ABOUT
US
What Is Freemasonry?
One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots.
Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities.
what makes Rainham different
We have a good mixture of ages; Fathers and Sons, and are an extremely sociable lodge, often including wives/partners, children and families at BBQ’s, Ladies Festival weekends usually at a Spa & Golf Club setting, LOI dinners, Quiz nights, Cream Tea afternoons, Race nights and Karaoke evenings. A fairly regular breakfast club, Xmas get together, occasional historically car trail, The queens Jubilee & indeed, Kings coronation. The annual Queen’s street get together that has had a revitalization after the covid times bringing together newer masons in particular but also a recent emphasis in visiting other lodges. Regular breakfast club emerging. We believe we are one of the most social lodges that can be found. Active within the local community with mentions in dispatch on web and local papers usually for the regular and extensive charitable actions.
Meeting at the 'Orsett Masonic Hall' Rectory Road, Orsett, Essex. RM16 3EH: 3rd Sat Jan, 1st Sat March, 2nd Sat June, 1st Sat Nov and regular local Thursday night practice at the 'West Tilbury village hall' Rectory Road, RM18 8UD
Originally Rainham included many military gents but over the years has changed to a wide range of backgrounds, including a chef, butcher, engineers, accountants, builders, estate agents and also includes men from many & all backgrounds & religions/faiths. Its very much a family atmosphere.
Theres a range of interests too, with a qualified clay pigeon shooting association level 2 coach, model train/boat builders, Engineers interested in clocks, Golfing, chocolate making, salsa dancing, motorcycling, darts, auctions. many of the members donning pocket watches for the meeting (another passion of some lol)
Rainham has always been proud of their ritual in the temple with many good ritualists and a regular LoI with past master attendance to support newer members. Rainham has adopted an attitude that brethren do their best and are supported 110%.
Historically Rainham has always supported all widows (including adoption of other lodges widows) and perhaps up to 10 regular local charities in addition to any festival etc, all agreed by every member attending AGM although occasionally decisions will be made by every lodge member attending GP if the need or timing dictates to help an additional charity for example supergood for autism, also; Stanford le hope and Bulphan schools being supported and raised at GP (whole heartedly supported). Very active Charity Steward and members often attending/delivering personally the funds to fully understand and report back from charities to all lodge members via either email/WhatsApp/GP and Lodge meeting
We believe we strongly support newer members. Most newer members have historically had their proposer and seconder, but senior officers all generally keep their eyes on newer or younger members. We have a mentor and experienced almoner and an active membership officer and assistant mentor both keen to be involved in any new members health and ability to grow. There is seen to be a need to allocate a personal mentor particularly for ‘Unsponsored candidates’ and this new initiative will most certainly help any new member and give even higher level of support than ever before.
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We welcome newcomers
We believe we strongly support newer members. Most newer members have historically had their proposer and seconder, but senior officers all generally keep their eyes on newer or younger members. We have a mentor and experienced almoner and an active membership officer and assistant mentor both keen to be involved in any new members health and ability to grow. There is seen to be a need to allocate a personal mentor particularly for ‘Unsponsored candidates’ all we ask is they listen, have fun and get involved, particularly in LoI and socials. As they progress, work in the temple will become a natural extension of LoI. Do their best and allow support, they are not on their own. Attend all regular Lodge meetings and offer to help and socialise. Ideally attend more than 50% of LoI’s unless extenuating circumstances and then take up the offer of additional mentoring via home/phone/zoom/WhatsApp etc. Bring along family, extended family and friends to any and all social events. Attend GP/AGM meetings. We appreciate younger brethren have work and families and this is always taken into account.
We have an experienced Lodge secretary communicating and working with members of the lodge. A dedicated & respected Preceptor of Lodge of Instruction who has offered his services if a brother is struggling to rehearse and talk over should a brother need assistance.
but also the emphasis is also starting to focus too on those who have been there for years but not attending as much, or who have perhaps got out of the rhythm (perhaps during covid times). We have an experienced and enthusiastic Almoner who is very proactive and who will ensure any actions needed are communicated effectively and who will demand action to ensure we put a great emphasis on new members as well as obviously looking to ensure older or perhaps absent brethren are brought back into the fold with the help of the membership team and indeed all lodge members. Dedicated mentors and a new assistant mentor will track progress of initiates. Our experienced treasurer is always on hand should monetary matters need to be supported with reference to new members. Use of technology means help is at hand if work limits LoI attendance with officers willing to assist but there is an emphasis that the member should always try his best and try to attend, be involved.
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Each person joins for perhaps a different reason, perhaps confidence, perhaps brotherly love, comradeship, a feeling of belonging and all will benefit. Members usually gain confidence which transfers to everyday life and friendship, and quite often a new passion, as many members have different interests and passions that usually can easily be accessed i.e. clay shooting, golf etc
Any new member will be part of a wider family, accepted for what he is and will grow from the experience around him. He can only benefit from the lessons taught and of course will be in a safe environment for himself and his family, knowing that others will treat them too, like family. Some will learn charity, others to tolerate others, sincerity and perhaps at times escapism.
Costs: at time of writing
Joining Fee – How Much? In mid 2023 (at time of writing).
In £50.00 one off fee
Subscription – How Much?
Full membership: £240 (at time of writing) including meals and wine at 4 meetings
Country membership: £ 130 and meal fee of £30 each meal attended
Please note that this is pro-rata for example; if a member was to join in November meeting he would not be expected to pay for that whole years subscription, only 25% until the January
When Due?
Annually January.
Options for payment?
Preferred option: Payment in full. By Bank electronic transfer, cheque or cash.
Option 2: Installments, It is possible to talk to the treasurer if any brother is having problems
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