posted 26th August 2026
Bro. Neville William James — Boscawen Lodge No. 699
(Speech and Certificate presentation given by W. Bro Alan Odgers PJGD)
The Context of 1976
To put half a century into perspective, we must cast our minds back to the summer of 1976. It was, as many will recall, the famous "scorcher" one of the hottest and driest summers on record in Great Britain, and 50 years on, it has not been much different in 2026. While the nation was sweltering under standpipes and hosepipe bans, Apple Computer was being founded in a garage by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Further notable highlights are; Rocky was making its way to the silver screen and Brotherhood of Man won Eurovision for the UK with "Save Your Kisses for Me."
On Monday, 28th June 1976, while the sun was beating down outside, Bro. Neville James took his first steps into Freemasonry right here in Boscawen Lodge No. 699, (then at Chacewater, before we moved to Truro for 10 years) alongside his brother-in-law, Keith Lomas, in a joint First Degree. A date made even more memorable as it coincided with the 17th birthday of our present Lodge Secretary!
He was subsequently Passed on 26th July 1976 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on 25th October 1976.
A Deep Family Tradition
Neville’s story within the Craft is not just a personal journey, but a true family legacy:
It all began with his father, Joseph Neville James, who served 27 years in the Royal Navy. After joining Sincerity Lodge in Plymouth and relocating to Cornwall to run the Threemilestone Post Office, Joseph joined Boscawen Lodge in 1960. He was a dedicated Mason who went on to serve as Worshipful Master in 1980.
Neville’s elder brother, Terence (Terry), joined in 1967, proposed by their father, and later took the Chair of King Solomon in 1984. Terry moved away with work commitments but it is lovely to see him in the lodge to celebrate his brothers milestone.
When Neville turned 21, it was a family affair: his father proposed him, and his brother Terry seconded him. Neville’s father imparted a simple piece of wisdom early on: "Just concentrate on the Craft and don't worry about anything else." Neville took that advice to heart.
The Masonic roots ran even deeper across the generations: brothers-in-law Keith Lomas, Fred Smaldon, David Cunnick, and Terence Gillingham all joined, followed later by Neville’s nephews, James and Andrew Lomas.
Service to the Lodge & Community
Neville served as Steward for many years, in those days we used to have at least 6 stewards each year, before taking on the vital role of Charity Steward in 1984, and later Inner Guard in 1986. While he chose to step back from the progressive Officers' chain to focus on his strengths, his contribution to the Lodge and the wider Province proved immense.
When Boscawen Lodge moved to St Mary’s House in Truro, in 1980 until 1990, Neville stepped forward as a key representative on the St Mary’s House Field Committee alongside the late Tony Burrows and Malcolm Bray. Together with representatives from Fortitude and Phoenix Lodges, they worked tirelessly for local charities, including local hospitals, the Guide Dogs, and the Royal Cornwall Baby Care Unit.
Whether it was running the popular Summer Fairs in Paul Bennett’s fields, organising inter-lodge gig racing off Loe Beach, or paddling in sponsored canoe events from Boscawen Park down to Loe Beach, Neville was always at the heart of community effort and fundraising.
Presentation
Bro. Neville, your 50 years of membership embody the very finest principles of our Order: quiet dedication, brotherhood, charity, and strong family values.
On behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of England, and every Brother present tonight, we thank you for your half-century of loyalty to Boscawen Lodge No. 699, and we present you with your 50-Year Certificate.
