GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

MW Pro Grand Master1968-1972
MW Past Grand Master (conferred) 1972

Frederick Ernest William Martin was born at Portland, South Australia on 30 August 1912, the son of Frederick E. Martin, a Port Adelaide butcher.  He was educated at the Port Adelaide Central School and the Adelaide Technical High School.  Sadly, both his parents had died by the time he had attained the age of 14 years.  He was left to bring up a younger brother and sister. 

Career

On leaving school, he joined the staff of the South Australian Railways as a junior porter at the old Port Adelaide Dock station.  Soon he transferred to the clerical division and progressed through its ranks.

In 1950 he was appointed Welfare Officer and General Secretary of the Railways Institute.  Subsequently he was promoted further, to Chief Staff Officer and then to Secretary for Railways.  He retired from the latter position in 1972.

Frederick Martin married Ruth Bergland and they had a son and a daughter.  He was a keen sportsman, and served the Port Adelaide District Cricket Club as a player, committeeman and secretary.  He managed two South Australian Sheffield Shield Teams on interstate trips.  He also served as an umpire for Australian Rules football matches in suburban and country districts.

Masonic Career

Bro. Martin was initiated in Adelaide Lodge No. 2 on 18 July 1933 and became Master in 1940.  In 1962 he was a foundation member of the Lodge of Sportsmen No. 212.  

Bro. Martin served the Grand Lodge in various capacities, including:

1951-2 VW Grand Director of Ceremonies
1953-4 VW Grand Inspector of Lodges
1955    RW Senior Grand Warden
1964-8 RW Deputy Grand Master

Retirement

MW Bro. FEW Martin retired from the position of Secretary for Railways in 1972.  He died suddenly whilst attending a Lodge meeting in Minlaton, barely twelve months later.
 

"Royal Arch Masonry in South Australia and the Northern Territory 1854-1986" ed. by Marlow ADR (1986): Adelaide
"A History of Craft Masonry in South Australia 1934-1984" (1983): Adelaide
"Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of South Australia" for the year 1972