WARRINGTON CONCLAVE 119
7th FEBRUARY 2023 – Princes Degree
 
Wikipedia describes the word “Ritual” as a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, actions, or objects, performed according to a set sequence; and that is exactly how Warrington Conclave No.119 duly raised its own Bro Paul Smith to the degree of a Prince with a superb ceremony performed on Tuesday 7th February.
Due to illness; holidays and work commitment a large number of the Conclaves own brethren were unable to attend but in accordance with the principles of the order, brotherly love and friendship other conclave brethren duly covered the respective roles for those missing on the night; none more so than Very Worthy. Bro David Knight who took the Supreme Rulers chair for the evening and in typical fashion delivered a faultless ceremony raising Bro. Paul Smith to the degree of a prince with sincerity and decorum.
Principle guest for the evening was Deputy Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler. Very Worthy. Bro. John Charles Bicknell who assisted in the ceremony by delivering the preamble prior to the scripture reading.
Due to the pandemic and his own subsequent illness Brother Paul had waited longer than normal to enhance his place within the conclave but as with a lot of things sometimes “it’s worth the wait” And this ceremony definitely proved that!
A point endorsed by the Supreme Ruler of Prestcote Conclave No. 375 Bro Mark Denton who attended along with a number of his own brethren with a view to “seeing how it’s done” due to the fact that they have numerous brethren waiting to be raised to the Princes Degree.
I can report that: “Warrington Conclave brethren look forward to returning the visit to see what has been learnt! J “
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired to festive board to enjoy a hearty meal of:
 
1st Course – Goats Cheese Tartlet with dressing
2nd Course – Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding served with seasonal vegetables   

3rd Course – Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie
During the festive board; a fun filled “Chorley Raffle” was conducted by one of the visitors Bro Leo Kap of Prestcote Conclave for various bottles of wine which duly raised £85 which when added to the charity collection will be allocated for future distribution towards worthy charities.
The general ambience of the festive board certainly enhanced the reputation that the Order of the Secret Monitor is one of the friendliest degrees within freemasonry.
If you are in the order or not; why not join us at our next meeting on: Tuesday 4th April 2023 – 18.30hrs when we will be holding a Ladies to Dine Evening (with a difference?)
Brethren of Travellers Lodge have already been invited to share the evening with us following the closure of normal conclave business and all visitors will be made welcome and will be treated to a short “melodrama” performed in the lodge room by eager and budding conclave thespian’s! Now that’s something not to be missed!
 
Bob Williams – Past Provincial Grand Guide, Warrington Conclave 119