St. Michael's Lodge
of Freemasons in Essex
Number 6683 in the Register of the
United Grand Lodge of England
A Brief History of the Lodge
W.Bro. Frank Fairweather, initiated into Freemasonry on 24th January 1943 at Newbury Park Lodge, Loughton and our last surving founder member, died in 1996. Frank was the main instigator in forming St. Michael's Lodge. It was during the later part of the Second World War that whilst performing his duties as a Warden in Romford he befriended another Mason and quite naturally spoke of Freemasonry and his wish to be a Founder of a new Lodge after the War. With typical enthusiasm he prepared a list of prospective Founders.
It was not until 1947 when he was discussing some business with the late W.Bro.E.H.Butcher that Frank showed him a list of prospective Brethren who had a desire to be Founders of a new Lodge. W.Bro. Butcher contacted the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary and a meeting was arranged at Loughton on 5th November 1947. They came away from the informal meeting and called a meeting of the potential founders where it was resolved to proceed with the application to Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge.
The Wykeham Lodge No.4925 agreed to sponsor the new Lodge, and petitions were prepared and forwarded to Grand Lodge. A Charter of Constitution was granted and the date of Consecration at the Masonic Hall, Loughton was fixed for 15th September, 1948.
Regrettably, W.Bro.E.H.Butcher passed away on 15th August 1948, and the founding members unanimously wished that W.Bro.G.P.Sutton, earmarked for D.C., be our first Master. W.Bro.Sutton was installed by Asst.Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Rev. R Stafford , and the Worshipful Master installed his Officers, of which W.Bro.Frank was our Junior Warden.
After our first meeting, from 1948 to 1966 the Lodge held it’s Regular Meetings at St. Michael’s Church, Gidea Park and thereafter, in line with a number of Lodges moved to Orsett Masonic Hall.
Royal Arch Freemasonry
The Royal Arch is rightly considered the completion of Craft Freemasonry.
St. Michael's does not have a Royal Arch Chapter of its own but has connections with existing Chapters in the area. The Lodge Web Administrator (see the Contact Us page) is also the Lodge's Royal Arch representative.
Officers of the Lodge, 2014-15
As in any Masonic Lodge, we have Actve Officers:
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The Master (Chairman): elected and installed annually
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The Wardens: both Senior & Junior, the Numbers 2 and 3 respectively
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The Deacons: Senior & Junior they are responsible for supporting candidates for membership during our ceremonies
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The Inner Guard: looks after the door and responds to anyone knocking
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Stewards: stand ready to fill in for any of the above Officers who are absent
We also have the Administrative Officers:
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The Chaplain: ensures each meeting is carried out with the support and blessing of the Supreme Being
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The Treasurer: need we say more? Looks after the Lodge's finances & charity funds
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The Secretary: arranges meetings; organises menus for dinner and runs the Lodge day-to-day
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The Mentor: responsible for supporting the members and helping with any questions they may have
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The Almoner: looks after the welfare of our members and their families and keeps in contact with Lodge Widows
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The Charity Steward: collects and distributes charity funds according to the Members' wishes
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The Director of Ceremonies: carries the can for what we do at our meetings and supports the Master. (Also the Assistant DC).