At an Emergency Meeting held under the banner of The Lodge of St. Peter in Exeter on Monday, 27th November 2023, Devonshire’s new Deputy Provincial Grand Master was proclaimed and invested.
The Lodge was opened at 1830 hours by the ruler, Giles Lin who requested that the dispensation to hold an especial meeting was read. The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies was then admitted to the Lodge to notify all present that the Provincial Ruler, Nicholas Ball, was outside the door and demanded admission. He was led in by the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and followed by an impressive procession with the two Standard bearers passing through a guard of honour made up of four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, two Past Provincial Grand Masters, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, a large number of Grand officers and Active Provincial Grand Officers.
The Lodge Director of Ceremonies saluted the PGM, who responded suitably. The Worshipful Master then proffered the gavel to the PGM, who accepted it on this special occasion and took the chair.
Dr Richard Ebrey was then admitted to the Lodge escorted by members of his Lodge and the cushion bearer carrying his new chain of office. Ebrey’s patent issued by Grand Lodge was then read and presented before he was asked to kneel and receive the Prayer and the Patriarchal Benediction, after which he recited his obligation.
The Provincial Director of Ceremonies then announced:
“Be it known that W. Bro. Dr Richard John Ebrey, a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and past Provincial Grand Secretary for the County of Devonshire, has this day been Appointed, Obligated, Invested and Installed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Devonshire.”
The new Provincial Deputy Grand Master was then given the traditional salute of office by all those present, and the Lodge was closed according to ancient custom.
The festive board was a joyous occasion. Richard sat next to the PGM and didn’t stop smiling all night. A gift of a wrapped parcel was passed over, the contents of which caused much amusement. What was it? You’ll need to ask Richard.
