The Guild Assembly of Christian the  IV’s Guild on Thursday Februar 27th

When the benchors entered the cellar to conduct the 2025 Guild Assembly, they were met by a packed room. Many members took the opportunity to attend this evening to hear about the guild’s activities over the past year.

Following the customary welcome toast, "Our thirst first," the Chief Bencher warmly welcomed everyone to this important evening, the annual Guild Assembly. A structured agenda was in place, and to oversee proceedings, the Chief Bencher proposed the election of the former Colonel and Garrison Commander Flemming Larsen. This proposal was met with enthusiastic applause, and Flemming Larsen took over the leadership of the meeting.

The Chief Bencher, Niels Voss Hansen, then addressed the assembly, reporting on a busy year for the guild in 2024. A major highlight was the 400th anniversary of Jens Bang’s Stone House, which led to two special jubilee admissions of new members. The guild also played a role in the anniversary tours of the historic building and participated in the official reception celebrating the house’s milestone.

Over the past year, 250 paying new members were admitted. Additionally, a new initiative was launched—a Donation Club within the guild, which has already attracted twelve donors. These donations will help strengthen the guild’s social work.

The report was approved.

The guild’s treasurer then presented the financial report, which showed a healthy surplus, thanks to prudent management of the guild’s funds. This, too, was approved.

Under the agenda item for board elections, there was a change in the treasurer position. Torben Røgild had chosen to step down but wished to remain a bencher. As his replacement, Henrik Røgild Knudsen was proposed and elected, officially taking over as treasurer upon receiving the key to the guild’s treasury. All other board members were re-elected.

With the agenda completed, the Chief Bencher thanked Flemming Larsen for guiding the assembly through all agenda points with a steady hand.

Next came the presentation of scholarships and donations.

• The Guild’s Honorary Award was given to world champion runner Stine Rex for her remarkable achievements—not for her outstanding athletic performance but for raising several hundred thousand kroner, which she directed toward improving young people’s living conditions.
• The Guild’s Initiative Award was presented to Keld Gregersen, the founder and chairman of the association Gestus, which conducts significant social work.
• The Guild’s Aalborg Award was also scheduled for presentation, but the recipient was unfortunately unable to attend and will receive it at a later occasion.

As tradition dictates, donations were also awarded to students residing in the Churchill Room and Toldstrup Room at the May 4th College.

Following this, the traditional admission of new members took place. The history of the guild, the origins of its name, and the significance of the Guild Toast—which outlines the proper conduct within the guild community—were explained to the new members. Their knowledge of Aalborg was further expanded during a city tour, including a stop at the Town Hall, where the guild’s beautiful linden tree was presented. They were then led to the “secret passage,” where they successfully tested their newly issued C4 keys.

The group reconvened in the cellar, where they enjoyed the traditional Viking drink, mead, before taking their seats once more. The evening continued with communal singing, cheerful camaraderie, and the guild’s signature schnapps ritual. The guild’s two troubadours provided additional entertainment before the benchers eventually departed.

Later in the evening, as tradition holds, the benchers gathered with the donation recipients for a reception at the Town Hall.

Once again, it was a wonderful evening filled with great experiences in Christian the IV’s Guild.

 See photos here  

Photo private