Essex Hinge of Friendship Chapter host unique cluster meeting

A cluster meeting incorporating the ‘Ceremony of the Veils’ together with a meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter

The Essex Hinge of Friendship Chapter No. 9296 that meet at the Hutton Masonic Hall were hosts for the Hutton, Orsett and Thurrock Group combined Cluster meeting on 11th July 2024.

At a normal meeting of the Essex Hinge and Friendship Chapter you can usually expect attending some 30 or so members, guests and visitors, however this meeting proved to be the exception with over 100 in attendance. This was understandable, as not only was the Chapter hosting the Cluster meet but also commissioned a demonstration of the ‘Ceremony of the Veils’ and facilitated a meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Essex.

Therefore, also in attendance was Paul Tarrant, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent (MEGS), and Elliot Chevin, Deputy Grand Superintendent (DepGSupt) also accompanied by many members of the Provincial Executive. 

The Essex Royal Arch Demonstration Team performed the ‘Ceremony of the Veils’ under the guidance and watchful eye of Roger Davis, Essex Royal Arch Presentation Team Coordinator.

The Ceremony a re-enactment of ‘Passing the Veils’ now only permitted to be performed by the Province of Bristol. However, by permission of Supreme Grand Chapter, this demonstration is permitted to be performed in each Province once annually.

The Provincial Grand Chapter of Essex was opened with the MEGS presiding, following which John Crudgington and Jim Wolfe were invested as the Second Provincial Grand Principal (2PGP) and Assistant Provincial Grand Principal (APGP), respectively.

The evening ended with a splendid Festive board brilliantly accommodated by the team at the Mount Avenue Banqueting suite. A special vote of thanks must be given to Martyn Cartwright, Provincial Director of Ceremonies for pulling together the various strands of this unique meeting.

Photos

Top (Front row L-R): John Crudgington (2PGP), Cliff Thoms, Elliot Chevin (DepGSupt), Mick Carrington, Paul Tarrant (MEGS), John Stanion, John Hubbard (3PGP)

Left (L-R): Jim Wolfe APGP, John Crudgington, Paul Tarrant, John Hubbard

Right: Demonstration ‘The Ceremony of the Veils’