On a very warm and sticky Thursday 19th June 2025 evening, sixteen members of the Chapter and six Visitors gathered for the Enthronement meeting – with a Perfection ceremony thrown in to make a super evening even greater……..
The Inspector General was welcomed into the Chapter by E&P Bro S Hillard the MWS who, with due respect to item 6 of the conditions to his office, offered the IG his Chair and Baton. The IG unsurprisingly declined the kind offer, as he ‘was looking forward to a great evening’……..
Upon Opening the Chapter, the MWS warmly (didn’t want to use that word as it really was so hot) welcomed the Visitors and hoped that they would enjoy what was on show this evening.
Due to unforeseen and sad circumstances, a request for a Dispensation to the Supreme Council was made for authority to Elect & Enthrone a Most Wise Sovereign at this meeting. The SC duly and promptly provided the Dispensation, and the Recorder read out the details in compliance with the letter accompanying the certificate.
After confirming the Minutes of the previous meeting, two ballots were held. The first to welcome Ill.˙.Bro Dr J C Mead 30°, as a Joining Member of the Chapter. Upon becoming a subscribing member, Ill.˙.Bro Mead presented the Chapter with an 18°, Apron which had been given to him a number of years ago. The Apron will be put to good use, and the Chapter give grateful thanks for the very kind and thoughtful gift.
The second ballot, that for a Candidate for Perfection was taken, and Bro Steve Worton, Junior Warden of Abbot Lichfield Lodge No 3308 was admitted a member of this beautiful Order in an (almost) faultless ceremony.
The 2nd General and Sovereign -elect, E&P Bro J Battell carried out the Intermediate Degrees. I am not going to tell you just how good he was, but he was good, really good. (No pressure from here on MWS). The IPS, Ill.˙.Bro S Brotherton 30°, conducted a perfect First Point in a slightly different ‘ambiance’ than previous Perfections. The Marshal, E&P Bro W Duthie 18°, who was the Candidate proposer, conducted the Candidate with a well-rehearsed example of how the 33 day’s journey should be done. Word (and step) perfect. Hats off too to the Captain of the Guard E&P T McMillan 18°, who is quickly adopting to life in the Order and performing with great confidence.
Having previously stated that the ceremony was (almost) faultless, the Second Point was conducted by the Recorder who couldn’t quite live up to the same high quality of the work of those before him. However, standards were overall restored by the exquisite work of Raphael conducted by a great, ever present, and always ready to lend a hand friend of this (and every) Chapter of the District, Ill.˙.Bro Mike Tonkin 31°. The IG conducted the Accolade, and the Recorder presented the Collar & Words of the degree, completing a fantastic ceremony.
If anyone should want to know how the ambiance was different, then you will need to attend the next Perfection ceremony at the Chapter to find out………
The evening continued with the Enthronement of the new MWS, E&P Bro J Battell 18°. Upon completion of appointing and investing his officers, and those elected by the Chapter, the IG gave the address to the Chapter in his usual polished, and enjoyable manner, and thanked the IPS for the way in which he Enthroned his successor. The new MWS presented a Past Sovereigns Jewel to E&P Bro Hillard 18°.
On completion of the Third Point and closing the Chapter, members and guests retired to the Refectory to enjoy the traditional Evesham Enthronement evening dinner of Asparagus & baked Gammon or baked Salmon.
A lovely evening had by all.
Next meeting – THU 16 OCT 25.
xxxxxx-x