Dagenham Lodge celebrate their Centenary meeting with splendour
The Dagenham Lodge celebrate 100-years with Provincial splendour and delightful memories of the past
On Saturday 3rd May 2025, Dagenham Lodge No 4699 celebrated their Centenary meeting at the Upminster Masonic Centre in the presence of Paul Tarrant, Provincial Grand Master (PGM) accompanied by a Retinue of Provincial Executive.
The Lodge was consecrated on 2nd February 1925 by special dispensation at the Grecian-style Temple in what was then part of the Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street, London. Their first regular meetings were held at the Railway Hotel, Dagenham for a short period before they moved to the Hornchurch Masonic Hall and following its closure in 1974 the Lodge moved to their present home in Upminster.
Three of the founders were members of the Gunary family with two further family members joining over time. Sadly, Bill Gunary, son and grandson of two of the founders was the last to pass away last year having achieved during his illustrious Masonic career the office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master in March 2001.
Today’s meeting was the first time Neil Jerwood, opened the Lodge having been installed as the Worshipful Master (WM) in February and he said, “This is clearly an honour for me and the Lodge to receive the PGM with the Provincial executive on this momentous occasion.”
The meeting was well attended, and members were formally given permission to wear their centenary jewels after the Centenary Warrant was read by the Provincial Grand Secretary.
The Secretary, Peter Seldon, recounted a history of the Lodge, highlighting interesting and unique events. Notably, members square the floor instead of crossing it due to early Lodge of Instructions held in the Gunary’s Barn, where a billiard table in the centre made crossing impossible! - An explanation of the history and symbolism of the Lodge banner was then competently given by a relative newcomer to the Lodge, Deckland Wilson, a recently passed Fellowcraft Freemason.
Following the meeting at the festive board, the WM announced a donation of £1,000 to the Havering Learning Disability Society. This local charity is dedicated to the care, welfare, and advancement of individuals with learning disabilities. The WM has a son with learning difficulties, making the charity very meaningful to him.
A wonderful conclusion to a delightful day for the members of the Dagenham Lodge celebrating their 100 years with splendour and memories.
Photos
Top: Neil Jerwood, WM (centre sitting) surrounded by members, Provincial executive and guests
Bottom: The PGM and WM displaying the Centenary Warrant
