This past Saturday afternoon, on 14 September, both the ACT Sovereign Council and Canberra Sovereign Chapter met for their scheduled meetings at the Canberra Masonic Centre. These meetings presented an exceptional and memorable exposé of the wonders of our Rite.
ACT Sovereign Council was opened by the Grand Commander, Em∴Bro Ken Rowland OAM 32° CoM, at 1pm. The work of the Council was the Elevation to the 30th Degree of now Ill∴Bro Paul Story 30°. Paul was congratulated by the District Commander and welcomed as a Grand Elect Knight Kadosh to the Sovereign Council.
The Knights then retired to the South to enjoy nibbles, refreshments and conversation prior to the opening of the Chapter. We welcomed E&P∴Bro Ryan Mann 18° from Fellowship Universal Chapter in Adelaide who was visiting Canberra on business.
Canberra Sovereign Chapter was opened by the Most Wise Sovereign, Em∴Bro Dr David Knight 32° CoM, at 3pm. The work of the Chapter was the Perfections of E&P∴Bro Bayani Fernandez 18° and E&P∴Bro Gavin Odell 18°. From the exemplary recited work of the Most Wise Sovereign, to the expert guidance and floor work demonstrated by the Director of Ceremonies, Ken Rowland, the Perfections were delivered within two rooms with excellence and precision. A number of Princes delivered their first Charges with confidence, integrity and sincerity. A relatively new Prince filled the office of Marshall at short notice and met his several duties with confidence and purpose.
The Canberra Masonic Centre stands as the sole venue within the District capable of hosting the Perfection ceremony in two Lodge Rooms, thereby enhancing the ceremony’s splendour and significance.
The District Commander, at the 1st Rising and on behalf of Supreme Council, presented now Em∴Bro Jag Basant 31° OoM (Order of Merit), District Recorder, with this most deserving recognition of his service to the Rite. At the 2nd Rising, Roman congratulated our two newly Perfected Princes of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom.
We welcome our two new Princes, E&P Bro Bayani and E&P Bro Gavin, into Freemasonry’s only true Rite, and the Living Circle of our hearts.
Following the Third Point we retired to the South to honour our traditional toasts and were then invited to enjoy a meal at the adjacent Mawson Club. Although a number of Princes retired after the toasts due to competing priorities, a sizeable number ventured across the car park where we joined tables and enjoyed a meal, refreshments and conversation.
Looking ahead, I understand both Council and Chapter Standing Committees are holding petitions for consideration.
Roman Cholawinskyj