Powerful, poignant and emotional for Comrades Lodge first daylight meeting

Comrades Lodge re-purposed into a Military themed lodge heralds’ a new era for this enduring historic Lodge

Comrades Lodge No. 2976 signalled a new era in their 123-year history with a first daylight meeting on Saturday 1st November 2025 at St Giles Masonic Centre, Colchester. The 1113th meeting, which was held under dispensation while awaiting ratification of updated by-laws was attended by 43 brethren including John Singh, Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM) visiting on his first official visit.

Consecrated in 1903, Comrades has always had a close connection with servicemen from or based in the Colchester Garrison. Many soldiers would join Comrades whilst transiting the garrison town, although it has never been a ‘Military Lodge’. Due to several unfortunate circumstances, attendance at the Lodge had slowly dwindled to the point where, in 2024, the members had approved the sad decision to surrender their warrant in September 2025. An ‘eleventh hour’ idea was mooted to re-purpose Comrades into a Military themed Lodge and with the support of the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Membership team together with the remaining brethren of the Lodge the idea was worked up and culminated in the first meeting under the new guise on 1st November.

Since resolving to remain an active lodge, there have been 13 joining members, all of whom are military veterans, with several more showing an interest in joining in the coming months. The Lodge has also attracted four potential candidates for initiation, citing the unique draw of the military theme and already knowing current members. This turn around has been a breath of fresh life into this historic Lodge.

Those attending the meeting were treated to a respectful mix of military precision and tradition, working seamlessly alongside masonic ritual. During a brief ‘call off’ to the proceedings the brethren observed a short remembrance service led by the Director of Ceremonies (designate), Brian Chenier MBE, who was ‘on parade’ throughout with a military pace stick instead of a traditional Director of Ceremonies wand. The brethren that were entitled to, wore military berets at the start, during the remembrance service, and at the close. Graham MacCallum, Worshipful Master (WM), laid a poppy wreath at the makeshift altar draped in the union flag, and illuminated by spotlight, on behalf of the Lodge. He was joined by the APGM who laid a memorial scroll naming eight Brethren of Comrades Lodge that made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

At the festive board, the APGM described the event as “Powerful, poignant and emotional.” He expressed his honour at attending this special meeting with so many distinguished brethren—not for their Masonic status, but for the service medals they or their ancestors earned through years of collective service to the country.

The WM expressed his pride in being the Master of the Lodge and shared a concern at the possibility of being the final presiding officer during a period when attendance was low and the struggle to hold a Festive Board. Observing now the current lively gathering, he expressed renewed optimism for the Lodge's future.

Their next meeting will be in March 2026, which will include their installation ceremony and perhaps, an initiation for one or two candidates.

Photo:

Comrades Lodge officers and members proudly wearing their military berets with Graham MacCallum WM, sitting centre, John Singh APGM, sitting centre left, together with attending guests