Tuesday 9 February was the convocation of Thistle and Rose Chapter at which Bro Stephen Skillen was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, completed his journey from Initiation to Exaltation and became Comp Stephen Skillen. The Chapter was honoured to have E Comp Mark Constant, the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal in attendance accompanied by E Comp Tony Winn, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Also in attendance was the Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp Mike Coleman and Past Deputy Grand Superintendent E Comp David Jackson.
Companion Stephen Skillen (pictured below) was proposed by his brother Companion Richard Skillen (pictured right) and seconded by his father Companion Alex Skillen (pictured left). Thistle and Rose Chapter is no stranger to father and son members as they also can boast Companions Ron and Chris Goode and Companions Mel and Matt Garner.
The Three Principals, E Comp Graham Roger, E Comp David Docherty and E Comp Chris Goode led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce some superb work. The Principal Sojourner, Comp Andy McWilliam, and 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp Willie Docherty performed their work in the most exemplary manner. The signs were presented by E Comp Alex Henderson with great style, followed by the Symbolical Lecture presented solely by E Comp David Docherty whilst he walked the candidate Comp Stephen Skillen around the chapter followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented in an exemplary style by E Comp Ken Marris, E Comp Tom Strickland, and E Comp Keith Millington. Finally, Comp Matt Garner was presented his Grand Chapter Certificate by the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant.
The 3rd Provincial Grand Principal is pictured below with the Principals of the Chapter and the Exaltee:
Left to Right: E Comp Tony Winn, E Comp David Docherty, E Comp Mark Constant, Comp Stephen Skillen, E Comp Graham Roger & E Comp Chris Goode.
A thoroughly enjoyable Festive Board followed which was enjoyed by all, particularly, the Exaltee, his father and brother. It is good to see that Royal Arch Masonry is going strong within the Thistle and Rose Chapter and looks that it will continue to do so from generation to generation.