A personal account of an Essex Brother’s introduction to Freemasonry

Ki Ellwood gives in his own words an open account of his introduction to Freemasonry so far

This is the story of a new Freemason, Ki Ellwood, who in his own words, outlines his introduction to Freemasonry together with his rewarding Masonic career so-far.

"At the beginning of 2024, I knew just two Freemasons, my dad, Geoff Ellwood and my best friend, Tom Smith. On the 14th February 2024, I joined the largest and oldest fraternity on the planet being initiated by my dad into the Holland-on-Sea Lodge No. 6639 that meets at the Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton.

Having spent 20 years in the Motor trade time was never available to me. My dad had always mentioned joining but, I didn’t have the spare time to join or dedicate myself to Freemasonry. When I decided enough was enough with the motor trade and became a community transport driver, I was aware that time was now on my side and decided to take the plunge and see what freemasonry had to offer. Little did I know this would be an abundance of brethren and friendships.

My initiation ceremony was conducted by my dad, and I was escorted by my best friend Tom, as Junior Deacon. I had no idea what type of journey was about to begin. After the whirlwind of that ceremony, I was approached in the bar and told that my passing ceremony would take place at the Arnold Lodge No. 1799, at Kirby Cross, just 6 weeks later. Wow! - I’ve just about got my head around my initiation.

My passing ceremony came along, strongly supported by brethren from my Lodge and the amazing brothers of the Arnold Lodge. In unusual surroundings but, with the familiar feel of being welcome and belonging, the ceremony was excellently conducted and with the added bonus of being present for the full theatrical Second-Degree Tracing board. A piece of ritual I’ll never forget.

The 12th February 2025 was set aside for my raising ceremony. It seemed so far away but came around so quickly. Visiting and attending other lodges and seeing how they do things also made the journey so interesting and meeting new brothers and making so many friends. Of course, I invited them all and my goodness, they came with some 60 in attendance. The ceremony was conducted by dad once again with Neil Field and Mark Dennett ably assisting, I had a night to truly remember being surrounded by friends and brethren from many Lodges.

I’m a relative newcomer to Freemasonry but, in my short time I have realised it’s not what freemasonry has to offer but what I can offer to Freemasonry. For now, I will try my best to be the best version of me possible and of course continue to visit lodges and expand my Masonic knowledge."

Photos

Top: Ki being congratulated by the Master, officers and members of the Holland-on-Sea Lodge

Bottom: Ki with his father, Geoff