Our History: Timeline 2001 Onwards
2001
(January 30th) The RW Provincial Grand Master was pleased to consecrate Essex Millennium Lodge No. 9729 at the meeting held at Chingford
(March 12th) Since the launch a total of 18,000 "teddies" have found their way to Accident and Emergency departments of all major hospitals within the County. So many parents have taken the time to express their gratitude at the caring gesture made by the Freemasons of the Province which has brought comfort to the children at a time of trauma.
(March 22nd) Following the retirement of W.Bros. J. M. Webb and M. S. Hogg, W.Bros. G. G. Sanders and W. M. A. Gunary were obligated and invested as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. W.Bro. C. H. Thorns succeeded W.Bro. G. G. Sanders as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.
(21st June) At the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter E.Comp. M. D. Withams and E.Comp J. E. R. Robertson were appointed as Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals to replace E.Comp. W. M. A. Gunary and E.Comp R. D. Knott .
A promotions meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the afternoon to which each promotee was invited to bring a non-Masonic guest.
(October 26th) A truly moving occasion took place at Saffron Walden when the RW Provincial Grand Master officially opened the restored Freemasons' Hall, following the tragic event of July 1999, when the former was almost totally destroyed by fire. The RW Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to the resolve and fortitude of those whose determined efforts had resulted in this raising from the ashes.
(12th December) Regrettably, at the Quarterly Communications of Grand Lodge, it was reported that Seven Pillars Lodge No. 5760 had surrendered its Warrant. The total number of Lodges within the Province remains at 324.
2002
It was disappointing that during the year we saw the erasure of Hornbeam Lodge No.6382.
(June 6th). At the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter E.Comp. F. A. D. Harris retired as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal and the M.E. Grand Superintendent was please to appoint E.Comp. S. A. Gane to succeed him. E.Comp. K. J. Elmes was appointed 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comp. C.K. Huddlestone as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals group RA01.
(September 10th) The Consecration by the RW Provincial Grand Master, of the Lodge of Universal Friendship No.9759 at Southend.
(November 25th) The Consecration by the RW Provincial Grand Master, of Lux Beata Lodge No 9761 at Thurrock. Two further events of note took place, during the year; the Centenary meetings of Chingford Lodge No 2859 and, Westcliff Lodge No 2903. Each was attended by the RW Provincial Grand Master and a full retinue of Provincial officers.
V.ILL.Bro. M. D. Withams was appointed Inspector General of the newly formed District of North Essex in the Rose Croix.
2003
(June 5th). At the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter E.Comp. S.A. Gane retired as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal and the M.E. Grand Superintendent was please to appoint E.Comp. K. J. Elmes to succeed him. E.Comp. M. D. Withams was appointed 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comps. G. B. Jarrett, C. H. Thoms and P. H. King as Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals.
During the course of the year the number of Lodges administered by the Province increased from 325 to 329.
Apart from the Grays and Orsett Daylight Lodge No.9766, Consecrated at Thurrock on 22nd April 2003, three Lodges namely, Lodge of United Progress No. 6992, Leyton Grange Park No.5473 and Leyton St. John's No.4860 removed from London to Essex. The Provincial Grand Master and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Richard Clowes Lodge No 2936, Frituna Lodge No 2949, and Comrades Lodge No 2976 which were held, during the year, at Chelmsford, Frinton on Sea. and Colchester respectively.
Pishon Chapter 6458 joined the Province from London.
Donald Jennings was appointed District Grand Master of the Order of Royal and Select Masters.
2004
(9th February) Braintree St George became the 330th Lodge in the Province when it was consecrated at Braintree.
(2nd March) Our much beloved Provincial Grand Secretary/Grand Scribe W.Bro. Kenneth Harvey, PJGD died.
(18th March) HRH The Duke of Kent dedicated the improvements to Chelmsford Cathedral and unveiled the plaque which recognises the contribution of £240,000 made by Essex Masons to the project.
(25th March) W.Bro. Sydney Gane was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro Allan Croucher, PSGD.
(1st May) W.Bro Andrew Bishop, PAGDC was appointed as Provincial Grand Secretary/Provincial Grand Scribe E. (2nd September) E.Comp Brian Procter, PGStB was appointed and Invested as Deputy Grand Superintendent following the appointment of E.Comp Allan Kemp to be Inspector General for the Rose Croix district of South Essex.
(30th June) RWy Bro Walter Hall appointed Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler for Essex of the OSM.
(2nd September) Following the retirement of E.Comp Allan Kemp as Deputy Grand Superintendent E.Comp Brian Procter, PGStB was obligated and Invested as Deputy Grand Superintendent.
(20th October) Consecration of Upminster Daylight Lodge No. 9788.
(22nd October) Consecration of Lux Solis Lodge No. 9781.
(14th December) Eastbury Manor Lodge No. 6038 handed in its warrant due to a continually declining membership and lack of prospective candidates.
(20th December) Centenary of the Star in the East Chapter.
2005
(6th January) Consecration of the Wakering and Barling Lodge No. 9790.
(17th March) W.Bro. Clifford Thoms was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Alan Gamer.
(30th March) Centenary of Roding Lodge No.3090.
(18th April) at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London, Right Illustrious Companion John Alan Wright was installed as the new Grand Master of the Masonic Order of Royal and Select Masters.
(5th June) Orange-Aid weekend raises in excess of £25,000 for a new inshore lifeboat.
(21st June) Centenary Walden Chapter No 1280.
(25th June) Centenary Canute Lodge No 3104.
(12th July) Centenary St Chad Lodge No 3115.
(16th July) Centenary Mark Lockwood Lodge No 3114.
(22nd August) Consecration of the Daylight Lodge of Hutton No 9806.
(31st August) Col. Sir Neil Thome retires as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent after ten years service to the Province of Essex.
(1st September) RW.Bro. John Michael Webb is installed as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent in and over Essex by the Most Hon, the Marquess of Northampton in an especial meeting at Great Queen Street.
W.Bro. Peter Holland is appointed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and W.Bro. Alan Everard as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
E.Comp. Allan Kemp is re-appointed as Deputy Grand Superintendent.
(11th October) 150th Anniversary of Star in the East Lodge No 650.
2006
(4th January) First meeting at Saxon Hall Southend following the sale of Woodgrange Drive.
(23rd March) W.Bro. Kenneth Birnie was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Victor Souster.
W.Bro. Nigel Catchpole was appointed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies following the retirement of W.Bro. Paul Humphrey.
(5th April) Consecration of the Chapter of True Friendship No 160 at Saxon Hall Southend
(19th April) R.ILL.Kt Geoffrey Jackson installed as Intendant General for Essex. R.III.Kt. Robin Fagence installed as his deputy. (8th June) Dedication of the new Masonic Temple at Southend.
(27th June) Centenary of the Seven Kings Chapter No 2749 at Thurrock Masonic Hall.
(3rd July) Consecration of the Upminster Daylight Chapter.
(20th July) Dedication of the new Masonic Temple at Frinton.
(7th September) E.Comp. Michael Withers was appointed as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal following the retirement of E.Comp Ken Elm.. E.Comp. Ian Gorman was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal following the promotion of E.Comp Michael Withers. E.Comps Bernard Willis and Leonard Davies were appointed as Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals following the retirement of E.Comps Keith Huddlestone and Paul King.
(26th October) Lodge Boadica celebrated its centenary.
(17th November) Consecration of Rochford Kindred Daylight Lodge No 9820 at Southend.
2007
(16th March) Consecration of the West Essex Meridan Lodge No 9821 at Southend.
(22nd March) W.Bro. Jim McCreadie was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Bill Gunary.
(31st March) Installation of RW Bro. Michael Spencer as Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons following the retirement of RW Bro Alan Wright
(20th April) Peter Budge appointed as Provincial Prior following the retirement of Ron Gatehouse.
(6th September) E Comp Frank Sharp appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals following the appointment of E Comp Jim McCreadie as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
(2nd November) The North Essex Masters' Lodge 9871 was consecrated.
(27th November) Essex Masters' Lodge 3256 celebrated its centenary and was honoured with the presence of Lord Northampton 2008
2008
(28th March) W.Bro. John Davies was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Sydney Gane.
(4th September) E.Comp. Ian Gorman was appointed as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal following the retirement of E.Comp Michael Withams. E.Comp. Glyn Jarrett was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comp. Paul Tarrant was appointed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. E.Comp Michael Johnson was appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals
(5th December) Crowstone Lodge 3298 celebrated its centenary.
2009
(18th March) lngrebourne Lodge 3345 celebrated its centenary
(26th March) W.Bro. Alan Clark was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Gordon Sanders.
(10th June) Shurmur Lodge 2374 surrendered its Warrant
(3rd September) E.Comp. Ian Gorman was appointed as Deputy Grand Superintendent following the retirement of E.Comp Allan Kemp. E.Comp. Glyn Jarrett was appointed as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp. Len Davies was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comp. Jeffrey Conway was appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.
2010
(22nd May) Raymond Clare installed as Head of the Allied Degrees at Southend Masonic Centre. Brain Wren installed as his deputy.
(17th June) Harlow Chapter 2734 celebrated its Centenary.
(29th June) Brian Wren installed as the Head of the Red Cross of Constantine at Southend Masonic Centre. John Greenwood installed as his deputy.
(10th July) St Chad Chapter 3115 celebrated its Centenary.
(2nd September) E.Comp. Len Woolmer was appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals following the retirement of E.Comp. Bernard Willis.
(October) Appointment of R.Wy.Bro. Barry Clarke as Provincial Supreme Grand Ruler (OSM) for Essex.
2011
(25th June) The Essex Festival 2011 for the Grand Charity reached its climax with the Festival Dinner at London's Guildhall. The RW Provincial Grand Master was very proud and honoured to announce the record sum for the Grand Charity £5,502,833 having been raised by our Province with the Royal Arch, contributing over £450,000 to this outstanding figure.
(20th July) Creation and Consecration of new Provincial Senitus for Essex with Right Distinguished Companion Raymond G. Fretten appointed as the first Provincial Grand Summus.
(1st September) Following the retirement of E.Comp Glyn Jarrett, E.Comp. Len Davies was appointed as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E.Comp. Frank Sharp was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comp. Ken Montgomery was appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.
(29th September) W.Bro. Laurie Justice was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. John Helliar.
(4th November) W.Bro. Rodney Bass was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. John Robertson.
2012
(22nd March) W.Bro. Nigel Catchpole was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master following the retirement of W.Bro. Ken Bimie.
W.Bro. Paul Reeves was appointed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.
(5th July) R.111.Comp. John J Jacobson appointed district Grand Master of the Royal and Select Masters.
(6th September) Following the sad death of E.Comp. Michael Johnson, E.Comp. Clive Rees was appointed as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. E.Comp. Nicholas Franklin was appointed as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Royal Arch.
2013
No Year Book was published in 2013/14
(30th April) The Cross Keys Masonic Hall was dedicated by the RW PGM.
(14th March) R.Wy Bro Stephen Ayres Installed as Provincial Supreme Grand Ruler Order of the Secret Monitor for Essex
(9th May) R.E.Kt Anthony John Helliar Installed as Provincial Prior.
(5th September) Following the retirements of EComp Len Davies as 2nd Provincial Grand Principals and EComp Len Woolmer as an APGP. EComp Frank Sharp was appointed as 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, EComp Kenneth Montgomery was appointed 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and EComps Eric Broadbent and David Branch were appointed as Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principal.
2014
(27th March) Following the retirements of WBros Clifford Thoms and Alan Everard as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. WBros Robert Whittingham and Peter Hammond were appointed to replace them.
(12th June) R.Ill.Kt. John Simons was installed as the head of the Red Cross of Constantine
(4th September) E.Comp Clifford H. Thoms was appointed as Dept.GSupt following the retirement of E.Comp Ian B. Gorman. E.Comp Peter Hollingsworth, PPGSwdB (RA) was appointed as an APGP following the retirement of E.Comp Jeffrey Conway, PGStB.
2015
(26th March) Following the retirement of W.Bro Nigel L. Catchpole as an APGM, W.Bro Paul G. Reeves, PAGDC, PProvDepGDC was appointed to replace him. W.Bro Lee Taylor, PAGDC, PProvDepGDC was then appointed as ProvGDC.
(28th May) Following the retirement of W.Bro Michael Spencer as RW.PGM of the Mark Degree, W.Bro Terence Sheen was appointed PGM to replace him.
(3rd September) Following the retirement of RW.Bro John M. Webb as PGM/GSupt. W.Bro Rodney Lister Bass, PSGD, APGM was appointed to replace him in both capacities. This resulted in the following changes:
Craft - VW.Bro Peter E. Holland, PGSwdB stood down as Dep.PGM and was replaced by W.Bro Paul G. Reeves, PAGDC, APGM. W.Bros Peter Hollingsworth, PAGDC, PProvDepGDC and Kenneth C. Montgomery, PGStB were appointed as APGMs.
Royal Arch - E.Comps Clive F.R. Rees, PGStB and Nicholas J. Franklin, PGStB, PProvGDC (RA) were appointed as 2nd & 3rd Provincial Grand Principals respectively. E.Comps Ian S. Simpson, PProvGSoj. and Charles Ager, PProvGSwdB were appointed as APGPs and E.Comp Geoffrey R. Turpin, PProvDepGDC (Craft) was appointed as ProvGDC (RA).
(28th September) Peter Holland was installed as Inspector General Rose Croix for South Essex following the death of Allan E. Kemp.
2016
(17th March) Following the retirement of W.Bro. Jim McCreadie, APGM, W.Bro. B. Neil Beverley, PAGDC, PProvSGW was appointed in his stead.
(12th April) Brian Foulkes was installed as Inspector General Rose Croix for North Essex following the retirement of Michael D. Withams.
(11th July) Ray Clare was installed as head of the Scarlet Cord in Essex.
(21st August) RW.Bro Guy Y. Jerman, PGM 1986-1995 sadly passed away on this day.
(18th September) W.Bro Peter D. Hammond, PSGD, APGM sadly died on this day.
(27th September) Following the retirement of Rt. W.Bro. R.G. Fretten VII°, Rt. W.Bro. Martin N. Bates VII° was installed as Deputy Grand Master Mason & Senior Past Master for the Masons, Rough Masons, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers (The Operatives) East Anglican Counties.
(1st October) VW.Bro Peter E. Holland sadly passed away on this day after a relatively short illness.
(4th November) Following the sad death of Peter D. Hammond, APGM, W.Bro Paul W. Tarrant was appointed as an APGM.
2017
(13th February) W.Bro Paul W. Tarrant, APGM was also installed as Inspector General Rose Croix for South Essex.
(23rd March) Following the retirement of W.Bro Laurie G.T. Justice, APGM, W.Bro Nicholas J. Franklin, PAGDC was appointed & invested to replace him. W.Bro Philip M. Lovelock, PAGDC was appointed as ProvGSec to succeed W.Bro Andrew P. Bishop.
(7th April) Following the retirement of Alfred E.Garner, John E.R.Robertson was installed as the PGM for the Royal Order of Scotland, East Anglia
(20th April) At a meeting of Essex 1st Principals Chapter No. 3256 at Saxon Hall, Southend E.Comp. Phillip Campbell, PGStB was invested as 3rd ProvGPrin, to replace E.Comp. Nick Franklin.
(25th June) A special service of thanksgiving at Chelmsford Cathedral today, to celebrate three centuries of modem Freemasonry was allended by hundreds of masons and their families together with many civic dignitaries from across the county. The Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral, VR. Nicholas Henshall, conducted the service which began with four public processions into the cathedral. The first was led by Freemasons and included many lodge banners from all parts of Esscx followed by the Masters and Wardens of those lodges, Provincial Officers and the Essex Provincial Executive. This was followed by the Essex Scouts Executive, Mayor, Council Chairmen and other civic dignitaries from around the county with the last procession including The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, County Council Chairman, Chelmsford City Mayor, the RW.AGM, Sir David Hugh Wootton, and the RW.PGM, escorted by the ProvStdBs and ProvSwdB.
(25th July) W.Bro Andrew P. Bishop, PAGDC, PProvGSec/PScribe E. 2004-2017 passed to the Grand Lodge Above.
(28th July 2017) Consecration of Lodge of XV No. 9944 at Felsted School.
(5th September) Following the retirement of Walter Hall, Frank E. Sharp was installed as the PGM for the Royal Order of Scotland, North Thames.
(7th September) At a meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter E.Comps David P. Branch, PAGDC and N. Eric Broadbent, PAGDC stood down as APGPs and were succeeded by E.Comps Elliott L. Chevin, ProvDepGDC (RA) and Arthur J. Lucas, PAGDC. For the first Lime the ME.GSupt, E.Comp Rodney Lister Bass, OBE, invested each of the outgoing APGPs with a collarette in gratitude for their years of service as an APGP, which they will be entitled to wear at all Royal Arch meetings, but only within this Province.
(23rd September) E.Comp Rodney Lister Bass OBE ME.GSupt presented the Centenary Warrant to Rainham Chapter C3079 at Orsett Masonic Hall.
(30th October) Following the retirement of W.Bro Robert Whittingham PSGD, APGM, W.Bro Tony White PGStB was appointed as an APGM.
(31 st October) MW.GM, HRH The Duke of Kent attended a celebration of Freemasonry to mark the Tercentenary of the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England at the Royal Albert Hall, followed by a dinner in Battersea Park. Over 4,000 Freemasons from Provinces, Districts and 136 Grand Lodges around the world were present.
(3rd November) E.Comp Rodney Lister Bass OBE, ME.GSupt and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Nore Chapter C3610 at Saxon Hall, Southend on Sea.
(4th November) Various members of the Executive hosted three celebration dinners, which were held across the Province, at Saxon Hall, Hutton Masonic Hall and Stoke by Nayland Golf and Country Club, to mark the Tercentenary of the formation of The United Grand Lodge of England
(11th November) RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass OBE PGM and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Essex United Service Lodge L3804 at Harwich Masonic Hall.
(16th November) RW. Bro. Brian A. Vickers, KSM retired as PGM for the Province of Essex in the Masonic Order of Athelstan and RW. Bro. Peter E. Ribi, KSM was installed in his place at The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth, Herts.
2018
(22nd February) RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass OBE PGM and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Benfleet Lodge L3798 at Saxon Hall, Southend on Sea.
(14th March) Regrettably, at the Quarterly Communications of Grand Lodge, it was reported that Saints Peter and Paul Lodge L6159, Daws Heath Lodge L7466 and Lodge of Light and Friendship L9138 had surrendered their Warrants.
(22nd March) Following the retirements of W.Bro Alan Clark PSGD, APGM, and W.Bro. Paul Tarrant SGD APGM, W.Bro’s The Rev. Martin Howse PAGChap and Charles Elliot PJGD were appointed as APGM’s.
(26th April) West Ham Abbey Lodge L2291 and Cambridge Heath Chapter C4506 joined the Province of Essex from London. Regrettably, Benfleet Chapter C3798 and Luxborough C4700 surrendered their Charters.
(1st May) VW.Bro Brian Procter, PGSwdB, PDeptPGM died on this day.
(30th June) During the course of the year the number of Lodge members administered by the Province decreased from 8,740 to 8,655, memberships decreased from 10,764 to 10,703, the number of Lodges decreased from 309 to 307.
The Holy Royal Arch members administered by the Province decreased from 3,475 to 3,459, memberships decreased from 4,342 to 4,331, the number of Chapters decreased from 122 to 121.
(21st July) R.Em.Kt.Pt James Field Retired as the Provincial Prior of The Holy Arch Knight Templar Priests and Order of Holy Wisdom, and R.Em.Kt.Pt Robert Anderson Appointed in his place.
(20th September) At a meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter E.Comp Charles Ager, PAGDC stood down as an APGP and was succeeded by E.Comp Andrew McLeod PProvGSwdB. E.Comp John Crudgington PGStB was appointed as a 5th APGP.
(14th November) West Ham Abbey Chapter C2291 joined the Province of Essex from London. Regrettably, Knighton Chapter C5899 surrendered its Charter.
(24th November) Following the death of Barry R Pewter on 24th October 2018 Derek AR Cook was appointed as the Right Worthy Grand Preceptor of The Commemorative Order of St Thomas of Acon.
(12th December) Regrettably, Epping Lodge L2077 surrendered its Warrant.
2019
(22nd January 2019) Regrettably, Sir Francis Drake L4240 surrendered its Warrant.
(2nd March) Consecration of The Essex Cornerstone Lodge, No. 9968 in the Grand Temple.
(13th March) Regrettably, Essex Millennium L9729 surrendered its Warrant.
(28th March) Following the retirements of W.Bro John Davies PSGD, APGM, and W.Bro. Ken Montgomery PSGD, APGM, W.Bro’s Lee Taylor PAGDC and Graham Dickerson PAGDC were appointed as APGM’s.
(29th March) RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass OBE PGM and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Lodge of Old Friendship L3907 at Upminster Masonic Hall.
(11th June) Regrettably, Brooke Chapter C2005 surrendered its Charter.
(12th June) Regrettably, Canon’s Brook Lodge L8871 surrendered its Warrant.
(26th June) Highstone Lodge L8778 surrendered its Warrant.
(30th June) During the course of the year the number of Lodge members administered by the Province decreased from 8,655 to 8,543, memberships decreased from 10,703 to 10,649, the number of Lodges decreased from 307 to 303.
The Holy Royal Arch members administered by the Province decreased from 3,459 to 3,415, memberships decreased from 4,331 to 4,291, the number of Chapters decreased from 121 to 120.
(10th July) Regrettably, Undine Lodge L3394 surrendered its Warrant.
(16th July) Consecration of Lodge of Daily Advancement, No. 9979 at Saxon Hall.
(18th September) RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass OBE PGM and members of the Executive were honoured and privileged to participate at the Centenary Celebrations of Lambourne Lodge L3945 at Loughton Masonic Hall.
(19th September) E.Comp Cliff Thoms PGSwdB, Deputy Grand Superintendent retired from that office , he was succeeded by E.Comp Nicholas J. Franklin PGStB. E.Comp Clive Rees PGStB stepped down as Second Provincial Grand Principal and will succeed W. Bro. Nick Franklin PSGD, APGM as Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft, he will be invested in the autumn. E.Comp Phillip Campbell PGStB was promoted to Second Provincial Grand Principal and E.Comp Elliott Chevin PAGDC, APGP succeeded him as Third Provincial Grand Principal. E.Comp Ian Simpson PAGDC retired as an APGP and was succeeded by E.Comp Martin Cook PAGDC, PPDepGReg. E.Comp David Wilson PProvDepGReg succeeded E.Comp Elliott Chevin as an APGP.
(1st November) Following W.Bro Nicholas J. Franklin PSGD standing down as an APGM in September 2019 (in order to be invested as the DepGSupt) W.Bro Clive Rees PAGDC was appointed as an APGM in his stead.
(28th November) Lodge Boadicea L3147 surrendered its Warrant.
(19th December) Bysnian Lodge L7500 surrendered its Warrant.
2020
(10th January 2020) Hamlet Court L6026 surrendered its Warrant.
(17th March) Due to the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the UK (and many other parts of the world) The Most Worshipful the Grand Master and Most Excellent First Grand Principal suspended all Craft and Royal Arch Meetings for four months with effect from 17th March 2020.
(21st March) To ensure the survival of our masonic halls RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass, OBE, ProvGM sent a message to all Secretaries and Scribe E’s of Essex Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters encouraging them to obtain approval of their members to support their local Masonic Centres by continuing to pay per capita fees or temple rent during the period of masonic suspension.
(23rd March) Due to Covid-19, HM Government placed the country into lockdown.
(26th March) The meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was unable to be held. Brethren due to receive preferment were notified that their new ranks came into effect from that date.
The following meetings of note were unable to be held due to the suspension or because, once the lockdown was eased, HM Government’s restrictions prevented more than thirty brethren meeting together. They were postponed until such time that the lockdown is further eased and larger numbers are able to attend:
17th April Tuscan L6067 75th Anniversary
18th April Consecration of Chapter of XV
29th April UGLE Investitures
30th April Supreme Grand Chapter Investitures
6th May United Chapter C697 Centenary
14th May Iceni L6066 75th Anniversary
27th June Thames Estuary L4043 Centenary
4th July Ixion Chapter C2501 125th Anniversary
24th July West Essex L2561 125th Anniversary
(30th June) During the course of the year the number of Lodge members administered by the Province decreased from 8,543 to 8,258, memberships decreased from 10,649 to 10,401, the number of Lodges decreased from 303 to 300.
The Holy Royal Arch members administered by the Province decreased from 3,415 to 3,367, Royal Arch memberships decreased from 4,291 to 4,225, the number of Chapters remained at 120.
(14th July) RW.Bro Rodney Lister Bass, OBE, ProvGM had been diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in April 2019 but had continued to discharge his responsibilities as ProvGM whenever his treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy) left him able to do so. His condition though had continued to advance and on this day he passed to the Grand Lodge above during the night. In consequence of his death it was ordered that Masonic Mourning shall consist of the printing of an ‘In Memoriam’ notice on the first summons issued for a meeting of each Lodge and Chapter under the Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter of Essex; and that the members of each Lodge/Chapter shall stand in his memory at its next meeting, immediately after the Lodge/Chapter has been opened and before any business is transacted (except for the reading of any dispensation required to regularise the holding of the meeting).
VW.Bro Paul G. Reeves, PGSwdB, DepPGM took on the role of ‘Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge’ and Excellent Companion Nick Franklin, DepGSupt took on the role of ‘Deputy Grand Superintendent In Charge’ of the Holy Royal Arch.
(17th July) Following relaxing of HM Government lockdown regulations, the MW The Grand Master lifted the general suspension of Masonic meetings, but these were only allowed to resume if Masonic Halls could provide ‘Covid-secure’ measures to make their halls as safe as possible.
2021
For the first time, an Assistant Pronvincial Grand Master was appointed the "in charge rank". Therefore Peter Hollingsworth become the first Asssistant Provincial Grand Master in Charge for Essex.
