Promotions and Fellowship at the Grand East in London
On Monday, 20th October, seven members of the Rose Croix from Northumberland travelled to the Grand East – the headquarters of the Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales, located on Duke Street in central London.
The group was led by the Very Illustrious Inspector General for Northumberland, Steve Read, accompanied by the District Recorder, Ill. Bro. Barrie Whittaker 32°. Joining them were Illustrious Brethren Kevin Stannard and Paul Ryder, both of Royal Kent Chapter No. 8, together with Ill. Bro. Allan Carpenter of Northumbria Chapter No. 1070. They attended to receive promotion in the Order, witnessed by Ill. Bros. Philippe Pagès and Ray Dryden.
Advancement in the Ancient and Accepted Rite
The ceremonies began with Ill. Bro. Kevin Stannard being promoted to the 31°, in a Sovereign Tribunal of the Order. Thereafter, Ill. Brothers Paul Ryder and Allan Carpenter were promoted to the 30° in the Temple of Wisdom.
As always, the ceremonies were conducted with great solemnity and ritual precision by the Supreme Council. The Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Ill. Bro. John Boyington delivered an illuminating address on the historical connections between the medieval Knights Templar and Scottish working masons, explaining how these influences led to the creation of the Knights Kadosh, the titular name of the 30°.
Fellowship and Celebration
Following the ceremonies, the newly promoted Brethren joined the assembled company for an excellent banquet at Mark Mason’s Hall, just a short walk from the Supreme Council, before returning home to Northumberland later that evening – proud representatives of the Province and of their Chapters.
Photo Caption
(L–R rear) Ill. Bro. Barrie Whittaker 32°, District Recorder; Ill. Bro. Ray Dryden 30°; Ill. Bro. Philippe Pagès 30°
(L–R front) V. Ill. Bro. Steve Read, Inspector General; Ill. Bro. Allan Carpenter 30°; Ill. Bro. Kevin Stannard 31°; Ill. Bro. Paul Ryder 30°