The 2018 Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council of Surrey of the Allied Masonic Degrees
The Annual Meeting took place on Saturday 1st December at Croydon Masonic Hall. This year’s meeting was a very special opportunity for Brethren to enjoy a visit from our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas Firth Jackson, who was supporting the Installation of our new Deputy District Grand Prefect for Surrey, W.Bro. Robert (Bob) G Tuthill.
Brethren of the District of Surrey and their guests started arriving from 9 am where tea, coffee and bacon butties were being served. At the same time rehearsals were taking place in the Wheeler Temple under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Anton Smith.
Following processions of the RW. Brethren and distinguished guests from other Provinces, the District Grand Prefect, RW.Bro. John V C French, attended by the District Officers of the year, entered in procession into District Grand Council.
The District Grand Prefect opened the meeting of District Grand Council at 11.00am and was saluted with 7 under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Anton Smith. The Deputy District Grand Prefect, VW.Bro. Frank Powell was saluted with 5 and the RW. Brethren were saluted with 7.
The Grand Director of Ceremonies entered and announced that the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas Firth Jackson, was without and demanded admission into District Grand Council. The Most Worshipful Grand Master entered and was warmly received by the District Grand Prefect. He was then saluted with 11 under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The RW. District Grand Prefect welcomed all the guests from other Districts and other Orders in Surrey. A roll call was taken and all District Grand Officers were present. A roll call of Councils was taken and all Councils were well represented. The RW. District Grand Prefect then welcomed a number of Brethren who had joined the Order since the last Annual Meeting.
The District Grand Prefect announced that he had appointed W.Bro. Robert Gregory (Bob) Tuthill has his Deputy District Grand Prefect. He thanked VW.Bro. Frank Powell for all he has done for the District over a number of years.
The District Grand Director of Ceremonies announced that W.Bro. Bob Tuthill the Deputy District Grand Prefect Designate was in attendance.
The Deputy District Grand Prefect Designate entered in procession with his Escort under the direction of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies and was addressed by the District Grand Prefect. The District Grand Secretary read the Patent of Appointment as Deputy District Grand Prefect of Surrey. The Deputy District Grand Prefect Designate was Obligated, Invested and Installed. He was then Proclaimed and Saluted, and responded accordingly.
The District Grand Prefect then appointed and invested the District Grand Officers of the year, and those promoted and appointed in Past District Grand Rank. He then addressed District Grand Council.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master then retired from District Grand Council accompanied by those Officers of Grand Council who entered with him.
District Grand Council was then closed in due form and the District Grand Prefect retired in procession accompanied by his Deputy, District Grand Officers and Honoured Guests.
After refreshments the Brethren of the District Grand Council of Surrey and their guests sat down to a splendid lunch of Smoked Haddock Chowder, Honey Roast Ham with Parsley Sauce and Syrup Sponge Pudding with Custard, followed by cheese and biscuits.
After the meal the District Grand Prefect had much pleasure in presenting W.Bro. Bill Caughie, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province of Surrey, with a cheque for £1,000 towards the Craft 2019 Festival. W.Bro. Bill thanked the District Grand Prefect and Brethren of the District of Surrey for their generous donation not just on behalf the Craft Masons of Surrey but also on behalf of the residents of all the RMBI Homes.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master proposed the Toast to the District of Surrey following which the District Grand Prefect presented the Most Worshipful Grand Master with a number of gifts, which were very gratefully received.
To end a most enjoyable lunch the newly appointed Deputy District Grand Prefect presented the District Grand Prefect with a caricature of RW.Bro. John playing golf, which was much appreciated by our District Grand Prefect.
To view all the photos of the day – click here.
Article and photos by Chris Eley, District Grand Photographer for Surrey
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