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Freemasonry and Lifeboats

1878 Launch Of The Masonic Lifeboat Albert Edward Clacton On Sea

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

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

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.

Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Library and Museum of Freemasonry

The Library and Museum of Freemasonry houses one of the finest collections of Masonic material in the world. It is open to the public, Monday to Friday, free of charge.

The Museum contains an extensive collection of objects with Masonic decoration including pottery and porcelain, glassware, silver, furniture and clocks, jewels and regalia. Items belonging to famous and Royal Freemasons including Winston Churchill and Edward VII are on display together with examples from the Museum’s extensive collection of prints and engravings, photographs and ephemera.

The Library and Archives are open for reference use. They contain a comprehensive collection of printed books and manuscripts on Freemasonry in England as well as material on Freemasonry elsewhere in the world and on subjects associated with Freemasonry or with mystical and esoteric traditions.

Regular exhibitions are hosted throughout the year, for which further information can be found on the web site of the Library and Museum.

The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
Start exploring below…

Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex

Provincial Grand Lodge of EssexThe ANNUAL MEETING (March) of the PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE of Essex held in the GRAND TEMPLE, FREEMASONS’ HALL, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, WC2B 5AZ

See Essex Provincial Web Site

Executive Member:

Craft Provincial Executive

Leadership Team

Each member of the team have various duties, along with other tasks allocated by the Provincial Grand Master.

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Paul Tarrant

Provincial Grand Master

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Nick Franklin PGSwdB

Deputy Provincial Grand Master

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Peter Hollingsworth PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Tony White PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Martin Howse PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Charles Elliott PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Graham Dickerson PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Clive Rees PSGD

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Rob Eels PAGDC

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Colin Felton PAGDC

Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Richard Jordan PGStB

Provincial Grand Secretary

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Geoff Turpin PAGDC

Provincial Grand Director
of Ceremonies

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John Hoeffler PAGDC

Provincial Grand Treasurer

Prov Grand Secretary Phil Lovelock  01268 978243 Philip.Lovelock@EssexPgl.org.uk
Sylvia Morgan 01268 978241 Sylvia.Morgan@EssexPgl.org.uk
Provincial Office 01268 571610

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As the Province of Essex continues to lead the way in electronic-media communication, it has been decided to launch a central email address for all your Lodge and Chapter news, as well as being the first point of contact for submitting documents and updates for the Website. The email address Newseditor@essex-lodges.org should be used in all instances for submitting any information that you wish to be added to the Province of Essex Website or eMason app.

Regular Meeting

Regular Meeting are held of St. Osyth’s Priory Lodge No 2063 from October to April of each year at the Colvin Memorial Temple on the 3rd Friday of the Month.

Meals need to be booked 6 days before.

There is car parking at the front of the Hall, it is entry by an electronic fob key barrier to open and auto open on exit.

Bro Jack Whittle 70 years in Masonry

Our-recently-retired-Almoner-Bro-Jack-Whittle5475b6a3d6ccb.jpgOur recently retired Almoner, Bro Jack Whittle P.P.G.Purs who stepped down from the post in October 2014 at the very young age of 97 years (to give someone younger a chance!) seen here with The R.W. Past Provincial Grand Master, John Michael Webb, who presented him with a Certificate to celebrate his 70 years in Masonry. To the right of Bro Jack is W. Bro Clifford Thoms, who recounted Bro Jack’s career and presented him with a gift of a Masonic Cup from the Brethren of the Lodge. The Presentation was made during the 130th Anniversary Meeting held at the historic St Osyth’s Priory on 21st November 2014′

70 years in Masonry

The R.W Bro. Provincial Grand Master John Michael Webb ~ Bro. Jack Whittle ~ W. Bro Clifford Thoms

celebrate his 70 years in Masonrycelebrate his 70 years in Masonrycelebrate his 70 years in Masonry

Bro. Jack Writtle receives his commemorative Masonic Cup – it now having been engraved – from The Worshipful Master Michael Clarke accompanied by W.Bro. Peter Harris, J.W. Paul Giles and Bro. Doug Carpenter. The Masonic Cup was given by St. Osyth’s Priory lodge No 2063 to commemorate his 70 years in Masonry.

Permanent Committee

Meeting’s of St Osyth’s Priory Lodge Permanent Committee are usually held at the Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton on Sea. Usually on Wednesday at 7.00pm sharp, unless LOI in taking place the same evening in which case 6.30 pm is a start time.

Notice is sent out to all entitled to attend, The Senior and Junior Deacons attend to represent the brethren.

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Masonic Links

United Grand Lodge of England

United Grand Lodge of England Great Queen Street http://www.ugle.org.uk/

Library and Museum www.freemasonry.london.museum

The 3R Library and Membership Development Site http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex Website

Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Essex http://www.essexmark.co.uk

The Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas – Essex District website: http://www.royalandselect-essex.co.uk

Masonic Charities

The Grand Charity Latest

News Items http://www.grandcharity.org/pages/news.html

New Masonic Samaritan Fund: www.nmsf.org

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution www.rmbi.org.uk

The Grand Charity www.grandcharity.org

The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys http://www.rmtgb.org

Other Charities

Lifelites: Providing technical equipment for children’s hospices across the UK. http://www.lifelites.org

Other Orders in Essex Mark Masonry: David Embling, Tel 01268 775072 [wpml_mailto email=”davidembling@btinternet.com”]Email David[/wpml_mailto]

Rose Croix North Essex: James Lord Tel: 01255 678407

Rose Croix in South Essex: Graham Larke 01268 530484 [wpml_mailto email=”graham.larke@tesco.net”]Email Graham[/wpml_mailto]

Knights Templar; Walter Hall Tel 01245 441987

The Freemason.com: www.thefreemason.com

The Essex Mason, Shop and Magazine run by volunteers from the fraternity in Essex, and every penny profit is returned to the Craft or charities. Founded in 2000, The Freemason.com started supplying Freemasons throughout the world with quality regalia, books and accessories.

Freemasonry and Charity

Freemasonry is very much one of the world’s oldest organisations dating back to the early 1700s. It’s both non-religious and non-political with the primary aim to support charitable and other deserving causes throughout the world, the UK and deserving local communities. FREEMASONS AND RELIGION The essential spiritual qualification is that you must believe in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion.

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St Osyth's Priory Lodge 2063 St. Osyth’s Priory Lodge has raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes, both Masonic and non-Masonic. Being a Freemason does not provide you with any financial advantage in business, but if you would like spend some of your time helping others less fortunate than yourself then perhaps you should consider becoming a Freemason.
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Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex The Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex – among one of the largest Masonic Provinces in the UK – with the collective support of all Essex Lodges has raised in excess of £6 million pounds. The society’s Grand Charity gives 50 per cent of money raised annually to national appeals. Last year it gave £600,000 to hospices in England and Wales.
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FREEMASONS AND TEDDY BEARS Essex came up with the Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) scheme for hospitals and has so far provided more than 100,000 teddy bears for children.

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United_Grand_Lodge_of_England_logo The United Grand Lodge of England states that the values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole – both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
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eMason App

eMason is an exciting, new and powerful App designed to keep you up to date and truly connected with news from around your province. Whether you’re a seasoned Freemason needing something to help you manage your time or whether you’re simply keen to find out more about Freemasonry, eMason has it all! Cost £3.99 for App and £0.99 for Essex Province ‘add in’ Just search eMason from your device or got to google app store.

  • Get directions to every Masonic Hall in your province via a map with built-in Satellite Navigation
  • Instantly and easily subscribe to multiple provinces and calendars, making it simple to manage your meetings.
  • Add all or any relevant Masonic contact details directly to your smartphone.
  • Anyone can purchase the general App for a one-off fee of £4 and then add any of the participating provinces for £1 each.
  • Integrated directly with your Twitter and Facebook accounts (if you have them).
  • Lots of useful information from Freemasonry, your province, news items, your provincial executive and more.

At last, a masonic App that truly adds value! If you’re a freemason (and even if you’re not), you’ll find this a truly useful app. Add a provincial pack to your purchase* and keep up with every development in your province – quickly and easily. It’s an App you can’t afford to be without! Get directions to every Masonic Hall in your province via a map with built-in Satellite Navigation Instantly and easily subscribe to multiple provinces and calendars, making it simple to manage your meetings. Add all or any relevant Masonic contact details directly to your smartphone. Anyone can purchase the general App for a one-off fee of £3.99 and then add any of the participating provinces for £0.99 each. Integrated directly with your Twitter and Facebook accounts (if you have them). Lots of useful information from Freemasonry, your province, news items, your provincial executive and more.

*participating provinces
If your Province has subscribed to this App, for an in-App purchase of around £1, you will also have access to a rich amount of content relating to your own province that you won’t want to miss. Unleash the power of your smartphone with the wonderful world of Freemasonry!

Provinces currently available: Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex
Want to stay up to date with your province or Freemasonry in general? With Push Notifications, you’ll stay connected to everything you’ll need: charity announcements, Provincial Meetings, breaking news and so much more. Knowing how busy you are, you’ll instantly and easily be able to subscribe to multiple calendars*, making it simple to manage your masonic meetings. Find your way to Masonic Halls * Add all or any relevant Masonic contact details* directly to your smartphone. Integrated directly with your Twitter and Facebook accounts to share with anyone you wish. Lots of useful information from Freemasonry, your province, news items, your provincial executive and more. Info about the Masonic Articles from ‘Square’ magazine And so much more!

Also in the App: An introduction to Freemasonry, its members and precepts. History Famous Freemasons Becoming a Mason The headquarters of English Freemasonry, the library and museum of Freemasonry and answers to many frequently asked questions.
Please note, eMason is a ‘not for profit’ App designed around you.
* = requires in-app purchase to access province specific information

Lodge Defibrillator

St Osyth’s Priory Lodge 2063 – Installs a Defibrillator Device in its Clacton Masonic Centre held at the Colvin Masonic Temple.

On the advice of W. Bro. David Appleby; The Master, supported by the Permanent Committee of St. Osyth’s Priory Lodge decided to purchase a Zol Defibrillator device for the benefit of everyone using the Colvin Masonic Centre. We hope it will never have to be used but it’s there – just in case!!

We have also arranged some essential training in its use, and an introductory session was held and attended by Masons from all the Lodges using the Centre. The Defibrillator device is very easy to use, and talks to you telling you what you have to do. It even tells you if you are not doing it properly! It’s almost fool proof. David would like to see these Defibrillators installed at every Masonic Centre in the Province (if not the whole country). If we save just one life it will be worth it.

If anyone requires any information about the Zol Defibrillator device (which is also used by Essex Ambulance service and many others) where it can be purchased etc. please [wpml_mailto email=”appleby444@btinternet.com”]Email David[/wpml_mailto] or Telephone number – 07714711055. David can also provide details of a fully qualified Trainer who will be happy to provided full training in CPR and the Defibrillator at reasonable cost. You will even get a certificate at the end of the training!

David Appleby PPGswdB St Osyth’s Priory Lodge 2063

It has been agreed that the Equipment would be dedicated to the memory of W. Bro John Baker.

Plack to WB John Baker

Lodge Defibrillator