On Tuesday 22 July 2025, nearly 100 people gathered at Orsett Masonic Hall for a landmark civic event focused on raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting those affected. Organised in partnership with Changing Pathways, a specialist charity working across Essex, the event brought together community leaders, local services, and the public, and marked a major step forward in the evolution of Freemasonry’s civic role.
In what is believed to be the first event of its kind in the UK, three distinct Masonic Orders; the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) — co-hosted a community initiative not only in unity with each other, but in active partnership with the wider civic landscape.
With over 300 lodges across the county between them, Essex is fast becoming a national leader in reimagining Freemasonry’s public face. This event in Thurrock showcased what can be achieved when historic organisations come together around shared social challenges.
Importantly, the evening wasn’t primarily about fundraising, though more than £1,200 was raised for Changing Pathways, but about opening the doors of Freemasonry to community dialogue, partnership, and purposeful civic engagement.
Essex Masonic Charity Steward Chris Hicks served as compère for the evening, while David Barton, Essex Community Lead, coordinated the initiative as part of his ongoing mission to embed Freemasonry in the heart of local life. Although there were no official speeches from the Orders, David offered a short and resonant address, ending with: “We are stronger when we stand together.”
The event drew support from the Worshipful the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Sue Shinnick, and welcomed representatives from Thurrock Council, NHS teams, the Rotary Club, the Women’s Institute, Essex Round Table, the Thurrock Association of Community Forums, local schools, charities, and safeguarding bodies, all united by a common cause. While Masonic Orders have occasionally stood side by side at national events such as Open House London or the London Pride Parade, this was something different: a community-led initiative with a clear social objective, rooted in local action. And it happened in Essex first.
The organisers released this joint statement: “This evening was about more than awareness. It was about showing solidarity; visibly, publicly, and with purpose for survivors of domestic abuse. For the first time, UGLE, OWF, and HFAF worked together to deliver a civic event grounded in charity and shared responsibility. We were proud to welcome nearly 100 people through the doors of Orsett Masonic Hall, including Madam Mayor, and to support Changing Pathways with a collective donation. Our sincere thanks to the local authorities, groups and organisations who stood with us to make this a meaningful occasion. We hope Essex’s example will inspire others across the country to explore similar partnerships and embrace a more open, collaborative vision for Freemasonry.”
Though driven by local people and organisations, this event is already being viewed as a national template for what Masonic engagement can look like in the 21st century; practical, inclusive, and community-led. In an era when public services are stretched and partnerships are more important than ever, Essex’s example may help shape the future of civic Freemasonry across the UK.
Photograph:
— Elliott Chevin & David Barton, (Essex Freemasons)
— Elaine Malone, (Order of Women Freemasons)
— Irene Stewart & Ann Holland, (Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons)
