Braintree Masonic Centre

W. Bro. Jack Dove was born in 1927 and was among the first intake to the Tabor High School in Braintree. He left school at 14 in order to help in his father's wholesale bakery in High Garrett. During the War he joined the ATC and hoped to see active service, but was annoyed that he had to stay at home making bread for German POW's who had an encampment nearby! At the age of 26 he took over the busines but continued to pursue his passion for speedboat racing, coming second in an international competition held in Germany in 1958 - being pipped by the Italians - and holder of the fastest lap record by hydroplane on the Oulton Broads. Even now, he is an ardent supporter of Formula One, getting up in the middle of the night to watch the Grand Prix!

Jack was initiated into Langthorne Lodge No. 1421 in 1971 and became its Master in 1985. He joined Cromwell Lodge No. 6971 in 1973, becoming Worshipful Master in 1984. His Mother Lodge, Langthorne, experiencing difficult times, moved to Upminster in 1991 when Jack was again Master. Unforfortunately, the Lodge still did not prosper and so, with the support of the Howard Hall Masonic Club, it moved to Braintree and Jack, in 1995, became Master for the third time in what was to be a complete success story. Highlights of Jack's Masonic career have been to install his brother Roy, and his stepson David Barlow, into the Chair of King Solomon.

In recent years Jack was a leading light in the formation of the Braintree St. George Daylight Lodge No. 9774, and the Founders unanimously agreed that he should be the first Installed Master at the Consecration in February 2004.

He has a distinguished record in the Royal Arch. He is a member of Mark, Rose Croix, KT, KTP, Essex Masters and Essex First Principals. He was honoured with PPJGD in 1993 and PPJGW in 1998. He was further honoured with DSEM(RA) in 2004 and PGStdB (England) in 2005.

Through his long career, Jack has befriended many Brethren with his happy disposition and fervent support for Freemasonry and, in particular, the Howard Hall Masonic Club. After Jack retired from business in 1989 he became Steward of the Hall, a position which he has maintained for more than 15 years. Jack, of course, is supported in whatever he does by his loving wife, Claire, who assists him at all times in running the bar and who always has a smile and a friendly word.

The Howard Hall Masonic Centre owes much to W. Bro. Jack Dove for all his enthusiasm, drive and determination to ensure that Freemasonry in general and the Braintree Centre in particular, continues as a fine example for generations that follow.