It was possibly with a certain sense of relief that the Provincial Grand Master for East Kent, E&P Bro. Neil Hamilton Johnstone 18°, completed the duties of his tenure in office and most ably enthroned his successor, E&P Bro. Peter Rhodes 18°, as the new Most Wise Sovereign of Cornwallis Chapter 444 in Gravesend on 31st January.
The very well attended meeting began in an atmosphere of quiet anticipation as the guests, visitors and members took their seats. Our Inspector General, V. Ill. Bro. Roger Waltham 33° was warmly welcomed by all present. The ceremony of Enthronement was performed to a very high standard by E&P Bro. Neil Johnstone, who was also well supported by E&P Bro. David Kershaw 18°.
The new Most Wise Sovereign took charge of the proceedings and invested the officers of the Chapter in an exemplary fashion, calmy steered by Ill. Bro. Andrew Fermor 30°. Prayers were given in a most sincere manner by Ill. Bro. Tony Eldridge 30°, as Prelate.
Following the closing of the Chapter everyone congregated in the bar area. It was here that Ill. Bro. Tony Eldridge steered a greater focus onto his pastoral duties to ensure that both the outgoing and incoming Sovereigns were suitably at ease. Afterwards, a delightful dinner and plenty of convivial company. A testament to the dignity and enjoyment that pervades the meetings of Cornwallis Chapter.