Women Freemansons (1939)

Remarkable film showing women freemasons at the Masonic Temple in London congratulating Mrs Seton Challen on her enthronement as Grand Master at a reception in Mayfair. Her ceremonial robes are an exact replica of those worn by the Duke of Connault. Women shake hands with the Grand Master and present her with large floral arrangements. The women wear elaborate freemason’s costumes - aprons and sashes - over evening gowns. A narrator lists all the titles held by Mrs Seton Challen - including “the most excellent supreme grand zed (?) of the Holy Royal Arch“ and “the most worshipful the Grand Master of the honourable fraternity of ancient freemasons.“ As women freemasons parade down a large staircase it is just possible to hear their conversations - some look up at the camera. More floral tributes are given to the Grand Master. Note: sound is rather poor with sections missing. This film does not appear to have featured in a Pathe newsreel so is probably a film commissioned by Mrs Seton Challon or