100 YEARS OF THE RAINHAM LODGE 3079

FOUNDATION OF THE LODGE

In the early 1900’s the rifle butts at Rainham were regularly used by the military and volunteer regiments stationed in Essex and London. Among these regiments was the 6th City of London Rifles. Some of the officers of this regiment conceived the idea of forming a Masonic Lodge to which they could go after the day’s work at the range. Application was therefore made to the Southgate Lodge No. 1950 to sponsor the petition for a new Lodge to be called the Rainham Lodge. The petition was favourably received and the Warrant signed by Rt. W.Bro. T. F. Halsey, Deputy Grand Master and V.W.Bro. E. Letchworth, Grand Secretary on behalf of The Most Worshipful, The Grand Master, The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn K.G. etc. etc. etc. was granted.

THE FOUNDERS OF THE LODGE

• W.Bro. J Driscoll Grosvenor Lodge 1257

• Bro. W. Hooper Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. E. Little Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. E. Ridout Southgate Lodge 1950

• W.Bro. J. Mitchell Derby Allcroft Lodge 2168

• Bro. W. Allen Wanders Lodge 1604

• Bro. C. Malcolm Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. W. Ridout Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. C. Chivers Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. W. Taylor Southgate Lodge 1950

• Bro. J. W. Blake Wanders Lodge 1604

• Bro. A. Hedges Wanders Lodge 1604

• Bro. H. Ball New Concord Lodge 813

• Bro. W. Webber Shurmur Lodge 2374

THE CONSECRATION OF THE LODGE

This is best described by the following extract taken from the Essex County Standard December 24th 1904. On Thursday December 22nd Colonel Lockwood, M.P. consecrated a new Craft Lodge, which is to hold its meetings at the Phoenix Hotel, Rainham. For the greater convenience of the members and visitors, the ceremony took place in the Masonic Temple of the Abercorn Rooms, Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street and passed off most successfully. The gallant Colonel was assisted by the following Provincial Grand Officers:-

W.Bro. Horace Cheston. Prov. S.G.W

W.Bro. F. W. Vernon. Prov. J.G.W

W.Bro. Rev. R. Bashford. Prov. G. Chaplin

W.Bro. T. J. Ralling. Prov. G. Secretary

W.Bro. V. Taylor Prov. D.G.D.C.

W.Bro. J. J. C. Turner. Prov. P.P.S.G.W.

The Provincial Grand Master, on entering the Lodge, was received with the honours due to his Exalted Rank. The gallant Colonel addressed the Founders of the new Lodge, reminding them that they were to be admitted that day as members of a Province in which the Banner of Masonry was held high, and in the working of which they would be expected to take their full share.

In a thoughtful and practical Oration, the Provinical Grand Chaplin Bro. Rev. Robert Bashford, pointed out the solemnity of the Ceremony which was about to take place and the high ideals which were inculcated by the Ceremonial, tools, implements, etc. used in our Lodges. He thought it was good for all to recollect that they were members of a world-wide community and that wherever in this uncertain life individual members might go under the canopy of Heaven they could find a Brother and thus in distant lands, far away from home and kindred, be saved from the worst perils of loneliness and be kept steadfast to those principles of Love to God and Man and of true self-respect which every Initiate into Freemasonry was taught was the vital principle of the Order. He trusted that a blessing might rest upon the Lodge, that it might produce a succession of able Worshipful Masters and that one and all might be so full of the best instincts and principles of the Society that the good work begun in God’s name might be continued to His glory and evermore be established by the obedience to His precepts, that to this Lodge might be (as they trusted every Lodge might be) in its purifying and ennobling training a Vestibule, an Ante Chamber of the Grand Lodge above, where the world’s Great Architect lives and reigns for ever.

The Provincial Grand Master then proceeded to dedicated and constitute the Lodge, according to Ancient Form, after which W.Bro. John Driscoll, P.M. 1257, was installed as First Master by W. Bro. J H Slater, P.G.D.,.P.P.J.G.W. whereupon the following Brethren were invested as officers for the ensuing year:-

S.W. Bro. William Alfred Hooper Lodge 1950

J.W. Bro. Edward Little Lodge 1950

Treasurer Bro. E. J. Ridout Lodge 1950

Secretary W.Bro. J. H. Mitchell Lodge 2168

S.D. Bro. W. J. Allen Lodge 1604

J.D. Bro. C. F. Malcolm Lodge 1950

D.C. Bro. W. H. Ridout Lodge 1950

I.G. Bro. C. Chivers Lodge 1950

Steward Bro. W. Taylor Lodge 1950

Tyler Bro. J. W Blake Lodge 1604

On the motion of the J.W. seconded by the Treasure, W.Bro. J. H. Mitchell was unanimously elected to represent the Lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee.

On the motion of the W.M. a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the R.W. Provincial Grand Master for his kindness in attending and conducting so ably the Consecration ceremony and he and the Officers who had assisted were invited to become Honorary Members.

No further routine business having been transacted, the Brethren, to the number of about 60, dined together at the Great Eastern Hotel.

THE CREST OF THE LODGE

The Crest of the Lodge is composed of the Square and Compasses containing two shields, one bearing the Arms of the County of Essex, being a red shield on which three short curved sword-knives known as seaxes or scramasaxes are placed one above the other with the points to the right of the observer. Some writers suggest that the weapon was chosen because it is a pun on the name of the county which is called “Eastseaxe” in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

The other shield bears the Arms of the Borough of Colchester which consists of two ragged staffs cut short between two ducal coronets in chief and the bottom of the staff enfiled with another coronet. These Arms appear on the halfpenny token of Alexander Satterthwaite of Colchester dated 1668.

It is understandable why the Essex Coat of Arms was chosen, but less so why those of Colchester should have been selected. It may have been that as the Lodge was founded by Military Brethren they chose the arms of Colchester which was headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division and the 4th Cavalry Brigade.

The original block of the Lodge Crest was lost when the printing works were destroyed during a raid on London in 1940. This block showed the Arms of Colchester as described above.

For many years a smaller replacement block was used which only showed 2 coronets. In 1968 W.Bro. Sid Harris redesigned the block and brought it back to its original form.

These Coats of Arms do not reproduce well on the printed page but show to great advantage in their correct colours on the Past Master’s Jewel, one of which has been presented to every Master at the completion of his year of office.

RAINHAM AND THE PHOENIX HOTEL

It was perhaps natural to choose the name of the village for the Lodge, as it was just outside the village that the shooting butts were situated and it was to the Phoenix Hotel that the Officers and men turned for rest and refreshment after labour. 100 years ago Rainham was a tiny village some miles from its neighbours and surrounded by a chequerwork of rich pasture lands, cornfields and market gardens of Moor Hall and Daymns Hall, seventeenth century farmhouses.

Present day Rainham has changed greatly and there is now little apart from the Norman Church to relieve the modern atmosphere. The farmlands have given way to town and industrial development. However, The Phoenix Hotel once known as the “Horse and Cann” still welcomes the traveller. The Old Lodge Room with its Victorian prints has now been absorbed into the general body of the building.

Even after the Lodge realised that it had outgrown the premises it took two years to obtain the necessary two thirds majority willing to move.

Although the Rainham Lodge had a definite Military character at its birth, the Founders made no attempt to make it a “closed” Lodge and it soon became what it is now, one of the most cosmopolitan Lodges one could wish to find. Numbered among its members have been company directors, grocers, schoolmasters, policemen, clerks, musicians, singers, architects, builders, seamen, contractors, merchants, doctors, men of all kinds of trade, professions and occupations working together in and out of the Lodge with that Love and Harmony which should at all times characterise Freemasons.

Changes there have been. No longer are six or more Candidates Initiated, Passed or Raised at the same time and this is all to the good. This was probably the cause in the early days of the frequent change of meeting place, for it must have been difficult in the limited accommodation at the Phoenix Hotel for the ceremonies to be performed with impressive dignity with so many Candidates.

In the course of time personnel have changed as age and death have taken their toll and younger Brethren have stepped into the breach. One major change would be readily noticeable to our Founders and that is one dictated by outside fashion, very few beards and moustaches adorn the Lodge these days!! but the ceremonies continue as from time immemorial.

ITEMS OF INTEREST OVER THE YEARS

The first meeting after the consecration was a Special Meeting held by dispensation at Anderton’s Hotel at which three Candidates, Ernest Edwards, John Harrison and Frederick Carmen we balloted for and Initiated and other propositions made. It is interesting to note that at this meeting the Worshipful Master was called to give his casting vote. This appears to be the only time in the History of the Lodge that this took place.

The first Regular Meeting was held at the Phoenix Hotel, Rainham on May 20th 1905 and three Initiates were Passed, Bro. W. Kitchner Lodge 1604 and Bro. C. E. Fox Lodge 2737 were admitted Joining Members and Mr. Richard Wynne was initiated, this increased the membership of the Lodge by the end of its first Regular Meeting from fourteen to twenty.

The next meeting on June 17th 1905 started a series of meetings that must have been a test time for Master and Officers as three ceremonies were performed beside other business. It was at this meeting that the Volume of the Sacred Law and the cushion on which it rests presented by W.Bro. J Driscoll, the Charity-box presented by Bro. E. Little and the Hymn Cards presented by Bro. W. J. Allen were used for the first time.

At the Installation Meeting for many years to come, at least one degree was worked besides the Installation of the Master and the Investiture of his Officers. At the Installation Meeting on May 16th 1908, Bro. C. Chivers was Installed after the ceremony of Passing and the Initiation of Bro. Sam Wickens and Bro. Frank Swaine had been performed by the I.P.M. W.Bro. E Little. (The W.M. Bro. W. J. Allen having died during his year of Office).

At the meeting held on May 15th 1909 five Candidates were Initiated and two Passed.

At the meeting held on January 15th 1910 W.Bro. Ralling, Provincial Grand Secretary on behalf of the Worshipful Master Bro. E. J. Ridout presented the Banner to the Lodge.

On June 18th 1910 a photograph was taken of the Brethren in full Regalia. 40 Members were present, this photograph was reproduced in the 50 year history book.

July 1911, it can only be presumed that the Lodge Membership and the number of Visitors attending Meetings was such that it was outgrowing the facilities of the Phoenix Hotel and a notice of motion was given to remove the Lodge from the Phoenix Hotel.

Although it does not appear from the minutes that this was discussed the Installation Meeting in January 1912 was held in London at the Abercorn Rooms with 40 Members and 25 Visitors present.

On November 16th 1912 an emergency meeting was held at the Queens Hotel, Grays, to consider a notice of motion “That the Lodge remove from the Phoenix Hotel”. After full discussion the motion was put to the meeting and it not receiving the two-thirds majority it was declared lost, but from then on Installation Meetings were held in London at the Abercorn Rooms.

Again in May, 1913 a Notice of Motion to remove the Lodge to more convenient premises was given and on June 21st 1913 a meeting was held by dispensation at the Seven King’s Hotel and the next meeting on July 26th by dispensation at the Tilbury Hotel, Tilbury, and on October 4th 1913 a Special Meeting at the same place and it was unanimously decided by the 34 Members present to remove permanently to the Tilbury Hotel.

On January 31st 1914 at the Abercorn Rooms 56 Members and 41 Visitors saw Bro. A. G. Young installed and six Candidates Initiated.

August 4th 1914. This day marked the start of The Great War. This is a matter of History. No mention is made in the minutes except occasional chance references. The first being in January 1916, when a donation was made to the Prisoner of War Fund.

On May 6th 1916 the Meeting was held in London instead of Tilbury, as the Tilbury Hotel had been commandeered by the Military Authorities.

On June 3rd 1916 Bro. F. W. Swaine proposed that the Lodge grant permission for a Lodge of Instruction to be held at Dagenham under Warrant of this Lodge and it was unanimously granted.

In June 1917 Bro. J. V. Allen proposed “That for the duration of the war, at least some, if not all of our banquets should be discontinued and the money be set aside to form a fund to enable the Lodge to make grants to any Member now serving in the Military or to hold it in reserve in order to meet any calls that may be occasioned by the death of any Member on active service, should their wives or children need our help.

On September 1st 1917 at The Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street, there were to have been three Ceremonies. There were three Candidates for Initiation of whom one was absent in France, four for Passing of whom three were absent and three for Raising of whom one was absent in France. After Bro. C. R. Coleman had been Passed another Candidate for Passing Bro. A. A. Hills arrived from Scotland and as he was a C.P.O. in the R.N.A.S. and had made the journey from the North of Scotland the Worshipful Master W.Bro. F. W. Swaine again performed the ceremony, so that on this occasion four ceremonies were performed at one meeting.

April 6th 1918 there were five Initiations, two Passings and six Raisings. This was the last occasion on which more than two Candidates were initiated together.

On June 1st 1918 these five Candidates were Raised together. Henceforth, never more than two Candidates were permitted for any one ceremony. At this meeting permission was given to form the Rainham Lodge of Instruction No. 2 to meet in London.

In July 1918 the Lodge was requested by Provincial Grand Lodge to return to the Province, as the Tilbury Hotel was no longer occupied by the Military.

In September 1918 a committee was formed to find a suitable meeting place in Essex.

In January 1919 the War being over, the Installation Meeting drew 86 Members and 47 Visitors but several of the appointed Officers were still absent on Military duties.

On November 10th 1919 the Lodge was removed to the Forest Hotel, Chingford, and alterations made to Meeting dates. Three Meetings were held here, at the third of which a petition signed by all the Members present was sent to Provincial Grand Lodge asking for a concession allowing the Lodge to meet in London owing to lack of accommodation at Chingford. This of course was not granted.

On January 17th 1920 the Worshipful Master, with a few well chosen words presented W.Bro. A. W. O’Neill a gold watch for which Members of the Lodge had subscribed. Thirty years later this watch was being carried by our late Brother’s Son W.Bro. F. C. O’Neill Master of the Stanley Lodge, when he visited Rainham Lodge on January 10th 1953.

An extract from a Dispensation dated May 28th 1920 shows the feelings of both the Members of the Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. “You having by your Memorial addressed to the Right Worshipful, The Provincial Grand Master represented that you are desirous of holding Special Meeting of your Lodge on Saturday the 19th day of June 1920 at the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea, for the purpose of considering and finally deciding on the future meeting place of the Lodge”. At the Meeting it was decided by 37 votes to 2 to remove the Lodge to the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea and the dates of the meetings were again altered.

In September 1920 W.Bro. Wickens sought permission of the Worshipful Master and his Wardens to allow the name of the Rainham Lodge to be given to the petition for a New Lodge named The Rhetoric Lodge which it was proposed to submit to Grand Lodge.

In January 1921 the Installation Meeting was held at Mark Masons Hall and there were 67 Members and 63 Visitors present.

In June 1922 a letter was read from Bro. Guiness, Secretary of Rainham Lodge of Instruction No. 2 returning the verbal permission of the Lodge to hold the Rainham Lodge of Instruction No. 2 and also placing at the disposal of the Lodge, the Tools and Funds in Hand, enclosing a cheque for Sixteen Pounds, Fifteen Shillings. It was unanimously agreed to place the Tools and Funds at the disposal of the Rhetoric Lodge of Instruction.

At the meeting on January 20th 1923 the Lodge became a Founding Lodge of the Freemasons Hospital and took the first Twenty Pounds from the General Funds of the Lodge.

On July 28th 1923 it was unanimously agreed that the Lodge give all support possible to Million Masonic Memorial Fund and that this year a sum of Twenty Guineas be sent from the General Fund of the Lodge. During this year the Lodge made donations of One Hundred and Forty Seven Pounds, Five Shillings and wrote off Fifty Pound, Thirteen Shillings and Six Pence as bad debts.

The year 1925 was the 21st Anniversary Year of the Lodge and to mark the occasion, W.Bro. A. W. O’Neill who had been Secretary for many years, was honoured with the Mastership of the Lodge. At the Installation Meeting at the Abercorn Rooms there were present 84 Members, 62 Visitors and 2 Tylers. At the Meeting Twenty Five Pounds was collected in the Charity-box. This was sent to a Widow. Ten Pounds was also sent to a Widow and Twenty-One Pounds to R.M.B.I. During the year additional donations were made from Lodge Funds, Thirty One Pounds, Ten Shillings to the M.M.M. Fund, Twenty One Pounds to the Freemasons Hospital and Ninety Eight Pounds, Ten Shillings to Widows of late Brethren.

The Regular September Meeting in that year was held by Dispensation at the Abercorn Rooms and the ceremony of Consecration was rehearsed by:-

W.Bro. Dr. Salter, P.G.D.,J.P.,D.L., Deputy Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. G. T. Papworth, P.P.G.S.W. as S. Warden

W.Bro. Major A. J. Gibson, J.P.,Prov. G.J.W as J. Warden

Bro. Rt. Rev. The Bishop of Colchester as Chaplain

W.Bro. Rev. J. C. Stanton, Prov. G. Chaplain as Chaplain

W.Bro. H. J. Goodwin, Prov. G. Secretary as Secretary

W.Bro. V. Taylor, Prov. G.D.C. as D.C.

W.Bro. Capt. F. F. Chapman, Prov. G.Sw.B. as Sw.B.

W.Bro. R. H. Mason, Prov. G. Organist as Organist

W.Bro. J. E. O’Neill, P.P.D.G.D.C. as Inner Guard

Bro. F. J. Slade, Prov. G. Tyler as Tyler

These Officers were afterwards unanimously elected as Honorary Members of the Lodge.

Early in 1926 the Lodge agreed to support Bro. W. Adkins in forming a new Lodge. The petition was signed in open Lodge on May 15th 1926 and the Avilion Lodge was Consecrated on December 6th 1926.

In February 1928 Bro. H. P. Clements asked for and obtained permission to use the name of Rainham Lodge to form a new Mark Masons Lodge.

The Meeting on March 31st 1928 was held by Dispensation at the White Hart Hotel, Romford and the place for Installation Meetings was changed to the Holborn Restaurant. After four Meetings at the White Hart Hotel, the Lodge returned to the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea.

A burglary at the house of the Secretary, resulted in the theft of, among other things, two of the Lodge Minute Books, one of which was found some months later, badly mutilated on some waste ground at Redhill in Surrey.

During 1929 Twenty-One Guineas was sent to the Miners Relief Fund.

At a Meeting of Past Masters on August 22nd 1930 a new plan came into operation, that of interviewing the Senior Warden prior to his election as Master Elect to ensure that he was possessed of the necessary qualification and knowledge proper to discharge the duties of Worshipful Master.

The Lodge was on September 24th 1932 invited by Provincial Grand Lodge to sponsor the formation of the Valance Lodge which was being founded by Brethren of the Ford Motor Works, Dagenham, who had newly arrived from Manchester.

August 27th 1934. On this day the page of the Book of Founding Lodges of the Royal Masonic Hospital, which lies open in the Bronze and Crystal Casket on the Dedication Stone in the Entrance Hall of Freemasons Hall recorded the qualification of:-

The RAINHAM LODGE 3079

As one of the original Founding Lodges of the former “FreemasonsHospital and Nursing Home” (vide January 20th 1923)

Early in June 1935 part of the Lodge furniture was destroyed in a fire at the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea.

In 1936, in accordance with the rule passed in 1930 a Meeting of Past Masters was called to meet at the Ruskin Arms Hotel, High Street North, East Ham, the home of the Rainham Lodge of Instruction, to interview the Senior Warden and the prospective Master Elect was called upon to work certain parts of the Ritual.

On June 19th 1937 three Past Masters chosen by lot attended an Especial Meeting of Grand Lodge held at the Royal Albert Hall in celebration of the Coronation. King George VI was present and was invested as Past Grand Master by the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Harewood... H.M. the King afterwards occupied the Throne and Invested the Brethren who had received preferment in Grand Lodge.

June 1939 saw a day trip on the river attended by Members of Rainham, Rhetoric and Avilion Lodges and their families.

On July 19th 1939 several Past Masters attended Grand Lodge held at Olympia at which HJ.R.H. The Duke of Kent. K.G. was Installed as The Most Worshipful The Grand Master by H.M. King George VI P.G.M.

The first Meeting after the Declaration of War was held by Dispensation at the White Hart Hotel, Romford, the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea having been commandeered by the Naval authorities.

During this year W.Bro. S. W. Gray was honoured and invested by the M.W.. Grand Master as Past Grand Standard Bearer.

The White Hart Hotel, Romford, having been damaged in air-raids, the Lodge was compelled to hold it Meetings from September 1940 at the Holborn Restaurant by Dispensation and lunch was arranged instead of dinner.

In January 1941 W.Bro. W. A. Nicholas Installed his successor W.Bro. A. G. Taylor during an air raid.

On January 13th 1945 Bro. George Hilton who had become blind was Installed as Worshipful Master at the Holborn Restaurant.

The Meeting on May 20th 1945 marked the occasion of the end of hostilities in Europe. The Chaplain offered prayers for the occasion and a silence was observed in memory of those who had made the supreme sacrifice.

On September 29th 1945 the Lodge resumed its Meetings at the Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea, W.Bro. J. Driscoll the first Master of the Lodge was in the ante-room to welcome Members back to Southend.

On January 12th 1946 the Lodge met to Install Bro. Henry Palmer, but owing to serious illness the Installation had to be postponed. An emergency Meeting was held in February, Bro. Palmer still being ill. W.Bro. Hilton continued in Office for a second year.

At the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in 1946 W.Bro. Hilton was invested as Provincial Grand Steward.

On June 19th 1946 a combined Meeting of Rainham, Rhetoric and Avilion Lodges was held in the No.10 Temple at Freemasons Hall, a demonstration of the working of an English Lodge circa 1730 was given by the Members of Middlesex St. David’s Lodge of Instruction.

The attendance for the Installation Meeting in January 1950 was 70 Members and 53 Visitors. This was the first time since 1925 that the attendance had reached the 100 mark.

In May 1950 owing to rising costs it was found necessary to raise the Initiation and Joining Fees and the Annual Subscriptions.

In March 1951 W.Bro. F. Martin who was Master of the Lodge in 1916 now aged 80 rejoined the Lodge. The Lodge was also in mourning for our late Grand Master M.W.Bro. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire K.G. and also R.W. Bro. Sir Frederic Senier, J.P. Provincial Grand Master.

The year 1952 opened with a long list of waiting Candidates but during the year we mourned the death of no less than seven of our Brethren and the M.W. Bro. His Majesty King George VI Past Grand Master.

The Jubilee Installation Meeting held by dispensation at the Holborn Restaurant London on Saturday 9th January 1954 attracted 133 Brethren. Sadly the Lodge had learned of the death of W.Bro. John Driscoll P.P.G.P. who had the honour of being the first Worshipful Master of the Rainham Lodge the Brethren stood to order in silent tribute to his memory. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master Rev. Canon Stafford Morris M.A. P. G. D. and the Ass. P.G.M. W.Bro. T. R. Boulton P.A.G.D.C. and other distinguished Provincial Grand Officers entered the Lodge.

W.Bro. H. F. Ball was then installed into the chair of King Solomon by W.Bro. J. O’Neill. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master delivered the address to the Master. The W.M. then invested his Wardens. W.Bro. E.L.M.Emtage P.S.G.W. delivered the address to the Wardens. The W.M. then invested the remainder of his Officers. W.Bro. T. R. Boulton. Ass. P.G.M delivered the address to the Brethren. A booklet celebrating 50 years of Rainham Lodge complied by W.Bro. Nicholas was presented to all present.

In March 1954 it was announced that Miss Driscoll had presented to the Lodge the Provincial Grand Lodge clothing and Past Master Jewel of her late father this was received with appreciation and a letter of thanks was sent.

In May 1954 the Lodge along with others throughout the Province donated to the Harwich Flood Relief Fund, to assist in repairing damage caused by the extensive flooding during the previous year. W.Bro. Arthur George Gentry was accorded by the Worshipful Master the pleasure of initiating his son Mr. Clifford Gentry now our longest serving member.

During 1955 new wands for the Deacons, a square for the Inner Guard and a new collar for the Assistant Secretary were purchased and repairs to the Tracing Boards were carried out.

In July 1956 it was proposed in open Lodge that the Lodge resume the practice of all future Master Elects appear before a committee to give proof of ability in carrying out the work of all Three Degrees. This having fallen by the wayside after a lengthy and interesting discussion in which all Members took part the proposal was withdrawn.

Sadly in 1957 the Palace Hotel at Southend had announced its closure. The Lodge needed a new home. It was agreed that Hutton Masonic Hall may prove a suitable venue. Bro. Frederick Skinner agreed to store the Lodge furniture until arrangements had been agreed with Hutton Masonic Hall. Owing to circumstances of unforeseen calamity and misfortune this furniture was subsequently lost.

Sometime during the 1980’s a letter was received from a Lodge in Holland informing us that they possessed the Masters Chair and one of the Wardens Chairs and requesting did we know the whereabouts of the other Wardens Chair as they wished to purchase it to make the complete set. This matter was not pursued by the Lodge.

In March 1958 the Lodge moved to Hutton Masonic Hall and the Lodge congratulated Bro Albert Jones on his being awarded the M.B.E. In May 1958 the Lodge was again honoured by a visit from the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Rev. Canon Stafford Morris. during the meeting two candidates were initiated and two Brethren raised.

On September 12th 1959 it was announced that a letter of thanks had been received from the Curator of the Grand Lodge Museum for the gift of the Past Masters Jewel of W.Bro. John Driscoll the first Master of the Lodge.

Sadly in March 1961 the Lodge was informed of the death of the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Rev. Cannon Stafford Morris and the Brethren stood to order in silent tribute to his memory and afterwards agreed a donation be made to the Royal MasonicHospital. In September if was found necessary to raise the Lodge subscription to 5 guineas.

In March 1963 the Lodge placed on record its appreciation of the services rendered by W.Bro. Arthur George Gentry as organist for 22 years. An office that is often overlooked in its contribution to our Ceremonies.

During March 1965 a discussion was held on permissive alterations to the wording of the Ritual. It was unanimously agreed that no change be made by the Rainham Lodge.

In December 1966 the Lodge was informed that Lyons Corner House would no longer host Masonic Lodge Meetings after 31st May 1967. It was agreed to approach the Thurrock Masonic Hall at Grays with a view of holding future Installation Meetings there.

The Installation Meeting of February 1967 was held at Lyons Corner House, arrangements with Grays not being finalised. The March 1967 meeting was held at Hutton Masonic Hall. By dispensation the remainder of all meetings for 1967 were held at Thurrock Masonic Hall.

In 1968 the Lodge made a donation towards the purchase of an electric organ which was to be used at meetings held at Thurrock Masonic Hall. It was also agreed that the reigning Masters of our Daughter Lodges be made Honorary Members of the Rainham Lodge during their year of Office. The Lodge thanked W.Bro. Sid Harris for redesigning the Lodge Summons and returning the Crest to its original form by replacing the printing block lost in the bombing during World War Two. It was also decided that a book of the ritual be presented to every Brother at the conclusion of his Raising.

On Saturday 25th January 1969 the Installation Meeting was held by dispensation at Orsett Masonic Hall. It was also agreed to hold all future Meetings at the same venue.

In May 1970 one hundred pounds was taken from the General Fund and invested in shares in Orsett Masonic Hall Limited. W.Bro. J. W. Deal P.A.G.DC. a guest also gave a lecture in Open Lodge entitled Masonic Fire.

In September 1970 a further one hundred pounds of shares in Orsett Masonic Hall Limited were purchased. The Masonic Hall had undergone extensive renovation with the Temple being moved to the first floor. This was the first meeting held in the new Temple. W.Bro. Charles Pinnock expressed his delight at the new Orsett Temple and Bro. Jim Stone said he was so staggered he fell off the Senior Wardens pedestal.

In 1972 W.Bro. Brian Hollands presented the Lodge with a new Bible Cushion and a cloth for the Secretaries table, both of which had been made and embroidered by his Mother.

In 1973 it was decided that fifteen pounds be donated annually to a fund established to celebrate the Lodge Centenary. July 1973 the Lodge Banner being in a state of disrepair it was decided to look into the cost of either refurbishment or the purchase a new one.

In 1974 it was agreed to move the January Meeting to the third Saturday in order to assist the Rainham Chapter.

In July 1976 a new set of Officers Collars was purchased and it was agreed that in future a Lodge Committee Meeting would be held before every Lodge Meeting rather than once or twice a year.

In 1977 owing to rising costs and decrease in attendance it was agreed to reduce the number of Meetings to four.

In 1979 at the Festive Board Bro. Graham Scorrar presented to the Worshipful Master a poinyard that he had made for the use of the Lodge.

In 1980 Bro. Henry Nichols and Bro. Heber Tyler Nicholls presented the Lodge with an Honours Board on which to record the names of all Past Masters of the Lodge. This was given in memory of their great friend Bro. Harry Ball Senior Warden of the Lodge, who had passed to the Grand Lodge Above the previous year.

In 1982 a medallion from the Pine Castle Lodge No. 368 in the district of Florida U.S.A was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Heber Tyler Nicholls who also gave a report on the visit he had made to the Lodge.

In March 1982 the Lodge gave thanks to W.Bro. Harry Sutton, Bro. Doug Hatt and Bro. Fred Darton for the furniture they had donated.

In 1983 a Lodge Newsletter was introduced by ‘W.Bro. Bert Wyatt,’ this was produced for several years and was an excellent way of keeping Brethren unable to attend the Lodge informed of the ‘goings on.’

At the Installation Meeting in 1984 W.Bro. Arthur Caffrey the new Master received a letter from the International Square and Compasses Club of Norway congratulating him on being Installed into the chair of King Solomon. W.Bro. Brian Hollands who had been on holiday in the Holy Land presented the Lodge with a Masters Gavel he had purchased whilst travelling.

In 1985 Bro. Heber Tyler Nicholls presented the Lodge with a new Banner. The gold tassel work from the original Banner had been skilfully incorporated around the edge.

In November 1986 Bro. John Wyatt presented the Lodge with a medallion given by Indian Rivers Lodge No. 90 district of Florida U.S.A. Bro. Graham Scorrar presented the Lodge with a magnetic Table Plan Board to assist the Stewards in arranging seating plans for the Festive Board.

In 1987 it was agreed to adopt the new wording of the Ritual as recommended by Grand Lodge but retain our traditional perambulations. W.Bro. Brian Hollands and W.Bro. Henry Nichols presented the Lodge with two Gavels. One for the Senior Warden and One for the Junior Warden, which they had purchased whilst on a Masonic Holiday in Israel, during which they attended a Lodge Meeting held in King Solomon’s Quarry.

In 1990 W.Bro. Brian Hollands was honoured with the Grand Rank of P.G.Std.B. of the Grand Lodge of England and invested by H.R.H. The Grand Master The Duke of Kent.

In 1992 W.Bro. Malcolm Tidbury was honoured by his appointment to Provincial Grand Steward.

To celebrate the 275th Anniversary of Grand Lodge the Grand Master had given permission for the Provincial Grand Masters to appoint additional Past Provincial Officers in the ratio of one to every ten Lodges. Rainham Lodge was honoured by W.Bro. Trevor Hamer being appointed P.P.J.G.D.

In 1994 the Rainham Lodge of Instruction presented the Lodge with six new Past Masters Jewels and a new set of dies.

In June 1995 W.Bro. Don Green was presented with a ceremonial gavel to mark his 50 years as a member of Rainham Lodge. The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Doug Batt also extended to W.Bro. Don Green the opportunity of hosting the Ladies Festival to be held later in the year. Both gifts were gratefully received with thanks to the Brethren. W.Bro. Doug Batt also presented to the Lodge a set of three silver goblets to be used by the Master and Wardens at the Festive Board.

In June 1996 owing to the generosity and hard work of the Brethren the Lodge was able to deposit £5000 into the Grand Lodge Relief Chest.

In June 1997 W.Bro. Agha Hassan presented the Lodge with a magnificent Wooden Cabinet in which to keep the Lodge Working Tools.

In January 1998 A very special occasion occurred W.Bro. Don Green was requested by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Alan Croucher to join him in the East were he congratulated him on his 53 years as a member of Rainham Lodge he read and delivered to W.Bro. Don a letter of congratulations from R. W.Bro. Colonel Sir Neil Thorne the Provincial Grand Master.

In January 2000 the Lodge qualified for the Festival 2000 Silver Award. W.Bro. Alan Croucher A. P. G. M. congratulated the Lodge on its efforts and presented them with the Silver Award Certificate.

The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Danny Allen informed the Lodge how proud he was to have been Invested with the Masters Apron previously worn by W.Bro. Heber Tyler Nicholls who was his proposer and before that it had been worn by W.Bro. Jack Hunt who had been W.Bro. Heber Tyler Nicholls proposer.

In March 2000 W.Bro. Brian Hollands was promoted to the Rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, he again had the privilege of being invested by H.R.H. Grand Master the Duke of Kent.

In June 2000 W.Bro. Gary Rose was honoured by his appointed to Provincial Grand Steward.

In March 2001 a letter was received from the Chairman of the Toffs Group asking for donations to assist with the cost of the disabled toilet being installed at the Orsett Masonic Hall, after some debate the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Clive Atkins quoting Rainham bye-law No. 10 declared it an emergency case and proposed that we make an immediate donation this was seconded by W.Bro. Doug Batt and carried. This appears to be the first time this particular bye-law had been invoked.

On 6th June 2001 the Lodge stood to order in memory of the Most Worshipful Brother the Right Honourable Lord Farnham Past Pro. Grand Master, W.Bro. Philip Powell, (Chaplain of the Lodge for 16 years) Bro. Bill Chubb (Almoner of the Lodge for 29 years) and Bro. Con Nunn all of whom had recently passed to the Grand Lodge above.

In November 2003 the Lodge stood in silent tribute to W.Bro. Graham Scorrar P.P.G.Std.B. after which W.Bro. Danny Allen re-presented the poinyard made by W.Bro. Graham and now suitably engraved with his name to the Worshipful Master.

In June 2004 the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Steve James presented certificates of thanks from the Rainham Lodge to Bro. Clifford Gentry for 50 years service and to Bro. Don Shaw for 40 years service.