In July Wy.Bro. John French invited me along to the E L J Smith Conclave No 613 meeting at Surbiton.
After the Conclave was opened by the Supreme Ruler, V.Wy.Bro. Eric Trodd, the Brethren stood in memory of Wy.Bro. David Shelton who passed to the Grand Conclave Above on the 20th October 2015. V.Wy.Bro. Eric gave a eulogy in memory of Wy.Bro. David who was the Conclave’s Organist and who was very instrumental in putting together the music for the demonstration of the Conclave of Mourning.
R.Wy.Bro. Michael Barnes, PProvGSR was installed as Supreme Ruler by V.Wy.Bro. Eric Trodd. The Address to the Supreme Ruler was given by Wy.Bro. Colin Beerling, DepProvGSR; the Visiting Deacons and Officers of the Conclave by R.Wy.Bro. Michael Barnes; and the Weapons by Wy.Bro. Leslie Grout. R.Wy.Bro. Michael Barnes then appointed and invested his officers.
The Conclave was closed and the Temple arranged for the demonstration of the Conclave of Mourning. A Conclave of Mourning was introduced to mark the death of the first Grand Supreme Ruler, Dr Issacher Zacharie, and symbolises David’s mourning for the loss of his friend Jonathan. This very moving ceremony was excellently performed by V.Wy. Bro. Eric Trodd and the Officers of the E L J Smith Conclave.
Article and photos by Chris Eley
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