Essex Freemasons are establishing themselves as national leaders in delivering the United Grand Lodge of England’s (UGLE) “Third Pillar” strategy, Forging a Thriving Future, by placing community engagement at the very heart of their work.
Through bold, visible initiatives and a sustained commitment to hands-on service, Freemasons across the Province are not only deepening their connection with communities but actively shaping the future of Freemasonry as a compassionate, relevant, and trusted part of society.
Recent efforts have included the heartfelt in-person distribution of VE Day 80 flags and bunting to care homes, schools, and community groups, and a successful Province-wide Litter Pick, part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign. Freemasons and their families took to the streets and green spaces in a public display of civic pride, with plans now in motion for ongoing clean-up efforts in collaboration with the national charity CleanupUK.
The launch of the Orsett Masonic Community Fund marks another milestone, expanding the impact of the highly successful Cross Keys Community Fund, which has already raised over £50,000 and supported over 100 schools, care homes, and grassroots projects. This layered and strategic approach to engagement, local, lasting, and led by action, is quickly becoming a hallmark of Essex Freemasonry.
At the centre of this growing civic presence is Orsett Masonic Hall and Cross Keys Masonic Centre, which have been transformed into vibrant and well-recognised community hubs. Regular public events, charitable activity and outreach programmes have helped position the Centres as beacons of modern Masonic engagement, firmly rooted in tradition while visibly relevant in today’s society.
On 22 July 2025, Orsett Hall will host what is expected to be a landmark event in Masonic history: a Domestic Abuse Awareness Evening, delivered in partnership with the charity Changing Pathways and supported by the Mayor of Thurrock. The event will bring together Freemasons from the United Grand Lodge of England, the Order of Women Freemasons, and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, a UK-first collaboration showcasing unity, compassion and collective strength.
Further reinforcing the strategy is the forthcoming launch of Hands On for Essex, a province-wide volunteering programme that will provide Freemasons with structured opportunities to support schools, charities, community events and care services. The initiative also aims to promote mental wellbeing and connection across the Province.
These achievements have been made possible through, and are being led by David Barton, Essex Freemasons’ Community Engagement Lead. Under Barton’s direction, Essex has delivered a highly coordinated, strategic model for community involvement, widely recognised as a blueprint for other Provinces.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Elliott Chevin praised the progress, stating:
“Community engagement isn’t an optional extra — it’s the very essence of who we are and why we exist. What we’re achieving in Essex is nothing short of transformative, and it’s inspiring to see Freemasonry making such a visible, positive difference in so many lives.”
Every major Essex initiative under the Third Pillar has been highlighted by UGLE, a clear signal that the Province is not only aligned with the national vision, but is helping to define it.
This is more than adopting a strategy.
In Essex, Freemasons are setting the standard.
