George Graveley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.461

18 October 2025

Chingford Masonic Centre

A New Beginning

Saturday 18 October 2025 saw an emergency meeting of the Lodge take place at the Chingford Masonic centre.
​
Lodge members gathered for an early start, along with their guests and members of the Essex Mark Ritual support team, including the Prov.G.M.
​
Chingford is not the usual meeting place of the Lodge, but it soon will be as the Lodge transitions into a new specialist Lodge, becoming the First Mark Lodge in Essex to be home to members of the Masonic motor-bikers, the Widows Sons.
​
George Graveley is over 130 years old, being one of the 7 Mark Lodges that formed the Mark Province of Essex in 1899. Unfortunately, the Lodge had been in decline for several years and faced closure.
​
Some time ago W.Bro. Martin Cargill, a member of George Graveley, along with the Prov.G.M, collaborated on a plan to save the Lodge from extinction. With the backing of the remaining members the work began to put the wheels in motion. Saturday's emergency meeting was the culmination of those plans.
​
The emergency meeting saw 4 joining members welcomed into the Lodge, and a triple Advancement ceremony carried out in superb style. Brother Secretary had been busy sourcing the regalia and welcome packs from the Essex Mark Shop, ensuring all had a new tie and Essex Mark tokens.
​
  • The Advancement ceremony was meticulously led by W.Bro. Vince Bull as the S.D. along with W.Bro's Kevin Bull and Steve Hannabuss as the J.D's. The Prov.G.Sec W.Bro. Colin Kendrick stood in as a grumpy Master Overseer.

​​W.Bro. Barry Coombes took the Chair for the ceremony. W.Bro. Vince Bull gave the signs and secrets, W.Bro. Kevin Bull explained the working tools, and the Prov.G.M. delivered the “In Conclusion,” also acting as I.P.M. and Chaplain to boot!
​
​A great team effort with no books in sight. The candidates could not have had a better ceremony delivered with both confidence and competence.
​
The Festive board consisted of a “Fat boys” breakfast which will be the Lodge fayre going forward. The Prov.G.M. continued to earn his wages by acting as Chaplain and D.C. then proposing the toast to the W.M. and finally giving the Tylers toast with a nod to the Scottish peasant!
​
All in all, a super Mark meeting, putting a Lodge with rich history back on the right path, one to success, as the Secretary was pleased to read out 3 more candidates for Advancement and several joining members.
​
Imagination twinned with a desire to make things work, will see this Lodge flourish in the years to come, along with the members having a great deal of fun and enjoyment.
​

The Magic of the Mark at its very best.

Posted on 19/10/25