He became a Freemason in 1954 in the Royal Sussex Lodge No 402 (Nottingham) and remained active in the organisation throughout his life. As Bishop of Portsmouth he renewed his connections with the Royal Navy and in 1960 (the year of his enthronement) he also joined Navy Lodge No 2612 in London, where he remained active until his death in 1985. In Portsmouth he joined the local Phoenix Lodge No 257 and became its Worshipful Master in 1965. From 1974 to 1978 he held the leading role of Provincial Grand Master responsible for all lodges in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, following a grand investiture ceremony at Portsmouth Guildhall conducted by William Cadogan, 7th Earl Cadogan on 20 September 1974.