posted 25th June 2026
On Friday 19 June 2026, our Provincial Grand Master: R. W. Bro. David G. Maskell celebrated the 60 years achievements of W. Bro. William James Murray Collings PProvGSuptWks. Alongside his fellow freemasons and his family, Murray was honored for his incredible decades-long legacy of service, leadership, and craftsmanship across South East Cornwall.
From RAF Police to Master Craftsman
Born in Hannafore, Looe, in 1937, Murray grew up in wartime Polperro, attending school in temporary classrooms built to accommodate London evacuees. After starting a carpentry apprenticeship at 15, he paused his career at 20 to serve in the Royal Air Force Police, an experience that instilled a lifelong dedication to public duty. Upon returning to civilian life, Murray mastered his trade as a premier craftsman. In 1977, he and four colleagues founded Polperro Builders, which grew into a cornerstone of local industry. He also partnered with his wife, Gloria, to renovate and rent properties across Looe.
Six Decades of Masonic Impact
Murray’s distinguished masonic journey began on May 4, 1966, when he was initiated into St Anne’s Lodge No. 970. His dedication was immediate: He completed three ceremonies in just three months, an exceptionally rare feat. By 1980, he was installed as Worshipful Master of St Anne's. Reaching the Chair in just 14 years was a remarkably rapid progression for a lodge with over 120 members. In 1996, he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works. Murray left a lasting physical legacy on the Lodge by designing and executing a complete renovation of the aging temple, installing insulation, cladding, and a false ceiling that members still enjoy today.
A Pillar of the Community
Beyond business and freemasonry, Murray dedicated his life to local civic and cultural organisations:
- Civic Leadership: Served on the Lansallos Parish Council for 40 years, spending much of that time as Chairman.
- Music:A passionate singer, he spent over 70 years with the Polperro Fishermans Choir (joining at age 14), frequently serving as Chairman and singing solos at Lodge events.
- Charity:Dedicated 30 years to the Looe Lions (President in 2000), 15 years to health-center fundraiser ACHE, and 10 years to local Patient Participating Groups.
An Enduring Partnership
At the center of Murray's life is his marriage to Gloria. After meeting at a Polperro village dance in 1961, they married on September 29, 1962. Together they raised two children, Murray Jnr and Victoria, and this September, they will celebrate a monumental 64 years of marriage. Though health challenges make it harder for Murray to attend lodge meetings today, he looks back with immense affection for the lifelong friends and brothers he made along the way.
