A Landmark Meeting for the Essex Cornerstone Chapter
An innovative ceremony showed how tradition and innovation can unite, welcoming six new members into the Royal Arch
The Essex Cornerstone Chapter No. 9968 convocation held at the Hutton Masonic Centre, on Saturday, 10 January, offered a powerful illustration of how Freemasonry in Essex continues to respect its heritage while confidently embracing new ways of working.
At the heart of the occasion was an exceptional achievement: the admission of six candidates, in a simultaneous ceremony, into the Chapter in a single meeting and a first for Essex Freemasons. Such an undertaking required not only precision and care, but also a collective willingness to think differently about how ceremonies can be delivered while remaining true to their historic foundations.
The ceremony delivered by First Principal, Richard de la Plain, supported by his officers with a particular mention of a very busy Principal Sojourner, Jack Saunders, combined long-established ritual with a newly adopted format, used for the first time in Essex. The result was a delivery that felt both rooted and refreshed, demonstrating that tradition is not diminished by innovation, but can be strengthened by it when approached thoughtfully. Clear planning, shared responsibility and strong collaboration ensured the experience was engaging, meaningful and memorable for everyone present.
Beyond the ceremony itself, the meeting also highlighted how modern Freemasonry is evolving to place greater emphasis on participation and inclusion. Joe Doherty, Chairman of the newly formed Essex White Ribbon Club, spoke about how the Club supports and complements existing initiatives, and dovetails particularly well with the Essex Cornerstone Club and the Essex Light Blues*. New initiatives were shared that encourage wider engagement and create more opportunities for members to connect, contribute and belong. The positive energy surrounding these developments reflected the ongoing, broader commitment to building an open and welcoming culture.
What made the day particularly striking was how seamlessly these elements came together. From the careful coordination required to admit six candidates, to the smooth transition into the rest of the programme, the meeting stood as a clear example of what can be achieved when people unite around a common purpose and remain open to new ideas.
In blending historic ritual with progressive practice, the meeting did more than mark a notable first for Essex. It offered a glimpse of a modern approach to Freemasonry, one that honours its past while actively shaping its future through engagement, inclusivity and collaboration.
‘*’ Essex Light Blues are brethren who have not achieved a Metropolitan, Provincial, or District rank.
For further information of the Essex Cornerstone Club, Lodge or Chapter, please click on this link https://www.essexcornerstone.club/
For information on the Essex White Ribbon Club https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/royalarch/wrc
Photos:
Top: Centre: Richard de la Plain, First Principal – Centre left: Bernie Smith, Second Principal – Centre right: Barry Hayward, Third Principal with the six candidates
Below: Centre: The first Principal surrounded by officers, members and guests
