de Verdun Preceptory No.613

Consecrated 11th December 1998

Meets at Freemasons' Hall, George Street, Lutterworth

on the 4th Monday in September, 2nd Tuesday in April

and 1st Monday in June.

 

History

The Deverdun Preceptory was founded in 1998 at the request of the then Provincial Prior Right Eminent Knight Edward W. Bramford. He felt that the south of the Province should be served by a Preceptory.

It was also his view that brother knights should not have to wait many years to pass through the Preceptor's chair.

Eminent Michael A. Robinson put together 23 founders, and the Preceptory was consecrated on the 11 th day of December 1998 by Right Eminent Knight Edward Bramford.

The first Preceptor was Michael A Robinson, the Constables were E. Knight Paul Bird, and T.Richard G.Heap, the first Chaplain was E. Kt.Norman Pettit, and the first Registrar was E. Knight Victor C. Clarke.

During the formation meetings of the Preceptory there was much deliberation as to the name to be given to the new Preceptory.

E. Kt. Norman Pettit, who was the first Chaplain, together with Michael Robinson, Victor Clarke, and Michael Hallam did considerable research, and suggested Deverdun should be considered as the de Verdun family had had a long history in connection with Lutterworth. Bertram de Verdun had accompanied Richard the Lion Heart to the Holy Land, and died in Joppa in 1192 A.D.

The de Verdun family had for many years been benefactors in the midlands area. Founding a hospital near Lutterworth on land known as “the Warren.” Also Roesia de Verdun founded the Priory of Grace Dieu for Augustinian Nuns c.1240.

The name Deverdun was chosen and the coat of Arms of the de Verdun family was incorporated in the Banner of the Preceptory.

Art work for the Banner was produced by Victor Clarke, and the Wife of E. Kt. John Gillanders, who was an embroiderist, arranged for the production of the Banner.

The Bible had been purchased by Michael Robinson from a second hand bookshop, and was in need of much restoration. This was arranged by E. Kt. David Newnham, and carried out by E. Kt. Geoffrey Warner to produce a sacred book worthy of use by the Preceptory during its ceremonies.

The Banner and the Bible were dedicated by the Provincial Prior Right Eminent Knight Edward W. Bramford on the 2 nd day of December 1999.

Many of the other founders of the Preceptory worked hard to produce furniture, such as the armour which was sourced from a fair where replica mediaeval armour was on sold. Other items were manufactured by founders such as the triangle on the Sepulchre

The Preceptory has over the years since its foundation introduced many Royal Arch Masons to our beautiful and colourful Order, and with the support of the Holy Royal Arch hopes see its membership grow in future years.

E.Kt. Michael A Robinson (Registrar Deverdun Preceptory 613)

Contact the Registrar