Fifty years, fresh ideas and a living example of modern Freemasonry

A landmark evening for Henry de Gray Lodge - long service, vibrant charitable impact and mentoring culture that sees modern Freemasonry thriving

Over 60 lodge members, guests and friends of Henry-de Gray Lodge No. 6627 gathered at the Cross Keys Centre, Thurrock in early December for an evening that captured everything a modern lodge strives to be: rooted in tradition, outward-looking in its charitable work and forward-facing in how it nurtures its people.

The Lodge’s final meeting of the year was a celebration of extraordinary commitment, as members Doug Noon and Allen King notched up half a century of continuous service. Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM), Elliot Chevin, presented both men with their 50-year service certificates, bringing their Masonic histories to life through a ‘This is your life’ style presentation. It marked milestones and the quiet dedication behind half a century of membership and service and was a reminder that long service in Freemasonry is not measured simply in years, but in sustained involvement, support for others and a commitment to shared values.

The evening also looked firmly to the future. Worshipful Master Jamie Barton initiated new member, Aaron Payne, into the Lodge, marking the start of his own journey within a culture where development is taken seriously and newer members are supported to grow in both understanding and responsibility.

Charitable commitment was central to the evening, with three new donations, totalling £1,250, being agreed and bringing the lodge’s charitable contributions for the year to £12,800. A further £1,098 was raised on the night for benevolent causes through the generosity of members and visitors.

Dave Barton, Chairman of the Cross Keys Community Fund*, reported on another excellent year with £4,000 raised at the recent annual dinner and the charitable group being highly commended in the Pride of Essex Awards and the ‘icing on the cake’ of being awarded the Mayoral Roll of Honour, for its commitment to the community.

The evening showcased the core values of a modern Masonic lodge: lifelong commitment, dedicated service, quality ritual, charity, and community involvement. The lodge’s focus on mentoring is evident, with every officer from Inner Guard to Worshipful Master being a Light Blue, demonstrating support for younger members and a strong future leadership pipeline.

Reflecting on the atmosphere of the evening, APGM Elliott Chevin said,

“It’s abundantly clear that everyone enjoyed each other’s company, both during the meeting and afterwards. That sense of warmth, shared purpose and mutual respect is a true lesson for us all: Henry de Gray Lodge honours its past, invests in its people and quietly exemplifies the best features of modern Freemasonry.”

‘*’ David Barton united lodges that meet at the Cross Keys Masonic centre in Thurrock to form the Cross Keys Community Fund. With the approach of enhancing community engagement, actively participating in local outreach, and illustrating how Freemasonry adapts to modern demands while upholding charity, unity, and service.

Photos:

Top: Seated L-R Doug Noon, Elliot Chevin, Jamie Barton, Allen King and Aaron Payne - experience, future success and togetherness - Standing David Barton (L) and John Deeble (R)

Left: Master of the Lodge, Jamie Barton with his ‘Light Blue’ Officers

Right: APGM Elliot Chevin pictured with Doug Noon (L) and Allen King (R)