Eminent Knight John Lambert Stokell, P.Gt.Her.
18 December 1940 – 15 February 2016
A couple of days before the start of the New Year, the Provincial Priory learned that E Kt John Lambert Stokell had, at the age of 89 years, been called to Higher Service by our Great Captain.
Known far and wide throughout the Province of Northumberland by his middle name, Lambert was a dedicated Freemason and Knight Templar, a remarkably witty raconteur and a perfect gentleman.
He had been initiated into Freemasonry in Harbour Lodge No 6392 in February 1956, though the Lodge was, sadly, erased in 1998. Taking the Master’s Chair in 1965, he was first appointed as the Acting Provincial Grand Registrar in 1975, before promotion, ultimately, to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1980. After the closure of Harbour Lodge he joined Priory Lodge No 1863 and was its Master in 2002.
Also a member and Past Master of the Northumbrian Masters Lodge No 3477, he delivered his Inaugural Lecture, “An Enigma of Symbolism”, on attaining the Chair in March 1996.
First appointment in Grand Lodge, in 1983, to Past Grand Standard Bearer was followed by promotion to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2002.
In the Royal Arch, he was exalted in Thomas Purvis Chapter No 2327 in 1958, acting as its First Principal in 1970. Later joining the Northumbrian First Principals Chapter No 3477, he was its First Principal in 1989, as well as being a Founder and First Principal of Seaton Delaval Chapter No 4617 in 1981 and 1983 respectively.
He was ultimately promoted in Provincial Grand Chapter to become the Acting Second Provincial Grand Principal in 1993, with corresponding high rank in Supreme Grand Chapter as Past Assistant Grand Sojourner in 1994.
In the Knight Templar Order, he was installed a Knight in Chibburn Preceptory No 232 in February 1973; acted as Preceptor in 1985 and later joined the Prior’s Haven Preceptory No 522. In Provincial Priory he became the Acting Provincial Vice-Chancellor and was consequently accorded Great Priory rank as Past Deputy Great Sword Bearer in 1994 before promotion to Past Great Herald in 2015.
A member and Past Sovereign of the St Oswald Chapter Rose Croix No 300 in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, he was a holder of the 32nd Degree.
The Provincial Priory is sad to report the loss of such a distinguished servant to our Order and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Kevin Stannard
Provincial Prior