In Memoriam

Most Excellent Companion William J. Baldwin passed peacefully away at his residence on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of 89 years.

M. Ex. Comp Baldwin was born in St. John’s on November 14, 1931. During his career he was employed at various jobs with the Canadian National Railways and A.N.D. Company. In 1951 he became a sales representative for Martin Royal Store which involved travelling throughout Newfoundland by coastal boat. In 1958 he joined the sales staff of Colgate Palmolive Canada and advanced to the position of District Sales Manager for Atlantic Canada from which he retired in 1992. He was an active member of the Church of the Ascension in Mount Pearl, a founding member of the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen, a member of the Newfoundland Commercial Travelers Association (two years as president), and a member of the Waterford Valley Rotary Club.

M. Ex. Comp. Baldwin’s extensive Masonic journey began in 1966 when he joined Avalon Lodge 776 EC. During the intervening years he made an indelible mark upon the craft. He joined Shannon Chapter (RAM) in 1969 and in 1986 served as its MEHP. He went on to become a founding member of Royal Arch Masons of Newfoundland & Labrador and he served as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 1998. The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Newfoundland and Labrador awarded him its highest honour in 2007, the Moses Munroe Service Award & Jewel.

M. Ex. Companion Baldwin enjoyed a long and varied journey through Freemasonry. His contribution to the craft he loved has been unparalleled having served with distinction in not only Craft and Capitular Masonry, but also in Cryptic Masonry, Chivalric Masonry, Red Cross of Constantine, York Cross of Honour, Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests, Royal Order of Scotland, Scottish Rite Masonry, Order of the Secret Monitor of Canada, and the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

M. Ex. Comp. Baldwin leaves to mourn his loving wife Theresa, a large circle of family and friends, and will be dearly missed by all within the Masonic family. Rest in peace our good and faithful Companion; may light perpetual shine upon you