On Friday 27th March 2026, no less than 26 members of our beautiful Order which included the Inspector General for Worcestershire, his District Recorder, Inspector General for Warwickshire and the Past Inspector General of Worcestershire received a warm welcome to the Chapter by the MWS, E&P Bro Ed Baker 18°, for the second of their newly established ‘Day Light’ meeting arrangements. And what an impressive Enthronement ceremony it was, enjoyed by the bumper attendance.
Upon being escorted into the Chapter, the IG was offered the Baton & Chair by the MWS. But as wise and extremely experienced that the MWS is in freemasonry in general, he could not tempt the IG to take his Chair on this occasion. The IG returned the Baton and wished the MWS well for a super meeting.
After singing the Opening Hymn, the MWS Opened the Chapter and requested the Chapter Recorder to read the Dispensation required in respect of the Enthronement of his successor, Ill.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman 31°-elect. The hard working, ubiquitous, and extremely busy Sovereign elect is also the MWS of the Northfield Chapter RC No 1022, and so a Dispensation from the Supreme Council was necessary for him to be the Sovereign of two Chapters at the same time.
The Minutes of the previous meeting being confirmed and signed for by the MWS & IG, a ballot was held for 3 x joining members – V.˙.Ill.˙.Bro Ian Fothergill 33°, IG; E&P Bro Alistair Page 18°; E&P Bro James Maguire 18°; and 1 x re-joining member – Ill.˙.Bro Maurice Hume 32°. The ballot proving clear, all 4 new members were warmly welcomed into the Chapter by the MWS.
Following the Treasurers & Almoners report, the DR had much pleasure in presenting the Sovereign elect to the MWS for Enthronement. In simple terms, the Enthronement itself was perfect! E&P Bro Baker 18°, had quite clearly put in a huge amount of work into this ceremony, making sure ‘thing were right’. The IG gave the Address to the Princes and congrated both the new MWS for occupying yet another Chair, and the IPS for the excellent way in which he conducted the ceremony. A super Enthronement indeed.
After appointing and investing his officers and completing the risings, the MWS carried out the Third Point, and Closed the Chapter. Everyone retired to the Refectory and enjoyed a hearty lunch rounding off a super morning / early afternoon.
The next meeting of the Chapter will host the 100-year celebrations of the Midlands Rose Croix Chapter of Improvement (MRCCI), in the presence of the M.˙.P.˙.Bro John Boyington CBE 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander. Details to follow shortly.
Next meeting – Friday 26th June 2026.
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