Foundation and History
Albert Victor Chapter Rose Croix was consecrated at the Reading Masonic Temple on 27 June 1891.
It took its name from the first-born son of the then Prince of Wales, thus becoming second in line to the throne. Due to his untimely death at the age of 28, his younger brother became King George V on the death of their father in 1910.
Having continuously met for the appropriate period of time the Chapter celebrated its Centenary on Monday 29 October 1991. A memorable meeting indeed culminating in the presentation of the Centenary Charter.
Such records as are available show that the Chapter made steady progress over the years. It now meets at Sindlesham to where it moved when the Centre opened in 1969. Meeting three times a year, and being the only Rose Croix Chapter meeting there, it rarely had a problem with finding candidates. It was usual for two candidates to be Perfected at all 3 meetings and soon after its arrival at Sindlesham the membership was in the 90’s.
One member, Perfected at that time, remembers being the 96th name on the membership list and having 56 names between his and the Stewards list. As time went on, the intake stayed up but the Chapter experienced heavy losses due to death and resignations. The brother alluded to above, despite the size of the membership, took only 14 years to become Most Wise Sovereign.
With the consecration of St Cecilia Chapter and the welcome return to the UK of Bombay Chapter, recruiting became more difficult despite the population increase being experienced at that time. However, there have not been many meetings when at least one candidate has been Perfected.
One interesting piece of history in the Chapter is the “Golden Book”. Why “golden”, when the book cover is red, is a mystery but it contains the signature of every candidate perfected into the Chapter. Probably not unique but interesting nevertheless.
A second piece of news which is of interest is the Chapter’s tradition with having a “red” meal for the Enthronement. Usually the starter is Tomato Soup, the main course is cold meat with salad followed often by Strawberries. At one time it was the tradition for the MWS to provide a whole Stilton which was prepared by scooping out top and filling with Port Wine (an “odd” thing to do according to connoisseurs). Remains at the end of the meeting were sold off for Charity. The tradition died sometime in recent memory – probably due to cost.
The Chapter has always had a reputation for the standard of work in the ceremonies despite restrictions at that time of who was eligible to do the work.
The changes to these restrictions by Supreme Council has certainly helped in providing a longer period of progress to the chair by allowing shared work.
The Chapter meets three times annually. The Enthronement meeting is held on the 3rd Monday in June followed by the 4th Monday in October and the 4th Thursday in February.
Like every Chapter in the constitution, visitors are always welcomed and treated well and the members take great pleasure in this. Similarly, candidates are very welcome. Unlike the ancient tradition in the Craft, you do not need to wait until invited. Information is available on this website. We look forward to hearing from you.