Colchester Brethren mark Armistice Day with unique act of Remembrance
The Claudius Lodge perform moving ‘Ceremony of the Empty Chair’ in a solemn act of remembrance to fallen brethren
Claudius Lodge No. 8700 performed the ‘Ceremony of the Empty Chair’ after their meeting held at St Giles Masonic Hall, Colchester on Tuesday 11th November 2025. The meeting was held under dispensation to allow the Lodge to meet on Armistice Day which was befitting as they planned to carry out the solemn act of remembrance to fallen brethren that had died in service of freedom and peace. Over 80 Freemasons were present including six Grand Officers, one of whom was Joe Shearer, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
Following the regular business of the lodge it was formally closed and following a short break the brethren returned to the temple.
The Worshipful Master, George Meighan, opened the ceremony with an introduction on how the idea of performing the ceremony came about. Inspired by a friend’s mention of the ‘Ceremony of the Empty Chair’ and his own RAF Reserve service, he wondered if this was something the Claudius Lodge could perform. He then briefly described the ceremony's history which began in the USA following the end of the Civil War to honour brethren who died in the war.
Under dimmed lights the members of Claudius Lodge began the ceremony, with the placing of a white masonic apron on a chair draped in the Union Jack flag which was bathed in spotlight symbolising those Freemasons that were not present in body, were always present in our minds and in spirit. The precision and sense of pride and dignity was palpable and interspaced with a recitation of Psalm 23 by Simon Redgen and a reading of the poem ‘In Flanders Field’ written by John McCrae. The Worshipful Master laid a poppy wreath, Ingrid Leatherdale of the Chelmsford Silver Band played the Last Post and Reveille, and the Brethren observed two minutes of silence.
Speaking after the vibrant festive board, at which many wore their own, or familial service medals, Joe Shearer reflected on the ceremony by saying, “If you had asked me to comment immediately after, I would have struggled as I was so moved. I thought about my own relatives that have served in the Armed Forces.” He went on to say, “Holding this ceremony of the empty chair, which is the ultimate showing of dignity and respect to those that have fallen, in an Essex Lodge, and for that to be a Lodge here in Colchester, which has got such a connection with the Military, I don’t think we could have asked for anything more of the Lodge or the Members.”
He went on to explain that there were challenges, but the Lodge and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex collaboration with the United Grand Lodge of England had made this event possible and he hoped it can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the UK.
When asked how he felt now that he had some time to reflect, he remarked, “It was exceedingly and deeply moving but it was done with such dignity and respect. It has been such a wonderful reflection on why Freemasonry, the Armed Services and that whole act of remembrance is so important to us all.”
Brian Chenier MBE, who attended as a visitor added his own comments, “As an Army veteran it was an honour to attend this meeting and then witness this ceremony afterwards, it shows people, in this case Freemasons, care about and resect those that have served. It was a deeply humbling evening with a mix of solemn remembrance and later banter and making new connections.” He added, “Claudius Lodge did an amazing job tonight. They are a credit to Freemasonry in Essex and beyond.”
The Festive board raffle and bottle whiskey draw also raised an incredible £760 for charity.
Photos:
Top: George Meighan opening the ceremony
Below: Moving moments from the ceremony
