posted 11th October 2026
Members of Towan Lodge No. 7684 have gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone as Worshipful Brother Richard Edwin "Eddie" Martin, PProvJGW, was formally presented with a special certificate marking half a century of dedicated service to Freemasonry.
The presentation, delivered by A Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master; V. W. Bro Peter Roberts who paid tribute to a lifetime defined by hard work, humility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to both the Masonic fraternity and the wider Cornish community.
A Cornish Life Built on Hard Work and Service
Born in Pool on 20th May 1943, Eddie moved with his family to Lanner at just six weeks old, spending his formative years in the heart of Cornwall. In 1966, he moved to Newquay, a town that would become central to both his family life and career. It was in Newquay in 1975 that he married his wife, Sally (known affectionately to the Masonic community as "Sal"). Together, Eddie and Sal built a strong life in the area, eventually settling in Bedowan Meadows, Tretherras.
Mechanically minded from a young age, Eddie trained as a motor mechanic, mastering a trade built on precision, practical skill, and problem-solving. His reputation for reliability led him to establish and own his own garage in Quintrell Downs in 1997. After successfully running the business for over a decade, he planned to step back into a well-earned retirement in 2008. However, staying active proved essential for Eddie. Turning retirement into semi-retirement, at 83 years young he continues to serve his local community by working four mornings a week at a local garage, carrying out MOT inspections.
A Historic Start in 1976
Eddie’s Masonic journey began when he crossed the threshold of Towan Lodge No. 7684 in Newquay, proposed for membership by Bro. E. L. P. Reynolds and seconded by Bro. D. Needham. He was initiated into Freemasonry on 6th May 1976 by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Clarance Sydney Cock, assisted by Senior Warden Bro. Eldred Leonard Percy Reynolds and Junior Warden Bro. George Hutton McNaught.
The year 1976 was a historic backdrop for his initiation:
National Politics: Harold Wilson resigned as Prime Minister in March, leading to James Callaghan taking office at 10 Downing Street.
Aviation History: January saw Concorde make its first commercial supersonic flights from London Heathrow and Paris.
Popular Culture: The UK endured a famous summer heatwave while bands like Queen and Heatwave topped the charts.
Everyday Life: Average UK house prices hovered around £12,700, petrol was 76p a gallon (16p per litre), milk was 9p a pint, and a pub pint of beer cost just 32p!
Demonstrating incredible dedication, Eddie completed all three initial ceremonies in under seven months. He was Passed to the Second Degree on 4th November 1976 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on 3rd December 1976.
Rising Through the Ranks & Leadership
Eddie steadily advanced through the progressive offices of Towan Lodge, serving in the stewards' ranks and as Inner Guard before being appointed - Junior Deacon: 1987, Senior Deacon: 1988, Junior Warden: 1989 and Senior Warden: 1990.
On 7th February 1991, Eddie reached the pinnacle of Craft Masonry when he was installed into the Chair of King Solomon as Worshipful Master of Towan Lodge No. 7684 by W. Bro. Allen Gouge. He ruled the Lodge with distinction for a full year before installing his successor on 5th February 1992 and stepping into the role of Immediate Past Master. In the decades following his Mastership, Eddie remained a cornerstone of Towan Lodge. He continued to give his time and wisdom to vital roles, including serving as Lodge Charity Steward (2017–2018), Lodge Mentor (2018–2022) guiding the next generation of brethren, and returning as Inner Guard (2023–2025), a testament to his willingness to serve in any capacity regardless of rank.
Beyond Craft Masonry, Eddie expanded his Masonic exploration across several companion orders, joining Trevaunance Chapter No. 4668 in the Royal Arch, Carnanton Mark Lodge No. 1028, and Fortitude Lodge No. 78 in the Royal Ark Mariners.
Detailed Honours from the Province of Cornwall
In recognition of his tireless commitment and service to Towan Lodge and the wider organisation, the Province of Cornwall has bestowed high honours upon W. Bro. Eddie Martin on four distinct occasions:
Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon (PProvJGD) — 1998: First appointed to Provincial rank seven years after completing his term as Master, acknowledging his active work supporting the Lodge and executive offices across the region.
Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works (PProvGSuptWks) — 2012: Promoted in recognition of his ongoing technical and administrative contributions to the maintenance and running of Masonic affairs in Cornwall.
Past Provincial Grand Registrar (PProvGReg) — 2019: Awarded a senior executive Provincial rank for his long-standing leadership, mentorship, and procedural guidance.
Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden (PProvJGW) — Invested in 2026: Invested with one of the highest active senior ranks within the Province of Cornwall, celebrating his 50th year milestone and half a century of active devotion.
A Half-Century of Loyalty and Brotherhood
W. Bro. Eddie Martin’s 50 years in Freemasonry stand as a testament to steadfast loyalty, hard work, and true fraternity. Presenting the 50-year certificate with deep admiration, representatives from the Province and Towan Lodge expressed heartfelt gratitude to Eddie for his half-century of service, wishing both him and his wife Sal many more happy, active, and healthy years ahead in Newquay.
