The second Temple at Sheaf Close was virtually full as Northampton Chapter No: 360 greeted E Comp Desmond Jones back to Northampton for our regular meeting on Thursday 23rd November 2017. E Comp Desmond has long since moved to Cirencester and has become a regular attender also in the Province of Gloucestershire. But as our longest standing IPZ, exalted in May 1957, he still attends his mother Chapter in Northampton for any special or celebratory occasion and is always assured of a warm welcome by all present. Thursday 23rd November was one such occasion as we marked his 60 years as a subscribing member of Northampton Chapter No: 360, acknowledging that we were a little late in any formal recognition but timing had prevented any earlier meeting. We were however set to make good.
The ME Grand Superintendent was delighted to make the formal presentation of a Diamond Jubilee Certificate to E Comp Desmond, who is now in his 87th year, referring to his long Masonic career in Northampton and in Northampton Chapter in particular. He also reflected on the distinguished careers of Desmond’s younger Brother, E Comp Brian Jones who passed to the Grand Chapter Above some 4 years ago and his father, the late E Comp Clifford Jones - a leading light in Northampton Freemasonry for many a year.
By way of added recognition and as a total surprise to E Comp Desmond, the Grand Superintendent also took the opportunity to award E Comp Desmond his “Certificate of Meritorious Service” to further recognise an outstanding commitment to the Royal Arch in this Province and beyond and to Northampton Chapter No: 360 in particular for over 60½ years. E Comp Desmond responded beautifully with a tear in his eye and was delighted to respond further at the Festive Board by taking wine with all Companions present. It was a great occasion for Northampton Chapter and E Comp Desmond, accompanied by his Companions from Gloucestershire, returned to his home in Cirencester a very happy Companion, much loved by us all, and one held in the highest esteem here in Northampton.
Pictured Left to Right: E Comp Mark Constant, Provincial 3rd Grand Principal, E Comp Max Bayes, Provincial Grand Master,
E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent, E Comp Desmond Jones, E Comp Jim Boughton, Provincial 2nd Grand Principal
& E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent