The Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council of London took place on Thursday, 26 June at Mark Masons’ Hall, London. District Grand Council was honoured by the presence of the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones.
From 9.30 am the Companions of the District and their guests started arriving for coffee while the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team were busy rehearsing. It was good to see so many Companions from other Districts who came along to support the District of London, and of course the Grand Master and his team.There were also many heads of other Orders in London attending to support the District Grand Master Designate, Ill.Comp. Simon White, P.A.G.D.C.
By 10.45 am everyone was seated in the Temple. Just after 10.50 am the Brethren were called to order to receive the distinguished guests, including Right Worshipful Brethren and past members of the District Executive. The meeting was called to order by the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the Presiding Officer, V.Ill.Comp. Jules Greenwall, who opened District Grand Council in due form.
District Grand Council received the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick J Jones, the Installing Officer, escorted by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, V.Ill.Comp. Graham Seaman. The Grand Master appointed his Officers to assist him in the ceremony and was then saluted with eleven under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Installing Officer addressed the Companions and asked the District Recorder to call the Roll of Councils in the District. The Councils were well represented on this special day.
The Installing Officer addressed the brethren on the purpose of the meeting, to install Ill.Comp. Simon White as the District Grand Master for London. The Grand Director of Ceremonies and appointed Brethren retired in procession and re-entered the Council and introduced the District Grand Master Designate. The Installing Officer called upon the Grand Recorder to read the Patent of Appointment and then addressed the District Grand Master Designate on the nature of his duties and the qualifications for the office.
After the Grand Chaplain had offered a prayer the District Grand Master Designate took his Obligation and was invested and installed in the Chair by the Grand Master. R.Ill.Comp. Simon White was then proclaimed and saluted under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies. The District Grand Master announced the appointment of Ill.Comp. David John Green, P.A.G.D.C., as Deputy District Grand Master and Ill.Comp. John Neville Johnston, P.G.Cond.C., as District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work.
The District Grand Master addressed the Grand Master thanking him and his team for making this such a special day, not only for himself but all the Companions of the District of London. The Grand Master said it was a delight to install R.Ill.Comp. Simon and wished him and the Companions of the District of London every success for the future. The Grand Master and his Assisting Officers then retired in procession. District Grand Council was then Adjourned, and we retired for some well-earned refreshments before sitting down to a most enjoyable lunch together. There was a most convivial atmosphere in the dining room. The Grand Master and the District Grand Master took wine with all the Companions. In proposing the toast to the Grand Master, the District Grand Master presented M.Ill.Comp. Kessick J Jones and his team with a small gift of Suffolk honey in appreciation of his support of the District of London. After lunch District Grand Council was Resumed and the business of District Grand Council was completed. This included the appointment and investiture of the District Officers. It was a long but truly memorable day.
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