Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and Districts and Councils Overseas
 District Grand Council of Kent buffer News:
A Full House at Allied Council No. 273
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On Monday 28th July, the Roy Albert John Williams Council No 273 held its installation meeting at the Masonic Centre in Gillingham and was attended by nearly fifty Brethren with representatives from all of the other seven Councils in the District of Kent. In addition to the local brethren the council was delighted to welcome other Brethren from the District of London. Despite the horrendous traffic problems and road works encountered by many brethren, everyone eventually arrived for the meeting (albeit a little late).

 Unfortunately, due to ill health, the outgoing Master, W. Bro. Derek Wilkins was unable to attend. Fortunately, and with very little notice his place was taken by W. Bro. Jake Jackson, the Past Deputy District Grand Prefect who installed W. Bro. David Geen as Master of the council in a near faultless ceremony. W. Bro. David then went on to appoint his officers for the year.

Officers
  Senior Warden R. W. Bro. Brian Ward
  Junior Warden W. Bro. Geoff Whale
  Chaplain W. Bro. Howard Pashley
  Treasurer W. Bro. Colin Tunbridge
  Secretary W. Bro. Mark Woolcott
  D of C W. Bro. Steve Davies
  Almoner W. Bro. David Barden
  Senior Deacon W. Bro. Mike Plant
  Junior Deacon W. Bro. Ron Jakes
  Asst. D of C W. Bro. David Pugh
  Assistant Secretary W. Bro. Tony Maslin
  Organist Vacant
  Inner Guard W. Bro. Terry Dodd
  Tyler W. Bro. Roy Skelton
     

The Lodge of St Lawrence the Martyr was then adjourned, and the furniture of the room was suitably re-arranged.

A Convention of the Holy Order of Grand High Priest was opened with W. Bro. Geoff Whale, who at very short notice acted as Most Excellent President for the first part of the Ceremony of Reception in place of W. Bro. Trevor Sharpe who was unavoidably absent.

The Principle officers for the first part of the ceremony The Principle officers for the first part of the ceremony

There were a remarkable number of Candidates who had attended the Convention in order to receive the Degree of the Holy Order of Grand High Priest. The Candidates were duly admitted, anointed, consecrated, and then set apart to this Holy Office.

The Candidates for G.H.P. at RAJW The Candidates for G.H.P. at RAJW

W. Bro. David Green acted as Most Excellent President in the second part of the ceremony and gave an explanation of the secrets of the Order.

The Principle officers for the second part of the ceremony The Principle officers for the second part of the ceremony

The Candidates from the District of Kent:
  • Bro. Alan Campkin, Council No 54
  • Bro. Neil Drakley, Council No 65
  • Bro. Don Heppell, Council No 210
  • Bro. Bob Hadlow, Council No 99
  • Bro. John Hills, Council No 88
  • Bro. Philip Gurney, Council No 66
  • Bro. Keith Beavers, Council No 99
  • Bro. Peter Walkden, Council No 99
  • Bro. Didier Hannaert, Council No 74
The Candidates from the District of London:
  • Bro. David Lucas
  • Bro. Mark Greatorex
The Lecture of the Order was then delivered superbly by R.W. Bro. Clive Manuel.

Finally, the Convention of the Holy Order of Grand High Priest was closed by W. Bro. David Green who was ably assisted by his officers.

The Officers and the candidates The Officers and the Candidates

The Lodge of St Lawrence the Martyr was resumed and the Lodge room restored to its former state, and alms were collected.

Under the Risings, the District Grand Prefect gave further details about the Race Day to be held in Folkestone on the 2nd August. He thanked the brethren of the Roy Albert John Williams Lodge for their generous donation of £175 towards the Event.

The brethren of the council with their guest and candidates The brethren of the council with their guest and candidates

The Lodge was then closed and the brethren retired to partake of the evening meal in splendid company.

Article by Roger Odd
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