Installation St.Osyth’s Priory Lodge No.2063 18th October 2010
At the meeting of St Osyth’s Priory Lodge No: 2063 at the Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton on Sea in April 2019, we were delighted to receive as a visitor W. Bro Rod Mills from Battlefield Lodge No: 714 Ontario, Canada. Rod’s Great Grandfather was our Worshipful Master Edward Mills in 1901. In this year Queen Victoria died and Edward V11 became King.
W. Bro. Edward Mills was Senior Warden in 1900 and Junior Warden in 1899. The same year Coronation Chapter No: 2063 was proposed and three years later Consecrated. He was a Steward in 1896 which is twelve years after St. Osyth’s Priory Lodge was consecrated in 1884.
During the meeting, the Worshipful Master presented Rod with a facsimile of the original minutes of his ancestor’s Installation (which had been read in open Lodge that night) along with a copy of the summonses from his Initiation, Installation and his first meeting as Worshipful Master.
He was also presented with the history of the Temple and Clacton on Sea in the early 1900s, an Essex Provincial tie, a collar, an Essex Jewel from the 1800s and lapel badges for our Lodge No: 2063.
W. Bro Rod Mills replied, thanking all the Brethren for the magnificent welcome he had received not only for himself but also for his wife who had been taken for a meal by our ladies. He then presented to the Lodge a Jewel that had belonged a past Director of Ceremonies of our lodge, which had been in his Great Grandfathers possession. Rod also gave some brethren a Canadian maple leaf lapel badge No: 714.
The Worshipful Master Mike Perkins recorded his thanks to W. Bro. Peter Harris, Bro. Doug Carpenter, the Secretary Bro. Stephen Hutchins, Bro. John Richardson and W. Bro. Ian Bartlett for all the work they had carried out to put together such a wonderful package for our Brother from Canada to take home with him.
A brief Masonic history of the Mills family: On the 19th April 1982, W. Bro. Ted Mills (Edward Mills son) assumed the Chair of King Solomon for the Initiation of his son Rod at Battlefield Lodge No. 714, Stoney Creek, Canada. The lodge celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2015.
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This is the name given to the chairman of the lodge. The role of Worshipful Master is taken for one year by one of the brethren, elected to that position by the rest.
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The honorific “Worshipful” does not imply that he is in any way worshipped, it is simply a courtesy title much as an MP is called the “Honourable Member for…” we are not expected to honour the title bearer! Nevertheless the Worshipful Master plays a pivotal role in the work of the lodge. It is the Master’s prerogative to decide what is to be the business transacted at each lodge meeting, though much of this is governed by the bye-laws of the lodge and the Book of Constitutions. |
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All the other officers of the lodge are appointed at the sole discretion of the Master; with the exception of the Treasurer (who is elected by ballot), and the Tyler, (who is elected if he is not a member of the lodge.)
The Wardens have slightly different but complementary roles in the Lodge and assist the Master to open and close the Lodge and to conduct the rituals.
Senior WardenThe Senior Warden carries out tasks delegated to him by the Master and is particularly responsible for closing the lodge. It is usual for the Senior Warden to be next-in-line for the office of Master. |
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Junior WardenThe Junior Warden in known as the Ostensible steward of the lodge and he is particularly responsible for the visitors who may be present. It is he who must ensure that visitors are bona fide Masons before allowing then into the lodge and he who will direct the Stewards to ensure the visitors are well looked after at the Festive Board.
It is usual for the Junior Warden to succeed to the office of Senior Warden. |
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While Freemasonry is emphatically neither a religion nor a substitute for religion, we do say prayers both in the Lodge and at the Festive Board. It is the Chaplain’s job to lead those prayers.
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The prayers are of a non-denominational nature and are offered to “The Great Architect of the Universe.” They always conclude with the words “So mote it be.”
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As you might expect, the Treasurer looks after the Lodge finances. It is he who will collect the annual subscription and the dining fees at the Festive Board. Of course, he is also responsible for paying the Lodge’s bills
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As in every formal meeting, the secretary takes the minutes and deals with the correspondence. He is central to the operation of the lodge though much of his work is done at home.
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The “DC” does precisely what his title implies; he directs the ceremony. He is responsible for keeping the meeting moving and for making many of the various announcements required both in the meeting and at the Festive Board.
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The Almoner’s duties are to look after any member or dependant of a member who is sick or in distress or lonely and to establish good communications to reveal early notice of problems. The Almoner is the point of contact within the Lodge whenever help is needed.
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His duty is to raise funds for charitable purposes and to encourage every member of the Lodge to give as much as he can readily afford. There are very tax-effective ways of giving, which allow donations to be augmented by the recovery of Income Tax. Regular or lump sums can be donated in this way.
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The Lodge Mentor, a relatively new office, is appointed to promote the development of brethren within the Lodge, and to support and integrate new members and those in new offices within the Lodge. The Mentor does not necessarily take all this on himself, but will appoint other experienced members to become a personal mentor to newer members, along guidelines laid down for the office.
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The Deacons accompany and instruct Candidates during the various ceremonies. They are responsible for communication between the Worshipful Master and his Wardens and have two of the most interesting and delightful roles in the Lodge. As well as the duties described below, the Deacons are responsible for conducting any ballots which are taken in the Lodge.
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The Senior Deacon has a particular role to play in the ceremonies of Passing (to the degree of a Fellowcraft) and Raising (to the sublime degree of a Master Mason) The Senior Deacon is also responsible for conveying the Minute Book from the Secretary to the Worshipful Master after the minutes have been approved by the Brethren.
The Junior Deacon has a particular role to play in the ceremony of Initiation. He is also responsible for ensuring that the correct Tracing Boards are displayed when the Lodge is open (and that they are concealed when the lodge is closed!)
| The “ADC” assists the DC. |
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Masonic meetings are normally filled with music provided by the Organist. Keyboard players are as rare as hen’s teeth so if you let on you can play a keyboard, you may get a job!
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The Assistant Secretary may play a major role to play in the organisation of the Festive Board. When Members and Visitors are sent the summons to the meeting, they may send their replies to the Assistant Secretary who then sorts out the table plan, liaises with the caterer to ensure everyone will be fed and ensures that the bar provider knows how much liquid refreshment is required. The Assistant Secretary also acts as Secretary to the Lodge Committee.
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The Inner Guard reports to the Junior Warden, advises when there is a Candidate or Brother wishing to enter the Lodge after it has been opened, and checks that everything is in order before entrance is allowed into the Lodge.
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Steward is usually the first role a new Mason takes on. The Stewards have little responsibility within the Lodge Room but a major role at the Festive Board, where they are expected to look after the visitors and to see that they are comfortable and want for nothing.
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Being a Steward is a wonderful opportunity to move around and meet everyone attending a meeting. Often senior members will happily volunteer to act as Steward just to be able to mingle. In the Lodge Room, stewards have the perfect opportunity to concentrate on absorbing all of the ritual without the responsibility of having to deliver any of it.
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The Tyler remains outside the door of the Lodge at all times while it is open. He is often a senior and experienced Brother who is not necessarily a member of the Lodge and may well be the Tyler for a number of lodges and other Masonic organisations. His duty is to ensure that Candidates are properly prepared before they enter the Lodge; that any late arrivals or visitors are entitled to enter the Lodge and to ensure that only those who are entitled and are vouched for as Masons enter our Lodge Room.
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Although not actually an officer of the Lodge (since he holds his office by dint of having served as master rather than by appointment) the Immediate Past Master nevertheless has an important role to play. He is the Worshipful Master’s amanuensis and is expected to stand in for the Worshipful Master should he for any reason not be present at a meeting.
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Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex
Annual Meeting and Investiture of Officers March 2023 at Grand Temple, Freemason’ Hall, London.
W. Bro. Jim Wragg promoted to: Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer
At the annual meeting and Investiture of Officers 22 March 2021 at Grand Temple, Freemason’ Hall, London.
W. Bro. Lloyd Sargent promoted to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
W. Bro. Mike Davy promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon PPJGD
Annual Meeting and Investiture of Officers March 2019 at Grand Temple, Freemason’ Hall, London.
W. Bro Alan Codling has been promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
W. Bro Gary Gentry has been promoted to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
W. Bro Michael Clarke had been appointed as Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer.
At the annual meeting and Investiture of Officers 22 March 2018 at Grand Temple, Freemason’ Hall, London.
R.W. Bro. Rodney Lister Bass OBE Provincial Grand Master.
Appointments & Promotions awarded to St. Osyth’s’ Priory Lodge No 2063:
W. Bro. Del Porter PPDepGSwdB
W. Bro.William Kennedy PPGStB
Honors To Celebrate HRH The Duke of Kent’s 50 years as Grand Master:
Bro. Doug Carpenter PPGPurs
RWM Bro. John Anderson asked acting DoC Bro. Robert Forrest PM to present to him WJW Bro. Jonathon Hazelton. The RWM stated that this was Bro. Hazelton’s last meeting with St Margaret he now returning to England to work. He has been a great office bearer and visitor flying the St Margaret colours far and wide. He has taken 3-days out to travel up, attend this meeting and return to England, weather permitting. The RWM stated that It is the desire of the members Lodge St Margaret to present Bro. Hazelton with a Lodge 100-year Centenary Jewel and inviting the RWPGM to go to the West of the Lodge with him. The RWM presented a 100-year Centenary Jewel to Bro. Jonathon Hazelton. Bro. Hazelton responded by stating he had enjoyed his time here in Scotland with Lodge St Margaret and would wear the jewel with pride.
W. Bro Ian Gibson received a Framed Certificate of 60 years service to Freemasonry. During the presentation, the W.Bro Tony White gave a short testimony of the personal history and Masonic career of Ian who had been Initiated into our lodge on the 17th Jan 1964 and was Worshipful Master in October 1976. He was also presented with a letter from Rodney Bass OBE the Provincial Grand Master. Ian expressed his thanks and honour of being a member of the Lodge for so many years.
Bro Maurice Tarling received a framed Certificate of 50 years service to Freemasonry. During the presentation, the APGM gave a short testimony of the personal history and Masonic career of Maurice, who was Initiated on the 17th November 1967 He was also presented with a letter from Rodney Bass OBE the Provincial Grand Master. Maurice also expressed his appreciations and honour at being a Freemason and a member of St. Osyth’s Lodge No 2963 Lodge.
W. Bro Norman Good with a framed Certificate of 50 years in Freemasonry. During the presentation, the APGM gave a short testimony of the personal history and Masonic career of Norman. He was also presented with a letter from Rodney Bass OBE the Provincial Grand Master. Norman expressed his thanks to W. Bro. Peter Harris in particular for the excellent work in conducting the research W.Bro. Tony White PGSTB presented. Three senior members of Norman’s previous lodges honoured Norman with their surprise visit to this very special occasion, W.Bro. Ian Cobban, W.Bro. Richard Frood, Norman, and W.Bro. Peter Thomas.
Bro. Doug Carpenter, Bro Jack Whittle and present Almoner W. Bro. Gordon Cook
20th August 2017 our Brother became 100 year young, Jack joined our lodge in January 1983 having been a freemason since 1944 where he was initiated into Vespassian Lodge No. 4222 of Southampton.
We have recognised Jacks dedication by making him an Honorary member of our lodge. A birthday card signed by many from the lodge and fiends of Jack was given to the birthday boy along with a presentation watch. A smashing cake of a ship was made for Jack to celebrate his most distinguished career in the shipping world.
For many years Jack was our Almoner – a job he done with great diligents and compassion. Jack was presented with a Certificate to celebrate his 70 years in Masonry in 2014 by The R.W. Provincial Grand Master, John Michael Webb at our 130th anniversary year meeting.
Jack Whittle’s Birthday cake
Bro Jack Whittle 100 years Royal Telegram
Deputation from Scotland
Join the CUBE www.essexfreemasons.org the totally private, password protected interactive site for Essex Freemasons is gaining momentum. You can receive the latest news, post your own comments, create events. Form and join your own Lodge and Chapter groups, the site will give you access to many items, news and documents you need. All you have to do is go to the site and sign in.Twitter: @EssexComms
1878 Launch Of The Masonic Lifeboat Albert Edward Clacton On Sea
The world’s first lifeboat, the “Original”, was built in 1789 at South Shields by freemason Henry Greathead, sometime secretary of St Hilda Lodge. He won a prize for the design from a South Shields committee and also received £1200 from the House of Commons. Within five years, a further 31 boats were built and more than 300 lives were saved. The Royal National Lifeboats Institution was founded in 1824, by the personal efforts and at the considerable expense of Colonel Sir William Hillary, and was titled “The National Institution for the Preservation of Life at Sea”. In 1854 it changed its name to the RNLI, and at the same time started to receive a subsidy from The Board of Trade because voluntary funds were hard to come by. With the subsidy also came Government involvement, but by 1869 when voluntary contributions improved, by agreement the Government withdrew its subsidies.
The United Grand Lodge of England has had a long association with lifeboats since 1869, when an appeal was made for donations to the RNLI and the idea of a Masonic Lifeboat Fund was suggested. The first masonic lifeboat, “The Freemason” was stationed at North Berwick and funded by an appeal launched in “The Freemason”, a masonic magazine published in London. On 1st March 1871 a proposal in Grand Lodge by J R Stebbing, the then Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Hampshire for a grant of £50 towards the provision of a masonic lifeboat was approved, and the future link with the RNLI was forged.
The oldest surviving lifeboat is the “Zetland”, which was 11th of the 31 Henry Greathead designed boats. It has been fully restored and is exhibited in Redcar, its original home station. The second oldest lifeboat still in existence is the “Tyne”, built by J Oliver of South Shields in 1833 to a design very similar to that of the earlier Greathead lifeboats.
Tynewasfullyrestoredin2009andisoCnadtiLspalkaeyoaftThehrehPoamrkeFstMation,SouthShields. She was operational for more than 60 years and was involved in saving over 1000 lives. Early in the 20th Century, Lord Ravensworth, then Provincial Grand Master for Durham, was presented with a solid silver replica of the Tyne by St Hilda Lodge 240 on behalf of all the South Shields Lodges.
Albert Edward on July 10th 1878 Clacton
As at 2014, the 14 lifeboats funded by freemasons are: The Freemason (1871-1887), North Berwick; Lady Leigh (1872-1887), Scarborough; Albert Edward (1878-1887), Clacton-on-Sea; Alexandra (1878-1887), Hope Cove; Albert Edward II (1885-1900), Stationed at Clacton-on-Sea; Alexandra II (1887-1900), Hope Cove; City Masonic Club (1897-1918), Poole and Reserve Fleet; Albert Edward III (1901-1932), Clacton-on-Sea; Alexandra III (1903-1934), Hope Cove and Cromer; Duke of Connaught (1921-1951), Peterhead and Reserve Fleet; The Duchess of Kent (1982-2002), Reserve Fleet; Valerie Wilson (2003 onwards ), Newquay; Essex Freemason (2009 onwards), Southend; and Mark Mason (2009 onwards), Milford Haven.
The lifeboat names not surprisingly are also significant. Lady Leigh was the wife of Lord Leigh, Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire 1852-1905, and the boat was purchased to mark his 20th anniversary as PGM. HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) was Grand Master 1874-1901. HRH Queen Alexandra was Edward VII’s wife. HRH the Duke of Connaught was Grand Master 1901-1939; interestingly when the Duchess of Kent was launched, the Duke attended and found himself in the unique position of presenting the lifeboat in his capacity as Grand Master to himself as President of the RNLI. The Duchess of Kent was an Arun class lifeboat built in 1982 and held in the Reserve Fleet until 2002 when she was sold to the lifeboat service in Madeira. The Valerie Wilson was founded in memory of the late wife of Leslie Wilson, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex.
In 1875, HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, was installed as Grand Master. He was sent on an extended tour of India to represent Queen Victoria, who had become Empress of India. This was a journey not without its hazards and dangers in those days, so when Albert returned, Grand Lodge decided to mark his safe homecoming in some permanent way.
Old Lifeboat House Clacton on Sea
A committee recommended that Grand Lodge provide £4,000 to build two new lifeboat stations, complete with lifeboats, where the RNLI had no presence; Clacton-on-Sea in Essex and Hope Cove in Devon were the chosen sites. The boat at Clacton was named Albert Edward in honour of the Grand Master and Hope Cove’s was named Alexandra after his wife.
Colvin Memorial Temple
