Martello is well known as a very warm and welcoming Chapter and at their recent meeting on Friday 7th November, they concluded their long and happy tenure at Folkestone before getting ready to move to their new home in Hythe.
The order of the evening was the Enthronement of Ill.Bro. Mark Jones 30° which was duly carried out in the warmest of ceremonies by the MWS, Ill.Bro. Kevin Wells 30°, following which the members, in a bittersweet moment, voted unanimously to move the Chapter to Hythe for the next episode of their life.
The evening finished in fine form and brotherhood with a ‘gourmet’ takeaway of Fish ‘n Chips to the great approval and pleasure of everyone present, including the Inspector General, V.Ill.Bro. Roger Waltham 33°, the District Recorder, Ill.Bro. Trevor Youens 31°, and the visiting MWS of St. Augustine Chapter No.144 in Gillingham, Ill.Bro. Paul Buckingham 30°.
The Inspector General, whilst acknowledging the unfortunate, sad, but inevitable reasons behind the landmark decision to move, gave a heartfelt toast and extended his very best wishes for the future health, happiness and success of Martello Chapter in their new home at Hythe. He was gratified to know that the Chapter now has probable new candidates in the pipeline and that much interest is also being shown from the Royal Arch Chapters and Craft Lodges in and around Hythe. Whispers of several joining members were hinted at. A vibrant, glowing and growing future in prospect!
The long road of negotiating the move, driven by the ever energetic and welcoming Recorder Ill.Bro.Greg O’Brien 31°, was well supported by the membership.
Martello Chapter’s next meeting will be on Friday 9th January at the Masonic Hall in Hythe. It will be the very first time ever that a Rose Croix meeting has taken place there, so the Chapter will be carrying out a full Perfection ceremony to put everything to the test! Visitors will be made most welcome – just contact the Recorder using the email: Gregobrien2587@gmail.com
For the observant, the Chapter will be 50 years old next March, having been consecrated on 17th March 1976. A good opportunity, perhaps, for a celebration at their April meeting? Once again, they’d be delighted to receive visitors.
For location details see: Hythe Masonic Hall