W Bro. Ken Ogden | 60 years in the Craft

W. Bro Kenneth G. Ogden PPJGW
C.Chem, M.R.S.C., M.I.Mech E., F InstGas Eng., F. Inst.

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​W. Bro Ken Ogden was educated at Doncaster Grammar School where he passed 9 School Certificate examinations. Not satisfied with these he went on to become qualified as a Chartered Chemist, Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Chartered Gas Engineer, Chartered Enery Engineer , Government Senior Scientific Intelligence Officer and a Civil Defence Rescue Instructor.  Still not satisfied Ken went on to become President of the Yorkshire Gas Managers Assoc in 1968, Honorary Member of the Yorkshire Gas Managers Assoc. in 1985 (and still retains his membership), National Chairman of the Gas Managers Assoc of Great Britain 1974-6, he was also a Council Member of Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers 1973-6.
His career with British Gas spanned 48 years which gave him responsibilities all over our area covering Nottinghamshire, South & West Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

W. Bro Ken began his masonic career on the 3rd May 1960 when he was initiated into Abbey Lodge No. 624 Burton upon Trent. During this time he was a visitor to  Rotherwood Lodge 4392 on many occasions. After spending  12 years at Abbey Lodge progressing up the ladder he eventually joined Rotherwood Lodge 4392 occupying all offices before becoming  Master of the Lodge in 1980.

Following his time in the chair W. Bro Ken  occupied most of the senior positions within the lodge :

- Treasurer for 7 years
- Director of Ceremonies for 2 years
- Almoner for 7 years

He has presented the 2nd Degree Tracing Board on more than 15 occasions and has represented the lodge as VP of the Rotherham Installed Master’s Association in 1994 then becoming President in 1997.

Ken is a stalwart of our Lodge and can be relied on to fill any office when required. His commitment is second to none whether it be at a regular lodge meeting or a practice which he very rarely misses. W. Ken received his just rewards by being promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1996.

Of course his masonic work isn’t limited to the Craft. In 1988 he was exalted into Phoenix Chapter 904.   After again occupying all offices he was installed as 1st Principal in 1999 and achieved Provincial Honours as Past Provincial Grand Scribe N in 2010. He became a founder member of the South Yorkshire Chapter of Installed Principals No 9633 in 2003, president of S.R.R.A.C. 2009-10.
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In his “spare” time he became chairman of Rotherham 41 Club, Chairman Rotherham Probus Club, Chairman Wickersley,   Probus Club. If that’s not enough W. Bro Ken is a keen gardener (his plumbs are ledgendry) and at one time was the keeper of 50 Australian Parakeets.
Once again Ken we congratulate and thank you for 60 years of work, commitment and support not only to Rotherwood but to the whole masonic community. You have been and continue to be a fine example of all that the masonic movement stands for and you are the best of role models for any “junior” brother.