The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord

An important announcement dated December 7th 2009 from the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler with regard to the future development of The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.

Very Dear Brethren,

Following my publication earlier this year of my interpretation of the several sources of information relating to the future destiny of the Scarlet Cord, considerable progress has been made and issues which were still being discussed previously have now been resolved.

The date for the Inauguration of the New Sovereign Order has been settled and will be on the 21st July 2010 in the Grand Temple at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London. Please make sure you have this date in your diary and further information concerning booking will be issued as soon as it is to hand. I anticipate that a large number will wish to be present on that day and an early application for a ticket will be essential.

As the Scarlet Cord will be a separate Masonic Order in its own right, membership of the Benevolent Fund will no longer be mandatory. However, as I believe that all members of the Secret Monitor should become Stewards of the Benevolent Fund, I think it goes without saying that applications for membership, particularly of the higher grades, will be looked upon more favourably if the applicant is at least a Steward. The previous mandatory requirement ceases with immediate effect.

In the two Provinces of South Wales & Monmouthshire and West Wales, the respective Executives have decided to fully qualify their respective Provinces to be created "Provinces in the New Order" as this will give far greater opportunities for promotion and participation to all our members. This will require us to have three fully functioning Conclaves up and running before July 2010.

Progress on this is well underway in conformity with the following timetable:-

Scarlet Cord Conclave of North Glamorgan No. 544 (Saturday, 14th November 2009)
Scarlet Cord Conclave of South Glamorgan No. 545 (Saturday, 14th November 2009)
Scarlet Cord Conclave of Llanelli No. 547 (Thursday, 3rd December 2009)

Scarlet Cord Conclave of Aberystwyth No. (TBD) (Saturday, 9th January 2010)
Scarlet Cord Conclave of Pembroke No. (TBD) (Saturday, 23rd January 2010)
Scarlet Cord Conclave of West Glamorgan No. (TBD) (Saturday, 30th January 2010)

So, by February 2010, we will have the framework for the two Provinces but not enough members will be qualified enough to undertake the work. For this to happen, we will be arranging the following grades to be conferred in Merthyr Tydfil for the members of both Provinces as follows:-

1. First Grade - Saturday,13th February 2010
2. Second Grade - Saturday, 13th March 2010
3. Third Grade - Saturday, 17th April 2010

The Preparatory Grade, which all Companions will have to take before they can be installed as President of their Scarlet Cord Consistory after July next year, will be conferred on all qualified Companions at a special Consistory of the Order after the South Wales & Monmouthshire Provincial Meeting on Saturday, 1st May 2010. All Companions of the Order can watch this ceremony and I feel that it is essential that as many as possible from both Provinces attend this meeting.

Yours sincerely and fraternally,

R.Wy.Bro. Paul L. Botfield
Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler
December 7th 2009