Most Worshipful Brother
J. Cooke Howatt, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.;
Grand Master 2002 – 2003

Elected Grand Master of Masons of Prince Edward Island on June 15, 2002, MW Bro. Howatt was born August 14, 1935, son of Frank and Mildred (Logan-Clark) Howatt of Carleton Siding, Prince Edward Island. He grew up and was educated in the local school at Carleton Siding. In 1958 he married Frances Craig and lived in Carleton Siding for 9 years, in Bedeque for 21 years, and then in Chelton where they have resided for the past 13 years. Cooke and Frances have raised three children: David, an Electrical Engineering Technologist; Kimberley, a Medical Secretary; and Ruthanne, a Registered Nurse. They have since been blessed with four granddaughters and three grandsons.

MW Bro. Howatt attended the Marine Navigation School in Halifax to obtain his Second Officer, First Officer and Captain Certificates. He worked on ferries for 35 years, 20 of those years as Captain.

Church has always been a vital part of Cooke’s life. He is a member of Bedeque United Church where he has served in various positions including Elder, Steward, Trustee, Superintendent of Sunday School, Chairman of Finance, and choir member.

For the past 10 years, Bro. Howatt has been co-ordinator for the canvas of the Canadian Bible Society from Wellington to Augustine Cove. He is also a community canvasser for the Alzheimer Society.

Having come from a Masonic family, Brother Howatt was Initiated, Passed and Raised in 1960 in Mount Moriah Lodge No.15 in Cape Traverse, P.E.I., at age 25. He served as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1987. He also became a member of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection and Gordon L. Bennett Chapter Rose Croix (formerly St. Lawrence Chapter), in the Scottish Rite Valley of Summerside, and advanced to the 32nd Degree of that Rite in Nova Scotia Consistory, Halifax. Within the York Rite, he became a Royal Arch Mason in Prince Edward Chapter No.12, Kensington, and served that Chapter for 3 years as its High Priest, receiving the Order of High Priesthood in 2000. He also joined and served Garden of the Gulf Council No.9 of Royal and Select Masters, Prince Edward Preceptory No.35 of Knights Templar, and Royal Island Conclave No.9 of the Red Cross of Constantine, all in Charlottetown. In 1984 he was made a Noble in Philae Shrine Temple, Halifax, and is presently a member of Red Oak Shrine Club in Kensington, holding the office of Representative to the Shriners Hospital Committee. He is also a member of Monckton Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, moored in Moncton, New Brunswick. Beyond Freemasonry, Bro. Howatt has also belonged to Boyne Lodge, L.O.L., in Charlottetown, and the Royal Black Preceptory 12 Degrees.

Following his first appointment as a Grand Lodge officer 10 years ago, Bro. Howatt served in various appointive and elective offices until his elevation to the Grand East this year. His well-attended open installation was made particularly memorable by delightful singing by three of his granddaughters; and by announcement that his theme for his year as Grand Master would be “Retain, Revitalize and Renew with a focus on Membership”.