Palatine Allied Council No. 89 - Arise Sir David
On Thursday, 21st December 2023, a very unpleasant rainy, very windy evening, Allied Masonic Brethren made the drive to Wyrebank in Garstang, the West Lancashire home of Palatine Council No. 89, in conditions which were trying to say the least. A special mention must be made at this point concerning the Grand DC, Glyn Goddard, who, I understand, had driven via the M62 from his home in Hornsea on the east coast (around 300-mile round trip by my estimation) in the same terrible conditions, so that he could accompany the Grand Master on this very special occasion. Anyone who has used the M62, especially in winter months, will understand the challenge that Glyn faced. Equally, other Brethren had travelled long distances to be present. Well done to everybody for making the effort to attend this important event.
They came from far and wide to Celebrate with David
The reason that the Grand Master, together with the District Grand Prefect for West Lancashire and his Deputy, and around 40 Brethren, had made the effort to assemble at Palatine Council, was to honour VW Brother David Keith Rhodes PGReg, who has been a member of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees for 50 years, a truly outstanding service to this order.
The formal part of the evening commenced with the Lodge being opened by the WM, W. Bro. Eric Picton and his Officers, in due form. Salutations were given to the District Grand Prefect for West Lancashire, and then his Deputy. Without further ado, the Grand DC entered the Council, and demanded admission for the MW Grand Master, Thomas Firth Jackson, accompanied by the GJW, RW Brother Glyn Jackson Davies. Warm acclamation was rendered by the Brethren as the GM entered and was introduced to the WM and offered the gavel, which he received with pleasure but returned with thanks on this occasion. Salutations were given to the GM and then preliminary business conduct by the WM.
Very quickly, the WM announced that the next business was to celebrate Octogenarian VW Brother David Keith Rhodes 50 years in Allied Masonry. Chairs were placed in the centre of the lodge room, for the GM and David to be seated in full view of the Brethren, and very soon all present were enthralled as the GM outlined events both in David’s personal life, and in his lengthy Masonic career. David was a Jeweller by profession with a shop in Preston, a Freeman of the City of London (I don’t think that he has taken his sheep over Westminster Bridge yet?) and also a Freeman of Xian, a city in China. I kid you not, and he has a certificate and key to the city gates to prove it! The GM also referred to David as being an enthusiast and owner of two Rolls Royce, having written a short book and lectured on the subject. In the little spare time that he has, he is also a qualified pilot, having gained his private pilot’s licence in 1975.
Rhodes Coat of Arms
The GM circulated copies of the Rhodes Coat of Arms around the Lodge room, which had been designed by the Lancaster Herald for David, and granted by the Earl Marshall of England on behalf of the College of Arms. A unique twist to David’s Coat of Arms is the incorporation of a Compass at the top, to signify air and sea navigation, but I’m pretty sure that this was also meant to reflect his love of all things Masonic!
I referred earlier to his lengthy Masonic career, and this is very much an understatement. The number of Masonic related Orders, and multiple Lodges etc within those orders that he is a member of, covers multiple pages of his CV, and includes Masonic orders in many parts of the world. He explained that he keeps His Masonic CV meticulously up to date just in case he needs to provide information to join other Masonic Orders………watch this space!
During the discussion, David interjected on a number of occasions, to correct information being mentioned by the GM (much laughter ensued among the Brethren as David corrected the GM).
Presentation of Grand Council 50th Celebration Certificate
Mark Goldsworthy (DGSec); Paul Snape (DGP); Mark Barton (DDGP), David Rhodes (Celebrant);
Tom Jackson (GM); Glyn Jackson (GJW); Glyn Goddard (GDC)”
Presentation of District Grand Council 50th Celebration Certificate
This warm and happy dialogue continued for some time, and concluded with a very unexpected but delightful honour for David, when the Grand Master conferred a field promotion on him, elevating him from a VW PGReg to RW PGJW ….. arise Sir David.
David was absolutely shocked by this turn of events and warmly thanked the GM for the Preferment. 50th celebration certificates from Grand Council and District Grand Council were read by the District Grand Secretary, Marc Goldsworthy, and then presented to him. The celebration ceremony was thus concluded. David and the GM returned to their seats to great acclamation and congratulations from the Brethren. I’m sure that as I write this article, David will be adding his new accolade to his CV…….. just in case.
The remaining formal business on the summons was then concluded, and the Council was closed in due form. The Grand DC arranged a procession out of the Council, with David taking pride of place alongside the GM and the WM to great applause. This marked the end of a warm, uplifting and happy celebration of Allied Freemasonry in the Lodge Room at Wyrebank.
From Labour to Refreshment
The atmosphere at the Festive Board reflected that experienced in the Lodge Room. With plenty of chatter and exchanges which demonstrated the enjoyment and harmony of the evening. Wine takings were followed by formal toasts.
Glyn Jackson Proposes a Toast to David,
and Brethren Respond
RW Brother Glyn Davies had the honour of proposing the Toast to the Celebrant in a very eloquent manner, referring to some of David’s personal and Masonic experiences. Brethren responded by offering a bumper toast to David.
David’s Humorous Response Hits the Right Spot
David, now RW Brother David Keith Rhodes, responded in an amusing and reflective way, thanking the Brethren for their support and best wishes. A spontaneous standing ovation was given to David at this point, and congratulations to him rang around the dining hall.
All good things must come to an end, the formal proceedings being over, some Brethren retired to the bar, but the more feint hearted (including me) chose to face the storm, still persisting outside, and wend our way from whence we came. A happy, joyous occasion over, but for David a few more special memories to add to his already overflowing cup of Masonic experiences.
I hope everyone arrived home safely.
 
Words courtesy of the Garstang Courier
Photographs courtesy of Tony Farrar and the District Grand Diva