Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts and Councils Overseas
District Grand Council of Kent
News:
The First Official visit for the DPG with a full team to the Canterbury Council 65
On Friday 2nd June the District Grand Prefect R.W. Bro. Brian Ward accompanied by nine of the District Grand Officers under the watchful eye of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies W. Bro. Jody Townsend made an official visit to the Canterbury Council No 65.
The council was opened in due form by W. Bro Michael Knowles ably assisted by the brethren of the Canterbury Council. The District Grand DC was then admitted and informed the council that the DGP was outside to door of the lodge and he demanded admission. An escort was duly formed and the DGP was escorted into the lodge room where he received rapturous Allied salutations by the brethren. The DPG responded by thanking the brethren for their warm and friendly Allied salutations. There then followed the customary offer of the gavel to the DGP by the W.M. which is usually handed back immediately with grateful thanks. However, on this occasion the DGP accepted the gavel and occupied the WM chair much to the surprise of the many brethren attending. The DPG then thanked all his escort for giving up their time to support him and all the visitors who had come from near and far to see Bro Peter Lapage admitted into the order.
The Worshipful Master W.Bro. Michael Knowles with the DGP R. W.Bro Brian Ward
The Escort for the DPG
Following the customary exchanges between the Inner guard and the Tiler the candidate Bro. Peter Lapage was escorted into the lodge room to receive at the hands of the DPG the degree of St Lawrence the Martyr which was carried out with aplomb. The lecture was then given in a most splendid manor by W. Bro Roger Odd who was attending his first Allied meeting in many months following a long illness.
The DPG R.W. Bro Brian Ward congratulates Bro. Peter Lapage
The DPG R.W.Bro Brian Ward and W.Bro Roger Odd
At the conclusion of the ceremony Bro. Peter was welcomed into the Canterbury Council by the W.M., W. Bro Michael before being welcomed into the order in general by the DGP. The DPG then presented Bro Peter with an Allied pen (some traditions are absolutely imbedded in the district) and a lapel pin depicting a grid iron which represents the Degree of St Lawrence the Martyr. Before vacating the WM’s chair the DPG then presented Bro Peter with an Allied tie. This is a private joke between Bro Peter and the DGP.
During the risings the DPG asked the brethren of the council to sponsor a race and buy six horses for the social event which is being held on the 2nd September in Folkestone. Much to the DPG’s delight this was agreed unanimously by the brethren.
The DPG was then escorted from the council and retired to the bar with his escort while the council was closed in due form.
The DPG with the Brethren of the Council and visitors
Brethren of the Council
The brethren all dined together at the festive board and judging by the background noise and laughter it was clear that the brethren were having a wonderful time in each other’s company. Whilst replying to his toast the DPG urged the brethren to continue to try and visit other councils as many times as possible. This is a sure way to enjoy the comradery which is so evident at our Allied meetings. The toast to Bro Peter was given by the DGP in a most sincere manor and was replied to in an equally gracious and humorous way.
Following many goodbyes to the brethren of the council, the visitors and the district officers the DPG then reluctantly left the bar to return home and reflect on a wonderful meeting.
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