MEN WHO HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE BUILDING UP OF A LIVING BROTHERHOOD

Thanks are extended to Brother Mick Walker for the submission of this article

BROTHER JOHN WILSON, R.O.H.

There are many men in our Order who can claim the title of pioneer but few (if any) can do so in the knowledge that they have been pioneers whilst holding every major office in the Grand Lodge of England.

Below is such a man, a man amongst men, he led from the front when the Order was going through difficult times and it is a tribute to his strength of character that one can recall with pride the part he played in the building up of a living Brotherhood.

Brother John Wilson, R.O.H.

At the Grand Lodge Meeting at the Albert Hotel Nottingham, at which the installation of Bro. J. T. Davies as Grand Primo 1913 was held, there was a keen contest for the Office of Deputy Grand Primo. The Nominees being Bro.’s F. Earley, F. Stephens, G. C. Storry, G. Sumner, S. Willis and J. Wilson. The result was that Bro. John Wilson was elected.

On the 31st January 1914, at the Albert Hotel, Nottingham. Bro. John Wilson was installed as Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of England. April 20 1914, his colleagues of the Northumberland and North East Durham Province gave a Complimentary Banquet in his honour at Newcastle upon Tyne.

It was during an engagement at Plymouth that Bro. John heard of War having been declared. The Grand lodge of England was among the first to come forward to the assistance of our Country. A great coincidence occurred at the October meeting, as the death at the hotel of a Brother delegate, took up most of the time of the Grand Primo and the Grand Secretary, they had no opportunity to discuss any business prior to the meeting. From the Chair Bro. John introduced the idea of motor ambulances. The remarkable thing was that the Grand Secretary Bro. Billy Rose R.O.H informed the meeting that he had also thought of this, and had as a matter of fact come prepared with plans for the building of ambulances, and many details in connection therewith.

The first Ambulances purchased by the Order and donated to the Army established a new idea so far as ambulances for active service were concerned, and a copy of the design was immediately taken up by the War Office. Brother John also holds the distinction of being the only Brother of the Order to be presented with an Ambulance jewel as the founder of the Ambulance Scheme. This jewel hangs with pride in the RAOB GLE Museum at Harrogate. It must also be pointed out that the idea of ambulances also came from the S. W. Surrey Province. A Total of 18 were donated to the War Office.

Bro. John Wilson did a wonderful amount of good during his year of office. No trouble was too great, and no effort too much if he could do something to assist in the progress of the Order, and he took a leading part in endeavoring to collect as much money as possible for the benefit of those who were suffering so much at the front.

Bro. John is the only brother of the Order who held all five Senior Offices.  They were as follows:

Deputy Grand Primo    1913
Grand Primo                 1914
Grand Trustee from      1920 to 1929
Grand Secretary from   1929 to 1947
Grand Treasurer from   1948 to 1949

Further research shows that Bro. John was a native of South Shields and became a Councilor for the Holborn Ward in South Shields in 1907 and was made an Alderman of the Borough in 1927. He represented this Ward all during his career as a Councilor. His history is traced back as far as 1907, when he lived at 118 Broughton Road, running a Grocery Shop, (in 1904 this grocery shop was not owned by him) trading as J & G. E. Wilson. In 1909 this had changed into a Beer Sales Shop, or as we know them today an Off Licence.

1913/14 he was still living at 118 Broughton Road, still trading as J. & G. E. Wilson Beer Retailers (Off Licence). His council Work included being on the following Committees, Town Improvement, Watch, Parks & Cemeteries, Electrical, and Local Pensions.

1915/16 he had opened another Beer Sales at 137 Commercial Road, and had added to his Committees the Standing Orders, and Asylum Visitors. 1920 saw him as Licensee of the Newcastle House Inn at No. 2 Wapping Street and living at No 28 Meldron Terrace still with the Beer Sales at  Commercial Road. He had also added the Market and Quays Committee to his numerous other civic committees.

1922 in the Spring Parliamentary Electoral Roll he was registered, still at 28 Meldron Terrace, also his wife Sarah Ann Wilson.

1923 the Spring Parliamentary Electoral Roll still had them both at 28, Meldron Terrace, but the Autumn Electoral Rolls did not show Sarah Ann as being a resident at either address. As he had Premises in two wards in the town, he was at that time, allowed two votes in the Parliamentary Elections, one for each address.

1926 still living in Meldron Terrace he took the Licence of the Alexandra Hotel at No. 12 Queen Street, as well as the Newcastle House Inn, and the Beer Sales at 137 Commercial Road.

1928 Bro. John was made Mayor of South Shields, and by this time I think a widower, as his niece Mrs. James Allan helped to make for him, as his Lady Mayoress a very successful year of Office.

Still living at 28 Meldron Terrace, but now John Wilson Junior was of voting age and living with his father.

1932 John Wilson Junior was the Occupier of 28 Meldron Terrace. John Wilson R.O.H was at this time living in Harrogate, at 73, Skipton Road.

Brother John Wilson was made a Freeman of the City of London and the following is an account of the honour conferred upon him.

BROTHER JOHN WILSON, FREEMAN OF LONDON

The Freedom of the City of London was conferred upon Bro. John Wilson, R.O.H. P.G.P. (Eng,), for services rendered to his country and to the Order of Buffaloes.

He received intimation that his name had been submitted to the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, who had considered his work and desired to publicly recognise it.     Others to receive the distinction with Bro, Wilson included the following: Arthur Cecil Tyrrell Beck, Esq., M.P. (Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service); The Right Hon. Sir Alexander Porter, Lord Mayor of Manchester; The Right Hon. Alderman Arthur David Brooks, Lord, Mayor of Birmingham; The Right Hon. Sir George Lunn, J.P., Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne; Sir Harold Elverston, M.P., Sir Cyril Jackson, K.B.E. (Chairman L.C.C., 1915) ; His Worship the Mayor of Derby (Edward James Hulse, Esq., J.P.); His Worship the Mayor of Warrington (Peter Peacock, Esq., J.P.): James Edward Bedford, Esq. (Lord Mayor of Leeds, 1914-15).

“Sir” John was accompanied by his colleagues who had previously received the honour, the party arriving at the Guildhall at 10.30. They were received by the Lord Mayor, Sir Louis Newton, High Sheriff, Major Richard Rigg, T.D., Worshipful Master and the members of the High Court.

It was indeed a most imposing ceremony and when we state the ceremony started at 10.30 and was not concluded until after 5 o’clock, the only interval being luncheon, it will be recognised that the proceedings are not hurried over.

A signal honour was paid Bro. Wilson at the luncheon, presided over by the Lord Mayor, he being chosen with Arthur Cecil Tyrrel Beck, M.P., Sec. Min. Nat. Service, to reply to the toast of the new Freeman, and right well did he acquit himself, receiving well deserved applause at the conclusion of his speech.

It was a memorable occasion. The Lord Mayors of Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle and the Mayors of Derby and Warrington, all in their robes and insignia of office, and set off with effect in the great gilded chamber of the Guildhall.

Our brother must indeed have felt a proud man, and there can be no question that he has worthily deserved the honour he has received.

Bro. Frank Fleming, K.O.M., who had journeyed from Newcastle to convey the congratulations of his Province, met the new Freeman at the Hotel Russel, and, if report speaks true, celebrated the occasion in a fitting manner.

At the P.G.L. meeting in Newcastle on the following Wednesday Bro. John had a splendid reception, in fact, an ovation, and who will say he has not deserved the great distinction he has received?

The following is the speech made by Major Richard Rigg, T.D., Ex High Sheriff, Cumberland, Worshipful Master Feltmakers Company, and the reply of Bro. Wilson.

Major Richard Rigg, T.D., B.A. (Cantab) J.P., Commissioner of the National War Savings Committee, who is Master of the Feltmakers Company, proposed the election of Councilor John Wilson, and in the course of his remarks said: Councilor John Wilson has been closely associated with all patriotic, philanthropic, athletic, and municipal movements. He became a member of the R.A.O.B. in 1891 and his organising and administrative ability soon made itself felt, and he in due time became head of the Northumberland and North East Durham Province, he became a member of the Grand Lodge of England in 1904, Deputy Grand Primo in 1913, and Grand Primo of England in 1914. When war broke out, his active brain was at once occupied with the consideration of the best means of furthering the patriotic cause. He was the originator of the movement for the provision by the Order of Ambulances for the front, 12 Ambulances having been up to date supplied at an aggregate cost of £6,000. He is a Director of the R.A.O.B. Orphanage, taking an especial interest in the fund to assist orphan children on leaving school. A keen sportsman, he was for some time Chairman of the South Shields Football Club. He has been a member of the South Shields Corporation since 1907, and has done splendid service on various committees.   He is an able speaker, a keen debater, a consistent, earnest and conscientious worker, whose opinion in committee is always respected, and whose high personal character evokes universal regard

Reply of Bro. Councilor John Wilson, of South Shields : Worshipful Master, Members of this Court, and Gentlemen, I feel it a difficult task to express in appropriate and adequate terms my thanks for the honour you have conferred upon me today.

I take it that you have not only honoured me today, but am proud and pleased to think that in doing so, you have conferred an honour on the town which claims me as a native and a member of its Municipal Council.

Bearing that thought in mind, it may not be considered inappropriate if I — now no longer a stranger within your gates — should say a few words regarding my native town, South Shields

Although its history proclaims it to be a place of antiquity, South Shields, as it stands today, is more or less a town of modern growth, and although its Charter of Constitution as a Borough only dates back to the year 1850, one must dip into a very remote period — to the time of the Roman occupation — to trace its origin.

The birthplace of a King — King Oswin of Northumberland — and the site of a Roman City, it owes its present position, however, to neither of these, but to its, commanding situation at the mouth of the River Tyne.

It has become an important seat of industry and the home of busy workers, where at this moment, along with its sister Borough of Tynemouth, sentinel watch is kept over the harbour entrance and rock bound coast against attacks of our enemy of to day.

It takes its name from the primitive huts or ‘sheels’ which were scattered over its site in the olden days, and we have for our motto — ‘Always Ready’ — the most appropriate words which could be given to the birthplace of the lifeboat.

From the date when it obtained its Charter in 1850 the story of South Shields has been one of advancement and progress. Within recent years costly street improvements have been carried out, the public health and sanitation markedly improved, and unrivalled Marine Parks provided at the sea front for the recreation and enjoyment of the inhabitants and visitors. The tramways and electrical undertakings of the Corporation, are numbered amongst the most successful in the country and the recently erected Municipal Buildings are but a few instances of our local enterprise.

I represent here to day, also, a shipping community. The life of the town is inseparably bound up with the sea and our River Tyne, and no port around the coast can lay claim to a more honourable name.

True to its motto — ‘Always Ready’ — it has ever been ready to render service in case of shipwreck or disaster; whilst the words ‘Courage, Humanity, Commerce’ on its Coat of Arms represent all that is best and dearest in the traditions of the British sailor.

If I were to give a pen picture of the River Tyne at South Shields. I might compare it to what the Pool below London Bridge was before the great Docks were opened down the river, but it is said that the Thames lacks the picturesque ness which attaches to the Tyne, where it broadens out before it pours its water, into the North Sea. Be that as it may or not, South Shields is a flourishing seaport on whose river can be seen ships and shipping in all its varied scenes and characteristics.

The present war has, however, changed the scene, and today we do not see the busy scenes which we were once accustomed to witness.

In keeping with other towns South Shields has sent her sons to the Navy and Army, and whilst it would be invidious to give numbers, as a matter of comparison, I venture to say that it has done its duty to the full in sending sailors and soldiers to defend our island home and national honour. Unfortunately, with others, we have had to count the cost — between two and three thousand of our gallant townsmen have paid the supreme sacrifice.

War charities of various descriptions have been established and supported, one, of which I would like to mention that is, a fund for the Relief of Seamen interned in Germany.

On the outbreak of war, large numbers of shipmasters, officers, sailors and firemen sailing out of the Tyne, were taken from their ships in German ports and interned as prisoners of war. This fund was first inaugurated by the South Shields Gazette after receiving a statement from an American citizen, who had been interned in Ruhleben, of the terrible privations of the men interned there.

It took the form of a shilling subscription fund in order that all classes might have an opportunity of subscribing to the relief of their fellow townsmen. Up to the present nearly 100,000 shillings have been subscribed, almost exclusively by South Shields people. Three parcels are sent out each fortnight to every prisoner of war on our list, and twice a year supplies of clothing and boots.

A few of the aged men who have been released from Ruhleben have stated that without these gifts the men would almost start. The cost of the fund is approximately £60 per week, with a tendency to increase under present conditions.

Well, gentlemen, I have spoken of South Shields and some of its work, but I would prefer to leave others to speak of my work. Suffice it, to say that during the ten years I have been a member of the Town Council, I have given my close attention and warm support to all projects for advancement and progress. As Vice Chairman of the Parks Committee, I have taken great interest in the works of the Parks and the development of the sea front. During the 26 years I have been a member of the Society of the R.A.O.B. I have ever worked for its advancement.

Gentlemen, for what little I have done in the spheres of public life and work with which I have been connected, the honour you have done me today is a splendid reward, and one that any man might be proud of.

I may be privileged in the years to come to devote myself to still further self allotted tasks for the welfare of the community. The sacrifice of time and labour involved in carrying out these duties is leavened by the sweet and consoling thought that one has the appreciation of his fellowmen, and it inspires confidence in pursuing the path of duty which is the path of safety.

In conclusion I desire to express my most sincere and grateful thanks to you, Worshipful Master, for so kindly submitting my name for approval, and to you, the Members of the Honourable Court of Feltmakers, for my election as Freeman and Liveryman of this the most important city of our Empire.

I assure you most sincerely today’s ceremony and the way in which you have honoured me, will remain with me one of the proudest and pleasantest memories of my life.

Information by a Brother of the South Shields Province tells that Bro. John was at one time the landlord of the Earl Grey Public House in Station Road, South Shields. However, no confirmation of this has been uncovered.

Bro. John passed quietly to the Grand Lodge above on May 10 1952, at 73, Skipton Road, Harrogate and the following speech was made to a hushed audience by Bro. Mervyn Payne at the 1952 Blackpool Convention.

Brother John Wilson, R.O.H. - AN APPRECIATION

No duty that has fallen upon me during the years of my service at Grand Lodge has aroused in my heart such feelings of emotion as I am now experiencing and my grief at the loss of my old friend and colleague is the more poignant by reason of the fact that I was unable through illness, to be with him at the end or to pay my last respects to his memory before his physical remains were committed to the grave.

He was the embodiment of all those qualities which have lifted the Order from its early obscurity to the honourable place it occupies in the life of the Nation to day.

He believed in buffaloism. He believed in Brotherhood. He believed in these things with an urgent faith and with a zeal and fervour that gained strength as he applied them to his work. It coloured his life and actions. It biased his approach to social problems. His way of life from the day of his initiation can be said to have been planned with one end in view. He was conscious of the potential power for good possessed in our tenets. Knowing, as he did from personal experience in his early days how much unnecessary suffering was caused in the world by “man’s inhumanity to man” he set himself to make our Order an instrument that was to free the peoples of the world from the illusion of personal security and bring them to a knowledge and belief in the wider and more firm security that can be achieved by accepting the responsibilities of brotherhood and rejoicing in the spiritual victory over self that such an acceptance entails.

There was only one John Wilson; he was more than a member of the Order; he was for many years its inspiration. He was more than a Grand Secretary; he was the living example by which we set our course on the sea of our endeavour. He was almost the last of the small band of pioneers who, a half century ago envisaged the possibilities of welding the forces of brotherhood into an organised Machine for softening the misery and suffering that inevitably followed illness or death in the families of our people. The birth of all our present day benevolent schemes and the birth and passing of those which served their day and generation such as our Orphanages was due to the vision, energy and faith with which they pursued their objective.

The men who inspired these things have passed on; the work they brought into being remains with us, prospers and expands as we develop the ideas they fostered. The name of John Wilson, and those who were his close associates and co workers, will live in the joy they created in their lifetime.

John was, in spite of his great natural ability, a simple man in all things. Direct in his dealing with all men he scorned to take advantage of another’s weakness and rejected without hesitation any proposal that he might shelter himself against the many storms which blew over him as his dynamic personality made its mark in our deliberations.

He was first initiated into the Order at the General Gordon Lodge No. 109 in 1891 and within two years had reached such a stage in the regard of his fellows that he was elected Secretary of the Northumberland and North East Durham Province. He became their delegate to Grand Lodge in 1904 and, with one single exception, attended every Grand Lodge meeting up to the date of his protracted illness in 1948.

The last time he spoke at Grand Lodge was at York last year when, as many of you will remember, his appearance at our March meeting was greeted by a spontaneous ovation that spoke volumes for the place he held in our hearts.

He was elected Deputy Grand Primo of England in 1913 and occupied the office of Grand Primo in 1914, the year of the first world war. With characteristic energy he threw all his great power and ability into an effort to provide ambulances for use on the battle fields of Europe and there were few places in Great Britain that did not hear and respond to the power of his great oratory in those dark and fearsome days.

It was he who, at the Swansea Convention in 1915, moved the motion that resulted in the formation of an Executive for the Order and he remained a member of that body until he was asked to take the position of Grand Secretary in 1929 on the death of that other great pioneer, Bro. Billy Rose.

In the eighteen years he held that office the Order took tremendous steps forward and emerged finally as the strongest, most powerful and most useful unit of buffaloism, in existence.

In public life honours came easily to him. He could have achieved almost any position in Local Government had he decided to follow his early leanings in that direction.

He was Mayor of South Shields for 1927/28 and he was made a Freeman of the City of London.

As a comparatively young man he was interested in Masonry and became a member of the Tyne Dock Lodge of which he was a Past Master.

All these things, however, had to give place to Buffaloism which he judged to be nearer the heart of men and whilst we deplore his passing from our ranks we can still thank God that he was permitted to live and to give his life in our service.

Many years ago, in an idle moment, I wrote a verse about him that arose from a talk we had been having as to the hereafter. I passed the verse across the table to him and he cherished it as a vision of the things he would love to have come true.

These are the words:

     “Some day old Father Time will come and take our John.
    His labours done.
    Then, in the great Grand Lodge above, A million Buffaloes will acclaim,
    the coming of our John; and then,
    Our John will start his work again”.

And that is how I like to leave him. Happy and serene in the knowledge that he would be met by friends on the other side and that he, too, will be watching with a welcoming smile, those of us who were his friends on earth and who go forward to meet him in the great unknown beyond the veil.

The picture below shows Brother John Wilson resplendent in his Grand Primo's regalia. Very few pictures of him wearing his regalia exist (at least not that I can find), this particular picture has been scanned from a picture postcard that is on display in the RAOB Museum, Harrogate.