Age is just a number for centenarian Essex Freemason

Age really is just a number as 100-year-old Worshipful Master gets field promotion at Chingford-based Lodge Centennial Anniversary Meeting

Centenary Master, Reg Sheppard, of Danehurst Lodge which meets at Chingford Masonic Hall, demonstrated that age really is just a number. On 14th October 2023 at a special meeting to celebrate 100 years since the Lodge was formed in 1923 the occasion was made unique in Essex Masonic history as the Master is also 100 years old.

The centenarian Worshipful Master, on behalf of the 60 members and visitors, welcomed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Nick Franklin, who in turn, and on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Paul Tarrant, not only presented the Lodge with a Centenary Certificate but announced that in recognition of 55 years of service to the Lodge and the Province, he was pleased to grant Reg Sheppard a field promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. 

After a history of the Lodge was given by the Secretary, John Mansfield, the members voted to give £1,000 to charity with £100 to ten small local charities, one for each decade of the Lodge’s existence.  These are:

1. Schools for Support (Stratford E15: education for the vulnerable)
2. Albion Kids Show (Hackney E5: help for children’s development)
3. Look Ahead Care and Support (SW1: care for the vulnerable)
4. Children Unite (EC2: help for exploited children)
5. Computers for the disabled (Basildon: provides computers for the disabled)
6. Mitchells Miracle Charity (Romford: provides children’s cancer support)
7. South Essex Advocacy services (Westcliff: providing care and support for the vulnerable)
8. Carers Choice (Benfleet: providing help for carers)
9. Hamlyn Trust (Billericay: providing support for families for children with health or learning difficulties)
10. The Rainbow Trust (Pitsea: providing support for children with life threatening illness)

Danehurst is one of nearly 300 lodges which meet at 26 Masonic Centres across Essex. The 7,500 Essex Freemasons regularly donate over £1 million each year towards local community initiatives and charities as well as volunteering a lot of their time to good causes. The four values of Freemasonry are Integrity, Respect, Friendship and Service, which encourages helping local communities as much as possible. 

In addition to the direct donations to charities made by Essex lodges, Deputy Provincial Charity Steward, Mike Hall said “Over £847,600 of much needed funding has been granted by the Province to support charities and local communities in Essex already this year.” 

Amazingly, just one-month earlier Reg Sheppard was presented with a 50-year certificate by John Hubbard, the Third Provincial Grand Principal, at Danehurst Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, which he joined in 1973.  Approximately 45% of all Essex Freemasons are also Royal Arch Masons and they wear a red apron at their meetings as opposed to the light or dark blue ones which are more familiar.

-ENDS-

Photo:

1. Danehurst Lodge Centennial Anniversary meeting
2. Reg Sheppard (centre) being presented with his 50-year certificate by John Hubbard, Third Grand Principal of Essex Royal Arch Masons