The 2017 Annual Meeting of the District of Surrey Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees
The Annual Meeting took place on Saturday 2nd December at Croydon Masonic Halls and offered the 110 Brethren present a rare opportunity to witness the Installation of a new District Grand Prefect, W Bro John V C French. This was followed by the Installation of W Bro Frank Powell, as the Deputy District Grand Prefect.
Click here to view the third slide show, The Reception and Lunch
The Deputy Grand Master of our Order performed the ceremony, with his Installation team of high ranking Grand Officers, who had been gathered from across the UK. The other Districts were well represented by a high number of District Grand Prefects and their own senior members, to support and enjoy this special day. A very large number of Surrey Brethren were also there to welcome and support their new District Grand Prefect. All adding up to a great Masonic occasion.
The morning Installation meeting commenced at 11.00 am in the Wheeler Temple and was followed by an excellent lunch in the Mann Dining room. With the District meeting continuing in the Wheeler in the afternoon where normal business was conducted and all the new District Grand Officers of the year were invested by our new District Grand Prefect who also personally welcomed all those new members who had joined our number during the year. The District Grand Prefect had much pleasure in presenting a cheque for £1,000 to the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Surrey towards their 2022 MBF Festival. He then announced the launch of our impressive new and updated District Website.
If that wasn’t enough, in the morning our Deputy District Grand Prefect, Frank Powell, received a surprise award at the hands of the Deputy Grand Master of a field promotion to PGReg. This raised him to the rank of a Very Worthy Brother in deserved recognition for all he has done for the Order. What a splendid occasion this was for our District and for our progressive and unique Allied Order.
A copy of the District Grand Prefect’s Address to the Brethren, where he strongly emphasised our focus on enjoyment and recruitment, is posted separately on this site.
Article by Alan J Brockwell, District Grand Secretary for Surrey, and photos by Bob Tuthill and Chris Eley
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