Jephson Chapter Makes More History
by John Starley
Jephson Chapter no 4336 had just a century of existence in Warwickshire. Late in 2024 when its future was in doubt, a chance arose for a rebirth. Jephson transferred to the Provincial Grand Chapter of Monmouthshire with the aim of becoming a founding chapter of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Romania.
Why Monmouthshire is the obvious question. Some years ago they were instrumental in providing the bedrock units for the Mark in Bucharest. Hence friendships and contacts were formed and have endured.
And so it was (I feel the hot breath of my former schoolmasters for starting a sentence with an And) that on Saturday 6th December a unique and very special day of freemasonry took place in Chepstow, a few hundred yards into Wales.
In the morning Jephson Chapter, by dispensation of Supreme Grand Chapter, performed ceremonial usually reserved for blood Royal. It undertook six installations of companions who had served none of the qualifying offices into its three chairs. Razvan Buzatu passed through the chairs of J and H to be installed as MEZ. Alongside him, installed as J and H was Daniel Schiopu, and as J Catalin Vulpe. Razvan is the pro first grand principal designate of the Grand Chapter of Romania and his Companions are likewise to be senior officers. In the afternoon another participating chapter exalted five Romanian candidates, mainly senior Grand Officers of the Craft.
All the ritual was performed with great skill and warmth by members of the Province of Monmouthshire. The festive supper which followed was an ample demonstration of masonry universal.
Early next year Jephson will exalt more candidates in Bucharest and the consecration of the new Grand Chapter is expected to happen in September.
I am privileged to have retained my membership of Jephson Chapter and presently serve as its almoner.
The M E Grand Superintendent of Monmouthshire, Christopher Evans passed his warm good greetings to Warwickshire and its Companions, especially those who remain as honorary members of Jephson.
For anyone who is interested I’ll be happy to provide details of the ceremonies still to come.