Prittlewell Chapter ‘Old’ but still going ‘Strong’

A settlement was first recorded 10,000 years ago at Prittle Brook. This hamlet slowly grew and developed through the Roman occupation...

A settlement was first recorded 10,000 years ago at Prittle Brook. This hamlet slowly grew and developed through the Roman occupation, Anglo Saxon and Medieval periods. A Priory was built and its ruins still exist. Roads leading to and from were, East Street, West Street and South Street.

South Street was renamed Victoria Avenue, after the Monarch and if you walk down the Avenue, through the High Street, you can continue to the end of the pier.

During the Victorian period the southern end of Prittlewell, as now named, was where the beach and the bathing machines, made popular during that period, were located. Southend was now born and has slowly grown in size. But the tiny hamlet of Prittlewell was the beginning of modern Southend.

Prittlewell Chapter No. 4896, however, are no less important as their namesake. Priding themselves of the standard of their ritual. They ensure that their meetings have a balance of gravitas when needed, but enjoyment and good company at other times.

At their last meeting this was amply illustrated by the faultless Exaltation of their newest member Comp. Jeff Appleby, by Stephen Hailes (First Principal), James Tyrell (Second Principal), and Michael Frost (Third Principal).

There then followed the Historical lecture, so important to give context to the Q&A's at the Festive Board, as well as the Mystical lecture. The Mystical was divided into 3 by Jim Wolfe, David Jones and Martyn Pinkney.

David Wilson (Second Provincial Grand Principal), who was making an official visit commented, "this was a great example of experienced as well as younger companions, combining to provide a memorable and enjoyable ceremony for the exaltee and those present. Planning and preparation always shows through, and this had it in abundance."

With the enthusiasm for the Royal Arch, Prittlewell Chapter will continue to show the way as the hamlet did all those years ago.

Photo:

L–R  Jeff Appleby, James Tyrell, Stephen Hailes, Michael Frost