Most Worshipful Brother
W. Leigh Newcombe, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.;
Grand Master 2000 – 2001

Most Worshipful Bro. Newcombe is the fourth generation to operate the family farm at Port Hill, where he has resided all his life. The son of Walter and Ruby (Birch) Newcombe, he has one sister and two brothers.

Leigh received his early education at the rural school at Port Hill, then advanced to Prince of Wales College, Charlottetown, where he received his second year certificate.

In 1951, Leigh married Christie Maynard, and they raised five children: Brian of Summerside, Barry of Guelph, Ontario, Michael of Port Hill; Lynn of O’Leary, and Kathy of Calgary, Alberta.

While Leigh and his family continued the family tradition of mixed farming, he also worked part time with his father who was a building contractor. In 1961 he joined Agriculture Canada as a Seed Potato Certification Inspector, and practised that occupation for 30 years, retiring as Senior Inspector at the Summerside District office.

Leigh has been involved in agriculture, church, hospital and school organizations, and has held several related offices including membership of the Board of Directors for the Stewart Memorial Hospital Foundation and Property Warden for the Anglican Parish of Port Hill.

Leigh received his Master Mason Degree in Alexandra Lodge No.5, Port Hill, in June 1954, and was elected Master of that Lodge for the year 1969. After service in various Grand Lodge appointive and elective offices, he was elected Grand Master in 2000, and oversaw completion of a number of projects initiated under his predecessor’s leadership during the Grand Lodge’s 175th Anniversary year, when as Deputy Grand Master Bro. Newcombe had presided over the Board of General Purposes. During his own term, he successfully led the process that resulted in consecration, dedication, constitution and installation of officers of the new Eldon C. Wright Daylight Lodge No. 21 in Bedeque on September 9.

He is also a Charter Member of King Solomon Chapter No. 28 of Royal Arch Masons which was formed in O’Leary, P.E.I., in 1956. Leigh served that Chapter as High Priest, and was later appointed by the Grand Chapter to serve as District Grand Superintendent for District 5 (P.E.I.).

Leigh is also a Member of Royal Island Conclave No. 28 of the Red Cross of Constantine, and has also served as an Officer of that body.