On 31st January The Grand Sovereign M.I’ll.Kt.Graham L.Flight and The Grand Eusebius Rt.I’ll. & Ven.Kt. The Revd.Timothy J. N. L’Estrange joined the Knights of the Division of North and East Lancashire at Manchester Hall, Manchester to Consecrate a new Conclave in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, The Mamucium Conclave 534.The Conclave was devised to bring Red Cross Freemasonry back to Manchester where it has not had a presence for several years since County Palatine Conclave 50 left the building and caters for those Knights who have a preference for fine dining, something which Manchester Hall offers to an excellent standard.
The Conclave is named after the Roman fort founded in the city in AD79, and boasts the Deputy Grand Sovereign and six Right Illustrious Knights as founding members, including the Intendant General of the Division, R.I’ll.Kt Stephen Bolton.
Rt.I’ll. Kt. Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth was enthroned as the Primus Sovereign and I’ll Kt.J.Christopher Welton as Eusebious.
The Consecration ceremony was held in the Goulburn suite which comfortably held more than 75 Worthy Knights, including the Grand Conclave officers and the Grand Sepulchre Guard. The Grand team worked a most enjoyable and memorable ceremony which made a great impression on all present. Following the retirement of the team, the closing business of the Conclave saw nominations for a seventh Right Illustrious member and two candidates for installation at the next meeting. With only two meetings per year, the members hope that the Conclave will be kept busy for some time to come.
Over70 Worthy Knights then enjoyed a champagne reception and a sumptuous meal during a relaxed and convivial social board, rounding off a most enjoyable day.