Carolean Council’s first full meeting took place on June 26th, at its permanent home at the West Bromwich Masonic Hall. As you would expect, it was a much smaller meeting than at the April Consecration, but it was a good number to undertake the Select ceremony, followed by the Royal ceremony for Comp Philip Prosser – a member of Worcestershire and Staffordshire Lodges.
The District Grand Master R Ill Comp Peter Wellings, also the Primus Master of the Council, was unfortunately attending the installation of the new District Grand Master for the London District, and deputising for him was Ill Comp Philip Wills, one of the Founders of the Council.
Above – Members and some visitors to the Council, with candidate Comp Philip Prosser to the left of Ill Comp Philip Wills, Acting MEZ, in the centre, and Ill Comp Chris Denley on the right of the MEZ. Ill Comp Peter Stokes, the Council Deputy Master, who was in office throughout the meeting, was first to be on his feet, taking photographs, which explains why he is missing from the photo.
The Select ceremony was conducted by Ill Comp Philip Wills, with R Ill Comp David Rawlins presenting the History of the degree,
The Royal ceremony quickly followed, with Ill Comp Hosey Davoudian acting as Principal Conductor of the Work, and proceeded to present the oration to the Candidate in his own inimitable perfect style. Following the oration, Ill Comp Peter Stokes presented the History of the degree, which concluded the ceremony. Deputising for the District Grand Master, Ill Comp Peter Stokes congratulated the Candidate on becoming a member and completing the first two degrees in the Order, and congratulated the Officers taking part on two very well presented ceremonies
Following the ceremonies, Ill Comp Peter Stokes was elected as Thrice Illustrious Master for the year ahead – the Installation will take place at the next meeting on Thursday 26th February 2026. That seems a long way ahead, but will rapidly disappear!
The meeting was followed by an extensive buffet, to the satisfaction of all concerned.
The Founders of the Council, this time including Ill Comp Peter Stokes.
With thanks to Ill Comp Peter Stokes and E Comp John Hayward for the photographs.