BERKSHIRE ROSE CROIX

History of Bombay Chapter, No.18

Bombay Chapter's Senior Founder was James Gibbs. Its inaugural Meeting was at Cumballa Hill, Bombay on 18th December 1868, with its last regular meeting in Bombay on 26th November 1976. (108yrs)

Its first meeting at Sindlesham was on 28th January 1977, at whic time the MWS was David Gilbert. (29yrs).

David Gilbert was Chapter Representative in India until 1990, when he became Correspondent, having been Perfected in 1968.

Sadly the Chapter have also lost to the Grand Chapter above Ill Brothers Andrew Brown and Ron Currie both Perfected in 1982.

The membership as of May 2012 is 51. The most senior member is Ill Brother Harold Jenkins 31 who was Perfected in Bombay 1972.

Bombay Chapter has another claim to fame: E&P Brother K A Tweedie MBE Perfected in March 2012, date of birth 24-3-1916. In replying to his toast he said: 'this was one of the best days of his life'.

An anon donation of £350.00 in 1984, in memory of Ill Bro Fairbrass, led to the establishment of the Eddie Fairbrass Memorial Fund, (for members in need).

Ill Bro JL Riordan (Lindsay Riordan) was presented with a Past Sovereign's Jewel after 60 years of membership of the Chapter (1927-1987). He died the following year and his daughter returned the Jewel to the Chapter. It was decided that it would be worn by the Immediate Past Sovereign each year, as a perpetual reminder of this highly esteemed member.

In 1992-1993 Supreme Council appealed for funds to extend 10 & 11 Duke Street. Bombay Chapter achieved this target of £25 per member, and the Sovereign now wears this Rose on his collar at each meeting.

The Most Wise Sovereign wears the Jewel entrusted to the Chapter by Pelican Chapter in November 1906.

The silver warrant case was purchased in 1930.