Adoniram Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 552Installation of Bro Dr. David Karsa. as Commander |
When you think of Ritual, the name of W.Bro Ernest Waites does not immediately spring to mind. For 'Ernie', as he is better known, is more associated with invention and ad lib rather than a Silver Matchbox. Yet, against all odds, and despite feeling grotty and unwell, Ernie put in the performance of a lifetime when Installing Bro David Karsa as Commander. His usual heartfelt sincerity was there in abundance, but instead of the usual wandering towards the sublime, he was not only word perfect, but was able to respond to the only correction offered with " It's .... in my book " He was of course correct. The performance was warmly received by everyone present, which included, The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro Peter Connolly, The Deputy Grand Master, V.Bro Anthony Harrison, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master V.W.Bro. Daniel Jones,The Past Senior Grand Warden of England and Past Member of the Grand Masters Royal Ark Council R.W.Bro Colin P Wright, a Past Deputy Grand Superintendent,(Royal Arch) 3 Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters (Craft) and goodness knows how many Grand Officers and other well known and distinguished Brethren. In his response at the Festive Board, the Provincial Grand Master paid warm tribute to W.Bro Ernest for the tremendous amount of hard work he had obviously put in and for his exceptional delivery of the Ritual. On behalf of all the Brethren present, he wished Ernest well for a speedy and successful recovery. In replying to the Toast to his health, the Commander also thanked Ernest for the delightful and sincere manner in which he had been Installed and said that he was looking forward to the year ahead, especially since their were three candidates for Elevation. He was looking at Ernest when he said it but, true to form, Ernie was looking at someone else! Attached are photographs of the occasion. Please forgive the quality because they were taken on a Mobile Phone. The Photo of the two distinguished brethren, one wearing the waistcoat and the other the tie, is worthy of a caption competition so, seeing that this was the first occasion the attire had been seen by the PGM what do you think his thoughts were? A bottle of Scotch or Gin to the winner. Please submit your entries via e mail to philipgunning@aol.com. by the 21st October 2009 Winner to be announced at the Meeting of Adoniram RAM 552 on the 31st October 2009. W.Bro Phil Gunning |
This archive article courtesy of Chris Furmston |
