What a couple of days for VW Bro J Stuart Jones and W Bro Andrew Moore who received their Grand Ranks at the Craft Investiture on Wednesday 30th April, and Andrew was also invested with his Chapter Grand Rank on Thursday 1st May.
The Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall was full on Wednesday for the Craft Investitures with guests of both Brethren, together with the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael Holland, and Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Graham King, in attendance. It was great to see so many people there, with additional Grand Ranks awarded to Provinces that that had performed well against their Membership Challenge.
Stuart Jones received his Past Grand Sword Bearer Rank and Andrew Moore his Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer rank, with the collars being presented by the Pro Grand Master MW Bro Jonathan Spence.
For Supreme Grand Chapter on the Thursday, Andrew was invested as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, First Grand Principal, presided and was welcomed with rapturous applause.
Did you know?
When the Grand Master is a member of the Royal Family, he may appoint a Pro Grand Master to be his principal adviser and to act for him on occasions when, due to Royal engagements, he is unable to be present.
Gloucestershire and Herefordshire’ Deputy Provincial Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mark Smith, commented:
“A full to capacity meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter is always a very personal and special occasion for those being appointed to, or promoted in, Grand Rank. It is also a wonderful day out for all those who attend the meeting, not just from the Provinces across England and Wales, but often from many of the Districts from overseas. However, the meeting held on Thursday 1st May 2025 will long remain impressed on the hearts and minds of those who attended for a unique reason. This meeting was to be presided over by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, First Grand Principal as the head of Pure and Ancient Freemasonry which encompasses four ceremonies, three in the Craft and one in the Royal Arch.
After the entry of the Grand Officers and distinguished guests, the Pro First Grand Principal, Jonathan Spence, assisted by the Second and Third Grand Principals, Sir David Wootton and Gareth Jones, proceeded to open Supreme Grand Chapter. After opening and taking their seats, a deputation was formed to escort the First Grand Principal, HRH The Duke of Kent, into Supreme Grand Chapter.
As the Companions were called to order, around 2000 members assembled and, dressed in their beautifully colourful regalia of crimson and blue, then broke out into spontaneous applause which continued until the First Grand Principal reached the dais and took his seat to preside over the meeting. At this point the applause would usually stop but this time all the Companions continued with an increased and sustained enthusiasm. It was quite a moment, one we have never experienced before and doubt we ever will again. The level of applause clearly demonstrated the love and affection held for the First Grand Principal and the sincere and heartfelt thanks of all the members present for his 58 years of service to Freemasonry, without a single word being spoken.
It was an honour and a privilege to witness and to be a part of such a significant and spontaneous moment. “May brotherly love and affection ever distinguish us as men and as Masons.”
