W Bro Alan Thompson installed as Master of the Court of Prince Edmund No 24
Friday 19th September 2014 at the Pallant Centre, 7 South Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1SY proved to be a most memorable night for the Court of Prince Edmund and all the Brethren present. W Bro Paul Rose having opened the Court then proceeded to install W Bro Alan Thompson as Master of the Court in a most delightful ceremony to the joy of all present.
After W Bro Alan had installed his Officers Bro Mark Gannaway, the Junior Warden, then gave a most interesting and informative lecture on Jean-Francois Champollion and the Rosetta Stone. Jean-François Champollion was born in 1790. He was a French scholar, philologist, orientalist and a decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs. He was the last of seven children (two of whom died before he was born). He was raised in humble circumstances and was taught to read by his brother Jacques. Jacques, although studious and largely self-educated, did not have Jean-François' genius for language; but he was talented at earning a living and supported Jean-François for most of his life. Jean-François lived with his brother in Grenoble for several years, and even as a child showed an extraordinary linguistic talent. By the age of 16 he had mastered a dozen languages and had read a paper before the Grenoble Academy concerning the Coptic language. By 20, he could also speak Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Amharic, Sanskrit, Avestan, Pahlavi, Syriac, Persian and Ge'ez in addition to his native French. His work at deciphering the Rosetta Stone will never be underestimated.
If you want to know more why not ask Bro Gannaway to attend your Court and give his Lecture?
Those Brethren of Sussex who were not able to be present missed a most enjoyable Masonic meeting. They also missed an enjoyable supper of Fish and Chips.
The Masonic Order of Athelstan
in England, Wales and its Provinces Overseas ~ Province of Sussex
Click here to enter