The second official visit by the Intendant General, R. Ill. Kt. Steven Groeger, was made to the Naval and Military Conclave in Old Portsmouth on 14th September.
The Conclave was opened by the acting MPS, V. Ill. Kt. Paul Adams, and then the Intendant General entered beneath the customary Arch of Steel. He then took the chair, confirmed the minutes and delivered the usual parish notices in his usual relaxed manner.
As there was no candidate that evening, the IG presented a lecture entitled ‘Was Constantine the Great a Good or a Bad Person?’ A definitive answer proved elusive, largely because the events occurred in the fourth century and long before social media.
On the positive side, Constantine promoted Christianity, helped reunite the Roman Empire, strengthened the army and commissioned significant building projects. On the negative side, he fought wars, disposed of individuals he disliked and murdered members of his own family.
For the final analysis, was Constantine the Great a good or bad person? It is a difficult question to answer but can be stated that he was a great emperor, a hugely influential historical figure and a complicated human being – but not a straightforwardly good person.
Following the lecture the Conclave presented the IG with a donation of £2000. A sum of £1000 was allocated to the Grand Sovereigns Charity ‘Care for Children’ and another £1000 to the Divisional Benevolent Fund.
The W. Kts. retired for a drink before the festive board which was welcomed by all in attendance.