The Manawatu Freemason

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 mana...

Bro Hamish Tavener, Helen Johnson, WBro Andrew Neilson In conjunction with  Freemasons New Zealand and  The Freemasons Charity's ongoing support of  Special Olympics New Zealand at a National level,  The Manawatu Kilwinning Charitable Trust donated $10,000 to the Manawatu Branch of Special Olympics NZ . This  donation was to support the local branch and its 7 athletes currently in training for the World Summer Games in Germany. Freemasons New Zealand was the Naming Sponsor of Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games in Hamilton in December of 2022, and The Freemasons Charity along with Lodges nationally donated over $300,000 and many hours of volunteer time to the event. The Manawatu Kilwinning Charitable Trust was formed in 2008 as a natural continuation of The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge's Benevolent Fund, which has been active in charitable giving since 1885. The ceremonial presentation was m...