Graystone Chapter’s Special Dedication

Graystone Chapter No.1915 was consecrated in 1929. A black and white chequered mosaic chapter floor cloth, made from canvas with a linoleum cover, was purchased by the Chapter as part of the furnishing. The artwork is of a very high standard and it is believed that at the time this artefact was purchased it was not new, but may have dated from the turn of the last century. Having been continually rolled and unrolled onto a tube four times a year, it was beginning to show signs of severe wear.
The Chapter decided to replace the artefact, before it became irreparable, so that it could be preserved for the future. A new floor cloth, made from a woollen material, was purchased. The original was then presented to the Kent Library and Museum of Freemasonry at Canterbury. It is hoped that in the near future the necessary preservation work will be undertaken and the restored original then put on permanent display, in an open form, for future generations visiting the Museum to appreciate.

On Tuesday 25th January 2011, the Third Provincial Principal, EComp D M Kershaw PGStB, escorted by EComp P K King, a Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, and accompanied by EComp C L Saville, the Provincial Grand Scribe E and other Active Officers of the Province, attended the regular convocation of the Chapter, to dedicate the new floor cloth.

EComp P R Burton JP, IPZ, PPrDGReg, explained the purpose and significance of the Oration and dedication which followed.

EComp Kershaw paid tribute to the magnanimity of the Chapter in donating the original floor cloth to the Library and Museum, so as to ensure that it was preserved for the benefit all, and at the same time ensuring that the burden of replacement was not left to future generations. He was in no doubt that Chapter founders would have approved of what had had been done and that the Chapter had good cause to be proud of itself.

In his oration, EComp Kershaw gave an explanation of the purpose and the form of Masonic floor coverings in our Lodges and Chapters, reviewed their history and symbolism and, having pointed out some of the discrepancies and idiosyncrasies in their history, he then explained how such could best be reconciled.

The assembled Companions then rose and the new floor cloth was dedicated, with solemn prayer, for its future use by the Chapter.

In conclusion and to mark this very special occasion, a cheque for £250.00, as a contribution to the 2014 Festival, was presented to EComp Kershaw by EComp R A Price, the Chapter’s Charity Steward

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