On Saturday 25th of June February a delegation from Surrey attended the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Senatus of The Chilterns held at the Thame Masonic Hall.
When we arrived, we received a very warm welcome from R.Dist.Comp. Dr Silverio Ostrowski, Provincial Grand Summus.
Present at the meeting was R.Dist.Comp. Howard S Markham, Assistant Grand Summus…
…and several Right Distinguished Companions, seen here with the Provincial Grand Summus.
The Temple at Thame is very quaint, with the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced in a Masonic Temple. Thank goodness we were not doing a Craft Third Degree…
The Companions were called to Order to receive the Right Distinguished Provincial Grand Summus who entered the Temple in procession, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Officers of the Year.
Provincial Grand Senatus was opened in due form and the Provincial Grand Summus was saluted with seven under direction of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Dist. Comp. Alan Baverstock.
The Assistant Grand Summus entered, was received by the Provincial Grand Summus and invited to take the baton. The Assistant Grand Summus politely declined and handed it back to the Provincial Grand Summus. The Assistant Grand Summus was saluted with nine under direction of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The Provincial Grand Summus welcomed the honoured guests of the Province and other Distinguished Companions thanking them for coming along to support the Provincial Grand Senatus of The Chilterns. The Right Distinguished Companions were then saluted with seven.
After the regular business of Provincial Grand Senatus had been concluded, the Provincial Grand Summus re-appointed Dist.Comp. Daryl Hayler as Deputy Provincial Grand Summus; and Dist Comp. Peter Gilkes as Assistant Provincial Grand Summus.
A total of 22 appointments and promotions in Provincial Grand Rank were made.
The Provincial Grand Summus addressed Provincial Grand Senatus. In his Address he said that his first duty was to convey the best wishes of our Grand Summus, Most Distinguished Companion Ian S Currans, who asked him to pass on his best personal wishes to everyone.
He greeted all those attending with warmth and a hearty welcome and said how pleased he was to see so many members and guests from other Provinces and Orders attending. He spoke about how best we can provide the opportunity for all OSM members to join the Scarlet Cord.
He congratulated all those who had received appointment in Provincial Grand Rank and wished them well in their office. He intends to continue to raise funds for the COVAX organisation to aid their aim of providing and administering Covid-19 vaccinations to as mush of the world as possible.
Provincial Grand Senatus was closed in due form and the Right Distinguished Provincial Grand Summus retired in procession accompanied by Right Distinguished Companions, and Honoured Guests.
The Provincial Grand Summus and the Assistant Grand Summus then returned for a photograph with the Surrey delegation.
After a few drinks in the bar…
…the Companions of the Province of The Chilterns and their guests enjoyed a convivial meal together.
Article and photos by Chris Eley
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