Province of Kent I ERDEMONT LODGE OF ROYAL ARK MARINERS No 1894 I CONSECRATION CEREMONY Dartford Masonic Hall, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HJ Monday 29 th October 2012 at 5:00 pm Province of Kent The Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro ROGER HENRY HARLEY CROUCHER Assisted by The Deputy Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Peter David Williams, RAMGR The Assistant Provincial Grand Masters W. Bro. David John Green, RAMGR W. Bro. Archibald lain Torrance, RAMGR and the remaining Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge. The Erdemont Craft Lodge was consecrated in April 1943. By the date of its 70th Anniversary therefore we will have achieved the full set of Erdemont Craft, Chapter, Mark and RAM. Something of which everyone, whether or not members of all four orders, can be justifiably proud. The name 'Erdemont' derives from the Anglo-Saxon, place name for the hill where St Paulinus Church now stands - 'Eard Mount'; therefore just as our Great Patriarch Noah, stationed his Ark on Mount Ararat, so do we hope that our new Ark, anchored on Eard Mount will flourish and prosper within the happy Erdemont family and companions, from which it has been created. To celebrate the consecration and to further enhance the connection with the Craft lodge, a pedestal drape which will be used for the first time today. THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE LODGE Worshipful Commander Immediate Past Commander Senior Warden Junior Warden W Bro Tom Quinn W Bro Roy L Cockburn W Bro Joe 0 J Cole W Bro Nicholas W J Letherby -3- QCon~tttation The Brethren assemble in the temple at 4.45 pm 1. The Consecrating Officer enters, accompanied by the Assisting Officers; he appoints his Officers and opens a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 2. QCbe$pening ~pmn J Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain. Will your anchor drift or firm remain? 2 It will firmly hold in the straits offear, When the breakers have told the reef is near; Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow, Not an angry wave shall our Ark o'erflow. We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm in our Supreme Commander's love. We have all anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows 1'0/1, Fastened /0 'he Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm tn 0111' Supreme Commanders love 3 It will surely hold in the floods of death, When the waters cold chill our latest breath; On the rising tide if can never fail, While our hopes abide within the veil. We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm in our Supreme Commander's love. 3. The Consecrating Officer addresses the Brethren on the object of the Meeting and calls upon the Chaplain for prayer. 4. QCbe$pening ~raper Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. 5. The Director of Ceremonies addresses the Consecrating Officer. The Consecrating Officer replies and gives directions 6. The Petitioners are arranged in order in the East 7. The Warrant is read. The Consecrating Officer enquires of the Petitioners if they approve of the Officers named in the Warrant. The Petitioners signify their approval by the sign of F. 8. QCbe$ration by the Chaplain on the Nature and Purpose of the Institution. -4- ~ntbem Eternal Wisdom, Whose decree Made light to dawn and darkness flee. lllumine Thou our earthly sight, Make us indeed the Sons of Light Eternal Strength whose mighty hand Hath framed the sky, the sea, the land, Without Thee vain were mortal skill Make strong our hearts to work Thy will. External Beauty who has blessed The works Thy hands in order dressed Make us Thy loveliness 10 know And bear Thy Image here below So mote if be. 9. :mebitation ~rllper (First Part) Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. The Brethren turn towards the East 10. QCbe ~nboca:tion Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. 11. The Chaplain reads Genesis Chapter VI verses 14-22 12. The Lodge Board is uncovered. The Consecrating Officer and Wardens carry the Elements of Consecration three times around the Lodge, halting in the East after each perambulation. 13. QCbe jfir~t QI:irtuit Before the First Circuit the Chaplain reads Psalm LXXII verse 16 The Brethren sing: - When once of old in Israel Our early Brethren wrought with toil Jehovah's blessing on themfell In showers of Corn and Wine and Oil The Consecrating Officer scatters Com - the Emblem of Abundance and Plenty. Musical Response - Glory be to God on high -5- 14. 'Ql;be ~econb QCircuit Before the Second Circuit the Chaplain reads Nehemiah Chapter X Verse 39 The Brethren sing:- When there a shrine to Him alone They built, with worship sin to foil On threshold and on corner stone They poured out Corn and Wine and Oil The Consecrating Officer pours Wine - the Emblem of Joy and Gladness. Musical Response - Glory be to God on high 1 jl 15. 'Ql;be'Ol:birb QCircuit Before the Third Circuit the Chaplain reads Exodus Chapter XXX Verses 25-26 The Brethren sing:- And we have come, fraternal bands, With joy and pride and prosperous spoil To honour Him by votive hands With streams of Corn and Wine and Oil. The Consecrating Officer sprinkles Oil - the Emblem of Peace and Harmony. Musical Response - Glory be to God on high The Petitioners are arranged in order around the Lodge Board 16. 'Ql;bejfourtb QCirtuit Before the Fourth Circuit the Chaplain reads Leviticus Chapter Il Verse 13 The Brethren sing:- Now 0 'er our work this salt we shower, Emblem of thy conservant power: And may Thy presence, Lord, we pray, Keep this our Temple from decay. The Consecrating Officer perambulating alone strews salt - the Emblem of Fidelity, Hospitality and Everlasting Friendship Musical Response - Glory be to God on high 17. 'Ql;be QCon~tttattng ~ffiter iBebitate~ tbe Llbge -6- I!lntbem Disposer Supreme, and judge 0/ the earth, A 11honour and praise, dominion and might Who chooseth for Thine the weak and poor, Thou Great Overseer, we render to Thee. To/rail earthen vessels and things of no worth" Who round us hath shed Thine own marvellous light, Entrusting Thy riches which aye shall endure. And calls us/ram darkness Thy glory to see. So mote it be. 18. The Chaplain perambulates the Lodge three times, censing. 19. IlBtbitation fjraptr (Second Part) Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. The Petitioners are arranged in order in the West 20. ~bt QConSttrating efftter QConSttrattS the '1Lobgt Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. 21. fjatrtartbal ~tntbiction Chant (Omnes) - So mote it be. J!nstallation 22. Presentation and Installation of the Commander Designate (Board of . Installed Commanders) 23. The Commander is saluted, proclaimed and presented with the Warrant of the Lodge. 24. The Commander will appoint and invest the First Officers of the Lodge 25. The Address (to the Commander.) 26. The Lodge Bye-Laws will be approved 27. The Election of the Consecrating Officers as Honorary Members. 28. The Consecrating Officer and his Consecrating Officers will retire in procession 29. General Lodge Business 30. To close the Lodge. QClosing ~pmn Lord our Creator, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave. Who bids 'I the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep: o hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea. Omnipotent, in love and power Our brethren shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest.fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe'er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea. ~bt ~ational mntbtm 3 1. The Recession. -7- ~---------------------------------rf --------------------------.------- ** The Queen Melon with Parma Ham ***** The Most Worshipful Grand Master, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO Homemade Steak and Kidney Pudding Roast Potatoes Mixed Vegetables ***** ** The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, Benjamin Addy The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Michael Edward Herbert The Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master Herbert Keith Emmerson And members of the Grand Master's Royal Ark Council Lemon Meringue Pie and Cream ***** ** The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Roger Henry Harley Croucher Cheese & Biscuits ***** The Holders of Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank ** ***** ** The Deputy Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Peter David Williams, RAMGR The Assistant Provincial Grand Masters W. Bro. David John Green, RAMGR W. Bro. Archibald lain Torrance, RAMGR And the Holders of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank Coffee or Tea and Mints Red and White Wine ***** ** The Worshipful Commander ***** Port or Brandy The Provincial Grand Officers and Honoured Guests ***** The Warder's Toast -8- -9- FOUNDERS AND FIRST OFFICERS Worshipful Commander W Bro Tom Quinn Immediate Past Commander W Bro Roy L Cockburn Senior Warden W Bro Joe 0 J Cole Junior Warden W Bro Nicholas W J Letherby Chaplain W Bro Jeremy Gaskell, Treasurer W Bro Neil Smith Scribe W Bro David Stiff Director of Ceremonies W Bro Alan Wondzinski Almoner W Bro Robert Hammond Charity Steward W Bro lan Gallehawk Senior Deacon Bro David Purser Junior Deacon Bro Peter R M Reader Asst. Scribe W Bro Alan Meyer Asst. Director of Ceremonies W Bro Stephen Rozier Guardian W Bro Derek Sweeting Stewards W Bro Frank Powell W Bro Peter J C Brooker Bro Anthony Bainbridge Warder W Bro Robert Hammond W Bro John Bangerter W Bro WaIter Freeman W Bro Michael Ingram, W Bro Kevin Murphy W Bro Michael Plant Founders Acknowledgements The founders would like to express their sincere thanks to W Bro Brian Meeres for his gift of the Working Tools, to the members of the Friendship from Service Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No1313 for their donation of the Wardens' Sceptres and to W Bro John lngram for making and donating the Lodge Triangle and the shaft for the Worshipful Commander's Sceptre.