W.Bro. Jim Steven was initiated into Grace Dieu Lodge No.2428 on Thursday 9th December 1976, Passed on 14th April 1977 and Raised on 10th November 1977. He served the Lodge as Master during 1989-1990. W.Bro. Jim was promoted to the rank of PPAGDC in 1995.
W.Bro. Jim Steven was born on 16th Sept 1918 in Irvine, Ayrshire, moving to Ibstock as a child. After attending Ashby Grammar School Jim went to work at Ibstock Brick & Tile Co Ltd. Jim was called up in 1939 and served in the RASC throughout the Second World War, as a driving instructor, a Telecommunications engineer and one of the first engineers working on Radar. After the war he spent 6 months with a REME workshop in Italy before returning to Leicestershire where he re-joinedIbstock Brick and became Transport Manager, where he remained until retirement.
Jim married Jean in 1951 and they had a daughter, Judith, who still lives with them. As a younger man Jim was a keen cricketer as a leg break bowler and wrist spinner. He played football as a goalkeeper for Ibstock Brick and was a very keen cyclist traveling around England and Europe. Philately was his great hobby along with his garden, and of course Freemasonry.
Jim was meticulous throughout his masonry, a highly accomplished ritualist, his ‘party piece’ being the secrets in each of the degrees. Until Jim’s health deteriorated, he updated the Emulation Ritual book for all new brethren to the Grace Dieu workings.
To Mark his 100th Birthday the Worshipful Master of Grace Dieu Lodge, W.Bro. Richard Morris, together with the members of the Lodge Care Team, W.Bro.Rev’d Clive Watts, W.Bro. Paul Dixon, W.Bro. Paul Hart and W.Bro. Cyril Clark visited Jim and his family at home, presenting him with a hamper of his favourite goodies and a card signed by all the members of the lodge. They were accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. David Hagger who presented Jim with a certificate commemorating him on this significant birthday. The Provincial Grand Master was also delighted to promote W.Bro. Jim to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar with immediate effect.
