Joe Sanderson Celebrates 60 Years

The faithful lodge of Durham celebrated Worshipful Brother Joe Sanderson’s 60th year in the Freemasonry. Here in Birtley, him and his brother were both initiated into the Lodge of Fidelity on the same day in 1964, but Mr Sanderson was enticed two years before he was initiated into the Lodge of Fidelity (7237) by his older brother, a member of the lodge.

Sadly, Joe lost his wife on their 62nd anniversary, and he is well looked after by his two daughters who know that Freemasonry is the most important thing in his life now.

The ritual is what intrigued Joe to stay and the more he heard it, the better it got. It took Joe 16 years in the masons to become Worshipful Master (W.M.), but he had no doubts about wanting to become W.M. and leaving “the chair” was a huge anti-climax, as one day you are nobody and then suddenly he became treasurer for 10 years and then Director of Ceremonies (D.C.) for another 10 years!

When asked about the biggest change in the Freemasonry, Joe felt it was the lack of candidates for initiation and the lack of experience of the incoming masters. In the 1980’s and 90’s, all the Birtley lodges had over 100 members each; it wasn’t uncommon for there to be two rows of extra chairs upstairs for the ceremonies. However, the reduction in lodge membership means it is easier to get to know all the members. Joe feels there is a better sense of friendship now than there was 20 years ago.

Joe’s favourite memory in Freemasonry was becoming W.M. again (without a doubt), knowing his term as W.M. would coincide with his 60th year anniversary. Joe planned for that evening to be memorable to not only him but to those who attended. He was determined because he has only seen a 60th anniversary once before.

Apart from the Freemasons, Joe loves small aircraft and has enjoyed many flights in 2-4 seated planes, including an RAF jet fighter). His grandson also shares this interest and has recently bought a two-seated sports aircraft and is almost a qualified pilot. With an ambition to cross the channel to France, Joe plans to navigate his grandson as he lives his dream.