Local historian highlights origins of Essex Royal Arch Freemasonry
A talk reveals how Royal Arch Freemasonry’s deep local roots in Colchester continue to shape communities across Essex today
Royal Arch Freemasonry in Essex continues to demonstrate that a tradition shaped by history can remain powerfully relevant to modern communities, a theme brought vividly to life at a recent event in Colchester.
Members of Abbeygate Chapter No. 4219, gathered at St Giles Masonic Centre on Friday 16 January for a talk by local historian Sharon Mooney, whose presentation explored the history of four significant properties in the area. Delivered following a regular Chapter meeting and attended by members alongside their wives and partners, the evening blended scholarship, heritage and contemporary civic purpose.
A particular highlight was Ms Mooney’s account of The Scarletts, a property with a direct and compelling link to the origins of Royal Arch Freemasonry in Essex. The house was once home to the family of His Honour, Judge Frederick Adolphus Philbrick QC, a pivotal figure in the Province’s early Royal Arch history. Judge Philbrick was a founder of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Essex in 1883 and served as its first Grand Superintendent until his death in 1910.
Born in 1835, Judge Philbrick combined a distinguished legal career with wide-ranging public and intellectual interests. Appointed Recorder of Colchester in 1870, he also became a leading figure in British philately, founding and presiding over the Royal Philatelic Society. Within Freemasonry, his influence extended beyond the Royal Arch: he also served as Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Essex Freemasons between 1880 and 1898.
By tracing these local connections, the presentation illustrated how Royal Arch Freemasonry has long been interwoven with the civic and cultural life of Essex and hi-lighting in particular, Colchester’s role in that history. More importantly, it showed how those same principles of service, learning and community engagement continue to guide Chapters today, just as they did at their founding.
That living relevance was underscored at the close of the evening, when Abbeygate Chapter presented Sharon Mooney with a £300 donation for her chosen charity, the North Essex Support Team*. A charity welcomed by the Essex Royal Arch in supporting local causes.
The event was organised by the Scribe of the Chapter, Arthur Cooke, who was warmly thanked by members for bringing together history, fellowship and charitable action. Reflecting on the occasion, he noted that while the Chapter has further meetings planned this year, attention is already turning to preparations for Abbeygate Chapter’s Centenary Meeting in January 2027.
The evening served as a reminder that Royal Arch Freemasonry in Essex is not confined to the past, but remains a living tradition, grounded in local history and actively serving the communities of today.
‘*’ North Essex Support Team (N.E.S.T) is a small, registered charity taking direct action to help struggling families and individuals in our community https://nestassist.co.uk/
Photos:
Top Left: Sharon Mooney, local historian and Right: seated third from left, as principal guest at the Abbeygate Chapter lunch, St Giles Masonic Centre
Right: His Honour, Judge Frederick Philbrick QC - courtesy of Alchetron
