Essex Cornerstone Club marks 10 years with challenges and celebrations
A year of challenges and celebrations being planned by the Essex Cornerstone Club to mark their 10 years anniversary
The Essex Cornerstone Club will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026. The milestone marks a decade of friendship, support, and engagement for younger Freemasons across the Province of Essex.
How the Club Began
The Club was founded in 2016 after a call from the then Provincial Grand Master, Rodney Bass, to better engage younger members of Essex Freemasonry.
In response, Elliott Chevin (now an Assistant Provincial Grand Master), alongside Jack Saunders, James Tyrell, Richard de la Plain, and Jack Gilliland (now Second Provincial Grand Principal), set out to create a club that would bring together younger brethren who were often spread across a wide geographical area.
The Club’s Aims
From the beginning, the Essex Cornerstone Club was built around six clear aims:
- Connecting young Freemasons across Essex
- Retaining and attracting younger members
- Providing a deeper understanding of Freemasonry
- Supporting charity and community engagement
- Complementing Lodge and Provincial activities
- Representing the views of younger Freemasons within the Province
Growth and Events
Open to any Essex Freemason under the age of 41, the Club has grown to more than 160 members. Over the past 10 years, it has organised more than 100 social events.
These have ranged from informal pub gatherings and online meet-ups to prestigious and memorable occasions. Highlights include visits to Freemasons’ Hall and formal dinners at The Ivy, HMS Belfast, the Churchill War Rooms, and the House of Commons.
Major Milestones
In 2019, the friendships formed through the Club led to the consecration of Essex Cornerstone Lodge No. 9968 at the United Grand Lodge of England. The Lodge was created as a symbolic and ceremonial Lodge, celebrating members’ shared journey while encouraging continued commitment to their mother Lodges.
This was followed in 2021 by the creation of the Essex Cornerstone Foundation. The Foundation supports people under the age of 40 in the UK who are suffering from physical or mental ill health.
In September 2024, the Club further expanded members’ Masonic journeys with the consecration of its own Royal Arch Chapter No. 9968, offering an even deeper insight into Freemasonry.
A Year of Celebration and Challenge
As the Club enters its 10th year, the focus is firmly on both celebration and ambition. A full Year of Challenges and Celebrations has been launched, featuring:
- A busy programme of social events
- Inter-club and inter-Lodge challenges
- Flagship events bringing younger Freemasons together from across Essex
Alongside this, the Club has announced its most ambitious fundraising effort yet: £10,000 for 10 years, in support of the Essex Cornerstone Foundation, ensuring the anniversary leaves a lasting charitable legacy.
Reflections from the Chairman
Chairman Paul Williams said:
“Essex Cornerstone Club has been a constant source of friendship and support. It complements Lodge life, helps members build confidence, and gives younger Freemasons a place where they feel connected, valued, and involved.”
A Call to Younger Brethren
To mark the anniversary, Essex Cornerstone Club is inviting all younger Freemasons across the Province to get involved. Any Essex Mason under the age of 41 — whether newly initiated or long established — is welcome to join and become part of an active, supportive community.
With a full calendar of events planned and a landmark year underway, there has never been a better time to get involved in Essex Cornerstone Club.
For further reading of their news events, click this link to their website https://www.essexcornerstone.club/news/
Photos:
TOP: Members enjoying a memorable experience with a private tour of the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England at Great Queen Street
BELOW LEFT: The consecration of the Cornerstone Lodge in 2019 with Centre: Elliott Chevin Primus Master – Centre Left: Deputy Grand Master Sir David Hugh Wooten – Centre Right: The Late Provincial Grand Master Rodney Lister Bass - BELOW RIGHT: The consecration of the Cornerstone Chapter in 2024 with Front sitting L-R: The Late John Crudgington, Second Provincial Grand Principal – Paul Tarrant Most Excellent Grand Superintendent – John Hubbard Third Provincial Grand Principal
BOTTOM: A few members at one of the many social evenings
