Category: News

Monday 11^th May 2026, and a marvellous total of 16 members plus 8 visitors that  included the Inspector General and District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for a Perfection ceremony and the annual ‘Business’ meeting. The MWS, Ill.˙.Bro Phil Hannah JP 31°, offered the Baton and his Chair to the IG saying that it was an honour and a privilege to have him present. The IG was pleased to receive the Baton but swiftly returned it saying how much he looked forward to seeing the MWS’s work this evening.

Immediately after Opening the Chapter, the Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed for by the MWS and the IG. 

A Ballot for the Perfection of Bro Mark James Barber then took place and with this proving successful, a super ceremony of pure quality and meaning took place. The Chapter DC, Ill.˙.Bro David Emery 31°, presented the Intermediate Degrees in a most pleasant and professional manner. Word perfect to the letter! The Chapter Recorder, Ill.˙.Bro Keith Owen 31°, conducted the Black Room with equal skill and ability, ably supported by the Marshal, Ill.˙.Bro David Golby 30°. The MWS carried out the Red Room with a guest of the Chapter, E&P Bro Philip Butler 18°, a member of Breme Chapter No 862, acting as Raphael and raising the afore mentioned standards even higher. Not to be out shone by the work thus far witnessed, the IG gave the Accolade and the MWS completed a well-rehearsed and polished overall performance by presenting the Collar & Signs. The Candidate really did have an amazing Perfection.

Continuing with the busy Agenda, the MWS declared himself as the MWS for a second year, and also declared Ill.˙.Bro Peter Marks 30°, the Treasurer for the ensuing year.

With a short report from the Masonic Hall Committee, Alms collected, and Risings completed, the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Members retired to the Refectory for a hearty and most enjoyable meal. A super evening completed……….

Next meeting – MON 02 NOV 26.

xxxxxx-x

Also, on Wednesday 6^th May 2026 eight members of the Order met at Rainbow Hill for their Enthronement meeting. Low in numbers perhaps, but no shortage of quality!

After singing the Opening Hymn and filling one or two Offices for the evening, the Chapter was Opened by the MWS, III.˙.Bro Charles Dyer, 32°, at 1815 hrs, and the Recorder read the Minutes of the previous meeting which were formally adopted by those members of the Chapter present and duly signed by the MWS.

Having thanked the Chapter for their support for the past year, the Chapter Recorder Proclaimed III.˙.Bro Charles Dyer 32°, the MWS for a further year.

The MWS then appointed and invested his Officers with the authority of their office in an exemplary manner. In the absence of the Inspector General due his attendance at the Breme Chapter RC No 862 Enthronement meeting just up the river in Kidderminster, the District Recorder gave the Address to the Princes.

On completion of the Enthronement and thanking those taking part, the MWS presented a ‘paper of Masonic interest’ entitled ‘Perfection in Context’ written by the M.˙. P.˙.Bro the Rev’d Canon Richard Tydeman 33°, the Sovereign Grand Commander from 1994 to 2002. On conclusion of the paper, the MWS received well deserved applause as this was something many present had not heard before. 

During the Risings, the Chapter announced the very generous distribution of £500 from the Alms Account to three local deserving Charities detailing the great spirit within the Chapter. 

Following the Third Point the Chapter was Closed and the assembled company retired to the Refectory for a Fish & Chips supper, rounding off a fantastic meeting.

Next meeting – FRI 25 SEP 25.

xxxxxx-x

On Wednesday 6^th May 2026 some 22 Members of the Order, including the Inspector General, mustered at The Masonic Hall, Kidderminster for the One Hundred and Thirty Third Meeting of the Chapter.

What a full evening it turned out to be with a Perfection, Enthronement and Presentation of a MWS Enthronement Certificate. The latter not being an item that is unfortunately not practised in all our Chapters in the District notwithstanding it would normally only be applicable to members of the 18° on reaching the Chair for the first time.

It was very good to see the members of the 18°, fully involved in the Perfection Ceremony which was conducted to a very good standard.

This was then followed by a well delivered Enthronement ceremony which saw E & P Bro A R Lewis 18°, duly installed for the forthcoming year.

The IG then presented an Enthronement Certificate to the IPS, E&P Bro Ian Calvert 18°.

Prior to retiring and conducting the Third Point the Recorder announced that there was another Candidate for Perfection in the pipeline which is excellent news for a Chapter which a few years ago faced an uncertain future.

Following the Third Point the Chapter was closed and the Brethren retired to enjoy a very pleasant evening meal which concluded an excellent feast of Rose Croix Masonry.

Next meeting – WED 01 JUL 26.

xxxxxx-x

On a glorious evening preceding the Early May Bank Holiday weekend of Friday 1^st  May 2026, 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 K L Haines 18°, the MWS proffered his Baton to the IG with a pitiful look, quietly hoping that he, the IG, would conduct the evenings proceedings. Before returning the Baton, the IG informed the MWS that this evening was a special evening for him and that he was probably better prepared.

Before Opening the Chapter, the Chapter sang the Opening Hymn with the delightful accompaniment of music played by E&P Bro A Sinton 18°. It was so good to see E&P Bro Sinton following a serious leg injury he sustained whilst on a recent holiday in Germany……The Chapter was Opened promptly, and the Minutes of the previous meeting were proved. The Recorder then read a short extract of the Minutes of the meeting held 100 years ago.

A Ballot then took place for: i) a Candidate for Perfection – Bro Jeremy William Greenfield a member of St Pauls Lodge No 43, and ii) a Re-Joining member of the Chapter – Ill.˙.Bro B Benge 30°. The ballot proved favourable for both, and Ill.˙.Bro Benge was warmly welcomed back into the Chapter. Bro Greenfield the Candidate for Perfection, will be Perfected at the Midland Rose Croix Chapter of Improvement (MRCCI) 100-year Anniversary celebrations at the meeting of Merston Culy Chapter RC No 883 on Friday 26^th June 2026.

The next Item, to present Supreme Council Certificates to E&P Bro J R Turpin 18°, and E&P Bro R J Wilkins was sadly deferred for the next meeting as both were unfortunately absent on this occasion. 

Continuing with the Agenda, the MWS, Enthroned E&P Bro David Charles Boorn 18°, as the Most Wise Sovereign of the Chapter in a confident, relaxed and dignified manner. A wonderful ceremony for which the new MWS was extremely proud to now be ‘in the Chair’ of the oldest Chapter in the District.

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

The IG then gave the Address to the Princes bringing an end to a lovely Enthronement, and the MWS was entrusted with the heirloom of the Chapter, and a Past Sovereign’s jewel presented to the IPS. The IG congratulated the IPS for the manner in which he Enthroned his successor. 

The Almoner, Ill.˙.Bro P Murphy 30°, gave a lengthy and comprehensive Almoners report and we all wish those currently absent for whatever reasons, a speedy relief from any sufferings.

On completion of the remainder of the Business, the new MWS conducted Third Point for his first time. The MWS then closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the refectory and the rest of the evening spent in true St Dunstan tradition of Harmony and Brotherly Love – and enjoyed a super dinner. 

Next meeting – WED 28 OCT 26.

xxxxxx-x

On Monday 27^th April 2026 the Inspector General accompanied by the District Recorder attended the Freemasons Hall, Redditch to enjoy the Enthronement of Ill.˙.Bro John C Roberts 30°.

The MWS, E&P Bro Steven J Roadley 18°, welcomed the IG to the Chapter, and indeed failed miserably in attempting to persuade the IG to retain his Baton & Chair. After filling one or two vacant offices due to illness, holidays and other important masonic duties at Grand Lodge, the MWS Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting.

After dealing with matters arising from the Minutes, the Chapter received a Treasurers report indicating that the accounts were in very good health. The main item on Agenda was for the Enthronement of the new MWS. which the Enthroning Sovereign carried out to an exceptionally high standard indeed. The MWS appointed and invested his officers and the Enthronement was concluded with the Address to the Princes given by the IG.

The IG then gave a short presentation on the History of the 18°, which everyone enjoyed and raised two or three interesting talking points

The IG’s work was not yet complete as he then gave a delightfully informative presentation of a Supreme Council Certificate to E&P Bro Martin R Jeynes 18°, who had been Perfected earlier this year.

During the Second Rising the IG was delighted to learn that the Chapter had approved a second donation of £50.00 to the Fisher House charity which the District is supporting. A total donation of £100.00 from the Chapter is a wonderful contribution indeed. Thank you.

The MWS then conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter and the members retired to the Refectory to enjoy a Fish Supper of the highest quality in harmony & brotherly love, bringing an excellent evening to an end.

Next meeting – MON 28 SEP 26.

xxxxxx-x

26 members and Visitors assembled at Kings Heath Freemasons Hall on a beautiful sunny morning of Saturday 25^th April 2026 for what was the first double Perfection ceremony in the District of Worcestershire. Considering a double Perfection had not been held in the District before, the MWS and all the members of the Chapter can be so proud of all their hard work, commitment and preparation to ensure the ceremony was ‘perfect’ and a day to remember. 

The Inspector General, V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian M Fothergill 33°, accompanied by V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen W Fowler 33°, Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire and Asst DC of the Chapter, and V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Dr Richard N Hoare 33°, Former Inspector General of the District of Worcestershire and 2^nd General of the Chapter, were escorted into the Chapter by the Director of Ceremonies. The IG was warmly welcomed by the MWS, E&P Bro N Nicholls 18°, and whilst prompting “I know what the reply is going to be, but please accept the Baton and Chair of the Chapter etc, etc”. The IG once again referring to the centre of excellence AKA ‘The Temple Jinks’, was happy return the Baton so that he could enjoy the special meeting……. 

Following the Opening Hymn, the Prelate gave the Chapter Prayer for St Francis of Assisi.

After opening the Chapter, welcoming all the Visitors, and confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, a ballot for Perfection was taken for Bro’s James Robert Jonathan Murrell and Thomas Michael Dunstan which proved in favour of both. 

With the room prepared and ready to proceed, the Prelate, III.˙.Bro Gerry Jinks 32°, gave a wonderful presentation of the Intermediate Degrees to both Candidates. 

Rearranging the room to continue the ceremony, the Marshal E&P Bro S Pinner 18°, conducted the Candidates throughout the First Point with great confidence and bearing. Special mention for the MWS who conducted a delightful example of just how the First Point should be managed. Wonderful ritual, with such meaningful and sincere speech.  

Restoring the room as required for the Second Point and with two Ladders side by side (with just enough room between them for Raphael, E&P Bro K Saunders 18°, to navigate), he directed the Candidates simultaneously with such accomplished confidence, ably assisted by an additional Marshal…………

Following the Accolade given by the IG to each Candidate separately and completing a quite superb first part of the Second Point, E&P Bro S Pinner 18°, presented the Collar & Signs to each Candidate, silently assisted by the Chapter Recorder, III.˙.Bro Simon Jinks 30°. 

With the Candidates taking their seats in the Chapter, the busy Agenda continued. The District Recorder was delighted to present an Enthronement Certificate to E&P Bro K G Kane-Brooks 18°.  

With no other nominations or request for a ballot, III.˙.Bro Gordon Stacey 31°, was elected as the MWS, and  III.˙.Bro John Phenix 32°-elect, the Treasurer for the ensuing year.   

After collecting Alms, the MWS completed the Risings, and conducted the Third Point with another example solemn, sincere and dignified ritual. Upon closing the Chapter, everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty 3 course lunch rounding off another superb Rose Croix meeting.

If freemasonry is said to take good men and make them better, then Rose Croix takes these better freemasons and make them Perfect………..

Next meeting (E) – Saturday 26^th Sep 2026.

xxxxxx-x

On Thursday 9^th April 2026 at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Stourbridge, 15 members enjoyed a super evening for the Proclamation of E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, as the MWS.

The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, who, like many a good man before him, failed to tempt the IG into his Chair to conduct the evening. The IG retained the Baton momentarily and returned it to the MWS as quickly as he had received it with some very encouraging words similar to “it’s your Enthronement Proclamation for another year”. 

After Opening the Chapter, the MWS asked the Recorder to give a eulogy for Ill.˙.Bro David Thomas 30°, who had sadly passed to the higher Chapter above. David was a much loved and well-respected past Sovereign of the Chapter.

With the Notice convening the meeting, and confirmation of the Minutes of the previous meeting, E&P Bro Mark Winfield 18°, was duly Proclaimed as the MWS for a second year and he then appointed and invested his officers in a very dignified manner indeed.

For the next item on the Agenda, the District Recorder presented a paper entitled ‘Perfection in Context’ written by the M.˙.P.˙.Bro the Rev’d Canon Richard Tydeman 33°, the Sovereign Grand Commander from 1994 to 2002. The majority of those present had not heard the paper before and found it to be extremely interesting and enlightening. It also provoked further discussion points which added further interest to the evening. Thank you for all the additional most welcomed input.

During the 2^nd Rising, a delegation of the MWS, Recorder & DC from Northfield Chapter RC No 1022, presented the Travelling Apron into the safe custody of the Chapter for onward transmission at their earliest opportunity. 

After completing the remainder of the Agenda, the MWS conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter and everyone retired to the Refectory for a super 3 course dinner with the main course being the long-time favourite of many – cottage pie. 

Another delightful meeting.

Next meeting – Thursday 8^th October 2026.

xxxxxx-x

Founded in 1926 under the Supreme Council 33°, for the Districts of:

Staffordshire and Shropshire

Warwickshire

Worcestershire. 

Affiliated with the King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement

To celebrate the 100^th Anniversary

A Demonstration of the 18^th Degree Ceremony of Perfection by the Deputy Preceptors

In the presence of M.˙.P.˙.Bro John Boyington CBE 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander

Friday 26^th June 2026 – 1100 hrs (seated by 1045 hrs) Kings Heath Freemasons’ Hall, 221 Alcester Road South, Birmingham, B14 6DT. Hosted by Merston Culy Chapter RC No 883

Lunch to follow

Tomato & Pancetta Tart

Fillet of Salmon Hollandaise

Strawberry & Prosecco Truffle

Coffee & Mints

Dining Fee £35.00 to include Wine at the table

Dietary alternatives can be provided if ordered in advance

A Pay Bar will be available for pre-lunch drinks

Tea, Coffee & Breakfast Baps will be available from 0900 hrs (CASH Payment ONLY!)

Please contact the Chapter Recorder, email preferred,

Ill.˙.Bro John Phenix 31°,  john.phenix@btopenworld.com Mobile: 07533 001495

Please pay Dining Fees to the Chapter Bank Account by 

Wednesday 17^th June 2026 LATEST

Account name:  Merston Culy Chapter 883

Sort Code:  30 – 97 – 78

Account number:  04400108

On Thursday 2^nd April 2026 – during Eater week, 10 members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder, met for an interesting and enjoyable evening’s entertainment. 

The IG was escorted into the Chapter by the DC and presented to the MWS, III.˙.Bro J F P Mulligan 30°. The MWS offered the IG his Baton but the IG believed that as the MWS had work to do, which included presenting a paper to the Chapter, he would do well to keep it. 

With one or two absences probably being so close to Easter, the MWS filled the vacant offices, Opened the Chapter and warmly welcoming the visitors, and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The next item on the Agenda was for the Treasurer to give a comprehensive report on the continued financial health of the Chapter.

The DC then Proclaimed III.˙.Bro Mulligan 30°.  the MWS for another year, and he then appointed and invested his officers.

The MWS then delivered another excellent and informative lecture, which on this occasion was entitled ‘An explanation of the Cosmic Cross’. A huge amount of thought and study went into providing such an interesting paper which was very well received by everyone present.

Completing the remainder of the business, the MWS conducted the Third Point, Closed the Chapter, and everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a fish & chips supper. Just what the doctor ordered!!!

Next meeting – Thursday 3^rd December 26. 

xxxxxx-x

With a ‘Conference’ of 7 members of the 33°, and a ‘scribble’ of District Recorders from no fewer than 6 Districts, Worcestershire Chapter RC No 970 held their 76^th Regular meeting on Monday 30^th March 2026 at the Halesowen Freemasons Hall, for the Enthronement of V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Stephen Fowler 33°, Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire. 

With a bumper attendance of 51 members, the MWS requested the Chapter Recorder to read the Fire Emergency Notice. 

Ill.˙.Bro William (Bill) Roberts 30°, the MWS, Opened the Chapter and confirmed the Minutes of the previous meeting. With Chapter now open, the DC announced an entourage of:

(i) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Ian M Fothergill 33°, Inspector General for the District of Worcestershire. (ii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Stephen Fowler 33°, Inspector General for the District of Warwickshire. (iii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  David Jarvis 33°, Inspector General for the District of Berkshire. (iv) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Nigel Bridges 33°, Inspector General for the District of Glos & Herfds. (v) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Paul Kelvin-Smith 33°, Inspector General for the District of S Wales & Mons. (vi) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Ralph Howarth 33°, Inspector General for the District of Staffs & Salop. (vii) V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Dr Richard Hoare 33°, Former IG of Worcestershire. The ‘Conference’ of Inspectors General were greeted with a resounding acclamation from the brethren.

With the exception of the IG for Worcestershire, they all took their seats whilst the MWS tried his very hardest to persuade the IG to take his Chair and retain the Baton. With an Enthronement ceremony to complete, this was never going to happen, and the IG politely declined and handed the Baton back ‘with great pleasure’. 

After confirming and approving the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Minutes were duly signed by the MWS and IG. 

With the Treasurers report confirming the Chapter was in very good health, The next highlight of the evening was the very pleasant task for the MWS to Enthrone V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro  Stephen Fowler 33°, as the 39^th Most Wise Sovereign of the Premier Chapter of the District. Under no pressure whatsoever, the MWS did a super job of Enthroning his successor, and after the new MWS appointing and Investing his Officers, the IG delivered the Address to the Princes – once again, with impeccable spirit.

*  With the conclusion of the presentation of the Warrant of the Chapter to the MWS, the Prelate placed into his hands the Holy Bible. The Prelate was then delight to present the MWS with a brand-new Holy Bible very kindly and generously provided by Ill.˙.Bro Maurice Hume 32°. 

The next item of the busy Agenda was for the new MWS to give a presentation entitled ‘Attraction & Retention – The Membership Challenge’. This proved to be a very informative and well-constructed reflection of some of the issues and concerns that we face today. In some cases, giving rise to more questions than answers. The paper was very well received and was also received with great acclamation from everyone present.

A Ballot then took place for a joining member which proved successful, and Ill.˙.Bro David Craig 30°, was welcomed into the Chapter.

After collecting Alms and dealing with correspondence, the MWS conducted the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory to enjoy a much welcomed 3 course dinner in the pleasure of wonderful company.

This is what Rose Croix is all about.

Next meeting – Saturday 3^rd October 2026.

xxxxxx-x