History
The History of the Southern Counties of England
On 8th May 1915, the Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter of the Southern Counties of England of the Royal Order of Scotland was erected in The Guildhall in Windsor.
Many of the Jewels and Furniture were presented to the Province at great expense by the founders whose names are usually inscribed or noted on the items they donated.
Probably the most interesting items are the Provincial Grand Master’s chain and jewel and the copy of the bible used to obligate the candidates. Each link of the chain is heavily fashioned in silver gilt with richly enamelled red roses alternating with interconnecting equilateral triangles. An amber stone set in a silver-gilt seven-pointed star serves as a centrepiece and the letters I.N.R.I. superimposed upon the two roses on either side of the star. From the chain hangs a jewel that was hand cut over a hundred years ago and would be almost impossible to replicate today.
The Bible, by far the most interesting of our treasures, was presented by Bro Reginald Goodall, the first Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Bro Goodall either owned or obtained the Bible for the purpose of donating it to our Province.
Its text was printed in 1613 only two years after the King James Bible was first put to print in 1611. Bro. Goodall had the Bible rebound in rich green leather for our erection in 1915 and stamped with the emblem of the Royal Order of Scotland on the front cover.
Will you escape from the Tower or be thrown into the Dungeon?
Every Province has a Tower of Refreshment. This tower forms a very important part of a section of the ceremony of our first degree. It is in the shape of an ancient castle with representations of certain important symbolic sections like a Pedestal, Shaft, Capital, Drawbridge, and even a Dungeon.
Some Provinces have towers that are more elaborate than others. Our tower was skillfully rebuilt by our past member, who is now our Honorary Member, Brother Peter Dyke.
Our Provincial Grand Master insists that our tower is considered to be one of the three best Towers in the Order. The other two are in the Provinces of Middlesex and Hampshire and Isle of Wight, both of which were also skillfully prepared by Brother Peter Dyke.
For your information and interest, the Tower of Refreshment, the Provincial Grand Master’s Chain and Jewel, and the Bible are on display in Museum at Sindlesham Masonic Centre every day of the year other than the days of our three meetings.
The Provincial Sword
At the Erection of the Province by Bro Christopher Charles Nisbet of Stobshiel, WS, Right Worshipful Deputy Governor, on 7th May 1915 the Founding Provincial Grand Marischal, Bro D P Hutchings, donated the Provincial Sword. This Sword is still in use by the Province.
On the Cross Bar (on both Sides) there is a Rose and on the Blade (both sides), the Shield of Solomon, Thistles, a Crown under which are the initials GR and then further Thistles. On the Scabbard on the front there is a coat of Arms and on the reverse a plate acknowledging that the sword was presented by Bro Hutchings. There is no indication of the maker. It is thought that the Sword is a Ceremonial Military Sword, probably from a Scottish Regiment, and the letters GR refers to His Royal Highness King George V.
The Apron and the collar Jewel of the Provincial Grand Master and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master
When the Province was ‘Erected’ in May 1915 the Petitioners purchased the Collar Jewel of Provincial Grand Master and that of a Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The Jewels were made by a highly skilled Jeweller who specialised in hand engraving and artwork. Each Jewel is made of Silver, hallmarked, and engraved to the highest standards. The Collar Jewels have been worn ever since by successive Provincial Grand Masters and Deputy Provincial Grand Masters. To our Province the Jewels are irreplaceable. They form a link between the Founders through past Members of the Province to the current membership. They also remind us of the dedication, commitment and service of those members; and inspire us to emulate their example.
The Apron of the current Provincial Grand Master was originally worn by Bro Leslie R Harborne (Provincial Grand Master 2004 – 2009). The apron was then passed on, via Bro Leslie’s son Bro Peter N I Harborne, Past Substitute Provincial Grand Master, to Bro Brian C Wareham (Provincial Grand Master 2018 – 2020). It is now worn by Bro Roy W Leavers. The Apron of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master was originally worn by Bro Peter G Williams (Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, London and the Metropolitan Counties; and Past Grand Supreme Ruler, Order of the Secret Monitor 1997 – 2009). Bro Peter bequeathed the Apron to Bro Brian Wareham who wore it during his term of Office as Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Bro Brian, on his promotion gave it to his Deputy, Bro Roy Leavers. It is now worn by Bro Phillip Purves, the current Deputy.
It has been agreed that the Apron and Jewel of the current Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master will both now be handed to their successor, who in turn will pass it to his successor.
