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What is freemasonry

Masonic charitable giving

Becoming a member

Current year activities

Some famous freemasons

Contact

SOCIAL MEDIA

July 2018

A most enjoyable Ladies night held at Chingford Masonic Hall with £2000 raised for Charity through a raffle and auction which is to be presented to the Rainbow Trust who offer support for families and children with life limiting diseases .

October 2018

An excellent Sunday lunch was held at the Bull in Theydon Bois Essex attended by 44 members and their guests . Great food and wine with an outstanding £1540 was raised for charity through the event, of which £1000 has already been donated to nearby St Clares hospice , with the balance to be distributed shortly.

April 2018

Sunday lunch held for 100 members and guests at Chingford Masonic Hall . £200 was raised for charity through the event.

October 2017

Lodge Secretary , John Mansfield , is also privileged to be the Master of one of the Livery Companies in the City of London , The Worshipful Company of Firefighters . Several members attended his Installation banquet which was held at Saddlers Hall , near St Pauls Cathedral. An excellent night was had by all who were present.

Lodge Secretary John in his Livery Masters Gown with wife Lesley

September 2017

Excellent Sunday lunch held for Lodge members and their friends at The Chicester Hotel , Wickford . £100 raised for charity through the event

November 2016

In conjunction with friends from Janus Lodge members attended a Ladies weekend in Stratford on Avon . Excellent hotel and good company with over �1000 raised for charity over the three days involved .

Earlier in the month the Master of the Lodge had married and members attended a sparkling reception at Theobalds Park near Cheshunt in Hertfordshire . Many congratulations to Jack and Sandra who subsequently left for a honeymoon in Arizona , hopefully to exclude a visit to Yuma State Prison!

January 2016

Members attended a Burns Night Lodge meeting at Chingford organised by High Beach lodge. The haggis was piped in the traditional way and served with a whisky tot after Burns' poem Ode to the Haggis was given .The festive board raised an excellent �800 for Charity among the 70 Freemasons who were present.

December 2015

Members and their partners attended a Ladies weekend at the Imperial Hotel Hythe.

�800 was raised for charity over the three days involved.

October 2015

Members and their partners also attended a 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration dinner hosted by the Lodge Secretary , John Mansfield, and his lady Lesley. A somewhat boozy time was had by all!

July 2015

Lodge members and their guests attended an excellent sunday lunch at the Chicester Hotel , Wickford , Essex .

Later in the month members attended two barbeques organised by Masonic friends .

Around �1500 was raised for charity between the three events .

January 2015

A numbers of members attended a Burns Night Supper courtesy of High Beach Lodge . An excellent evening of Haggis , Bagpipes and Whisky with just under �1000 raised for charity.

November 2014

Members and partners attended a Ladies weekend at the Norton House Hotel in Winchester which had been organised by friends within Janus Lodge.. Substantial sums were raised for charity through a tombola held at the main banquet.

June 2014

Members and their guests enjoyed a most convivial Sunday lunch at Bartellas restaurant near Chelmsford. �150 was raised for charity .

December 2013

In conjunction with Janus Lodge who had organised the event, members of Danehurst Lodge and their partners attended a most enjoyable ladies weekend at the Marriot Hotel, Huntingdon Cambridgeshire. Substantial funds were raised for Charity through a tombola at the ball which was held on the Saturday evening.

Widows of Lodge members attended a �Broken Column �lunch at the Masonic Hall Chingford courtesy of Lodge members.

BECOMING A MEMBER

Lodge profile

Danehurst Lodge was established in Chingford London E4 in 1923 and today its membership is very broad and includes a gamekeeper, several Justices of the Peace, engineers, electricians, bankers, management consultants , police officers and several IT specialists. Effectively we are very open to all occupations and religions. Our membership comes from all areas of Essex although there is some clustering of membership around Epping, Ilford and Basildon. Member ages are typically between 40-65 .

As a Lodge we pride ourselves on the quality of our work during the formal aspects of Masonic meetings embracing Taylors ritual , but also understand that members attend fundamentally to enjoy their Freemasonry .Consequently we adopt a relaxed approach at the dinner which always follows meetings. We also pride ourselves on the quality of our hospitality at that dinner , and believe that is appreciated as we attract good numbers of visitors to every meeting. We believe our meetings offer conviviality, friendship and enjoyment outside the pressures of daily life.

We normally hold at least two social functions each year outside of our normal four meetings .These are open to all members, partners and guests. Guests do not have to be freemasons to attend and all are welcome.

At Lodge meetings and at our social functions we aim to generate funds for charity and generally pay away £1-2000 a year to good causes generally, but with an emphasis in particular towards community based charities.

What are we looking for?

Freemasonry is open to all and . The main requirements for membership are a minimum age of 21 years, belief in a Supreme Being (by whatever name known to you) and a willingness to do something good to try to help those less fortunate than yourself.

We welcome decent and trustworthy men willing to become involved regardless of colour , race or religion. You will need a proposer and seconder but if you do not know us we will arrange for two of our members to make contact and get to know you and answer any questions you may have and sponsor your application.

If you asked individual members what they get out of their membership each will tell you something different but most will point to fellowship, support for yourself and your family, a feeling of doing well, some laughter, and a decent meal and a few drinks with like minded individuals.

What does it cost?
Our fees are currently �260 a year which includes the cost of four

( normally four course) dinners with wine and coffee. This can be paid monthly if required.

Special New Member rate

You can join for a flat fee of �50 in your first year of membership.

That includes the cost of our four dinners with wine and thus provides a low risk / low cost option for prospective members who , in the unlikely event find that Freemasonry is not for them , can exit at the end of their first year without any damage to their wallets.

You have to spend a small amount on regalia in your second year of membership ( circa �100 new) but that will last you many years thereafter. If necessary we can gift you second hand regalia should you require , although most members do prefer to buy new.

Any contributions you make to charity are an entirely private matter for you and whatever amount you give , be it small or large, will never be disclosed to other members.

What is the time commitment?
We meet four times a year on the second Saturday in February, April, October and November. Meetings usually start at 4 p.m. and end after dinner around 9 p.m. Saturday meetings allow , of course, the advantage that you need not take time off from work in your day job to attend meetings.

If you decide you would like to progress towards becoming Master of the Lodge you may also wish to attend our Lodge of Instruction which meets each Thursday evening between September and April commencing at 8 p.m.in the main temple at Chingford . There is no hard and fast requirement as to attendance since this is not mandatory, but it will enable you to learn and practice in a friendly environment whilst getting to know your fellow members.Sessions are very informal and relaxed , and we are also joined by a number of members from other Lodges who find their own Lodge of Instruction dates or location inconvenient.

Equally , however, if you cannot progress in Office we have several "knife and fork" Masons in our ranks . All are welcomed.

If you wish to make an application to join us or would like further information please contact the Lodge Secretary , John Mansfield, who's details are provided on our contacts page. He will be delighted to hear from you. Alternatively please contact our Recruitment Officer , Mark Bentley, on 07713345148. [email protected].

Other optional progressions.

Once you become a Master Mason within a Lodge there are numerous additional side degrees and orders that you can join if you so desire although none of these are obligatory. The first order that most people join , however, is the Royal Arch Degree as that is considered to complete the Master Masons Degree.Danehurst Lodge also has attached to it the Danehurst Royal Arch Chapter which meets at the Masonic Hall in Chingford on the 2nd Thursday in March , 3rd Thursday in June and the 2nd Wednesday in September annually. There are again numerous members of other Lodges who are members and all are welcome.

LATEST EVENTS

November 2024

Regular meeting held at which a member completed his progress to the degree of a Master Mason .

We were also delighted to Initiate and welcome another member into the Lodge.

A Lodge of Sorrow was also formed following the loss of our oldest member who was aged 101.

A total of £270 was raised for charity during the evening.

For full information please see current years activity page.

October 2024

Regular meeting held with one member advanced to the degree of a Fellow Craft and a second member Initiated and welcomed into the Lodge.

For full information please see current years activity page.

April 2024

Regular meeting held with a member advanced to the Degree of a Fellow Craft.

For full information please see current years activity page.

February 2024

New Master Installed for the year ahead

For full information please see current years activity page.

November 2023

Regular meeting held with two new Initiates joining the Lodge.

For full information please see current years activity page.

October 2023

Lodge Centenary Celebration meeting held.

For full information please see current years activity page.

April 2023

Regular meeting held .

For full information please see current years activity page.

February 2023

Meeting held to Install the Lodge Centenary Master .

For full information please see current years activity page.

February 2021

Meeting held at which the new Master for the ensuing year was Installed

For full information please see current years activity page.

October 2021

After 18 months in suspension the Lodge was finally able to meet again and to restart its programme.

For full information please see current years activity page.

December 2020

Essex Freemasons win the "Community Top Team" award for their help during the Coronavisus pandemic.

For full information please see charitable giving page.

April 2020

Essex Freemasons respond with practical help during the Coronavirus pandemic.

For full information please see charitable giving page.

February 2020

An excellent meeting with the Installation of the new Master for 2020 as its cornerstone.

Full text available on current years activity page

October 2019

A busy meeting at which one of our members reached a milestone of 50 years of membership.

Full text available on current years activity page

August 2019

Representatives of the Lodge attended Rainbow Trust to present a cheque for £2000 plus a late extra donation of £100 .

Full text on Masonic charitable giving page

July 2019

Ladies night held by the Lodge which raised £2000 to be presented to the Rainbow Trust.

Full text and details on Social Page

April 2019

Regular meeting held with £190 raised for charity during the evening.

Full text and details on masonic charitable giving page.

February 2019

In 2018 families in Essex benefited from grants of £473689 and other local charities in Essex by a further £144312.

Full text and details on masonic charitable giving page.

February 2019

Regular meeting held at which two new members were welcomed and the new Master was installed for the subsequent year . £225 was raised for charity during the evening.

Full text available on current years activity page

January 2019

Grant made to local junior school to establish after school clubs.

Full text available on current years activity page

November 2018

Regular meeting held at which we welcomed a new joining member and advanced another . £225 raised for Charity during the evening .

Full text available on current years activity page

October 2018

An excellent Sunday lunch held for members and guests at The Bull in Theydon Bois , Essex . £1540 raised for charity through the event.

Full text available on social activity page

October 2018

Regular meeting held at which we Initiated a new member. £165 raised for charity during the evening. The Lodge Secretary also reache a milestone of 40 years membership of the Lodge .

Full text available on current years activity page

April 2018

Sunday lunch held at Chingford Masonic Hall with £200 raised for charity.

Full text available on social activity page

April 2018

Regular meeting held which was also attended by the Assistant Grand Master for Essex.

Full text available on current years activity page

February 2018

Installation meeting held at which Master and Officers for 2018 were invested.

Full text available on current years activity page

January 2018

The Masonic Charitable Foundation have made a grant of £50000 to a local charity , Kids Inc, which is based in Chelmsford.

October 2017

Regular meeting held at which we welcomed a joining member.

Full text available on current years activity page

April 2017

Very special meeting held at which one of the members of the Lodge had reached a milestone of 50 years of membership

Full text available on current years activity page

February 2017

Installation meeting held at which the Master and Officers for 2017 were invested.

Full text available on current years activity page

November 2016

Regular meeting held with new mamber Initiated.

Full text available on current years activity page

October 2016

English Freemasons donated �50000 to the British Red Cross the day following the Haiti hurricane damage to assist in relief work.

October 2016

Regular meeting held with �170 raised for charity on the night.

Full text available on current years activity page

April 2016

Regular meeting held with �180 raised for charity on the night

Full text available on current years activity page

March 2016

It has just been confirmed that Freemasons in Essex donated in excess of �1m to local charities during 2015.

The United Grand Lodge of England have just donated �666500 to 17 national charities.

Full text available on Masonic Charitable Giving page

February 2016

Installation meeting held with new Master appointed for the year ahead . �257 raised for charity on the night

Full text available on current years activity page

January 2016

Members attend a Burns Night meeting at Chingford with �800 raised for Charity

Full text available on social activity page

It has just been confirmed that Freemasons throughout Essex donated �71645 to local hospices during 2015 , �45000 to Alzheimer's research and �35000 for flood relief efforts in Cumbria.

Full text available on charity giving page.

December 2015

Widows of former Lodge members attended a "broken column" lunch at Chingford as guests of the Lodge. All widows were also sent a Christmas gift from the Lodge to reinforce that neither they, or their late husbands , are forgotten. This gesture of remembrance is something many of the widows value far more than the gifts monetary value .

Ladies weekend held at The Imperial Hotel , Hythe Kent courtesy of Janus Lodge who were kind enough to organise the event. A total of �800 was raised for charity over the three days.

Full text available on current years activity page

November 2015

Regular meeting held but which

was attended by The Assistant Provincial

Grand Master for Essex . Passing ceremony conducted .

Brethren dined together afterwards with �205 raised for charity.

Cluster meeting held for all Lodges

meeting at Chingford with an

interesting talk given on the Vulcan

bomber.

Full text available on current years activity page

October 2015

Regular Lodge meeting held which welcomed a new member into the Danehurst family.Members and partners also attended a 40th Wedding anniversary Dinner hosted by the Lodge Secretary and his lady
Full text available on current years activity page

Summer 2015

Three summer social events held which raised significant sums for charity.
Full text available on current years activity page

April 2015

Unusual ceremony held during regular lodge meeting
Full text available on current years activity page

February 2015

Installation of new Master of the Lodge was held .
Full text available on current years activity page

January 2015

Members attended a Burns Night Supper with significant funds raised for charity.
Full text available on current years activity page

November 2014

Regular meeting held
Full text available on current years activity page

October 2014

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Essex attends the Lodge to witness the Initiation of a new member.
members also attend a combined Lodge meeting to hear a talk by the Curator of The Royal Artillery Museum on the history of the Victoria Cross.
Full text available on current years activity page

April 2014

Regular meeting held.
Full text available on current years activity page

February 2014

Lodge Secretary gives an informative talk on the origins of the City Of London Livery Companies
Full text available on current years activity page

January 2014

First Masters presentation jewel recovered by the Lodge secretary from an auction site in Australia.
Full text availableon current years activity page.

December 2013

Assistance given by the Lodge Master helps a local hospice to secure a grant of �50000.
Full text available on current years activity page.

November 2013

Lodge banner replaced after 50 years of service.
Full text available on current years activity page.

October 2013

Master of the Lodge completes a walk along the Great Wall of China to raise funds for charity.
Full text available on current years activity page.

June 2013

Donations of �1750 made to Charitable causes.
Full text available on current years activity page
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April 2013

All Masonic Lodges have a particular interest in the circumstances surrounding the building of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem about 5000 years ago, and the lives of the various historical characters and events from that time, as traditionally Freemasonry traces its routes to the Masons who worked on that building.Read more

February 2013

Paul Woodward, our Master for 2013-14 was installed by his predecessor. Brethren enjoyed a most convivial festive board after the event and raised �250 for charity.
Read more