Grand Preceptor of Wessex Annual Meeting

It was a hot and sunny day when members and visitors gathered for the Grand Preceptor’s Annual Council in June 2014. In addition to the usual business, four banners were dedicated. This is a colourful ceremony not often seen in ‘quadruplicate’. The first banner Reginald Fitzjocelyn No 74 was brought into the Temple escorted by four bodyguards and presented to the RW Grand Preceptor of Wessex. He called upon the Prior for an oration describing the founding and history of the Chapel name. It was then blessed, and presented to the Worthy Master of the Preceptory. The new banner was paraded around the Temple with great pomp and dignity accompanied by a regal march and celebratory fanfare. This was then repeated three times for the banners of Priory of Woodspring No 97, Paul Bushe No 101 & Chapel of King Ina No 102.

On this occasion the Deputy Grand Organist was playing a Wyvern Prelude digital organ, which had been brought in for the occasion. He said afterwards he was most grateful for the knights who carried this on such a hot day, and to the architect who’d had the wisdom to install a lift at the Nailsea Masonic Centre.