A Golden Evening

The cobwebs were dusted away, and the room was laid out at the Gillingham Masonic Centre for the return of St Augustine Chapter No 177 on Monday 4 October 2021. The Inspector General, V. Ill. Bro Roger Waltham 33° and the District Recorder, Ill. Bro Russ Wibrew 32° were in attendance to share the joy of being able to gather as a Chapter once again after such a long break between meetings.

Sadly, the brethren then remembered with much affection Ill Bro Ron Hopper 32° who had passed away a short while before. He will be sorely missed at meetings of our Chapter.

E & P Bro Tam Drain was finally enthroned as Most Wise Sovereign for the ensuing year by the outgoing Sovereign, Ill Bro David Pugh 30°, who had held the Office for the previous two years during the pandemic. The new Most Wise Sovereign then appointed his Officers for the forthcoming year and assured them all it would be great year ahead.

The Inspector General then presented a Supreme Council Certificate to E & P Bro Kevin Brett who had been perfected just before the lock-down.

Another highlight followed when the Inspector General presented a Certificate to Ill Bro Colin Mannington 32° to commemorate his Fifty years in Rose Croix Masonry. Ill Bro Colin has been setting up the temple for St Augustine’s meetings for 64 years! A remarkable achievement. The Certificate was read by the District Recorder and presented with much acclamation from everyone present.

All those who were present agreed it was a wonderful way to conclude the first meeting of St Augustine Chapter after such a long break. A thoroughly enjoyable festive board followed. With candidates lined up for the next two meetings the future of the Chapter is looking bright!