Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler South
RIGHT WORTHY BRO. REGINALD JAMES MATTHEWS
Reginald James Matthews was born in Brisbane in 1930. The first few years of my life were spent in the small country district of Bell outside Dalby. At aged four my parents moved to a farming property at Woolooga between Gympie and Maryborough. I attended the Lower Wonga State School until the age of thirteen when due to family circumstances I was forced to leave school and assist my mother with running of family farm as my father had passed away four years earlier.
After the sale of farm I did various jobs including working for the Queensland Forestry Department, the Main Roads Department and for some time I was employed in the making of cricket balls and footballs. In 1952 I joined the Transport Department of the Brisbane City Council as a tram conductor thereafter progressing through the ranks occupying several positions in the Department. I retired in 1989 after 37 ½ years service with the Department with the last four in the position of Chief Inspector.
My career in Freemasonry commenced when I was initiated in to Victoria Lodge No.10 U G L Q in 1961. During my time in Freemasonry I affiliated with British Lodge No.199 U. G. L Q. and Maritime Lodge No.288. U. G. L. Q. I served in the office of Worshipful Master in Maritime Lodge No 288 in 1981 and also as Secretary of Maritime Lodge No 288 for ten years. I am presently a member of Silver Cross Lodge No.17 U. G. L. Q. where I have served as Worshipful Master in 1997 and for three years acted as Treasurer of the Lodge.
I was exalted in North Brisbane Royal Arch Chapter No.28 S. G. R. A. C. Q. in 1982 and am still a member of that Chapter. I was installed as Excellent First Principal in 1988 and have acted as Treasurer of the Chapter for a period of 12 years. I have served as a Grand Officer for the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Queensland for 6 years and I presently hold the rank of Past Deputy Grand Chaplain.
My career in the Order of the Secret Monitor commenced in 1981 when I was inducted and admitted in to Stephens Conclave No.5. I was a Foundation Member of Moreton Bay Conclave No.16, being installed as Worthy Supreme Ruler in 1989. and also a served a number of years as Treasurer of the Conclave. I affiliated with Friendship Conclave No.1 in 1997 and I remain a member of both Stephens Conclave No 5 and Friendship Conclave No 1.
I commenced service as a Grand Conclave Officer in 1996 and been in active Grand Conclave Office continuously ever since having been appointed to the office of Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler in May 2005,reapointed in May 2006 and for my third term in May 2007.
My wife Shirley and I live at Jamboree Heights in suburban Brisbane and are both active in the several Orchid and Dahlia Societies.