Office Bearers 1998 – 2000

R.W.M. Jim Conner
I.P.M. Jim Taylor
D.M. Bill Murray
S.M. Barrie Harper
S.W. Mark Dunn
J.W. Ewan Robertson
Sec. James Gardiner P.M.
Tres. Doug Sheal
S.D. Graeme Sutherland
J.D. Dave Easton
I.G. William Robertson
Tyler. Brian Geddes
Almoner Kenny Davidson
Chaplain. Derek Stephen P.M.
S.Steward. Hugh Durrant
J.Steward. David Platt
B.B. Neil Daniel

When Bro. Jim Conner first entered Lodge St. Olaf on 3rd April 1986, few could have imagined the lasting contribution he would go on to make to the Lodge over the decades that followed. Initiated during the second term in office of RWM Alex Noble, Jim quickly became a familiar and valued figure within the Lodge, earning the respect and friendship of brethren both old and new.

Originally from the Edinburgh area, Jim relocated to Cruden Bay in the early 1980s to pursue employment within the rapidly expanding oil industry. Like many brethren of that era, his journey north was shaped by the opportunities presented by the North Sea boom. Upon joining Lodge St. Olaf, Jim discovered that many familiar faces — friends, neighbours, and colleagues — had already found their way into Freemasonry, and he was warmly welcomed into the fraternity.

One of Jim’s earliest and fondest memories connected to Freemasonry centred around his childhood friend, Cameron “Cammy” Campbell. The two had been inseparable since the age of thirteen, sharing much of their youth together and even performing in the same function band — Cammy on guitar and Jim on keyboards.

In their younger adult years, Cammy once mentioned that he was considering joining the Lodge. Jim, by his own admission, gave him a fair amount of good-natured stick about the idea, teasing his friend over wanting to become involved in an organisation they both knew very little about at the time.

Some time later, Jim received a nervous phone call from Cammy, asking to meet for a drink as he had something important to tell him. Expecting ridicule or criticism from his lifelong friend, Cammy cautiously revealed that he had gone ahead and joined the Freemasons. To his surprise, however, Jim’s reaction was quite the opposite. Rather than mockery, he was met with sincere congratulations. Jim explained that he admired the fact that Cammy had made such an important decision independently and on his own terms, without outside influence — even from a friend of many years.

That conversation would prove significant. A couple of years later, Jim himself would make the same decision, walking through the doors of Lodge St. Olaf and ultimately joining Cammy in fraternal brotherhood — a friendship strengthened even further through their shared Masonic journey.

From the outset, Jim embraced Lodge life wholeheartedly. His enthusiasm and commitment were quickly recognised, and during RWM Kenny Davidson’s term in office, beginning in November 1986, Jim took his first office as Bible Bearer. It would be the beginning of many years of dedicated service.

The 1980s were a particularly vibrant time within Lodge St. Olaf, renowned not only for its strong Masonic tradition but also for its lively social calendar. Jim became deeply involved in the many events and activities organised by the Lodge and was very much part of the camaraderie that defined the era. By 1990, he had secured his place in Lodge folklore as a crew member in the infamous Ythan Raft Race — an event still fondly remembered by many brethren today.

Away from the water, Jim also became a regular participant in the Lodge’s many “sabbaticals,” journeys and excursions that strengthened the bonds of friendship beyond the Lodge room itself. Over the years, he played a significant role in organising many of these memorable occasions, contributing greatly to the fellowship that remains such an important part of Lodge St. Olaf.

Jim’s dedication and steady leadership naturally led him through the progressive offices of the Lodge, culminating in his installation as Right Worshipful Master in 1998. His two-year term in the Chair was marked by commitment, good humour, and a strong sense of fraternity. Following his tenure as Master, Jim continued his service by taking on the demanding role of Lodge Secretary in 2000, during the term of RWM Mark Dunn. He would hold this office for seven years, guiding the administrative life of the Lodge with diligence and professionalism.

Such was the value of Jim’s service during this period that he was awarded the Lodge St. Olaf Distinguished Service Medal. This was a particularly notable honour, as Jim became the first recipient to receive the medal from a living holder. Bro. Jim Gardiner, having permanently moved away from the area and unable to attend the Lodge for several years, generously offered to return the coveted distinction so that another deserving brother might receive it. It was fitting that this honour should fall to Jim Conner, whose tireless efforts had become central to the successful running of the Lodge.

In the mid-2000s, Jim’s career once again took him abroad, with extended periods spent working in countries including Kazakhstan and Kuwait, and during which time he took the opportunity to visit other countries further afield such as Australia. Although these commitments inevitably reduced his attendance at his Mother Lodge, his Masonic spirit remained undiminished. Wherever work took him, Jim sought out Lodges overseas, enjoying the opportunity to experience Freemasonry in different parts of the world and returning home with many fascinating stories of his travels and visits.

Eventually returning to employment in Aberdeen, Jim quickly resumed regular attendance at Lodge St. Olaf. Ever dependable, he continued to support successive Masters and office bearers, willingly stepping into acting offices whenever required and offering guidance drawn from years of experience.

In his early seventies, Jim found himself facing the early effects of dementia. Although at times frustrating for him personally, it did not diminish his enjoyment of the many things that had always mattered most in his life — with Freemasonry foremost among them. Indeed, the friendship, support, and camaraderie that had been so evident to him throughout his earlier years within the Craft became even more important in later life.

The encouragement and understanding shown by his brethren allowed Jim to remain involved in Lodge life in whatever capacity his circumstances permitted. Whether attending meetings, participating socially, or simply enjoying the companionship of fellow brethren, the Lodge continued to provide him with a strong sense of belonging and continuity. Through changing times and personal challenges alike, Lodge St. Olaf remained a fraternal family that had played a central role throughout Jim’s entire adult life.

Today, Bro. Jim Conner is recognised not only for the offices he has held, but for the spirit in which he has served — with loyalty, friendship, humour, and an unwavering commitment to Lodge St. Olaf. His story reflects the enduring strength of the Lodge itself: a place where men from different backgrounds come together in friendship, support one another through life’s journeys, and leave a lasting legacy through service to the Craft.