Henfynyw Council No. 137 Celebrates 114th Meeting and 40th Anniversary

Henfynyw Council No. 137 of the Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales holds their 114th Meeting and celebrates 40 years Anniverary.

On 20 May 2025, the Henfynyw Council held their 114th Meeting in the Aberaeron Masonic Temple, North Road, Aberaeron, SA46 0JG.

Nothing unusual there, but this meeting also represented 40 years since it’s Consecration. What better way to celebrate than to introduce a new member to the Order, Install a new Thrice Illustrious Master, receive a narrative in relation to the 40-year history of the Council, recognise the membership of 2 of its founders, enjoy a fine festive board and all this with the District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. William Jenkins, the Past District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. Gwilym Jones, and plethora of Grand Council and District Grand Council Officers in attendance.

The evening itself consisted of Companion Robert Gray being Chosen for the Degree of Select Master in a Ceremony conducted by the T.I.M. Ill.Comp. Adrian Thomas, Companion Gray being the 6th new member to join Henfynyw Council this year along with an additional 2 joining members.

There followed the Installation of Ill Companion Iain Sewell as Thrice Illustrious Master in a Ceremony also conducted to a high standard by Ill.Comp. Adrian Thomas.

This was then followed by a presentation by Ill.Comp. Sydney Smith, who gave an interesting narrative regarding the history of the Council over the last 40 years. This proved a fascinating insight for the newer members and a time to reflect for the more senior members and was very well received by all present.

In recognition of their continuous 40-year membership of the Council and as Founder Members, the District Grand Master R.Ill.Comp. William Jenkins, presented Ill.Comp. Sydney Smith and Ill.Comp. Nigel Adams with Honorary Certificates to reflect their commitment.

The last few years have presented the Henfynyw Council with many challenges, which have been faced with resilience and optimism. As with many Orders, they are navigating a period of change, but there are bright opportunities ahead. It is important to highlight that they have a dedicated and committed group of members, which shows a level of stability and reflects the strength and commitment of the Members. This is aided by the support of the District Grand Master and his Executive have provided the Council.

The Henfynyw Council No. 137 meets at the Aberaeron Masonic Temple on the Third Tuesday in February, May and October. If you are interested in joining the Henfynyw Council please contact the Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the District Grand Recorder on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Three Candidates Advanced in Double Ceremony at Merthyr Tydfil Council No. 120

On Friday, 27 June at Merthyr Masonic Hall three candidates were Received and Acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters and Super Excellent Masters at Merthyr Tydfil Royal and Select Masters Council No. 120.

Companions Ryan Davies, Huw Morgan and Andrew Elliott were the three candidates for the two ceremonies presided over by the Thrice Illustrious Master, Illustrious Companion Andrew Davies with the Lecture of the two Degrees being presented by Companion Vince Haskell and the Signs of the Super Excellent Masters Degree being presented by Illustrious Companion Neil Davies.

The Council were honoured with the presence of the District Grand Master Right Illustrious Companion William Emrys Jenkins and the District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work Illustrious Companion Neil Martin Evans together with several Grand Officers and District Grand Officers.

At the September meeting it is hoped to Choose nine candidates as Select Masters.

A New District Grand Master for London

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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