Welcome to Crouch Lodge.
We are an Essex based lodge within the United Grand Lodge of England, practising ‘Emulation’ workings.
We have around 20 active members and 1 Honorary member.
We are a thriving lodge, and we hope to entice those of you reading this to join us.
We are a very friendly Lodge where all are encouraged to play their part within the Lodge at Ceremonies and allowed to progress through the Lodge Offices at their own pace. There are plenty of experienced Freemasons within the Lodge Members, and all play a part in both the Ceremonies and the Lodge of Instruction meetings that take place between Lodge meetings.
Crouch Lodge meets on four Saturdays throughout the Masonic year: the first Saturdays in February, April, October, and December.
These meetings generally start between 4 pm and 6 pm at the Chelmsford Masonic Centre, situated within The County Hotel, Chelmsford.
After each meeting, the Festive Boards are held at the County Hotel.
Crouch Lodge has a theme for each Festive Board throughout the year. These are:
February – Burns Night Celebration
April – St. George’s Day Celebration
October – Cockney Night Celebration
December – Christmas Celebration
These Festive Board Celebrations are carried out to the highest of standards regarding the traditional Masonic Toasting as well as a very relaxed atmosphere whilst the 3 courses of the meal are taken. We, as Members, are encouraged to bring along guests and we make sure any Mason visiting us is treated to such an amazing time, that most of them come back again.
We at Crouch Lodge are a very eclectic group where Members come from all walks of life.
This includes: Electricians, Engineers, Train drivers, Carpenters, Councillors, Civil Servants, General Builders, Insurance sales and retirees from many areas of work.
Crouch Lodge currently has 2 ‘Lewis’ members, Fathers and Sons who have both served as WM in the past.
The Lodge is not affiliated to any sport or industry in particular, in the past it had several members with merchant marine connections. In recent years it has gathered members from South Woodham Ferrers, but many of the Members have sporting activities that they do in their spare time as hobbies.
We have current Members that are also Members of The Holy Royal Arch, Mark Master Masons and Royal Ark Mariners.
A Short History of Crouch Lodge No.7497
The Lodge was concecrated on 7th February 1957 , a Daughter Lodge of Wickford Lodge No.4220.
Crouch Lodge’s first ever meeting was held on April 27th 1957 at St.Andrews Church Hall, London Road, Wickford.
On 13th February 1982 the Lodge celebrated its 25th Anniversary where W.Bro John Page presided as WM.
W.Bro John Page is still an active Member of the Lodge to this day.
On 3rd February 1990 the Lodge changed its meeting place to The Chelmsford Masonic Centre where it continues to meet to this day.
Lodge of Instruction
The Lodge holds its L.O.I meetings on Monday evenings from 7.30pm at the Nevendon Centre, Wickford between September and April.
The main focus of L.O.I. attention is usually the forthcoming meeting, but nothing is off the table with regards to helping out the Members with ritual.
All Members are encouraged to attend as all and any help is appreciated and makes for a better Lodge meeting in the future.
L.O.I. meetings allow members to temporarily move into an office they are hoping to move to eventually.
Fees
Fees are reviewed annually but are currently £270 including 4 x 3 course meals,
£160 for ‘country’ (non-dining) members and £35 dining cost per meeting.
These fees are collected Annually, but recently the Lodge By-Laws were changed to allow payment by monthly instalments.
Hopefully this is enough information to make you feel like joining our wonderful Lodge. Should you wish to ask any questions or seek more information please contact our membership officer here.
Current members of Crouch Lodge click here.