An insight into the Essex Provincial Grand Stewards

Read a little more about the work and roles of Essex Provincial Grand Stewards

Selected from Lodges in the Province, 16 Brethren were each invested as a Provincial Grand Steward (ProvGStwd) by the Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Paul Tarrant, at the Annual Meetings in both March 2022 and 2023 at Freemasons’ Hall (FMH) in London.

A ProvGStwd is a Past Master, or sometimes one who is still a Master, who has shown potential to be a Provincial Grand Lodge Officer. Being a ProvGStwd is a prestigious first provincial appointment in UGLE’s second largest province and is the first step to an active Provincial career.

Official Lodge visitors such as a Visiting Officer, Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM) or a Provincial Grand Senior or Junior Grand Warden look out for suitable Masters and Past Masters to be ProvGStwds. They identify good ritualists displaying a sound knowledge of the workings of their Lodge with an understanding of Masonic protocol.

ProvGStwds make all the difference to the success of so many Provincial events. Easily identified by their red regalia, they are looked to for assistance and advice by those attending and often play a major role as well acting as Assistant Director of Ceremonies for the Provincial Wardens and as part of the escort for APGMs when visiting Lodges.

Newly appointed ProvGStwds should also join Essex Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No 8665 which meets twice-a-year on the 4th Monday in March and October at Saxon Hall. With a membership of around 300, the new members can mix freely and learn from the valuable experiences of more senior members, many of whom are Grand Officers who hold or have held high Provincial Office.

Photos from this year’s Annual Meeting at FMH:

Top left: In the reception of FMH from 12.00 to 2.30pm Stuart McMillan of Roding Lodge No. 3090 and Paul Curry of Valence Lodge No.5388.

Top Right: Paul Bates of Thorpe Bay Lodge No.4803 and Paul Donley of Round Table Lodge of Essex No. 8217 also stood from 12.00 to 2.30pm at the entrance to the shop on the first floor.

Below: Jack Saunders of Boswells Lodge No. 7759 relaxes at the Festive Board after personally escorting around 40 brethren to be invested and congratulated by the PGM on their promotion or first appointment.