Page 20 - Essex Mason (Issue 92)

Chapter of XV

Consecration

In July 2017 at Felsted School, Lodge of XV was
Consecrated by RW Bro Rodney Lister Bass in
the presence of over 300 Founders, friends and
visitors of the Essex rugby lodge.
1556 days later and some 579 days late, The Most Excellent
Grand Superintendent, Paul Tarrant was pleased to
Consecrate the Chapter of XV, the first rugby based Chapter
in the history of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England.
It was also the first Consecration of a Chapter in Essex for
almost 10 years.

The Founders of the Chapter have had to tackle many
obstacles in the build up to the event. Covid has conspired
to postpone the Consecration for some 579 days and it is
a testament to the resolve of the petitioners that over 100
Companions gathered from across country to witness this
unique event and to enjoy an outstanding Festive Board at
Saxon Hall, Southend.
Following a faultless Consecration overseen by the Provincial
Director of Ceremonies, E. Comp Joe Shearer, E. Comps
Mike Hall, Dave Hawtin and Michael Fleet were installed as
the primus Z, H and J respectively and a full installation and
appointment of officers followed.

In his first act as Z, E. Comp Mike Hall announced that the Chapter would adopt 3 unattached widows via the Almoners
Team which was received well by all present, including the Provincial Grand Almoner.
The Festive Board that followed was conducted in good order, although Companions should be aware that future
meetings will include a Festive Board similar to that of the Lodge of XV with ‘fines’ payable and the monies donated to
local rugby clubs and associated charities.
In his response MEGS Paul Tarrant said he was delighted to witness the ‘conversion’ of the Lodge to a Chapter and that
with the level of support shown to the whole XV project that they wouldn’t need to ‘try’ too hard to emulate the success
of their Craft brothers.
Primus Z, E. Comp Mike Hall was overwhelmed by the day and commented: “It’s been a long time coming
but we got there in the end. I can only thank the Province and the Founders for their patience and all
those who attended under difficult
circumstances”.

The first regular meeting of the Chapter
is on Friday 21st January 2022 at
Howard Hall, Braintree with the first
Exaltation waiting in the wings. Please
contact robertmathew1948@gmail.
com for further details.

The next meeting of Lodge of XV is on
Friday 26th November 2021 at Howard
Hall, Braintree, with a double Raising on
the agenda. Please contact lodgexv@
gmail.com for further details.
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