To assist in the celebrations of their Centenary The Icenian Council No.36 was honoured by a visit from the Grand Master, Most Illustrious Companion Kessick Jones IX, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master, Right Illustrious Companion Paul Norman IX, and the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Illustrious Companion Alan Baverstock. The proceedings were further enhanced by the presence of the Grand Organist, Very Illustrious Companion Robert Scott.
Although The Icenian Council actually completed its first 100 years of existence in 2024, the familiar problems of crowded diaries meant that Thursday 10th April 2025 was the first opportunity to put together a celebratory meeting with the rulers.
In recent years the number of subscribing members has been a little smaller than for much of its history, but it was pleasing to see that the entire current membership was present on the day to celebrate the occasion, along with many guests and visitors from across the District of East Anglia.
A very interesting and well-researched ‘potted’ history of the Council was delivered by the Council Recorder, Illustrious Companion Richard Strutt, before the original Warrant of Constitution was read by the District Recorder, Illustrious Companion Nigel Williams. The Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies then read the Centenary Warrant before it was presented by the Grand Master to the Thrice Illustrious Master, Illustrious Companion Russell Keen, who offered his grateful thanks to the Grand Master on behalf of the Council.
As an additional item of interest, a meeting of the Earl of Euston Council of Installed Masters had earlier been ‘embedded’ into the proceedings, during which Illustrious Companions Michael Jessett, Colin Birkbeck and David Boswell received the Order of Thrice Illustrious Master, or Silver Trowel. This was a particular demonstration of the harmony and co-operation between the various progressive Orders, with the representative candidate Companion Boswell being the current Provincial Grand Master (Mark Master Masons), and Companion Birkbeck the Provincial Prior (Knights Templar). Also in attendance to witness the occasion were V.Ill.Comp Geoffrey Keer, District Grand Prefect (Allied Masonic Degrees) and V.Ill.Comp Keith McCully, Provincial Grand Summus (Scarlet Cord). The Grand Master himself had graciously agreed to take part in the Silver Trowel Ceremony as the Orator, whilst the part of King David was taken by the District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. Geoff Spencer.
After the formal proceedings had been completed, and a few celebratory photographs taken, some of which are included here, the Companions retired to an excellent Centenary dinner. It was noted that very few, in any, of us are likely to be around for the bicentenary, although who knows what advances in medical science my be made in the ensuing years?!
Grand Master's Sesquicentenary Appeal
In October 2023 the Order of Royal & Select Masters marked its Sesquicentenary (150 years) with a magnificent celebration in the Grand Temple at UGLE's HQ in Great Queen Street. During that meeting the Most Illustrious Grand Master launched his Sesquicentenary appeal, with a view to raising £150,000. The appeal will run until the end of 2024.
Councils will be given the opportunity to nominate local charities and, at the end of the appeal, if your nomination is fortunate enough to be selected it could receive a donation substantially larger than anything we might hope to raise locally.