Author: Taff Hill

The Enthronement Meeting of the Chapter took place at the Masonic Hall Kidderminster on Wednesday 7^th May 2025. There were 14 Members of the Order present including the Inspector General, a Past Inspector General and Honorary Member, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr. R  N Hoare, 33°, and a visiting MWS, Ill.˙.Bro Bill Roberts, 30°, of Bordesley Abbey Chapter No 918.

The Chapter was opened in due and solemn form and following the confirmation of the Minutes the Inspector General was invited to present two Supreme Council Certificates to E & P Bros, Mark Henderson, and Phillip Butler which he conducted with his usual panache.

There then followed the Enthronement of E & P Bro Ian Calvert, 18°, by the Enthroning Sovereign, Ill.˙.Bro Richard Nokes, 30°, who had received his promotion to Knight Kadosh, 30°, since the last Regular Meeting of the Chapter.

The new MWS then appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their respective offices and the meeting concluded as usual with a well conducted Third Point.

12 members of the Order then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a 3 course Dinner.

In response to his Toast the Inspector General remarked on the excellent development of the Chapter over the past few years and presented everyone with the new Rose Croix tri-fold leaflet to be used to encourage recruitment to our beautiful Order.

Next meeting – WED 02 JUL 25.

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On Friday 2^nd May 2025, twenty-five members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder assembled for the Enthronement meeting. 

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC, and E&P Bro Phillip Abram 18°, the MWS, offered his Baton to the IG. Before returning the Baton, the IG informed the MWS that this evening was a most important night of his year in Office and wished him well. 

The Chapter was opened promptly at 1800 hrs and the Minutes of the previous meeting were proved. The Recorder then read extracts of the Minutes of the meeting held 100 years ago, which included a very interesting entry providing the history, background and dedication of the weaved rug (incorporating the Ladder), which adorned the centre of the Chapter floor – and still looks as good as new.

The next item on the Agenda, the MWS, E&P Bro Phillip Abram 18°, Enthroned E&P Bro Karl L Haines 18°, in a most relaxed, and dignified manner. An Enthronement which the Chapter will be most proud.

The incoming MWS appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their office, again in a most delightful, relaxed and dignified manner. 

The Enthronement ceremony was completed with the Address to the Princes of the Chapter by the Inspector General who also declared his delight at the future progression of the Chapter with so many ‘Red Collars’ occupying the Offices.

On completion of the remainder of the Business, the new MWS conducted Third Point for his first time, in a very competent and impressive manner. The MWS closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the refectory and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love and enjoyed a super dinner. 

Another wonderful evening of classic Rose Croix enjoyment.

Next meeting – WED 29 OCT 25.

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On Monday 28^th April 2025, the Inspector General accompanied by the District Recorder attended Freemasons Hall, Redditch for the Enthronement meeting. The Chapter was opened at 1800 hrs by the MWS E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, who promptly welcomed the IG to the meeting, and proffered him the baton which as usual was very politely declined.

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting which had been circulated to the brethren, a ballot was held for E&P Bro Philip Stanton 18°, to become a Joining member of the Chapter. The ballot proved in favour of E&P Bro Stanton, and he was warmly welcomed to the Chapter. 

E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, was then Proclaimed as the MWS for a second year in office, and he took no time in Appointing and Investing his Officers for the ensuing year.

The Chapter Recorder, III.˙.Bro Bill Roberts 30°, presented a paper to the Chapter entitled ‘A Potpourri from Rose Croix’.

Following the 3^rd Point and the closure of the Chapter, members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a delightful dinner with a main course of Chicken Curry, Rice & Chips. 

Next meeting – MON 22 SEP 25.

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A ‘Business’ meeting of the Chapter was held at Kings Heath Freemason’s Hall on Saturday 26th April 2025 which saw E&P Bro Neil P Nicholls 18°, elected to become the MWS at their next meeting in September 2025, and Ill.˙.Bro John M Phenix 31°, elected as the Treasurer.

Then followed a discussion reference the sustainability, progression and future of the Chapter. The Chapter are pleased to report that after an incredibly successful discussion, the outcome being very positive, and a good, solid five-year plan agreed. The Chapter will also remain as a ‘Stand Alone’ Chapter. 

Three Candidates for Perfection were proposed, (with the possibility of a double Perfection in January 2026); one currently unattached joining member proposed; plus, four more joining members very close to proposal. The September meeting is scheduled to be the Perfection of W Bro Ravinder Mohan Dhody, followed by the Enthronement of E&P Bro Neil P Nicholls 18°, 

All of the members present agreed with the ensuing and five-year plan however, the overarching factor is to ensure it comes to fruition.

All in all, very positive and encouraging news from the Chapter?

Next meeting (E) – SAT 27 SEP 25.

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The Enthronement meeting for Gervase Paganel Chapter No 316 took place on Thursday 10^th April 2025 at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Stourbridge.

The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro Perry Conner 18°, who for his final attempt, did his best to entice the IG into his Chair to conduct the evening. The IG retained the Baton for a few moments and returned it to the MWS with some very encouraging words, and that he (the MWS) was probably much better prepared for the evenings work. 

After reading the Notice convening the meeting and confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, a ballot was held for two joining members of the Chapter. Ill Bro Robert Grainger 30°, and formerly a member of St Edmund King & Martyr Chapter No 730, and Ill Bro Michael Bayliss 30°, formerly of Oldswinford Chapter No 908. The ballot proved clear and Ill Bro Robert Grainger 30°,  was warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS. Ill Bro Michael Bayliss 30°, was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting and will be formally greeted at their October meeting.

Unfortunately, the MWS -elect for the ensuing year was unable to fulfil the role due to unforeseen circumstances. Therefor before continuing with the main event of the evening, the Recorder read the Dispensation from the Supreme Council permitting the Chapter to hold a further ballot for the MWS for the ensuing year. With the ballot proving clear, E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, and another former member of St Edmund King & Martyr Chapter No 730, was Enthroned as the Most Wise Sovereign in a sincere and heartfelt ceremony.  Congratulation to the Enthroning Sovereign for the very dignified manner in which he carried out Enthroning his successor.

With the new MWS appointing & investing his officers completed, the remainder of the business was carried out and everyone retired whilst the room was prepared for the Third Point. 

On completion of the Third Point everyone retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a super 3 course dinner. 

Special thanks to the exceptionally hard working Recorder Ill Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, for all his hard work in bringing this evenings meeting together under some very stressful and difficult circumstance. And thank you Gervase Paganel Chapter RC No 316 for a most delightful evening.

Next meeting – Thursday 9^th October 2025

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On Friday 3^rd April 2025, 16 members and visitors including the Inspector General, District Recorder, and the Preceptor of the MRCCI met for an Enthronement ceremony. The Chapter was also delighted to receive E&P Bro Andrew Martin-Smith 32°, of the Scottish Rite of the USA, South Jurisdiction. (Who indicted his intention to apply for membership of the Chapter. Great news! 

The MWS, E&P Bro Justin Randle 18°, warmly welcomed the IG and visitors, and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The Chapter then performed elements of the Perfection Ceremony, particularly the First Point (Black Room), which proved very beneficial for those taking part.

Ill Bro Jim Mulligan 30°, was then Enthroned as MWS of the Chapter in a most delightful manner, and he then had the pleasure of Appointing and Investing his Officers. The Chapter is in very safe hands indeed.

On completion of the Third Point the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a generous helping of Lasagne followed by Apple Pie & Custard.

Next meeting – Thu 4^th December 2025.

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Honours at Last

At the October 2024 Meeting of the Chapter the Inspector General, having conducted some valuable research, with grateful thanks to the management team at Halesowen an old, now defunct Rose Croix Chapter Honours Board was found, surveyed by Meg, the renowned Stourport signwriter and an estimated cost given. 

The Inspector General therefore at the meeting proposed that the Chapter, being the most senior Chapter in the District, should indeed have an Honours Board and, whilst it meets in two locations, Halesowen in March and Worcester in October it was Consecrated on 23^rd March 1987 at Halesowen and that therefore should be its home. The proposition was approved, and the Inspector General took the task on as a project.

The management team at Halesowen agreed with the proposal and stated that as the Chapter was Consecrated at Halesowen they would find an available slot in the main temple to affix it.

Having submitted the draft to Meg the IG then waited nervously to view the finished result and on Monday 17^thMarch met Meg and the management team at Halesowen and was deeply impressed with the result. This was achieved with an exceptional amount of unforeseen additional preparatory work, but the end result is very good.

Unfortunately, at the Chapter Enthronement  meeting on 31^st March 2025, the IG was attending the Inspectors General National Conference at Duke Street so the former Inspector General, V\ Ill\ Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, a Past Sovereign of the Chapter, was delighted to attend and act as the Presiding Officer and be given the opportunity of unveiling it, and it now publicly identifies those Past Sovereigns of this prestigious Chapter.

Much credit should go to Meg for the quality of her work, indeed such now is her reputation amongst the masonic fraternity she is now updating Honours Boards in at least four masonic locations.

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Worcestershire’s premier Chapter held their 74^th Regular meeting on Monday 31^st March 2025 at the Halesowen Freemasons Hall, and what a great meeting it was. 

Unfortunately, the Inspector General, V Ill Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, was unable to attend the meeting due to another masonic commitment at 10 Duke Street. Also absent was the 1^st General and Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire, V Ill Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, who was at the same meeting at Grand East.

Ill Bro Martyn Hardeman 30°, the MWS, welcomed the V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General (FIG) for the District of Worcestershire and presented him with his Baton and Chair saying that he could retain it “until the end of the meeting”.  Much to the surprise of the MWS (and everyone else present), the FIG replied saying that “he wanted to keep it as it was many years since he had received that honour”!!! However, and under protest, the Baton was returned to the MWS and the FIG took his seat in the Chapter.

The MWS Opened the Chapter and Ill Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, gave a warm and sincere eulogy to III Bro Allan J Laidlaw 32°, who sadly passed to the Grand Chapter Above on the 7^th February 2025. V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, also provided a moving tribute, and the Chapter rose for a moment’s reflection for the much-loved departed Brother.

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Minutes were duly signed by the MWS and FIG, with the Recorder ensuring that there was sufficient space for the FIG’s signature. (By means of an additional page).The first high light of the evening was the very pleasant task of unveiling the new MWS Honours Board finally prepared and installed taking pride of place just inside of the Lodge room entrance of the masonic centre where the Worcestershire Chapter No 970 was consecrated in March 1987. V Ill Bro Dr Richard Hoare 33°, a Founder Member and indeed the MWS in 2006, proudly unveiled the Board and said a few words of wisdom of some of the names emblazoned on it. 

The second high light of the evening was for the MWS to Enthrone Ill Bro William (Bill) Roberts 30°, as the 38^th Most Wise Sovereign of the Chapter.

After Appointing and Investing his Officers, the new MWS gave a presentation from the writings of Leonard Bosnam.

The MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a super roast beef dinner.

A really enjoyable evening indeed.

Next meeting – Saturday 4^th October 2025.

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