Famous Palmerston North Freemasons - James Nash

James Alfred Nash (1928)

MWBro James Alfred Nash CBE, PGM

Born 17th July, 1871 - Died 24th July, 1952

Initiated in The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge in 1898 and installed as Master in 1904.He was honoured by Grand Lodge in 1905 as Grand Pursuivant, 1907 as Grand Director of Ceremonies. In 1907 James was installed as Master again with the promise of great things to come. Immediately after the installation he convened a special meeting at which it was unanimously decided to proceed with the erection of a Lodge room on land once owned by the Lodge.

In 1912 he became Senior Grand Warden, 1934 Past Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Master 1940-1946, Past Deputy Grand Master in 1946 and Past Grand Master in 1951.

Awarded his 50 year service badge in 1948 he was made an Honorary Life member in 1949.

In 1952 it was resolved to erect a brass plaque in memory of this great man.

At the age of 13 Jimmy as he was known, went to work for Nathan’s Ready Money Store. He later became manager and eventually bought the business opening branches in Bunnythorpe and Levin and a second shop in Palmerston North’s Coleman Place. On 14th February 1895 James Nash married Elizabeth Lily Grater (nee Keogh) at St Andrews Church, Palmerston North; they were to have two sons.

In 1907 he sold his shops and became a valuer, estate and insurance agent with D.J.Lovelock, a partnership which was to last over 40 years

A keen sportsman, he played cricket and bowls. President of the P.N. Bowling club he was skip of the P.N. four which won the first national championship for the centre.

His civic and community work was extensive and gave the following years of service:

• Terrace End School Committee 20 years
• High Schools Board 20 years
• Member of the Hospital Board for 40 years and Chairman 1923-1927 & 1933-1936
• Member of the Foxton Harbour Board for 40 years
• Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman of the Manawatu Kairanga River Board
• 15 years service to the Fire Board
• Founded the Manawatu Gorge Board of Control
• Member and Chairman of the Manawatu Oroua Power Board
• 9 years President of the Manawatu Patriotic Board
• Vice-President of the A. & P. Association for 14 years
• Chairman of the District Nursing Guild for 15 years
•16 years President of the Municipal Band
• Chairman of the Manawatu Building Society for several years.

  

MWBro Nash PGM

James Nash was Mayor of Palmerston North from 1908 to 1923. 

He was a Member of Parliament from 1918 to 1935.