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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.

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.

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

Essex Masonic Library Museum

Library1Raising the awareness of Freemasons and members of the public, to the rich history and development of Freemasonry, is amongst the aims of the Essex Provincial Library and Museum. They have been in existence since 2006, when they were opened by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. John Michael Webb.
The displays reflect a modern and vibrant Library and Museum, enabling them to exhibit, for example, some of the very special and ancient artefacts on loan from Angel Lodge No. 51, who had their inaugural meeting in 1735. Among the books in their possession are some fine bindings from the early 18th century.

One of their original aims was to have an image of every Provincial Grand Master, since 1776. They are still striving to complete this collection, but that of William Phillip Honywood (1824-1831), still eludes them.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) wrote in his now famous, “A Dictionary of the English Language”, that a Museum was ‘a collection of learned artefacts’. The learned artefacts which are held by the Library and Museum, form an excellent resource for research into the sociological, esoteric and historical aspects of Freemasonry, not just in the Province of Essex, but worldwide.

The knowledgeable Library and Museum staff are only too willing to assist Freemasons and members of the public wishing to further their knowledge of our Order. The Library and Museum can provide a quiet area for reading, reference and research, with Internet access. They are members of the Masonic Library and Museum Group

OPENING HOURS : 10.00 – 13.00 Every Tuesday. Other times by appointment

The Brief story of Essex Masons

• Essex has more than 12,000 masons who are members of 330 lodges, meeting in 27 masonic centres.
• Colchester has thirteen lodges, Clacton eight and Harwich three.
• The number of members per lodge is between 20 and 65.
• All lodges are affiliated to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex, which is part of the United Grand Lodge of England, the world’s senior grand lodge
• Essex Masters Lodge is made up of senior masons who were masters of their lodges. It has 1,000 members and is arguably the largest lodge in the world. It celebrates its centenary on November 25.
•Angel Lodge 51 in Colchester is Essex’s oldest lodge. It first met on November 25, 1735.

Essex Mason Ltd

Essex Mason Ltd is a Charitable Trust (Reg. No. 1091864) run by volunteers from the fraternity in Essex, United Kingdom. Essex Mason Ltd procure and supply quality Regalia (for many Masonic Orders), Furnishings, Books Jewellery, Gifts& Sundries. Essex Mason Ltd prices remain some of the most competitive in the United Kingdom. What’s more, every penny of their profit is returned to the Craft or charities.

Essex Mason Ltd also publish a periodical magazine called “The Essex Mason”, it is the official journal of the Province and contains features, what’s on, write ups and advertising, priced at just £1.00
Lodge secretaries are welcome to open a Lodge account with them, just give them a call.
Address & Shop Opening Hours: (The Barrack St shop closed on 30 January.)
Essex Mason Ltd opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am – 1pm. All callers are welcome.
Note that we are closed on Saturdays in June, July & August & Bank Holidays.
New shop opened 2 February 2015 at;
Unit 17 Peartree Business Centre, Peartree Road, Colchester CO3 OJN
Tel: 01206 500270 (Fax tba) [wpml_mailto email=”sales@essexmason.co.uk”]email the Sales team[/wpml_mailto]

Call them on Tel: 01206 500270 or Fax: 01206 510519

Browse by category:

Craft Regalia Craft Regalia [30]

Jewellery and Sundry Gifts Jewellery and Sundry Gifts [104]

Lapel Pins Lapel Pins [36]

Masonic Cases Masonic Cases [12]

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous [27]

Package Sets Package Sets [0]

Widow's Brooch Widow’s Brooch [2]

Royal Arch Regalia Royal Arch Regalia [29]

Mark Regalia Mark Regalia [24]

Books Books [142]

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Royal & Select Masters Royal & Select Masters [12]

Allied Degrees Allied Degrees [7]

Royal Order Of Scotland Royal Order Of Scotland [8]

Knights Templar Knights Templar [47]

Royal Ark Mariner Royal Ark Mariner [20]

Order Of Secret Monitor Order Of Secret Monitor [18]

Holy Sepulchre & St John the Evangelist Holy Sepulchre & St John the Evangelist [8]

Red Cross Of Constantine Red Cross Of Constantine [5]

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St. Thomas Of Acon St. Thomas Of Acon [6]

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Royal Arch Furnishings Royal Arch Furnishings [29]

Coronation Chapter No. 2063

Membership of the Royal Arch Chapter is open to all those who have become full members of a Craft Lodge.

History Coronation Chapter No. 2063:

On January 20th, 1899, it was first mooted to form a Royal Arch Chapter attached to St. Osyth’s Priory Lodge, and that on January 17th, 1902, the necessary papers were signed in open Lodge to form the Coronation Chapter.

The Chapter was consecrated in the old Town Hall, Clacton-on-Sea, on May 29th, 1902, by the Grand Superintendent of the Province of Essex, His Honour Judge Philbrick, K.C., assisted by :-

E. Comp. Richard Clowes, P.G.Std.Br., P.P.G.H……….. as H.

E. Comp. John J. C. Turner, P.P.G.J. .. as J.

E. Comp. Thos. J. Railing, P.G.Swd.Br., Prov.G.S.E. …….. as S.E.

E. Comp. Jas. Berry, P.G.Asst.Soj. .. as S.N.

E. Comp. A. Lucking, P.A.G.D.C., Prov.G.D.C. …….. as D.C.

E. Comp. W. Hayman Cummings, P.G.O. as Organist.

E. Comp. F. J. Gecdly, P.P.G.P.Soj. .. as P.Soj.

In the course of the ceremony, the acting J., E. Comp John J. C. Turner, delivered a very thoughtful and practical Oration on The Nature and Principles of the Royal Arch Degree.

At the conclusion of the consecration ceremony, the Principals of the new Chapter were installed into their respective chairs by E. Comp. A. Lucking, Prov. G.D.C., as follows :-

M.E.Z. E. Comp. Claude E. Egerton Green, P.Z.51, P.P.G.H.

H. E. Comp. Walter Firmin Reed, J.51.

J. E. Comp. George Gardiner, S.N.51.

The officers of the Chapter were invested by the new M.E.Z. as under :-

Scribe E. .. E. Comp. E. Frayling.

Scribe N. . . Comp. J. W. Franks.

Treasurer .. Gomp. A. R. Ghamberlayne.

P.SoJ…..Comp. S. J. Sparling.

1st Asst. Soj. Comp. F. Chapman.

2nd Asst. Soj. Comp. F. E. Crate.

D C…..E. Comp. J. T. Bailey, P.Z.51, P.P.G.R.

Janitor .. Comp. F. Quilter.

E. Comp. A. S. B. Sparling, P.Z.51, P.P.G.S.N., was invested as I.P.Z.

On behalf of the founders, the M.E.Z. presented the Grand Superintendent with a jewel commemorative of the event, and, at the same time, thanked him for having come all the way from Somersetshire to conduct the proceedings.

The founders of the Chapter were :

E. Comp. Claude E. Egerton Green, P.Z.51, P.P.G.H.

Comp. Frank Chapman, Chapter 51.

Royal Arch Regulations http://www.supremegrandchapter.org.uk/about-supreme-grand-chapter/royal-arch-regulations

See Past Master

History of St. Osyth’s Prioy

The first fifty year History