RUSHDEN CONCLAVE No. 416 WELCOMES A NEW MEMBER

Rushden Conclave No. 416 convened on Thursday 10th September at the Masonic Hall in Rushden for its regular meeting, during which Companion Trevor Thurstan was installed as a Worthy Knight Companion in the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine.

The Conclave was honoured by the attendance of the Intendent General for the East Midlands Division, Timothy Barrett, accompanied by his Deputy, Mark Thompson‑O’Connor. They were escorted by the Divisional Marshall, David Lathrope, together with a distinguished contingent of the Knights of the Sepulchre Guard, who formed a striking Arch of Steel to herald the incoming procession.

The ceremony was conducted with great dignity and precision by William Diggins, supported by his Officers and the assembled Knights. Their combined efforts ensured that Trevor was received into the Order with the full splendour and symbolism for which the Red Cross of Constantine is renowned.

Following the meeting, the Conclave enjoyed a superb festive board, offered at a very reasonable cost and marked by excellent companionship. After responding warmly to his welcoming toast, Trevor presented a remarkable and thoughtful gift to the Conclave: a framed depiction of Constantine the Great, containing three original coins from the Emperor’s era. He had discovered the coins while pursuing his hobby of metal detecting and noted that, having lain undisturbed for more than a thousand years, he is the only person to have handled them before mounting them within the frame. The gift was received with sincere appreciation.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all present, and the Conclave now looks forward with anticipation to its next meeting on Friday 12th March 2027, when David Watson will be placed on the Throne of Constantine.