Most Worshipful Brother, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.
Grand Master 2003-2004

M.W.Bro. Wayne Newson was born January 6, 1943, to Elmer J. Newson and Helen J. Newson (Thompson) in Summerside, PEI. He attended school in Summerside, and then took a course in automotive mechanics at the Vocational School in Charlottetown. After completing that course he was hired by Canadian Tire in Summerside, advancing there over five years to become store manager. He remained with Canadian Tire until 1981, before joining the P.E.I. Mutual Insurance Company as an insurance agent.

On October 6, 1962, Wayne married Judith Hope Prichard. They have since raised three sons: Michael, who works on satellite systems in Charlottetown and has a son Gavin who spends a lot of time with Gram and Gramps, Richard, who is Acting Director of Education at the Australian Language Institute, and Scott, who lives in Hampton, PEI with his wife Leanne and their son Reice. Scott works as a refrigeration & air-conditioning technician with First Mechanical in Charlottetown.

As a major hobby, Wayne enjoys collecting and restoring antique machinery and antique tractors. In 1989 he founded and became president of the PEI Antique Engine, Tractor and Machinery Association. In that first year the Association mounted the first engine show at the Crapaud Exhibition. Wayne is now the proud owner of a 1929 Model A Ford pick-up truck and a 1965 Morris Minor Convertible, the latter currently under restoration. As a side benefit to the hobby, Wayne and Judith have many friends in the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and enjoy visiting with them as often as possible.

In 1984, Wayne was made a Freemason in True Brothers Lodge No. 8 in Crapaud, PEI. Advancing through the chairs, he was elected to serve as Worshipful Master of that Lodge for 1989, and has been recalled to serve in various offices in other years since. Appointed an Additional Grand Steward in 1994, he advanced through the offices of Grand Lodge until election as Grand Master for the 2003-2004 year.

M.W.Bro. Newson also holds memberships in Scottish Rite bodies and Philae Shrine, and serves as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia near the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.

His term as Grand Master has been marked by well-attended Visitations run with efficiency, good humour and substantial educational content. Special events for the province-wide Fraternity have also been well organized and successful, and his frequent presence at numerous Lodge banquets, anniversary occasions and Masonic Memorial Services has been welcomed and praised.