Henry de Gray Lodge - 75 years and counting…
A great 75th celebration for this strong and vibrant Lodge with much to look forward to in the future
2023 is the 75th Anniversary year of Henry de Gray Lodge No. 6627. The Warrant for the formation of the Lodge was granted on the 4th February 1948, by the Grand Master, The Duke of Devonshire, Edward William Spencer.
The Lodge was consecrated on Tuesday 4th May 1948 by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Brigadier General, K Kincade Smith C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., at Freemason’s Hall, London, by special dispensation from the Grand Master.
75 Years later, on Saturday 3rd June 2023, Paul Tarrant, the Right Worshipful, Provincial Grand Master (PGM), along with Rob Eels, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and several other members of the Provincial Executive, visited Henry de Gray Lodge at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre to help celebrate this landmark achievement.
The Brethren of Henry de Gray did not disappoint.
The work in the Temple was flawless and clearly demonstrated the inclusivity of the Lodge, by a faultless passing ceremony presented by the Worshipful Master, Audrius Cecetas.
Audrius who was the first Lithuanian to join the lodge in April 2015 after he walked into the Cross Keys Masonic Centre, when he was living directly opposite. Having progressed through the offices, Audrius reached the chair in October 2022.
A presentation of the second-degree Working Tools by Jamie Barton was impeccable, and an explanation of the Grand Lodge Certificate by Derek Dellow was also met with applause.
Barry Leech highlighted what was great about the Lodge in his preceptor’s report. He mentioned joining members, achievements of current members, and pointing to a long line of light blues in the current offices. Barry was keen to show that the future of the Lodge is certainly in good hands.
Henry de Gray are also well known for their Charitable endeavours and continued this good work with the presentation of a cheque for £1500 by Charity Steward, Steve Hall to TLC representative, Joe Curtis https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/ - Steve also confirmed that a further £2500 would be donated to local charities and groups such as Footsteps, Get Started Art https://www.getstartedart.com/ - St Lukes Hospice https://stlukeshospice.com/ - Essex & Herts Air Ambulance https://ehaat.org/ and the national Autistic Society- https://www.autism.org.uk/
A speech by Henry de Gray member Dave Barton as chair for the ‘Cross Keys Community Fund,’ also added to underline the Lodges commitment to raising awareness of Freemasonry within the local borough by charity fundraising, as well as Community work.
Following the meeting a sumptuous and hearty ‘seven’ course Festive Board took place with wine and conversation flowing in great spirit well into the evening, culminating with an excellent raffle draw, that helped to raise over £800 on the night, being donated to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal
75 brethren in total attended this 75th celebration and all could be in no doubt that Henry de Gray have much to look forward to in the future.
A written history of Henry de Gray Lodge is available in eBook/pdf format and if you would like a copy of this book, please contact:
Photos:
Top: Members of Henry de Gray Lodge with distinguished guests.
Left: Presentation of Cheque to TLC L-R: Audrius Cecetas, Paul Tarrant PGM, Joe Curtis, Steve Hall, Mark Harrison
Right: The Festive Board and Raffle