James E McKeag was one of the most prominent and influential Freemasons to come from the Ards Peninsula.
James was born in Greyabby Co. Down, on the Ards Peninsula. He was a member of one of the many McKeag families from the Newtownards, Greyabby and Carrowdore areas.
James was employed as an Aircraft Worker in Short Bros.
James first joined Masonry in 1941 when he joined his local Lodge in Greyabby, Star of Ards No.183. He received his Entered Apprentice Degree on the 1st March, his Fellow Craft Degree on the 12th April and his Master Mason Degree on the 10th May 1941. He served in the progressive offices of the Lodge and was installed as Worshipful Master in 1954.
James joined the Lodge of Research (Lodge No.200) in 1968.
In 1975, James became a founder member of Down Lodge of Installed Master No.382, he was elected Worshipful Master in 1988.
James gave many dedicated years of service to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down, he held several important offices including Grand Director of Ceremonies. In 1992 he was installed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
James’s keen interest in Masonic ritual and his proficiency in performing accurate degree work earned him recognition as one of the most accomplished ritualist in the region. In 1971, he was elected to the Grand Lodge of Instruction, subsequently advancing to the position in 1988 of Assistant Grand Secretary for Instruction for Belfast and the Northern Provinces at the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
James served the Grand Lodge of Ireland as Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
James joined Hamilton Royal Arch Chapter No.183 in 1941 and progressed to Excellent King in 1956. He joined Hamill Memorial RAC No.193 in Millisle Co. Down, in 1966.
James served the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Down with distinction, ultimately attaining the position of Deputy District Grand King.
In 1985, James served as Grand Chief Scribe of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland and was an elected member of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Instruction.
James was a member of Ards Council of Knight Masons No.48 and was a Grand Officer in the Grand Council of Knight Masons. He was a member of Constellation Chapter of Prince Masons No.20.
Perhaps James’s greatest passion and his lasting legacy was teaching and mentoring other masons. In the 1960’s he established a Class of Instruction in the village of Kircubbin near to his home village of Greyabby. In the 1970’s he started a Class in Newtownards and was the Class Leader in Bangor Class of Instruction from 1978 until 1992.
James was an exceptional Masonic Ritualist, known for his vast knowledge and his willingness to share it. His unique and captivating voice set him apart in delivering meaningful and memorable ritual.
James passed away in 2000 and is respectfully remembered as a key authority on Irish masonic ritual. His expertise was recognized not only in the Ards Peninsula, North Down, the Province and District of Down but across the island of Ireland.
