In Episode 3, Season 3 of Craftcast, the Freemasons podcast, our hosts sat down with Barry and PJ from the Essex Cornerstone Club and Lodge to discuss their innovative approach to engaging young Freemasons.
The Essex Cornerstone Club, founded in 2015, emerged as a response to a critical need within the Province of Essex—creating meaningful connections among younger Freemasons across this expansive region. As Barry explained, the club was designed to help newer members navigate the vast world of Freemasonry and its teachings, while building lasting friendships with peers who share similar life experiences.
Barry's personal story highlighted the vital role such initiatives play in member retention. After his Initiation in December 2012, he found himself at a crossroads when his Proposer fell ill. "I remember sitting in the car park before my first Lodge of Instruction, not knowing anyone and reluctant to step inside," he recalled. The Cornerstone Club became his lifeline, introducing him to a network of like-minded Freemasons who understood the challenges of balancing young families with Masonic commitments.
This experience resonates particularly well with the Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond, which addresses the attrition rate among new Initiates within their first three years. Interestingly, the hosts noted a current trend where unsponsored candidates—those who discover Freemasonry through marketing campaigns or online research—tend to stay longer than sponsored ones, possibly due to their more thorough understanding of the organisation before joining.
The Club's evolution over nearly a decade has been marked by innovative engagement strategies. Monthly events range from social gatherings and Masonic learning sessions to charitable activities. Their annual formal dinners have become legendary within the Province, with venues including HMS Belfast and the Churchill War Rooms, offering young Freemasons experiences they might not typically access.
This success led to the natural progression of establishing the Essex Cornerstone Lodge, consecrated in the Grand Temple at UGLE with an impressive attendance of 700 people. The Lodge distinguishes itself through themed Festive Boards that have included American, Ibiza, and Game of Thrones nights—complete with an Iron Throne for the Master's chair. Importantly, it operates as a non-working Lodge, requiring members to maintain membership in their Mother Lodges, thereby complementing rather than replacing traditional Masonic experiences.
The Lodge also provides unique opportunities for members to experience different offices. As PJ explained, "Members can try being Senior Deacon or Junior Warden for a year, perhaps long before they would reach these positions in their mother Lodges. It's like a practical LOI in many ways."
The initiative's success stems from strong support from the Provincial Executive, who trust the Club's management while remaining available for guidance. The Provincial Grand Master's enthusiastic participation—even dancing at events in his Christmas jumper—demonstrates the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that characterises the club's approach.
For Provinces considering similar initiatives, the Club operates with a structured committee including a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, and secretary, with dedicated roles for membership, charity, and events management. Their charitable foundation ensures community impact remains a priority alongside social engagement.
As the conversation concluded, it became clear that the Essex Cornerstone Club and Lodge represent a successful model for engaging younger Freemasons while preserving Masonic traditions. Their approach demonstrates how innovation and tradition can coexist, creating a more vibrant and sustainable future for Freemasonry.
Listen to the full ‘Light Blues & Brotherhood: Inside the Essex Cornerstone Club’ podcast.
Listen to the rest of the Craftcast podcast.
