Category: News

8 Members of the Chapter, 1 Visitor and the Inspector General attended the January Regular Meeting of the Chapter at the James S Webb Freemasonry Centre, Victoria Street, Stourbridge on Thursday 16th.

Prior to the main item on the Agenda a Ballot was taken for two Joining Members, who had become unattached following the Closure of St. Edmund King & Martyr Chapter: The Ballot  proved favourable, and they were duly welcomed into the Chapter. Unfortunately, due to work commitments only one was present.

There then followed by Declaration the election of the MWS and Treasurer both of whom thanked the Chapter for their confidence in response. 

The main business of the evening was the MWS conducting the explanation of the Collar, Jewel & Signs of the 18^th Degree. It commenced with the IG conducting the Accolade prior to the explanation taking place and was done satisfactorily. It completed, other than the Installation of his Successor, all the necessary work required by the MWS.

On completion of the Third Point nine members retired to The Old Edwardian Club to enjoy a very convivial and tasty meal to end another meeting of a Chapter in this beautiful Order that we all enjoy.

Next meeting – Thursday 10^th Apr 2025 (Enthronement).

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Some 12 members of the Order which included the Inspector General and 1 Visitor attended Northfield Freemasons Hall for the Regular January Meeting of the Chapter on Monday 13^th January.

On this occasion it was a Perfection Ceremony to welcome E & P Bro. Lawrence J C Wood into our Order.

Due to unforeseen circumstances following the MWS having been injured in an accident in Australia, the Chair was taken by the Chapter Almoner, Ill Bro. John Pritchard, 30°, with the ceremony being conducted by the Chapter Recorder and Inspector General, with the Visitor acting as Rafael. The Marshal also deserves a mention for the very good work he conducted including the explanation of the Collar, Jewel & Signs.

On completion of the Third Point the Chapter was closed and the Brethren retired to enjoy an exceptionally good evening meal in the Refectory.

Whilst the numbers were small it was a most enjoyable Rose Croix evening.

Next meeting – Monday 10^th March 2025.

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Wednesday 8^th January 2025 saw the first meeting of the year in the wonderful District of Worcestershire. And what a welcome into the New Year it proved…………

Twenty One members & visitors including the Inspector General and the District Recorder assembled for the ‘Business’ meeting of the Chapter. 

Upon failing miserably to hand his Chair & Baton to the IG, the MSW, E&P Bro Phil Abram 18°, Opened the Chapter and the Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The MWS then declared E&P Bro Karl Haines 18°, and E&P Bro Alex Sinton 18°, Treasurer for the ensuing year. It was also announced by the MWS that as of the next meeting of the Chapter, the Chapter was going to return to the ‘old progressive process’ whereby the IPS automatically assumed the office of Outer Guard, following his rightful year as IPS. This was welcomed by the members……… 

Then followed an informative and much welcomed talk by the IG giving reference to the background and impact of the recent changes in the Ritual. The MWS and all the brethren thanked the IG for the explanation he gave.

Upon Closing the Chapter and carrying out the Third Point, the brethren retired to the Refectory to enjoy an excellent dinner.

Next meeting – Friday 2^nd May 2025. (Enthronement)

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On Monday 4^th November 2024 the Inspector General and District Recorder received a warm welcome to the Chapter for their Enthronement meeting. A wonderful twenty seven members and visitors were present, nine visitors making their way from the deepest south of the District – Evesham No 994…..  

Immediately after Opening the Chapter, a moment of silence and reflection was observed for the departure of III\Bro Douglas J L Allen 30°, who had recently passed to the Grand Chapter Above. 

Following the confirmation of the Minutes of the 175^th meeting, a ballot was held for three unattached joining members from St Edmund King and Martyr Chapter No 730, which unfortunately had to surrender their Warrant in May this year. The ballot proved successful for all three, and the Chapter looks forward to their continued support. 

III\Bro Robert Bennett 30°, was then Enthroned the MWS of the Chapter in a very impressive manner by III\Bro Godfrey Harper 31°. After appointing and investing his officers, the IG gave the Address to the Chapter, completing a super Enthronement ceremony.

The Enthronement might have been the high light of the evening for a majority of those present, but the evening for the nine Evesham Chapter members got even better. Halesowen Chapter No 615 were the ‘holders’ of the much-treasured Travelling Apron, but the huge support from the Evesham mafia ensured that possession of the apron is now firmly transferred to their care. Great support from all the visitors in attendance, but well done Evesham. 

During Propositions, the Recorder announced that there was to be another member of St Edmund King & Martyr to join, and that there was a candidate for Perfection in progress. Fantastic news indeed.

Following the Third Point and closing the Chapter, everyone retired to the Refectory. Another fine dinner in super company was enjoyed by all.

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On Thursday 31^st October 2024, 18 members including the Inspector General and District Recorder were warmly welcomed to the Chapter. It might have been Halloween in the big wide world outside, but there were certainly no horrors on show at Stourport Freemasons Hall!!!

The MWS, III\Bro C Hart 30°, opened the Chapter and after confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Chapter Officers demonstrated the Second Point, with an added commentary high lighting the recent changes to the ritual. An excellent initiative and will give them all added confidence for when they are to Perfect their next new member.

The MWS completed the remainder of the business, carried out the Third Point and Closed the Chapter. Everyone then retired to the Refectory to enjoy a hearty dinner completing a super evening. For some, it was the second meeting and dining of the day………………

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On Wednesday 30^th October 2024, nineteen members and visitors including the Inspector General and District Recorder assembled at Worcester Masonic Centre for a rehearsal of the Perfection ceremony. 

The IG was escorted into the lodge room by the DC and the MWS tried his best to tempt the IG to occupy his Chair for the evening. As always, the IG made a most gracious refusal informing the MWS that he had come to observe his work………… 

After singing the opening hymn and opening the Chapter, the members present confirmed and approved the Minutes of the previous meeting, which were duly signed by the MWS & IG respectively. The Recorder then proceeded to read the Minutes of their Regular meeting of 100 years ago.

The Chapter then carried out an impressive rehearsal of the Perfection ceremony. Apart from the acting Marshal for the evening, all those that took part in the ceremony were members of the 18°, which is very encouraging for the Chapter. It was once again, very pleasing indeed to see half of those present wearing Red collars.

Having presented both the First & Second Point himself, the MWS conducted Third Point. The MWS closed the Chapter, and everyone retired to the refectory to enjoy a lovely meal and in such good company.

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The Chapter met on Monday 28^th October 2024 for their Enthronement meeting. The MWS, Ill\Bro David Craig 30°, welcomed the Inspector General into the Chapter and offered him his Baton to which the IG politely declined, saying that he (the MWS) had probably prepared for the Enthronement better than he had done so himself……… Upon opening the Chapter, The Recorder read the Dispensation authorising the change of date for the meeting. 

The Minutes of the previous meeting were relayed to those present and were duly approved by the members and signed for by the MWS and IG respectively.

Following the Treasurers and Almoners reports, everyone present enjoyed the excellent Enthronement of Ill\Bro Stephen M Middleditch 31°, as the new MWS. The MWS appointed and invested those present with the authority of their respective offices for the ensuing year. The IG then gave the Address to the Chapter to complete the Enthronement.

At the previous meeting of the Chapter in May 2024, the members proposed and agreed to amend their By-Laws to reflect a reduction of their meetings from three meetings a year, to two. The revised By-Laws document was signed by the MWS, Recorder and the IG before being handed to the District Recorder for onward transmission to the Supreme Council 33°, for them to further approve and sanction the changes.

Upon completing the Third Point, the MWS closed the Chapter and the rest of the evening spent in Harmony and Brotherly Love in the refectory to enjoy a hearty meal.

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On Thursday 17th October 2024 the Chapter gathered at their Swan Lane home. The Inspector General was warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro S Hillard 18°,

who, with due respect to his obligation, offered the Inspector General his Chair and Baton. The Inspector General thanked the MWS for his generosity however politely declined the kind offer……..

In somewhat unusual circumstances and a first for the Chapter, the MWS confirmed the Minutes of the Officers and Past Sovereigns meeting and the Enthronement meetings held in June, which were both upon approval, signed by the MWS & IG. 

After appointing and investing three Officers who were not present at the Enthronement meeting, The Chapter carried out a ‘practice’ Perfection ceremony with Ill\Bro M Tonkin 31°, again acting as Candidate for the evening….. E&P Bro J Battell 18°, Second General carried out a word perfect and impressive delivery of the Intermediate degrees. The MWS conducted the First Point with confidence, and the DR conducted the Second Point with the IG giving the Accolade. E&P Bro W Duthie 18°, (Marshal) and E&P Bro P Emmerson 18°, (Raphael) gave assured performances of their duties in both rooms. This being the first time of asking. Well done!!! 

On completion of the Third Point and closing the Chapter, members and guests retired to the Refectory to enjoy a rather plentiful and wholesome 3 course dinner. 

During the formal part of the dinner, III\Bro S Brotherton 30°, received a toast acknowledging his recent promotion to the 30°. 

Another lovely evening had by all.

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The Chapter met on Thursday 10^th October 2024 with E&P Bro P Connor 18°, the MWS warmly welcoming the Inspector General and his District Recorder. The MWS endeavoured to hand his baton and Chair to the IG, but was met with the IG’s standard, polite rejection…..  

The MWS Opened the Chapter, confirmed and approved the previous meeting Minutes, which he and the IG duly signed. 

The next item on the Agenda was to demonstrate parts of the ceremony of Perfection focusing on the Second Point in particular. With Ill\Bro M Tonkin 31°, acting as the Candidate, the MWS directed him through the ladder and exchanged the Word in an excellent manner. The IG had the pleasure of giving the Accolade and the DR equally pleased to present the Emblems and Signs. The Candidate was directed with confidence throughout by Raphael & the Marshal. 

The remainder of the business and the Third Point was carried out by the MWS as per the 2024 Ritual, and after the closing of the Chapter, members retired to enjoy a super dinner in the refectory.

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