A Grand Night at Corinthian Centenary Lodge: Celebration and Charity
Highly respected Ray Quiddington Past Provincial Grand Membership Officer installed into the Masters chair
The Corinthian Centenary Lodge No. 8488, that meets at the Clark-Lewis Hall in Burnham-on-Crouch and the proud home of the Essex Provincial Membership Team, recently held a truly memorable Installation meeting. Over 100 Freemasons gathered to witness Ray Quiddington, the Past Provincial Grand Membership Officer, being installed as Master of the Lodge.
Held in high esteem throughout the Province for his tireless efforts in promoting membership and mentoring, Ray’s installation drew an impressive crowd of brethren from across Essex, all keen to support and celebrate with him. The ceremony was conducted with precision, warmth and a real sense of camaraderie, reflecting strong bonds that define the fraternity.
But the evening wasn’t just about tradition and ceremony—it was also a powerful demonstration of Freemasonry’s ongoing commitment to charitable giving. Corinthian Centenary Lodge presented a generous donation of £750 to the Essex 250 Appeal, a Provincial initiative created to mark 250 years of Freemasonry in Essex.
The Essex 250 Appeal is donating £425,000 to support local causes across the county. This includes five major donations of
around £100,000 each to life-changing projects and organisations:
- Headway (Colchester) – For the expansion of their vital brain trauma unit.
- Essex First Responders (Chelmsford) – Funding new vehicles and support for emergency medical teams.
- Friends of Essex and London Homeless (Grays) – Providing transport support to reach and assist those most in need.
- Essex Wildlife Trust/Forest Initiative – Assisting in the development of a new conservation site to protect Essex’s natural heritage.
- Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) – In anticipation of their 25th anniversary in 2026, TLC will receive a special donation of £25,000 to continue comforting children in distress.
The Lodge’s contribution reflects the spirit of generosity that runs through the Essex Province. Their donation, alongside others being made by Lodges across Essex, helps us to reach this remarkable goal of supporting charitable causes that make a real difference in our communities.
Congratulations once again to Ray Quiddington on his installation, and to Corinthian Centenary Lodge for an evening that truly embodied the values of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
To read more about the Essex 250 Anniversary and Appeal click this link https://essexfreemasons.org.uk/about/250
Photos:
Top: Ray Quiddington with some of his new team (L-R): Simon Lockwood (Junior Warden and Assistant ProvGMO - Essex North 1), Chris Hayden (Senior Deacon, MO and Admin Team Lead – Essex South 2), Ray Quiddington (WM), Ray Hart (Inner Guard), Paul Kelly (Director of Ceremonies)
Right: (L-R): Ray Quiddington (WM), Paul Morgan (Junior Deacon and Deputy ProvGMO), Jeff Palmer (ProvGCO)
[Note: Jeff Palmer was the ProvGMO when the funds were raised]
Key:
MO = Membership Officer - ProvGCO = Provincial Grand Communications Officer - ProvGMO = Provincial Grand Membership Officer -
WM = Worshipful Master
