Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire><br /> <h1 class=The Past Provincial Grand Master

RWBro James Dunsford Hemsley
1927 – 2008

‘Jimmy’ Hemsley, by which first name he was better known and revered throughout East Lancashire and our neighbouring Provinces, died on the 8th August 2008. His funeral took place at St George’s Church, Stockport on Monday August 18th where Sally, Scott, Jane and the rest of the family and friends were supported by an exceptional number of East Lancashire masons to bid him a loving farewell. This was also a fitting opportunity to remember a very special gentleman, who eventually served our Province as one of our most respected Provincial Grand Masters and ME Grand Superintendents, and, following his retirement, was welcomed with open arms wherever he appeared and whose wise counsel was often sought.

At his funeral, following a moving tribute from Scott, our current PGM, Jack Price, gave further acclamation to a fine colleague and fellow leader of the Province. Jack, as a young and relatively inexperienced mason marvelled at Jimmy’s quiet dignity and kindness. As the Director of Ceremonies in the Royal Arch, Jimmy’s ability to encourage so many individuals to work harmoniously together as a team was recognised very early by Jack. This clear ability to serve as a patient and competent leader led Jimmy to many achievements, including appointments to ‘High Office’ in many orders across the masonic spectrum, where he has had the affection of all.

In 1998 Jimmy served as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibility for two of the Manchester Districts, where Jack was a member of the District Team. Jack fondly recalled Jimmy’s leadership style - ‘patient – with a light touch and good humour, which in today’s frenetic and materialistic world is, for all of us, worthy of emulation’.
Jimmy’s appointment to Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent in 1990 was no surprise. Jack recalled Jimmy’s words to him, “there must be others just as qualified as he”. Jack’s own thoughts were simply, ’yes, there are others as qualified and they too would recognise the special talents of Jimmy, who could command loyalty, love and respect from brethren all over the Province, and they would willingly assist in facing the demands of a large Province and meeting the rigours of a rapidly changing world’.

For 9 years Jimmy served the thousands of members of this Province and he brought greater awareness and understanding of the Order to our members and began a new approach of tentatively fashioning an interface between Freemasonry and the public domain. He had the foresight to see that his vision would receive the acceptance of his successors and note that today it is emulated and applauded by the whole of United Grand Lodge of England and beyond.
Sally, his beloved wife, was a constant support to Jimmy throughout his masonic career and she too earned the love and deep respect of everyone she met.

As the current Provincial Grand Master, Jack said he was privileged to have known Jimmy and expressed deep appreciation for his quiet, gentle advice and support. Jimmy’s good humour, kindness and unfailing love of mankind has touched so many of us. Jimmy taught Jack a simple lesson, ‘that to be a good leader doesn’t mean that you have to be the boss of everything – rather encourage and support those around you, in whom you have trusted responsibility’.
Jimmy had an instinctive understanding and friendship with those around him and was loved as a friend, Brother and Companion. We will all cherish fond memories and thank the Great Architect for the gift of knowing such a wonderful man.