In Exalted Company At Chapter Of St George

The 12th December was a busy evening for The Chapter of St George 3158 at Taunton Masonic Hall, where the Companions had the pleasure of the company of The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Ray Guthrie and his Director of Ceremonies Mark Golding. It was the second Exaltation ceremony performing their revised ritual, so all the stops were pulled out to try and impress the candidate and guests. Their candidate Brother Simon Raw – a member of Vivary Lodge pictured above – was keen to get started, but unfortunately his proposer Mike Marshall was unable to be present due to illness.

The revised (Perfect) ritual is more inclusive for the Companions of the Chapter, especially for the role of 1st Assistant Sojourner but their present Companion in that office Vaughn Whereat went down with flu a couple days before the meeting, so the Principle Sojourner Neal Hansley recited the complete Sojourner’s ritual, which he did in magnificent form – although there may have been a little bit of London Grand Chapter inserted in his performance! The remaining officers also performed very well so it was a successful ceremony.

To correct an oversight from their last Exaltation ceremony, Companion Mark Kitchener who did not have his ceremony recorded formed a second group photograph; Mark is pictured centre above with Neal. An excellent 3 course Festive Board rounded off the superb evening and Simon’s Seconder into St George – Ed Richings – read out the toast to the new Companion, as penned by Mike Marshall. The Chapter now looks forward to it’s next meeting in February where it looks likely that they may perform a double Exaltation ceremony. St George are doing their very best to meet the Provincial Membership Challenge.

Report by: Excellent Companion Rod Green – Chapter of St George Almoner