Author: Taff Hill

Ill Bro Michael J Bartels.

It is with much sadness that we report the Passing to the Grand Chapter Above of Ill Bro Michael J Bartels a member of St Mary and All Saints Chapter No. 688 on Friday afternoon 12th January 2024.

Ill Bro Michael was Perfected in January 1997, served as Most Wise Sovereign in 2010 and was Promoted to the 30^th Degree in 2012.

His extensive masonic career saw him initiated into Vernon Lodge 560 in 1970, where he was WM in 1979, and achieving the Rank of PProvSGW. Exalted into Vernon Chapter 560 in 1980 he became First Principal in 1991, holding the Rank of PProvGSN and a holder of the Provincial Grand Superintendent’s Certificate of Merit. He had recently retired as Vice Chancellor in the United Orders of the Temple and Malta an office he held for 12 years, and held the rank of Past Great Registrar. He was the current Worshipful Deputy Master of Severn Lodge No. 19 of the Scottish Masters of St. Andrew.

We send our sincere condolences to his family.

May he now Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.

Wednesday 10th January 2024 saw the first meeting of 2024 for St Dunstan Chapter No 12. The Most Wise Sovereign opened the Chapter and shortly after opening a ballot was held for a Candidate for Perfection. The ballot proving in favour of the Candidate, Bro William J Hoe was Perfected in an excellent ceremony with the MWS and his Generals delivering assured performances of their ritual. During the First Risings, the Inspector General Designate in Charge took the opportunity of addressing the Chapter and provided an open, honest and frank explanation of the changes that we about to see in the Order. A Q&A session then took place and the Chapter thanked the Inspector General Designate in Charge for the reassurance. The Most Wise Sovereign then closed the Chapter in solemn form and all members and visitors retired from the Chapter and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love and enjoyed a super dinner. E&P Bro Hoe received a lovely explanation of the Fire used in this Degree by the Chaplain.

Monday 8th January 2024 saw the first meeting of the District at Northfield Chapter No 1022. The Most Wise Sovereign opened the Chapter after which he gave a demonstration of the Intermediate Degrees. The Inspector General Designate in Charge then presented a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro C Overall 18° in a most delightful and enjoyable manner. A ballot was then held and E&P Bro N Nichols 18° became a Joining Member of the Chapter. Before the Risings, the Inspector General Designate in Charge took the opportunity of addressing the Chapter and provided an open, honest and frank explanation of the changes that we about to see in the Order. A Q&A session then took place and the Chapter thanked the Inspector General Designate in Charge for the reassurance. The Most Wise Sovereign then closed the Chapter in solemn form and all members and visitors retired from the Chapter and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love and enjoyed a super dinner.

It is with a very heavy heart and much sadness we communicate the very sad news of the passing to the Grand Chapter Above of III. Bro David Old 31°.

David had felt unwell on and off for a few days, and was at home when he passed away yesterday, Saturday 16th December 2023.

David was a stalwart of St Francis of Assisi Chapter No 711 and a lovely man who will be missed by all.