The warmest of welcomes was provided by the Ebbsfleet Chapter 875 to a sizeable number of distinguished guests who had made their way to Ramsgate.
In what may well be a first, it had been decided to “call off” and retire part way through the lengthy meeting to give everyone a break after the ceremony of Perfection that saw Bro Chris Allen join our Order. Chris had previously attended an open meeting held by the Thanet Chapter along with his Proposer, Steve McInerney. Having enjoyed his masonic journey thus far, it was a natural progression for Chris to deepen his experience and enjoyment of Freemasonry.
The ceremony was as near to perfect as you can get, with the ritual being shared amongst the brethren. Once proclaimed, E&PP Chris took his place in the Chapter but only for a couple of minutes because all presentt retired temporarily for a very welcome cuppa.
Returning for the second half, Ill Bro Bob Hinds was confirmed as the new MWS for the third time in this Chapter. He had stepped in to fill a gap but with several recent Perfections, the progression of those 18° brethren to the office of MWS looks to be secure.
The MWS was ably enthroned by Ill Bro Ray Yates as the outgoing MWS. With great determination Ray has overcome a series of health challenges and is now looking fitter and stronger than ever before.
With the newly appointed and invested officers in place and most of the agenda dealt with, everyone was looking forward to the presentation of a long service certificate to Ill Bro Ron Dean 30°.
V Ill Bro Roger Waltham 33°, Inspector General for East Kent delivered a most sincere presentation in his customary style that was a delight to hear. Tonight, we heard all about 1985; cars, sport, music, politics and of course the Perfection of Ill Bro Ron that took place 40 years ago, almost to the very date.
As the Inspector General led us through Ron’s life story, mental arithmetic revealed that Ron is 92 years old. From his first steps in life in Walthamstow, through his National Service as a Signalman, to him moving down to Thanet and his masonic career, Roger told us about a fine man, a fine mason and a fine Prince Rose Croix. Ron was gently put on the spot when asked if he remembered his National Service number and just like a piece of ritual long-ago learnt, Ron recited back his 8-digit number!
Warm applause greeted Ron as the Certificate was handed to him. His reply was short, succinct and heartfelt and this triggered more enthusiastic applause.
The brethren had been treated to an excellent ceremony this evening and just when all thought it was time to proceed onwards to “Any other business”, our Inspector General surprised us all, as he had other ideas! His glance towards the Chapter Recorder clearly threw Ill Bro David Alexander 32°.
Taking the floor, the Inspector General made a very special presentation to Ill Bro David of a beautifully crafted rose; the very first of its kind, with his sincere thanks for David’s engagement and commitment to the Antient & Accepted Rite over many years. A token of recognition of his exceptional support of the Order, the District and the several Chapters of which he is a member.
The rose, hand-made in Cornwall from recycled materials, was presented to David who is rarely, if ever, lost for words. But … after a brief pause to collect himsel, David thanked the Inspector General and reminded us all how much he cherishes his participation and enjoyment of Rose Croix.
The meeting being over, a very welcome change of location to the bar and dining room saw everyone treated to a delicious meal to round off the night.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 26th November. With ample free parking nearby and the guarantee of a very warm welcome, put that date in your diary.