Page 3 - EssexMason (Issue 89)online_version

Content

DepPGM's Foreword

Brethren, a lot has happened since the special Spring Edition of Essex Mason
Magazine. At that time we had lost eleven brethren but since then we have
lost a further four brethren to the virus and our condolences go out to their
friends and family.
Every death is significant, but the sudden passing of our Provincial Grand Master was unexpected
Pages and a shock to us all. Can I, on behalf of is wife Margaret and his brother, W.Bro Henry Bass, and
their families thank all of you for the many cards and letters of condolences they received. It was
very much appreciated and the many kind things that were written about RW.Bro Rodney were a
great comfort to them at a very difficult time. Due to Coronavirus regulations his funeral at Great
6 - Provincial Totham was restricted to thirty mourners and I was privileged to be allowed to attend to represent
the Province and I was pleased to see members from Tollesbury along the route. We are planning to
hold a memorial service when restrictions are finally lifted, probably in the spring of 2021.
8 - Pathway
The MW The Grand Master’s suspension of masonic meetings lapsed on 17th July and many lodges
are now planning to resume meetings in September. A recent survey of our members suggested
that almost 50% were ready to return to meetings now with the other 50% wanting to wait until the
14 - Charity restriction on numbers able to attend was eased or until the pandemic is over or a vaccine has been
found. Many of our centres have been working hard to be ready to open and will be available to host
those meetings that do go ahead and I look forward to resuming my Freemasonry, as I am sure many
17 - Cornerstone of you do too.
However, if you do not think the time is quite right for you to return please do not feel that anyone
will think any less of you. Your health is your responsibility and if you do not believe it is safe for you
18 - Almoner to return yet please do not think there is any pressure for you to do so, whatever your role is in your
Lodge or Chapter.
Despite his failing health the RW ProvGM was keen to continue until 2022 so that he could see Essex
24 - Royal Arch deliver on its target of £6m for Festival 2022. The suspension of meetings has seriously impacted
the amount of money Lodges & Chapters were able to raise so I hope you will support our Provincial
Grand Charity Steward, W.Bro Colin Felton, and his plans to ‘Save the Festival’.
30 - General Interest Brethren, please stay safe and I look forward to seeing you around the Province soon.

Paul G. Reeves, DepPGM
Dear Readers,
Welcome to issue 89 of Essex Mason, the Official Magazine for the Province of Essex.
This issue has a wide variety of interesting articles and considering that our Masonic meetings
have been on hold from March it demonstrates that the Corona Virus hasn’t curtailed our
Charitable activity and some excellent initiatives to support the front-line key workers with the Essex Mason Team
eam
Essex Mason T
supply of essential PPE.
We are delighted with the demand for the Face Masks which have now become part of everyday life and we
have sold over 14000 medical quality face masks to Essex Brethren with all profit going to the Festival 2022
for which we thank you for your support, we still have a few boxes available for purchase.
The Essex Mason shop is open for business with Covid security measures in place, along with the website:
www.essexmason.co.uk we are ready to supply you with your Masonic Regalia and items in preparation for
when you resume your Masonic activity.
The next regular issue of Essex Mason will be circulated in February 2021 so please submit articles to be considered for inclusion in this issue to
magazine@essexmason.co.uk with a copy deadline of the 31st January 2021.
Stay Safe Brethren
Essex Mason Editorial Team
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