Freemasonry Historic First: Orders unite to support domestic abuse survivors
Three distinct Masonic orders unite in supporting ‘raising awareness of domestic abuse’
On Tuesday 22 July 2025, nearly 100 people gathered at Orsett Masonic Hall in Essex for a civic event focused on raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting those affected. Organised in partnership with Changing Pathways, a specialist charity working with survivors across Essex, the evening brought together local organisations, civic leaders, and members of the public, and marked a potentially historic moment for British Freemasonry.
Possibly for the first time in the United Kingdom, three distinct Masonic Orders; the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), co-hosted a public initiative in collaboration with each other and the wider community. With over 300 lodges across Essex between the three Orders, the Thurrock event united the full spectrum of local Freemasonry in support of survivors of domestic abuse.
This unique partnership wasn’t primarily about raising money, although over £1200 was collected on the night, but about opening our Masonic Centres to the community, and standing in solidarity with councils, charities, and local groups to address a shared social issue.
The evening was compered by Essex Provincial Charity Steward, Chris Hicks and organised by Essex Community Engagement Lead, David Barton, whose ongoing efforts continue to connect Freemasonry with local causes across the county. While there were no formal speeches from the Orders, David delivered a short but powerful message, closing with the line: “We are stronger when we stand together.”
The event was supported by the Worshipful the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Sue Shinnick, and attended by representatives from Thurrock Council, NHS, the Rotary Club of Essex, the Women’s Institute, Essex Round Table, the Thurrock Association of Community Forums, the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership, and several local schools, charities, and community organisations. Their presence reflected a collective commitment to local responses to domestic abuse.
Although members of the three Masonic Orders have previously appeared together at national events such as Open House London and the London Pride Parade, this occasion was different — a locally organised, civic-focused initiative with a clearly defined social purpose. It demonstrated what can be achieved when Freemasonry works alongside the wider community in a spirit of partnership.
The organisers offered the following joint comment:
“This evening was about more than raising awareness; it was about standing together, visibly and purposefully, to support those affected by domestic abuse.
For the first time, members of UGLE, OWF, and HFAF worked side by side to deliver a civic event centred on charity and community.
We’re proud to have opened our doors, and welcomed nearly 100 people from across Thurrock, including the mayor, and to have supported Changing Pathways with a joint donation.
Our thanks go to the many local groups and public services who attended and helped make this a meaningful occasion.
We hope it will serve as a positive example of what Freemasonry can achieve when it partners with the communities it seeks to support.”
— Elliott Chevin, Assistant Provincial Grand Master & David Barton, Provincial Community Lead (Essex Freemasons)
— Elaine Malone, Grand Inspector of Essex (Order of Women Freemasons)
— Irene Stewart, Past Deputy Grand Master & Ann Holland, Community Lead (Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons)
Though rooted in local action, the event is already being seen as a potential model for future collaboration, not only between Masonic Orders, but also between Freemasonry and the broader civic landscape. As public services face growing pressure, initiatives like this may prove vital in helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Read more about Changing Pathways by visiting their website: https://changingpathways.org/
Photos:
Top: Chris Hicks (Provincial Grand Charity Steward - Essex Freemasons) welcomes local Civic Groups.
Left: L-R Ann Holland, Irene Stewart (HFAF), David Barton (Essex Freemasons), Elaine Malone (OWF), Chris Hicks (Essex Freemasons)
Right: L-R Ann Holland (HFAF) David Barton (Essex Freemasons), Zoe Mackee (Changing Pathways), Madam Mayor Councillor Sue Shinnick, Elaine Malone (OWF), Irene Stewart (HFAF), Chris Hicks (Essex Freemasons)
