Page 50 - EssexMason (Issue 89)online_version
P. 50
Online Additional Orders
WM - Ionic columns and Seven Stars
Three Chairs for Chigwell (hip hip hooray)
SW - Doric columns and Moon
In respect of the article in a previous Essex Mason, here is another
tale of ‘Three Masonic Chairs’.
About 1836, Dr George Rowe who lived in the country at Chigwell,
was a member of Old Dundee Lodge No 18 which held meetings
every month throughout the year, January to December, at Wapping,
next to the river Thames.
The very hot summer months, June to September, during the years
1836 – 37, had proved stifling and the odours emitting from this
part of London were very unpleasant in deed.
Dr Rowe and other members of Lodge No 18 sought to petition his
close friend, the Provincial Grand Master of Essex, to create a new
lodge in the country, in order to meet during the summer and thus
avoid the discomforts at Wapping.
JW - Corinthian columns and the Sun
Chigwell Lodge No 663 was consecrated on 22nd August 1838
at the Kings Head public house Chigwell, by the Provincial Grand
Master, followed by the initiation of three brethren at the same
meeting.
Soon after the Consecration, the three ‘Chigwell chairs’ as they are
affectionally known, were purchased for the considerable sum in
those days, of £50.
The symbolism of the Master’s chair, Ionic columns and Seven
Stars, the SW’s chair, Doric columns and Moon and the JW’s chair,
Corinthian columns and the Sun, are magnificent examples of
workmanship by R. Burr 1796 of that period and offer the occupants
more room and comfort.
In late summer of 1841, the Landlord of the King’s Head was facing
the imminent execution of a forfeit order pertaining to the ‘goods
and shackles’ in his pub.
The ‘Chigwell chairs’ were under threat of seizure by Bailiffs.
Hearing of this situation and without further ado, the Worshipful
Master aided by several Brethren and a horse and cart, made several
trips on a Sunday evening to the King’s Head. They successfully
transported the ‘Chigwell chairs’ plus other Lodge furniture and
possessions to the Eagle Hotel at Snaresbrook.
