From Thursday 17th July, the picturesque Bavarian City of Ingolstadt started to fill with visitors from England, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia and other parts of Germany.
Amongst the visitors were the Supreme Magus, the Senior Substitute Magus, the Junior Substitute Magus for Europe, the Chief Adept of the Netherlands, the Magus who leads in Europe, a full consecrating team and many others.
Why were they there? This weekend was the culmination of many years of hard work by R.W. Fra. Harry Wright and the Chief Adept of the Netherlands. There was an incredible 45 petitioners for the new College, which was a testament to all the good work that had taken place.
The Consecration of the Karl Von Eckartshausen College number 108 took place on Saturday 19th July.
The previous evening saw the Primus Celebrant, V.W. Fra. Alfred Dietel being promoted to Grade 8° and he thus became a R.W. Fra. following a beautifully Solemn Ceremony conducted by the M.W. Supreme Magus, assisted by the R.W. Junior Substitute Magus for Europe, the R.W. Secretary-General and the R.W. Deputy Director-General of Ceremonies.
The Consecration was conducted to a high standard led by the M.W. Supreme Magus, the R.W. Senior Substitute Magus, the R.W. Junior Substitute Magus for Europe and assisted by the Consecrating team on Saturday morning. R.W. Fra. Alfred Dietel was Installed as the Primus Celebrant, in a very moving ceremony by the Chief Adept of the Netherlands. Afterwards the Officers were appointed.
Following a short break the College welcomed 3 new Zelatores, in a ceremony, again conducted to a high standard. R.W. Fra. Alfred then gave an enlightening paper about Karl Von Eckartshausen.
Honorary membership was bestowed upon the Seniors and those who had worked to bring the College to fruition. In addition, the visitors were each presented with a copy of a book by Karl Von Eckartshausen.
The sumptuous festive board of 3 courses was very well received.
Outside of the Council of Magistrii, Consecration, Installation and College meeting there was ample opportunity to get to know our German Fratres better, to take in the local sites and to sample Bavarian food and drink.
The Consecrating team and visitors remain grateful for the hospitality and friendship shown them by the Fratres of Germany.
Many congratulations and welcome to the Fratres of our new College. We wish you every success and look forward to reading of your endeavours in future editions of the newsletter.
R.W. Fra. Paul Phillips IX°
Junior Substitute Magus
England & Wales
Pictures by: Paul Phillips