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The WWII Essex Provincial Grand Master who made the Province stronger

News stories bringing the history of Essex Freemasons alive to a modern audience

In World War II, as Brother Winston Churchill the MP for Epping led the nation, the Province of Essex had its own resilient wartime leader in Brigadier-General Kincaid-Smith CB CMG DSO. His keen judgment in appointing senior officers and strong leadership ensured stability and continuity. 

There were many restrictions to contend with, but he arranged Provincial Meetings under wartime conditions and ensured that all the important business was expedited as efficiently as possible. Under his leadership the Province emerged in a stronger post-war position.

Initiated in 1897 into Ubique Lodge No. 1789, he also joined St. Osyth’s Priory No. 2063 and Essex Masters No. 3256. As Provincial Grand Master (PGM) for 13 years from 1936, he oversaw substantial growth. The number of lodges in Essex increased by 45 and membership grew by over 3,000.

Despite inheriting Polmont House in Falkirk, he settled at St. Osyth Priory in Essex where he also served the local community as a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant and was High Sheriff of the County in 1929. 

Brigadier-General Kincaid-Smith died in 1949 in the Royal Masonic Hospital at Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, West London, ending 13 years of remarkable Provincial leadership but leaving an everlasting legacy of dedication and service.

Did you know?

  1. In memory of Brigadier-General Kincaid-Smith his nephew Sir Henry Floyd CB CBE presented a gift to the Province ‘The Master’s Chair’ which was placed in the Colvin Memorial Masonic Temple at Clacton.
  2. Kincaid-Smith took part in the infamous Jameson’s Raid of 1895, fought with distinction at the defence of Ladysmith in 1899 and from October 1916 to February 1919 was Brigadier-General of the Royal Artillery, 25th Division, British Armies in France.

Photos

Top: Brigadier- General Kincaid-Smith donated the land for the Polmont War Memorial which he had the honour of unveiling in 1922.

Middle: In October 1937 he dedicated and opened the Colvin Memorial Masonic Temple at Clacton. In this picture taken by Pathé News he is front left, leading the procession.

Bottom: A Spy caricature for Vanity Fair in August 1908 of Captain Kincaid-Smith. From May 1908 to April 1912, the late PGM was Assistant Military Secretary to the General Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command. He had been promoted to Major in June 1909, shortly before this was published.