70 Years of The Square at Upminster: A Proud Masonic Heritage and a £260,000 Charitable Legacy

5th November 20265th November 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Charity, Heritage, The Square, Upminster min read

The Square at Upminster is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026, marking seven decades of Masonic heritage, architectural transformation and an outstanding commitment to charitable giving.

Among its many achievements is the renowned Boar’s Head tradition, organised by Seven Kings Lodge, which has raised more than £260,000 for children and charitable causes through its annual meetings and associated events.

Over more than three decades, the initiative has also brought happiness to countless children in hospitals and hospices through the donation of toys and presents.

This remarkable achievement represents just one of the many charitable initiatives associated with The Square. It does not include the considerable fundraising and charitable donations undertaken independently by the numerous other Masonic Lodges, Chapters and Orders that meet at the centre.

Together, these comprise more than 100 Masonic units, representing a membership of approximately 2,000.

The Boar’s Head Tradition

For more than three decades, Seven Kings Lodge has organised its annual Boar’s Head meeting, bringing together Freemasons and guests from across the country and beyond for a unique celebration of Masonic tradition, fellowship and charitable generosity.

Combining a traditional Masonic meeting with festive dining, Christmas carols and fundraising, the event has become a much-loved fixture in the Masonic calendar.

Throughout its history, it has supported numerous charitable causes, including Quidenham and Little Havens children’s hospices, women’s refuges and many other children’s charities, raising substantial sums and collecting thousands of pounds’ worth of toys for children and families in need.

The 30th anniversary meeting in 2024 was a particularly memorable occasion, attracting around 140 members and guests, including visitors from Cyprus and the Isle of Wight.

Accompanied by the music of the Tilbury Brass Band and traditional Christmas carols, the gathering raised £3,220 for charity and collected more than 600 toys.

The generosity continued in 2025, when a further £4,000 was raised for charitable causes and an extraordinary 850 presents were donated to children’s wards at five hospitals: Basildon, Broomfield, Southend, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

Importantly, the presents are supplied to the hospitals for distribution throughout the year, rather than being reserved solely for Christmas. This ensures that children undergoing treatment have the opportunity to receive a gift and a little encouragement, whatever time of year they find themselves in hospital.

Peter Banks, who has played an important role in maintaining and developing the Boar’s Head tradition, reflected on its achievements:

“For more than three decades, the Boar’s Head has brought people together in a wonderful spirit of friendship and generosity. The thousands of toys donated, and the funds raised have helped bring smiles to children in hospitals throughout Essex, not just at Christmas but all year round.
“None of this would be possible without the tremendous hard work of our volunteers, the generosity of members and guests, and the continued support of Essex Freemasons. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has contributed to making this such a successful and enduring tradition. Long may it continue.”

Seven Decades of Heritage and Transformation

Originally known as Upminster Masonic Hall, the purpose-built premises in Deyncourt Gardens were completed in 1956 at a cost of just £8,200.

Over the following seven decades, the building has evolved considerably, with successive improvements culminating in an ambitious programme of redevelopment that began in 2014.

One of the most striking results was the completion of the Constellation Temple in September 2014.

Its spectacular illuminated ceiling, depicting the stars and signs of the Zodiac, creates the impression of a night sky above the lodge room. Specially designed wall lights, reminiscent of ancient flaming torches, complement the celestial theme, while restored parquet flooring and a traditional black-and-white chequered pavement complete the impressive interior.

The transformation continued in 2015 with the completion of the Grecian Temple, inspired by the historic Masonic lodge room at London’s Great Eastern Hotel.

Designed in the classical Greek style, the temple features elegant Doric columns, a four-metre-wide central ceiling feature and elaborate decorative plasterwork, much of which was painstakingly gilded by hand.

A specially commissioned sculpted and gilded coat of arms of the United Grand Lodge of England provides another distinctive feature.

The latest major addition came in August 2025 with the completion of the magnificent Atlas Entrance to the Constellation Temple.

Its striking golden double doors are flanked by two sculptures of Atlas supporting celestial globes, providing a dramatic entrance that perfectly complements the temple’s astronomical theme.

Much of this work has been made possible through the voluntary commitment, practical skills and craftsmanship of members.

The project also incorporated improvements to the adjoining anteroom, including purpose-built storage facilities and the acquisition at auction of an attractive nineteenth-century mirror for the remarkably modest sum of £100.

The centre’s bar and kitchen facilities have also undergone extensive refurbishment, bringing them up to a first-class standard and ensuring that the quality of the surroundings extends throughout the building.

Through careful purchasing, the use of specialist craftsmanship and the considerable contribution of volunteer labour, the wider redevelopment programme reportedly achieved savings in excess of £100,000 — a testament to the resourcefulness, dedication and generosity of those involved.

A Lasting Legacy

Seventy years after its opening, The Square at Upminster stands as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through vision, dedication and collective effort.

Its transformation from a modest Masonic hall into an impressive centre of architectural distinction reflects the commitment of its members who have invested their time, skills and generosity in its development.

As it celebrates this important milestone, The Square can take immense pride in its past while looking forward to the next chapter in its history.

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