The I.M.A was formed in 1918 for the benefit of Freemasons who were either resident in the area of Ilford, Essex, (United Kingdom) or had access to that area. Today its members come from all over London and the Home Counties.

The inaugural meeting of the Association was held in the Council Chamber of the Ilford Town Hall on 27th September 1918. At that meeting W/Bro. Ben HENDERSON was elected the Association's first Chairman and Bro. Sir Peter GRIGGS as its first Patron.

Within 6 months the Association could boast over 100 members including Sir John BETHELL MP, Lord LAMBOURNE (Provincial Grand Master of Essex between 1902-1928) and Sir Francis LLOYD who were elected as additional Patrons.Today the Association still has an extensive membership and continues to offer lecture meetings which are presented by knowledgeable, entertaining and distinguished brethren. Of the original aims & objectives the Association still aspires to:-

• Encourage members of the Craft to meet for the purpose of learning and fostering interest.
• Hold lecture meetings on regular evenings during the year on both masonic and non-masonic subjects of interest.
• Support Masonic Institutions and other local, non-masonic, charities by donation.

In pursuance of those aims the Association made charitable donations to the following charities during 2010:-

• The Cottage Hospice
• The Nightingale Community Hospice Trust
• London Borough of Redbridge, Mayor's Fund (for the local Victim Support Scheme)
• Sickle Cell charity
• Our guest speakers also made donations in lieu of a fee to their preferred charities.

Meetings, which are of an informal nature, are held on the first Thursday in November, December, February and March at Trinity Hall, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Mossford Green, Barkingside, Essex, IG6 2BX.

Lectures start at 8pm and are concluded by 9.30pm. Additional lectures and events can be arranged by the Committee if required.

Please notify any broken links to: W/Bro. Paul G. Reeves