The District of East Kent was well represented at the headquarters of the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) in Duke Street, St James’s in London on Tuesday 16th May 2023.
The occasion was for brethren from many Districts to be awarded their 30th Degree and Ill. Brothers to receive promotion to the 31st Degree. A total of 10 members from the District of East Kent were receiving honours. Please see details below.
The following brethren were promoted to the 31st Degree :
John Richard Alldridge – Belmont Chapter 611
Michael Robin Bailey – St Mary Ashford Chapter 802
Paul Charles Groves – Deal Castle Chapter 1045
Patrick Kenneth King – Thanet Chapter 415
The following brethren were appointed to the 30th Degree :
Milan Dragomir Antonijevic – Ethelbert Chapter 82
David Peter Barden – St Bartholomew Chapter 786
David Thomas Clipstone – Martello Chapter 803
Kenneth David Jones – Gravesend Chapter 677
Robert Kelvin George Ryan – St Bartholomew Chapter 786
Edward Sidney Wright – Hubert de Burgh Chapter 103
This was indeed a tremendous honour which recognised all the hard work that each brother has given to our wonderful Order. It was also for all of them one of the most memorable days in Freemasonry that will live with them forever.
The newly promoted and appointed brethren were joined at Duke Street by the Inspector General for East Kent V.III. Bro. Roger Waltham 33° and the District Recorder III. Bro. Russ Wibrew 32° along with many other members from East Kent who travelled to the Grand East to give their support and good wishes, which was gratefully received and appreciated by all of those receiving honours.
The whole experience is certainly one which will never be forgotten, it was a remarkable sight with the members of the Supreme Council in attendance. The ceremonies are exceptionally impressive especially with the most wonderful and outstanding organ playing.
After the meeting there was an excellent dinner held by the Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas for over 100 members of the order. This was held at the Mark Mason’s Hall where the members of East Kent that had been in attendance for the ceremonies joined the newly promoted and appointed brothers to celebrate this wonderful occasion.
Another fine example of the brotherly love and enjoyment which comes as a “ result and perfection of all preceding Masonry”.