As our Inspector General for an entire decade from 2008 until 2018, Very Illustrious Brother Tony Denne 33° holds a much-loved place in the hearts of Rose Croix Brethren throughout East Kent.
V.Ill.Bro Tony was Perfected into our beautiful Order on Thursday 8th November 1984, so it was with great pleasure that our current Inspector General, Roger Waltham, took the opportunity to present Tony with a special certificate to celebrate those forty years as a Prince Rose Croix.
Following his Perfection all those years ago at the St Mary in Ashford Chapter no. 802, Tony worked his way through all the active Offices of the Chapter, up to and including the Most Wise Sovereign’s Chair, with great attachment and enthusiasm and gained a reputation that exists to this day of being an outstanding ritualist and a shining example to others. Over a period of time, he also actively supported a number of other Chapters by becoming a member or honorary member.
In 2008 he was awarded the thirty-third degree and appointed as our Inspector General, in which role he led and managed the District for ten whole years with great skill, aplomb, and friendliness, gaining the admiration, respect, and affection of all members. That magnificent service was extremely well acknowledged and recognised significantly by Supreme Council when the time came in 2018 for Tony to step-back and pass the reins on.
Tony’s enormous contribution to Freemasonry generally, but most especially to this very special Order, was described as “incredible” by our current Inspector General, who went on to say that “(Tony) has frankly been an inspirational example to me as I have endeavoured to follow in his footsteps”. The Inspector General concluded the presentation by re-asserting that Tony is hugely valued for his immense commitment to the Ancient & Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) and by stating that it gave him enormous heartfelt pleasure to have this opportunity to personally thank Tony for all that he has done for our unique and very special Order over the last forty years.
Illustrious Brother David Alexander 32° was then asked to read-out the special certificate, following which it was personally presented to Tony by the Inspector General to genuine applause from those present, in the persons of: David Alexander, Graham Cuthbert, Jim Flower, and Dick Barton.
In a heartwarming and emotional response, and with his wife, Sue, and daughter Anna, by his side, Tony thanked all present for visiting him at his house for this unique and very special occasion.
It was indeed a special moment for a very special person.