Foundation and History
Founded on Thursday 18th October 1994 the Thames & Chilterns Chapter Rose Croix No. 1075 is a Higher Degrees Chapter where membership is restricted to 30th Degree or above. The meetings are different to other Chapters in as much that the Chapter does not perform the Ceremony of Perfection, only the opening and closing and the 3rd Point. But whilst the Chapter is for members with Higher Degrees, E&P Bro’s. can attend any meeting as a guest or even attend as a self-invited visitor..
Purpose and Activities
With no ceremony to perform it is usual at the completion of the enthronement ceremony that the Immediate Past Sovereign himself will deliver either a talk or a lecture, or arrange for another member of the Chapter to stand-in or even invite a visitor to undertake the presentation.
It has now become customary for the Inspector General to take the opportunity to deliver his Annual Report at the January meeting, following which he will invite any questions that may arise..
Membership and Leadership
The Chapter is non-Progressive, every year the MWS, Treasurer and Outer Guard are nominated by the Standing Committee and duly elected as such by the members. The senior officers, Prelate, Recorder, DC, Almoner, ADC and Asst Recorder are appointed by the Committee and their term in office is subject to the five year Succession Plan. The junior offices are appointed by the newly enthroned MWS with help from the Chapter Recorder.
Traditions and Distinctive Features
One of the Traditions of the Thames & Chilterns Chapter is to maintain close ties with our neighbouring Higher Degree Chapters namely;
Buckinghamshire Chapter No. 1176
Middlesex Sovereigns Chapter No. 1063
Wiltshire, Avebury Chapter No. 1161
Hampshire and the Isle of White, Alfred the Great No. 1182
At the Enthronement meeting invitations are offered to the current MWS and the Recorder of the 4 neighbouring Chapters and likewise the MWS of the Thames and Chilterns and the Recorder will be invited to attend the Enthronement meetings of Neighbouring Chapters as Honoured Guests..
Meeting Details
The Chapter meets twice a year at the Sindlesham Masonic Centre on the second Thursday in January and the first Thursday in July, this being the Enthronement meeting, followed by dining at Sindlesham Masonic Centre. The standing Committee have agreed as an experiment to make the January 2027 meeting a Daylight meeting.