Masonic Biography

RW Bro. E. Sidney Larkin
Past District Grand Master

Ernest Sidney Larkin was born in the North of England and was initiated into Freemasonry in a Scottish Lodge. After the Second World War he went to Argentina as an engineer for the British Overseas Airways Corporation and in 1947 was transferred to the Bahamas. He later worked for Bahamas Airways, a subsidiary of BOAC, where he stayed for many years as Chief Engineer. Shortly after he arrived, he met W Bro. Artie Nottage, who introduced him to Royal Victoria Lodge and he became a Joining Member. He was a hard worker and, as someone said, “Sid ate, drank and slept Freemasonry.”

He was elected and installed as Master of Royal Victoria Lodge in 1955, and after that continued to be a dominant force for many years, and Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction where many young Masons were given opportunities to advance in the fraternity. He was elected to the very important office of Trustee of Royal Victoria Lodge where he served until his passing. He is the only non-Bahamian to have served as a Trustee.

He was a Founding Member of Royal Victoria Royal Arch Chapter No. 443 at its Consecration in 1951 and was installed as First Principal in 1960.

By the sheer force his personality and charisma he was able to inspire the Brethren and was mainly responsible for the consecration of other Lodges in the late 1970s. This included Lodge of Unity No. 8760, Bahamas Installed Masters Lodge No. 8764, Arawak Lodge No. 8877 and Coral Lodge No. 8888, which enabled us to be formed into a District on 27 March 1981. Present at this Inauguration was MW Bro. Earl Cadogan, Pro Grand Master, VW Bro. Alan F. Ferris, Grand Director of Ceremonies, and VW Bro. Michael B. S. Higham, Grand Secretary, all personal friends of the District Grand Master.

He was installed as the first District Grand Master at its inception and, even though he was in that position for only two short years, he was able to get the District functioning properly and smoothly.

Unfortunately, he suffered a massive stroke on 16 March 1983 and in an appeal letter to help defray his medical expenses, the Deputy District Grand Master, W Bro DA Nottage, wrote the following: “Sid Larkin has done more for Freemasonry in the Bahamas than any of his predecessors and it behooves the present membership to show their appreciation by giving generously to help him now.”

He passed away shortly after, on 5 April 1983, and was survived by his wife Cathy and two daughters, Pauline and Lisa, as well as a brother, Jack, who had visited the Bahamas on many occasions.

He was a caring and selfless person who was always looking out for his fellow Masons as well as his fellow-men and one who is still missed by those who knew him as a Brother and a Friend.