Masonic Housing Association Board integrates female Freemasons

Following the Associations 50th anniversary it reports a further milestone with the appointment of two senior women Freemasons to the board

Ken Turner in his role as Secretary and Communications Officer at Hamilton Court, South Woodham Ferrers acting on behalf of the Masonic Housing Association (MHA), is working to raise awareness of activities taking place within the MHA. In particular, he believes that brethren across the county may be interested in the closer engagement with women’s Freemasonry—an area of activity that is not often widely shared. The following is a news-story recently published on the United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry Today Live platform.

Hot on the heels of a series of celebrations marking its fiftieth anniversary in 2025, the Masonic Housing Association (MHA) is pleased to report another significant milestone in its history, with the appointment of two senior women Freemasons to the Board in December.

The new Board members are Right Worshipful Mabs Attwood, Assistant Grand Master of the Order of Women Freemasons, and Right Worshipful Caroline Craige, Grand Superintendent for the Isle of Man of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), also known as Freemasonry for Women. Some readers may be surprised to learn that the two female-only Grand Lodges they represent are not a recent phenomenon; they have been in operation for over a century. The Order of Women Freemasons originated in 1908, while the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons was founded in 1913, both predating women’s suffrage in 1928.

Oliver Lodge, Chairman of the MHA, said: “We are delighted to welcome two women Freemasons to the MHA Board. With representatives from both female Orders, the Board will benefit from strong representation across English Freemasonry. As the MHA becomes more strategic in its composition and outlook, it is entirely appropriate to have women on the Board for the first time.

We look forward to benefiting from the insights and experience of both Mabs and Caroline. If this leads to some of our female tenants becoming Freemasons, or some women Freemasons becoming MHA tenants, that would be an exciting development.”

Mabs Attwood was previously unaware of the MHA until she was invited to join the Board as a representative of the Order of Women Freemasons. She commented: “Following an initial online meeting with the Chairman, Oliver Lodge, I visited three properties within the portfolio: Reading Court, Wilson Keys Court and Palmer Court. I met House Committee Chairmen, Scheme Managers, staff, and, most importantly, the residents. It soon became evident that the MHA is one of the best-kept Masonic secrets, having existed for fifty years and yet remaining little known to many Freemasons. What contribution my membership will make remains to be seen. Still, I very much look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members to promote this valuable community project further.”

For her part, Caroline Craige remarked: “While the importance of the Masonic Housing Association should be self-evident, having had the privilege of attending a Board meeting, I now realise how much wider its impact on the community is than I had initially thought. Through conversations within the Craft, it also became apparent how few people are aware of the MHA and its vital role. I look forward to working with the Board to raise awareness within both the Masonic and wider communities, while continuing to support those who need it through the Association’s work, including visiting some of the MHA’s properties in the New Year.”

In addition to supporting the Community Engagement theme as the Third Pillar of the 2022 strategy framework, this development also aligns with the Council for Freemasonry's aims. Formed in 2024, the Council seeks to advance the fundamental principles of merit, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion between the United Grand Lodge of England and the female-only Grand Lodges. This initiative reaffirms Freemasonry’s commitment to integrity, friendship, and respect, while keeping community service and charitable giving at the forefront of the organisation.

Given that most MHA tenants are female, the inclusion of women on the Board will ensure even greater sensitivity to their needs. Likewise, with only a quarter of residents currently being Freemasons or associated family members, it is hoped that this proportion will grow as the Association continues to highlight its positive contribution to the broader community.

Endnote: Ken Turner mentions that the Hamilton Court Charitable Association Committee has benefited from the involvement of two lady Freemasons, who have served as committee members for several years. Their presence has contributed to the committee’s ongoing work, reflecting the increasing engagement and representation of women within Freemasonry and its associated organisations.

Some delightful stories from Hamilton Court, South Woodham Ferrers residents

https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/hamilton-court

https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/community-engagement/hamilton-court-tommy-uniform

https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/lily-marks-104

Photos:

Top: Essex Home Hamilton Court, South Woodham Ferrers

Left: Mabs Attwood, Assistant Grand Master of the Order of Women Freemasons

Right: Caroline Craige, Grand Superintendent, Isle of Man, of the HFAF, at home on the island