The Writ - The Ranks
In the brotherhood, we find only names referring to the church community, with the architrave at its top : Architrave, Chancellor, Cupbearer and Master of Hospitality
The lower officers take on architectural names :
1st grade, Stylobat : rectangular or round stone which serves as the base of the foot of the pillar.
2nd grade, Base: carved stone placed on the foot destined to support the pillar.
3rd grade, Shaft: more commonly called column or pillar; this element is the part that bears the weight of the structure.
4th grade, Flying Buttress : arch shaped structure which helps redistribute the weight of the vaults away from the structure.
How does one become a Chablis Pillar ?
You must be sponsored by a member (who, in turn, must have fully paid his membership fees), but not necessarily a Chablis winegrower. The inductee is invited to a Pillar’s banquet during a wine festival unless there is a special induction ceremony held during the year. It is necessary to have a Chablis “soul” since the membership ritual requires the future member to promise to promote Chablis. The inductee thus becomes a sort of missionary, sent forth to spread the good word of Chablis wines throughout the world.
« These chapter meetings are surprising with their joy and cordiality; no social barriers exist, everyone has fun together. The Burgundy Ovations become more and more frenzied and the cellar walls truly seem to vibrate.»
Excerpt from the book by Fernand WOUTAZ Le Grand Livre des Confréries des vins de France (Dominique Halévy, Paris, 1971)
