BRIGADIER-GENERAL ALEXANDER WILLIAM ADAIR

The Soldier Who Led Somerset Freemasonry Into a New Era

Few men have left a greater mark on Somerset Freemasonry than Brigadier-General Alexander William Adair. Soldier, magistrate, county officer and dedicated Freemason, Adair devoted more than a quarter of a century to the leadership of the Craft and helped shape the
Province during one of the most significant periods in its history.

Born on 28th October 1829, Adair was the son of Alexander Adair of Heatherton Park, near Bradford-on-Tone in Somerset. Educated at Eton and later at Christ Church, Oxford, he enjoyed a distinguished military and public career. He served with the Coldstream Guards during the Crimean War before later commanding the 2nd Somerset Light Infantry Militia. Away from military life, he became a Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and ultimately High Sheriff of Somerset in 1886.

His Masonic journey began during his time at Oxford. In 1852 he was initiated into Apollo University Lodge, one of the oldest and most respected university lodges in England. Although his first experience of Freemasonry came in Oxford, it was in Somerset that his reputation would be established. He first became worshipful master in the Lodge of Honour, Bath, where he demonstrated the leadership qualities that would later distinguish his Provincial career.

The defining day of Adair’s Masonic life came on Monday, 23rd May 1864.

On that day, more than 320 brethren gathered in the Ballroom of the Assembly Rooms in Bath to witness the installation of Major Alexander William Adair as Provincial Grand Master of Somerset. The ceremony was performed by his uncle, Right Worshipful Brother Colonel Shafto Adair, Provincial Grand Master of Suffolk, and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Somerset Freemasonry.

Adair succeeded Colonel Charles Kemeys Tynte, who’s remarkable forty-three years as Provincial Grand Master had provided stability and continuity to the Province. At just 34 years of age, Adair became one of the youngest Provincial Grand Masters in Somerset’s history, assuming responsibility for a Province rich in tradition and increasingly ambitious in outlook.

Yet the significance of the day did not end with his installation.

Immediately afterwards, the newly installed Provincial Grand Master led a procession of Somerset Freemasons through the city of Bath to participate in a major public ceremony. Accompanied by the assembled brethren, Adair laid the foundation stone of the Albert Memorial Wing of the Royal United Hospital. The event was a striking demonstration of Freemasonry’s commitment to charity, public service and civic improvement, and became one of the most memorable Masonic occasions of the Victorian era in Somerset.

Over the next twenty-five years, Adair became the driving force behind Somerset Freemasonry. He travelled extensively throughout the Province, supporting lodges, encouraging new members and strengthening the bonds between brethren across the county. Under his leadership, Somerset Masonry flourished during a period of significant growth and development throughout England.

His influence extended beyond Craft Freemasonry. In 1880 he became Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch Province of Somerset, placing him at the head of both the Craft and Royal Arch organisations within Somerset. Such was the respect in which he was held that in 1888 the Adair Chapter No. 1750 was consecrated in Clevedon and named in his honour while he was still serving as Grand Superintendent, an unusual distinction and a testament to the esteem of his contemporaries.

Adair’s dedication to Freemasonry continued until his death in May 1889. Contemporary Masonic journals described him as one of the Craft’s most ardent supporters, noting that he would be remembered as much for his Masonic service as for his distinguished military career. His leadership, enthusiasm and commitment had left an indelible mark upon Somerset Masonry.

His legacy, however, did not end with the nineteenth century.

In 2014, Somerset Freemasons established the Adair Club, the Province’s Light Blues Club, dedicated to supporting, encouraging and engaging newer members of the Craft. The Club was deliberately named in honour of Brigadier-General Alexander William Adair, recognising the energy, enthusiasm and dedication he brought to Somerset Freemasonry throughout his twenty-five years as Provincial Grand Master.

The choice of Adair’s name reflects the very qualities the Club seeks to foster among the next generation of Somerset Freemasons. More than a century after his death, his example continues to inspire those beginning their own Masonic journey.

Today, Alexander William Adair’s name remains woven into the fabric of Somerset Freemasonry. From Adair Chapter No. 1750 in Clevedon to the Adair Club founded in 2014, his influence continues to be recognised by successive generations of Freemasons. Soldier, civic leader and Provincial Grand Master, he guided Somerset Freemasonry through a period of remarkable growth and left a legacy that endures to this day.

For Somerset Freemasons, Brigadier-General Alexander William Adair remains one of the Province’s most distinguished and respected figures, a leader whose vision, service and commitment continue to resonate more than 130 years after his passing.