Royal Arch News
The Companions of the Royal Arch Province will already be aware that on Saturday 4th November the first of three planned PSA Testing sessions was held in Northampton under the auspices of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust. The ME Grand Superintendent has been pleased to promote this initiative in recognition of the wonderful support he has received throughout Province and the generous contributions made to the Royal Arch Provincial Charity over recent years.
No less than 125 Companions/ Brethren and their Guests were in attendance on the Saturday morning at Sheaf Close for our first Testing session with further initiatives planned for Peterborough and Kettering/Corby in the early part of 2018.
The ME Grand Superintendent was delighted with the response and the support shown at Northampton with participants from the Northampton, Daventry and Towcester areas and can confidently look forward to similar responses for any future Testing sessions to come. He expressed his grateful thanks to E Comp Mike Green, our Provincial Grand Charity Steward and E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, for their tireless efforts in bringing our proposals to a very successful conclusion at Northampton. E Comp Mike has worked with the initiative for the last 12/18 months and deserves our special thanks.
Companions in other parts of the Province will be advised in due course as and when future tests are planned in their locality. We all hope that some form of re-assurance and a degree of comfort will be given to all participants who take advantage of the testing initiative and will help to point us all in the right direction should any further advice or guidance be required.
- Written by: John Fergusson
It has been confirmed by W Bro Gerry Crawford, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, that the very first donation to the 2024 MCF Festival Relief Chest has been made by Piscator Chapter No: 7557 in the marvellous sum of close to £4,000.
Congratulations to the Principals and Companions for such a tremendous contribution which sets the standard for others who might wish to emulate and follow “as their circumstances in life may fairly warrant”. Good luck!
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Most Excellent The First Grand Principal, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, KG, has been pleased to award a number of Royal Arch Grand rank Appointments and Promotions to celebrate his fifty years as Head of the Royal Arch.
Two Companions in the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire are to be so Honoured.
First Appointment
E Comp David Arthur BROWN, Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra to the Rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer, (PGStB)
E Comp David was Exalted in to Abington Chapter 8041 on 28th March 1995. He was installed as MEZ in 2007 and has since served the Chapter as ADC and DC. He joined the Province’s Chapter of Installed 1st Principals in 2009 and has served as its ADC since 2012. E Comp David was appointed Active ProvAGDC in 2010, ProvAGSE in 2012, ProvGSoj in 2014 and ProvGSE in 2016.
Promotion
E Comp Roger Charles WOOD Past Third Provincial Grand Principal (2009 – 2011). From PGStB to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner (PAGSoj)
E Comp Roger was Exalted in to Kingsley Chapter 2431 on 19th February1988. He was installed as MEZ in 1997 and has served as DC, Almoner and Charity Steward. He joined the Province’s Chapter of Installed 1st Principals in 2004 and Peace and Harmony Chapter in 2013. E Comp Roger was appointed Active ProvAGDC in 2000, ProvDepGDC in 2001 and ProvGDC in 2004, an appointment he held for 5 years. He was appointed and Invested as Third Provincial Grand Principal in 2009. An office he held for three years. In recognition of his service in that office, he was appointed PGStB in 2007. E Comp Roger has continued to serve the Province, putting his considerable experience to good effect.
These appointments recognise the commitment and hard work of these two Companions. Both Companions will be Invested at Supreme Grand Chapter on Wednesday 8th November 2017.
- Written by: John Fergusson
All of the Companions that attended the Installation Convocation of Thistle and Rose Chapter No. 6644 at Corby Masonic Complex on 10th October 2017 witnessed an excellent Installation Convocation. The Chapter was honoured to receive E Comp Jim Boughton, Second Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent was also present.
E Comp Chris Goode was installed as First Principal, E Comp Paul Seaton as Second Principal and E Comp Andrew McWilliam as Third Principal. The Robes and Sceptres were presented by Acting Provincial Officers; E Comp P.G. Ayton - ProvGStB, E Comp W.B. Glover – ProvGStB and E Comp G.F.K. Rogers - ProvGSwdB, all of which were delivered to an excellent quality of ritual.
After the Principals had invested their Officers for the ensuing year, E Comp Ken Marris PAGDC invested the Immediate Past Z, E Comp David Docherty with his jewel in a very commendable manner. During the evening Comp Jim Masson was presented with his Supreme Grand Chapter Certificate by the Second Provincial Grand Principal.
The evening was finished off with a superb Festive Board which was enjoyed by all. Our congratulations to the three newly Installed Principals and Officers of the Chapter and we offer them our sincere best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable year ahead.
The newly Installed Principals (left to right), E Comp Paul Seaton, E Comp Chris Goode & E Comp Andrew McWilliam
flanking the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Jim Boughton
- Written by: John Fergusson