Page 5 - EssexMason (Issue 86) Online Version

Provincial

Essex Cornerstone Lodge No 9968
Historical Consecration

OVER 700 FREEMASONS PACKED THE MAGNIFICENT
GRAND TEMPLE AT FREEMASONS’ HALL TO WITNESS A
WORLD FIRST CREATION OF A NEW LODGE FOR YOUNG
FREEMASONS – ESSEX CORNERSTONE LODGE NO. 9968
Picture by W.Bro Brian Mackette by W.Bro Brian Mackett
Pictur
A
number of years ago, the Essex Cornerstone Club committee started to think
about the formation of a new lodge, specifi cally for young Freemasons. They had
a dream of what its purpose would be and what it might achieve. There followed
a long period of planning and preparation and as time went by and progress was made,
the realisation dawned that the lodge really would become a reality.
From then on, the excitement and anticipation built and reached their peak on Saturday 2nd March
2019 – the day Essex Cornerstone Lodge was Consecrated. The Grand Temple was the stage for
this special occasion with over 700 Freemasons from across the English Constitution travelling to
witness the ceremony.
The sponsoring lodge, Essex Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge No. 8665, started the proceedings
by opening the meeting. UGLE’s Assistant Grand Master, Sir David Wootton, and the Provincial
Grand Master of Essex, Rodney Bass OBE, were then welcomed into the Grand Temple to rapturous
applause.
The main event, the Consecration ceremony, was beautifully and memorably delivered by Rodney
Bass, who commented: ‘This new lodge will encourage and support young Freemasons in their
journey, providing a gathering place for young masons to increase their masonic knowledge and
experience, and enabling Cornerstone Club Members to maintain strong relationships.’
The Founders of the lodge were presented to the Provincial Grand Master and reminded of their
obligation to support and nurture their new lodge and uphold the values of Freemasonry for future
generations.
Following this, those below the rank of Installed Master retired from the Temple which amounted
to over 300 members. That included many from over 15 new and young masons’ clubs across
England, who came to show their support and demonstrate the very essence of new and young
Freemasons.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Essex, Paul Reeves, then installed the Primus Master, Elliott
Chevin, who went on to invest his offi cers. The Address to members was delivered by Sir David
Wootton.
The Essex Cornerstone Lodge then presented a cheque for £2,022 to the Essex Festival 2022,
making them Vice Patrons of the Festival.
The Provincial Grand Master then presented the lodge with a set of gavels,
commissioned from an acacia tree from his own grounds. Following the
meeting, a spectacular Festive Board was held for nearly 600 Freemasons
where they experienced a musical treat including trumpeters, a string quartet
playing modern music, and a unique performance of the Masters’ Song
performed by a female singer acapella.
The members were also able to interact with a live photo mosaic display by
uploading photos from the day and evening. The photos came alive culminating
in a large mosaic of the Cornerstone Lodge crest, which provided a magnifi cent background to the
banquet capturing memories of the historic event.
Perhaps the most unexpected part of the evening was when the waiters pouring coffee began to
bang on the tables, then their coffee pots and they miraculously turned into a most impressive
drumming act. Not only that, all 600 diners were given their own drum kit and in unison, joined
together and delighted in a memorable and incredibly fun act.
If you wish to fi nd out more about the Essex Cornerstone Lodge or to arrange a visit, please contact
the Secretary Dr Jack Gilliland, on jackg@essexcornerstone.com

https://www.essexcornerstone.com @youngmasonsclub essexcornerstoneclub 5 5