The Sepulchre Guard – Tradition, Service and Ceremony

The Sepulchre Guard is one of the most distinctive and prestigious elements of the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. Membership is by invitation and is regarded as a mark of commitment, reliability, and dedication to both the Order and one’s Conclave. Their presence adds a certain ceremonial swagger to proceedings, and their participation is enjoyed equally by those on duty and those in attendance.

The most important duty of the Sepulchre Guard is performed during the ceremony of the Appendant Orders, where their precision and dignity enhance the splendour of the ritual. They also provide escorts and guards of honour at the annual meeting of the Divisional Conclave, and a detachment accompanies the Intendant‑General and Deputy Intendant‑General on their official “Team Visits” to two selected Conclaves each year.

Membership is open to any Worthy Knight who is an active subscribing member of one or more Conclaves in the East Midlands Division. Upon promotion to Eusebius (Viceroy), a Knight retires from active duty but remains on the reserve list. Selection as a Guardsman signifies trust: the Division relies on these Knights to be steady, efficient, and supportive, both in their own Conclaves and in the wider work of the Order. Good and regular fulfilment of duties never goes unnoticed.

The Guard is currently commanded by Mark Meade, Captain, and John Stock, Deputy Captain. Each Guardsman is formally presented to the Intendant‑General at the Divisional Meeting and invested with the distinctive Sepulchre Guard Collaret, worn at every meeting they attend. Members also wear the Crossed Swords Lapel Pin, and their Conclave summons proudly displays the initials S.G. after their name. When on duty, each Guardsman carries a Red Cross of Constantine Sword and Scabbard, coloured gold and purple, provided by the Captain.

Alongside their ceremonial duties, the Sepulchre Guard maintains a cherished social tradition: the annual Mess Dinner. This gathering celebrates camaraderie, honours service, and reinforces the esprit de corps that defines the Guard.

A Captain is appointed each year to organise and instruct the Guard, both throughout the year and at the Mess itself. The history of these dinners is rich and well‑recorded:

History of the Sepulchre Guard Mess

• 1st Mess – 21 April 2006, Freemasons’ Hall Leicester   Organised by Henry Kukiewicz   Captain: Malcolm Bryan | Deputy: Henry Kukiewicz

• 2nd Mess – 2007   Proposed but unable to take place due to unforeseen circumstances.

• 3rd Mess – 29 February 2008, Stoke Bruene   Organised by Henry Kukiewicz   Captain: Malcolm Bryan | Deputy: Henry Kukiewicz

• 4th Mess – 27 February 2009, Stoke Bruene   Organised by Roger Boylan   Captain: Malcolm Bryan | Deputy: Roger Boylan

• 5th Mess – 26 February 2010, Stoke Bruene   Organised by Roger Boylan   Captain: Malcolm Bryan | Deputy: Roger Boylan   30 attended, including the Grand Sovereign, Richard Wallis, as a guest.

• 6th Mess – 25 February 2011, Stoke Bruene   Organised by Roger Boylan   Captain: Roger Boylan | Deputy: Timothy Almond   22 attended, with Richard Wallis again as a guest.

• 7th Mess – 30 November 2017   Organised by Stuart Morgan   Captain: Stuart Morgan | Deputy: Dominic Willmott

• 8th Mess – 28 November 2019, Stoke Bruene   Organised by Stuart Morgan   Captain: Stuart Morgan | Deputy: Dominic Willmott

• 9th Mess – 27 March 2026, Stoke Bruene   Captain: Mark Meade

  
  

One of the most charming stories in the Guard’s history centres on Malcolm Bryan, Captain from 2006 to 2010. When his successor, Roger Boylan, offered to purchase Malcolm’s impressive sword, Malcolm unexpectedly declined.

At the next Mess, Roger was astonished when Malcolm presented the sword to him, declaring that it should be passed to each future Captain in perpetuity. Malcolm had even arranged for his name to be engraved on the blade.

To mark this generosity, Roger later presented Malcolm with a silver coin from the reign of Emperor Constantine, circa 330 AD, for him to wear on his pocket‑watch chain. It remains a treasured symbol of respect and continuity.

Another tradition has since taken root: the Mess begins with bottles of Champagne opened by saber, setting the tone for an evening of fellowship and celebration.

The East Midlands Division comprises eight Conclaves, each receiving one official visit per year at their Enthronement meeting, occasions where the Sepulchre Guard is required.

The Guard consists of:

• Captain

• Deputy Captain

• Up to 14 Guardsmen   (Two Guards per Conclave)

This structure ensures that every Conclave receives the support, dignity, and ceremonial presence that the Guard is known for.

The Sepulchre Guard stands as a symbol of dedication within the Red Cross of Constantine. Their service enhances the ceremonial life of the Division, their traditions strengthen bonds of friendship, and their presence reminds us of the heritage and splendour of our Order.

Their history is rich, their future secure, and their contribution invaluable.