The Grand Temple was filled to capacity with representatives from across the Constitution worldwide. The Grand Summus, M.Dist. Comp. Ian Stanley Currans, VI, presided over the meeting, ably assisted by a full team of Grand Officers. Following the initial items of business, the Deputy Grand Summus, R.Dist.Comp. Francis Charles Spencer, proposed the re-election of Ian Stanley Currans as Grand Summus.
The proposition was confirmed with acclamation from the Companions present and the Grand Summus was duly Proclaimed by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Phillip Purves. The Grand Summus then announced he would be re-appointing R.Dist.Comp. Francis Charles Spencer as Deputy Grand Summus, and R.Dist.Comp. Howard Saul Markham as Assistant Grand Summus. These re-appointments having been announced and Proclaimed, it was time to appoint and invest the other active Grand Officers of the year, followed by those receiving promotion in, or appointment to, Grand Rank. Following further items of business, the Grand Summus took the opportunity to address Grand Senatus.
He welcomed everyone to Grand Senatus, which this year saw the highest ever attendance. Membership growth over the past year has been the highest ever and he reminded everyone of the importance of our Companions also continuing their activity in the Order of the Secret Monitor as our recruiting ground. He congratulated all those he had appointed or promoted today, as well as those who received their 5th and 4th Grades on 01 May 2024.
He especially welcomed R.Dist.Comp. Terry Sheern, Provincial Grand Summus for Essex, on his first meeting of Grand Senatus following his installation. He gave thanks to R.Dist.Comp. Ray Clare on all he has done for the Province of Essex over many years. He spoke about the many Consecrations he and his team have attended over much of the world, and there are more to come.
He went on to greet all our overseas visitors as well as Heads of Orders. He then said he had a special appointment to make, to someone who has contributed much to the Order. He asked the Grand Director of Ceremonies to escort R.Dist.Comp. Mik Barnes, Past Provincial Grand Summus of Surrey, to him. He then had much pleasure in investing R.Dist.Comp. Mik with his Chain of Office as Grand Regent Vicarius.
Finally, there were thanks to the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his ceremonial team, and the Grand Recorder and ‘Tribe of Dan’ at Mark Masons’ Hall for all their hard work and support.
There being no further business, Grand Senatus was closed and the Grand Summus greeted everyone on leaving the Temple. The then retired for refreshment. After three very successful meetings, the Grand Summus and his team were finally able to relax and reflect on a job well done.