posted 10th April 2025
W.Bro. Keith Wheeler was born on 17th October 1948 at the aptly named “Lying in Wait” Maternity Hospital in Westminster, London. At 14, he moved to St Austell, Cornwall, where he would go on to build a distinguished career and Masonic legacy.
Keith began his professional life with the Inland Revenue, serving as a Valuation Officer until his early retirement at 50. Demonstrating exceptional dedication, he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor through home study while working full-time. Following retirement, he successfully built and managed his own property business.
Keith was initiated into Peace and Harmony Lodge No. 496 on 11th February 1975, proposed by his father-in-law, W.Bro. Percy White. He was passed in April and raised in May of the same year. He first attained the Chair of King Solomon in 1987 and again in 2007. Always ready to serve, Keith has continued to support the Lodge by stepping into the Wardens’ chairs when needed and currently serves as Senior Warden.
His Masonic journey has been marked by steady progression: he was promoted to PPGStB in 1994, PPGSuptWks in 2001, PPGReg in 2008, and PPJGW in 2015. Keith was exalted into Mount Edgcumbe Royal Arch Chapter in 1978 and advanced into the Mark Degree in 2009, later serving as Master of St Austell Mark Lodge in 2016.
One of Keith’s most impactful contributions was spearheading the conversion of the premises adjoining the St Austell Lodge into two flats. These have provided vital ongoing revenue for the upkeep of the Lodge and continue to benefit Freemasonry in the area.
Congratulations to W.Bro. Keith Wheeler on a lifetime of service and dedication to the Craft.
