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Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral

Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral

News

EVENSONG at CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

On the balmy summer evening of 26th July, a gentle warmth lingered in the air as people gathered in the heart of Canterbury. Among the many who assembled were over one hundred East Kent Freemasons along with their family and friends, each drawn to the city’s ancient spiritual centre: the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral. With a history stretching back 1,400 years, this magnificent edifice never fails to humble and inspire those who walk through its doors.

Before the Evensong for the 8th Sunday after Trinity began, a special and private moment unfolded. With the spirit of generosity that is indicative of all Freemasons, the Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, presented a donation to the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith. It was a gesture that spoke volumes of the enduring partnership between the Freemasons and this iconic place of worship.

The PGM and the Dean

 

With the presentation concluded, at 17:20pm and with an air of quiet dignity, Worshipful Brother Gerry Stuppple guided the Provincial Grand Master and his guests to their seats. Anticipation was building when at half past five, the majestic Cathedral organ filled the sacred space with sonorous music that accompanied the choir and clergy as they processed into the Quire. The Dean then offered a warm welcome to the congregation, expressing particular pleasure at seeing so many Freemasons in attendance. His words underscored a proud tradition because for very many years, Freemasons of the Province of East Kent have supported Canterbury Cathedral helping to preserve this national treasure by funding vital repairs and nurturing the craft of apprentice stonemasons.

The highlight of the service was the breathtaking performance by the Vasari Singers, one of Britain’s most renowned chamber choirs. Their voices, pure and crystalline, resonated through the ancient stone moving listeners to silent awe. Their rendition of the Magnificat especially captivated all present by weaving a tapestry of sound that seemed to lift the spirit of the congregation.

The first reading was movingly given by Second Provincial Grand Principal, Excellent Companion Graham Wyles, and with further readings punctuated by beautiful music, the service continued with eloquence and grace.

As the service drew to a close, the collection reflected the generosity of all those present. After which, the choir and clergy processed out to the triumphant strains of the Organ Voluntary, a performance so powerful, the reverberations could be felt deep within every chest. The phrase “pulling out all the stops” came vividly to life, as the organist brought the evening to an exhilarating finale.

This Evensong was more than a service, it was a testament to community, tradition, and the enduring commitment of the Province of East Kent to the Cathedral. The support of the Province continues to help sustain this magnificent building, ensuring that the harmonious notes of Evensong will echo around its hallowed stone walls for centuries to come.

Article: Derek Lindars

Barbara receives a new wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Masons

Barbara receives a new wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Masons

Charity, News

Barbara receives a new powered wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Freemasons

On Sunday 14th June 2026, W.Bro Alex Coppin, representing the Septem Lodge, L7788 based in Dover W.Bro David Bragg, representing the Royal Military Lodge L1449 based in Canterbury, W.Bro Kevin Kemp, Representing the Millennium Lodge L9730 based out of Tovil Maidstone as well as Military Jubilee Chapter C2195 based out of Dover& Bro Chris Eason also of the Septem Lodge L7788 and father of Jerra Eason, met up with Jerra and ‘Barbara’ her newly purchased Powerchair, funded by the successful Match funding application of the three Lodges and Chapter, to the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, bringing together the basics of the 3 Pillar Strategy by making a difference to people in our local communities.

Figure 1- Pictured with Jerra & ‘Barbara’ L to R are: 
W.Bro Kevin, W.Bro Alex, Bro Chris & W.Bro David

The story starts with a conversation between Bro Chris and the Septem Lodge Almoner  Alex, about whether Jerra could be helped to purchase a Powerchair to help Jerra be able to get out of her house and get back to her work with the Girl Guide movement amongst other things.

The request was made to the General Purpose Committe (GPC) of Septem and Kevin said, why not look at getting some Lodges together and apply for a Match Funding Grant form our own Charity, the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, (CEKFC).
In addition to the Septem Lodge, Kevin approached, Royal Military Lodge in Canterbury, Millennium Lodge of Charity in Tovil (as a member) and  James Wright approached the Military Jubilee Chapter, all four agreeing to support an application.
Application made online very easily,

  1. decision made by the CEKFC Trustees,
  2. cheques collected from the 4 units paid to CEKFC,
  3. CEKFC makes payment to Jerra’s bank account,
  4. ‘Barbara’ purchased the wheelchair

Very shortly after the purchase of the Chair, we received the following letter and photographs from Jerra;

Dear Kevin, Alex, David, and James,

I can’t thank you enough for funding my wheelchair. The difference it has made and will make to my life is incredible. I can do things for myself for the first time, things I thought I would never be able to do. From day-to-day things to big things, for example I was able to go and get some milk when I had run out, which may seem small but it’s the first time in years I’ve been able to just go and get it. It usually involves asking someone else to either get it for me or take me there. I’m sure I had a silly grin on my face the whole way there and back!

Jerra continues, “I am Tawny Owl at Brownies, I’ve volunteered at Girlguiding on and off since I was in my early 20’s. I had an accident at 21, a brain virus at 33 and I turned 43 in April.
For the first time ever I was able to go on a trip to London with my fellow leaders. To say it was emotional would be an understatement, I don’t think any of the leaders had dry eyes”

Left to right

 Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Out and About in London

 Jerra & ‘Barbara’ in Girl Guiding HQ

Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Travelling to London’

“We went on a badge quest which involved seeing several landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square”,

“We also visited Girlguiding HQ. This is a huge deal to me, being able to join in with my friends around London and really enjoy it with them. 

“I have popped a photo below of us in The Foundling Museum”

Jerra finishes her letter saying “The improvement to my family has been amazing, I can go out for a ‘walk’ with my boyfriend and our dogs, something I haven’t been able to do for around 20 years. I can finally go birdwatching again with my Dad, a passion we’ve shared since I was little but had been taken away from us by my mobility issues. I can go out with my sister Georgia and my nieces Ada and Betsy and enjoy day trips with them. There are too many things for me to list, just small everyday things that people take for granted have been given back to me through your generosity.

There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am. To you it may just be a wheelchair, but to me it’s a whole new way of life. I hope you enjoyed the photos of me out and about on ‘Barbara’ as I have affectionately named her!

Thank you,

Jerra Eason

The brethren present all agreed that together as a Fraternity we can make a huge difference to members of our local community, enhancing lives and building lasting relationships.

We would like to thank those Lodges and Chapter that took part in this initiative and to all at the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity for their kindness, professionalism and help to make this possible for Jerra, without your help Jerra would have continued to struggle.

 

We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk

Dover and Deal Cadets Mark 100 Years

Dover and Deal Cadets Mark 100 Years

Charity

Dover and Deal Sea Cadets Mark 100 Years

On Sunday, 8th June 2026, the streets of Dover were alive with excitement as the Dover and Deal Sea and Royal Marine Cadets paraded with pride to St Mary’s Church. This special day celebrated a remarkable milestone: a century of nurturing courage, friendship and adventure among young people in the picturesque White Cliffs country. Supported by the generous Globe & Laurel Lodge 4657 and Peace and Harmony Lodge 199, the Cadets have flourished and representing the Globe and Laurel Lodge at this wonderful event were Mark Simpson and Phil Rashbrook.
After a heartfelt church service, the Cadets marched with heads held high to Dover Town Hall, where families, guests and dignitaries eagerly anticipated their arrival. The hall buzzed with anticipation as the Commanding Officer inspected the Cadets, presenting each with a treasured ‘Challenge Coin’ – a symbol of achievement and belonging. Lively conversation filled the room as refreshments were shared and stories exchanged, all expressing admiration for the Cadets’ spirit.
As the afternoon drew to a close, voices united for the song ‘Sailing’ and the stirring sound of bagpipes echoed through the hall. The celebration was more than a commemoration, it was a testament to tradition and hope for the future. All joined in wishing the Dover and Deal Cadets another century of adventure and camaraderie.

We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk

A Little goes a long way

A Little goes a long way

Charity, News

MAKE A WISH

King Edward VII Lodge No. 3252 has received a heartfelt letter of thanks from Make-A-Wish UK following a recent donation of £300 made to support the charity’s remarkable work with critically ill children and their families.

The donation was raised through the Lodge’s fundraising activities in May and follows an earlier contribution of £400 made in December, bringing the Lodge’s total support for Make-A-Wish UK to £700 within the last six months.

In their letter, Make-A-Wish UK expressed their gratitude for the generosity shown by the Brethren and supporters of King Edward VII Lodge. They explained that donations such as these help bring joy, comfort, and hope to critically ill children and their families throughout the United Kingdom.

Make-A-Wish UK is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. These wishes can take many forms, from creating magical family experiences such as visits to Disneyland Paris, to helping fulfil a child’s personal dream or ambition. Sometimes the wishes are simpler but equally meaningful, providing opportunities and experiences that create treasured memories for families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

The charity’s work recognises the importance of creating moments of happiness, hope, and togetherness, helping children and their loved ones build lasting memories at a time when they need them most.

The Lodge’s connection with Make-A-Wish UK has developed over several years through the efforts of members who have supported the charity in various capacities. The opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile cause aligns closely with Freemasonry’s long-standing commitment to charity, compassion, and service to others.

Receiving a personal letter of thanks serves as a reminder that every fundraising event, raffle ticket purchased, and donation made can have a genuine impact on the lives of people facing extraordinary challenges.

King Edward VII Lodge No. 3252 is proud to support the work of Make-A-Wish UK and would like to thank all those who contributed towards making these donations possible.

Make-A-Wish UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (295672) and Scotland (SC037479).

Letter from make a wish foundation
We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk

Folkestone Leas Lift CIO Appeal.

Folkestone Leas Lift CIO Appeal.

Charity, News

Folkestone Leas Lift CIO Appeal.

The Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity were delighted to team up with WBro Bob Hadlow the Group 6 coordinator to assist bring together local units to support this extensive community focussed civil engineering project.

The historic Folkestone Leas Lift, a Grade II* listed funicular railway first opened in 1885, is currently being restored and will reopen in 2026. This large-scale project is overseen by the Folkestone Lease Lift Company, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation who has taken on the challenge of restoring this iconic transportation system. The scale of the project cannot be overstated, on top of the complex engineering work, fund raising falls to them too. The National Lottery made a generous match funding grant, leaving the charity to make up the difference. The charities dynamic Chair of Trustees Cathy Beare continues to work hard raising funds locally to fill the funding gap.

The Lift is at the heart of Folkestone and is much loved by the community. Consultation which took place during 2020 saw a recurrent theme in the feedback they received from the community. It identified that people; particularly the elderly, those with ill health, disabilities or with young children were unable to visit the seafront area from the town centre, due to the steepness of the only alternative route on foot the nearby footpaths. Unless they had access to a car, a visit to the beach and harbour area was very difficult all the time the lift remained closed. It became clear the local community and regular visitors to the town retained a great fondness for this historic transportation system, driving the need for action.

The Lift in 1885

The charity reached out to the community including local Lodges, Chapters and the CEKFC seeking financial assistance. Their response was truly outstanding, raising £2900. The trustees of the CEKFC were delighted to double the members contribution which led to a total donation of £5800. This is yet another example of local Masons working to make a difference in our local communities. The units involved included:

Temple Lodge No 558
Temple Chapter No 558
Castle Lodge No 1436
Castle Chapter No 1436
Wakefield Lodge No 6059
Shorncliffe Lodge No 4330
Prince Edwins Lodge No 125
Prince Edwins Chapter No 125
Commemoration Lodge No 5329
SETECH Lodge No 8185
Stour Lodge No 2305
Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No 5866
Valley of Elham Lodge No 6649

WBro Peter West handing cheque to Cathy Beare Chair of Trustees.

Construction Project – view from The Leas

Construction Project – sea level

The lift in action circa 1965 (2)

The lift in action circa 1965

The lifts opening 1885

We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk