On 20th April 2024, the Lodge of St George Abadan No. 6058, meeting at Manor Road in Chatham, proudly initiated Joel Fontenelle. No stranger to the parade ground as a Guardsman, Bro. Joel took his first regular step into Freemasonry on this special day.
Originally from St Lucia in the West Indies, Bro. Joel shared his thoughts on his Masonic journey: “My journey into Freemasonry began back in St Lucia, where I was born and raised. A friend of mine there, who is a Mason, had sparked my interest, but I decided to wait until I joined the British Army and moved to the UK before pursuing it further. Once in the UK, I connected with English Freemasonry and met with a Brother who answered my questions. He told me about the Lodge of St George Abadan No. 6058, which meets on Saturdays at Manor Road, Chatham. I was particularly drawn to this Lodge, originally formed in Iran by British Petroleum oil workers.”
Bro. Joel was subsequently contacted by a Lodge member, and after a successful interview process, his application was approved. He was delighted to be initiated into St George Abadan Lodge. He met his proposer, W. Bro Alan Campkin, and his seconder, W. Bro David Hiscock, who both assured him that the Lodge would support him throughout his journey in Freemasonry. Bro. Joel described his initiation as a memorable experience, emphasising how safe and cared for he felt, especially as he had previously met the Junior Deacon, W. Bro Eric Pope, who conducted him through the ceremony.
The ceremony, which Bro. Joel described as deeply meaningful, was made even more special by the inclusion of music arranged by the Lodge Master. Upon his entry, pieces such as Les Hugenots March, the Scots Guards Slow March – The Garb of Old Gaul, and Hailan Laddie were played, giving the event a personal and poignant touch.
Reflecting on the day, Bro. Joel said, “I am proud to have taken my first step into Freemasonry and look forward to progressing through the degrees to become a Master Mason and a useful member of the Lodge.”
Bro. Joel joined the Lodge through the Province of East Kent Membership Pathway, and the Lodge expressed its gratitude to the Pathway Team for their role in connecting him with St George Abadan Lodge No. 6058.
The Lodge has deep roots, originally founded in Abadan, Iran, by British Petroleum workers. Consecrated on 29th March 1946, the Lodge later relocated to the UK and is now based at the Chatham Masonic Hall on Manor Road. St George Abadan Lodge continues to play an active role in the local community, including its recent donation of £626 to the 10th Medway (Chatham) Sea Scouts, the current Master’s chosen charity.
Chatham’s long association with the Armed Forces makes it especially fitting for the Lodge to welcome Guardsman, now Brother, Joel Fontenelle into its fold.
In the accompanying photograph, W. Bro Robyn Murdo-Smith is pictured with Bro. Joel Fontenelle following his initiation.