Brief History

The Old Chigwellian Lodge was founded in 1948 by a number of Old Chigwellians including the Headmaster of the era, Dr. R.L. James. The Lodge is proud of its heritage and values its close links with the School.
Lodge members have included several members of staff. Although pre-dating the Lodge, Colonel Amelius Mark Lockwood, PC, GCVO, JP, DL who later became (1st Baron) Lord Lambourne, Chairman of the Chigwell School Governors from 1893 – 1922, was another eminent Freemason who became the Provincial Grand Master of Essex in 1902.
Old School Lodges are often considered to be special and many schools such as Chigwell have Lodges associated with them. Other local examples include Brentwood, Forest, Bancroft and Felsted.

Old Chigwellian Lodge members meet four times each year. Most meetings take place during the evening in St James's, London SWI, and one meeting is held on a Saturday at the School each summer. Following each meeting we enjoy a pleasant dinner, often with friends from other Lodges.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the UK’s largest, secular fraternal and charitable organisation, and raises money for a wide range of charitable purposes (including medical research, air ambulances, community care, emergency relief work, education and work with young people). It is based on three great principles: Brotherly Love (respect for others); Relief (charity) and Truth (morality). Since 1981 the Freemasons’ Grand Charity has made grants totalling over £80 million to thousands of individuals and non-Masonic charities.

The United Grand Lodge of England has some 270,000 members grouped in more than 8,300 lodges. Lodges in London (including The Old Chigwellian Lodge) are part of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. Organised Freemasonry became established in 1717 when four London Lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House, near St. Paul’s Churchyard. In 1737 the first Royal Freemason was made – Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales son of King George II. He was the first of many, although Freemasons ‘come from all walks of life.’

Interested in learning more?

Applications for membership are welcome from all male Old Chigwellians, School staff members, current parents (fathers), sons, brothers and husbands of former or current pupils. For further information please contact secretary@oclodge.co.uk

Existing masons who are members of other Lodges would be most welcome to visit us. Anyone enquiring about becoming a Freemason is assured of a warm reception.

The following websites provide further information:

www.metgl.com

www.ugle.org.uk/

www.oclodge.co.uk