1949 – 1952
Canon Frederick Halsey was born in 1870 and was the elder brother of his predecessor as Provincial Grand Master, Admiral Sir Lionel. He joined Watford Lodge in 1907 whilst Vicar of All Saints Church, Kings Langley.
He had the honour of being appointed the first Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Hertfordshire in 1938, and became Deputy to his brother in 1939. During the Admiral’s rule he consecrated twelve Lodges commencing with Totteridge Lodge No. 6130 on 1st October 1945, and including six between May and July 1948, and three between May and September 1949 when his brother was indisposed. He then consecrated North Watford Lodge No. 6918 as Deputy Provincial Grand Master in charge on 19th January 1950 at the age of seventy-nine. On 29th March 1950 he consecrated his first Lodge as Provincial Grand Master, Knebworth Lodge No. 6941. He consecrated six others, culminating in Chantry Lodge No. 7117 on 20th September 1951 at Freemasons’ Hall, London which had the distinction of being the 100th Lodge in the Province.
His rule was short-lived because he died on 31st January 1952, just over two years after his appointment as Provincial Grand Master.
In 1938, he and his brother the Admiral had, on 6th May, proposed and seconded Mr. Guy Marsden Halsey for initiation. The Master, W. Bro Ernest Withers, invited the Canon to occupy the Chair and he initiated his son whilst the charge after initiation was delivered by the Initiate’s uncle, the Admiral. In January 1975, Bro Guy Marsden Halsey was to be installed Provincial Grand Master.
