Master of each in 2006 and 2013 respectively.
Recognised by Grand Lodge for his devotion to the Craft, he was appointed to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1999, before promotion to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2008.
In the Royal Arch, he was a member of the Albert Edward Chapter No 1557 and was its First Principal in 1994.
He was also a member and Past First Principal of the Northumbrian First Principals Chapter No 3477. The Supreme Grand Chapter appointed him to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer in 2003.
In the Knight Templar Order, Don joined the St Wilfred of Hexham Preceptory No 461 in 1983, acting as its Preceptor in 1993. In addition, he was a member and Preceptor of the Northumbria Guards Preceptory No 600 and a Founder member of the Grand Master’s Preceptory No 678 in London. He was a very active Northumbrian Knight and, after many years as our Provincial Vice-Chancellor, he was, for ten years, the Sub Prior of the Provincial Priory of Northumberland.
In recognition of his devotion to the Templar Order, he was appointed by Great Priory to the rank of Past Deputy Great Sword Bearer before subsequent promotion to Past Great Herald and, eventually, to Past Great Second Constable – one of the highest ranks attainable in our Constitution.
One of his greatest achievements came in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine where he was the Right Illustrious Intendent General for Northumberland and Durham from 2001 until his retirement in 2012.
In recognition of his services he was awarded the honour and dignity of Knight Commander of Constantine in 2008.
Holding Grand Rank in several other sovereign masonic Orders – Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons; Grand Manciple in the Royal and Select Masters; Past Grand Sword Bearer in the Allied Masonic Degrees and Grand Inner Sentinel in the Knights Beneficent of the Holy City, Don was an exemplar of masonic dedication and service and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Kevin Stannard
Provincial Prior