Chapel of the Rose
The Noble Company of the Rose, a dependency of The Augustan Society, Inc., has dedicated itself to the construction and maintenance of a Chapel of the Rose under the oversight of the Superintendent of the Chapel.
Historically, the Chapel of the Rose has been located within Society Headquarters, though this is not required.
The Chapel of the Rose is to be a non-denominational facility, enabling the broadest possible utility. To date, this has included only Christian denominations, and that is likely to continue until and unless a Knight or Dame of the Noble Company requests otherwise. While previously unthinkable, the Society now recognizes at least one Islamic Order, thus the potential exists for some remarkable innovation at some point in the future.
Historically, the Chapel of the Rose has included shrines to various saints, particularly those for whom Recognized Orders of Chivalry have been named. These were generally funded by the members of each Order, and not by the Chapel or the Noble Company. Funds collected were used to support the costs of the Chapel.
As Headquarters has always been short on space, it has been customary to have non-religious events in the same room, and even to shelve parts of the Library collection there. It would not be surprising if this need continues.
When a Chapel of the Rose exists, the Superintendent of the Chapel is responsible for event scheduling, furnishings and decorations, management (but not funding) of various shrines, and fundraising to support maintenance and the Chapel's pro-rated share of Headquarters operating expenses (when located at Headquarters).
Said funding of the pro-rated expenses is an obligation of the Noble Company when a Chapel exist at Headquarters. Should the Noble Company fail in its financial obligations to the Society, the Assistant Treasurer may assess the Noble Company's various funds, and the Board may increase the Noble Company's dues and entry fee, reduce the size of the Chapel (where practical), or bar the Noble Company from using the Chapel. One would hope that the Rose Council would work hard to avoid such embarrassment.
At times when there is no Headquarters in which a Chapel of the Rose might be established. The Superintendent of the Chapel becomes a minor office (outside of his service on the Rose Council). It does not become inactive, however, as that officer is still responsible for determining the cost of furnishing the next Chapel, and in amassing the funds and artifacts needed to complete it.
