Issue 55, Winter 2010, Page 8

The scene inside the Grand Temple

Ancient and Accepted Rite

Rose Croix Celebrates Its Home Of One Hundred Years

At a special meeting held in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) celebrated the centenary of its occupation of 10 Duke Street, St James’s, in West London.
     In front of an audience of almost one thousand, including all nine members of the Supreme Council 33rd Degree, there was a demonstration of the Thirteenth Degree by the King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement.
     There were many distinguished guests from England, Scotland, Ireland and overseas. Representing the United Grand Lodge of England were Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes, Assistant Grand Master David Williamson and Grand Secretary Nigel Brown.
     Other Orders were also represented including John Hale, Mark Master Masons Pro Grand Master, along with the heads of the Order of the Secret Monitor, Red Cross of Constantine, Royal and Select Masters and the Allied Masonic Degrees. Overseas visitors represented were the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction USA, Canada, Finland, Cyprus and Estonia.
     After the Homily, given by John Wright, Sovereign Grand Commander, King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement chairman Ted Bentley was awarded the Order of the Eagle and the Rose and invested with this by the Sovereign Grand Commander.
     During the day, 10 Duke Street was open for all Brethren attending the demonstration to see the work that had been undertaken to improve the building, and which had been paid for by the generosity of the members in response to the Centenary Appeal.
     All who attended the demonstration were given a copy of the booklet A Brief History of 10 Duke Street written by John Mandleberg, Honorary Historian to the Supreme Council.