Royal Arch News
E Comp Alan Kersley was born on 30 March 1958 and called to the Grand Chapter Above on 21 March 2017 after a long fight against cancer. E Comp Alan was married to Mariad and they had three children Matt, Coll and Rhiannon as well as three grandchildren Lexi, Logan and Rae Eryn.
Alan was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment up until December 2016 and finally passed away on 21 March, he remained very positive, cheerful and active right up to that time. He attended St. Peter’s Chapter in February, where he was Director of Ceremonies, and informed the Companions that it would be his last meeting.
For those that did not attend the service at Peterborough Crematorium last on Thursday 6 April, E Comp Alan wrote his own eulogy which was read out by the celebrant who took the service. It was a very moving history of his life and his sense of humour was still in evidence. During the piece, he told how he at last had been promoted to the “Grand Lodge Above” but at least with this promotion he would not have to buy an apron!
He was exalted into St Peter’s Chapter in September 1993 and progressed through the respective offices before becoming First Principal in 2007. In due course, he received Provincial honours which saw E Comp Alan becoming Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2012/13. This was an appointment that he served with distinction.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Euston Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Tuesday 4 April 2017 which was marked by the official visit of E Comp George Clayton, the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies as well as a personal guest of the incoming First Principal, E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex.
E Comp Bernie Wells was installed as MEZ, E Comp Lloyd Walker was installed as Haggai and E Comp Ged Dempsey was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent. The 2nd Provincial Grand Principal was supported by four Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers; Dr Christopher Clark Provincial Grand Registrar, E Comp Mike Binstead Provincial Assistant Grand Scribe Ezra and E Comp Jeremy Crompton Provincial Grand Steward and David Bowdler Provincial Grand Steward together with several Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter.
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The newly Installed Principals (left to right), E Comp Lloyd Walker, E Comp Bernie Wells & E Comp Ged Dempsey flanked
by the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton & E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Assistant Grand
Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex,
Grand Chapter Officers & Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers
E Comp Robert Martin, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal of the Province of Sussex along with newly installed First Principal,
E Comp Bernie Wells & 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On this very special occasion, E Comp John Fergusson was duly installed as MEZ in a most exemplary manner by IPZ, E Comp Kevin Corcoran, thus marking a splendid conclusion to his very successful term a MEZ. E Comp Michael Pepper was then installed as H for the second time, and E Companion Barry Howard was installed as Joshua, again for the second time around.
The Official Visitor on the evening was the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp MIke Coleman, accompanied by E Comp A Winn, Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The newly installed MEZ then went on to Install and Invest his officers in a most exemplary manner. On replying to the Principals Toast he clearly set out his objectives for his year in office, which included three Exaltations of new members into this vibrant Chapter.
A very warm and convivial atmosphere pervaded the whole evening, both in the temple and at the excellent Festive Board, culminating in an extremely happy and memorable evening for all present, especially the new MEZ for the ensuing year.
The newly installed Principals with the Deputy Grand Superintendent (left to right):- Back Row: E Comp Tony Winn, Provincial
Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Haggai, E Comp Mike Pepper, MEZ, E Comp John Fergusson, Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp
Mike Coleman & Joshua, E Comp Barry Howard
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Monday 27 March, another rather special event occurred in the calendar of Northants and Hunts Provincial Grand Chapter. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by his Executive and almost the entire Provincial Team, together with many Grand Chapter Officers descended upon Huntingdon Masonic Centre for the second Team Visit of the season which was hosted by Socrates Chapter No. 373. The evening was particularly special for two people in particular.
Firstly, Brother Jeremy Curd completed his fourth and final stage of Pure Antient Masonry on being Exalted into this very special Chapter. Companion Jeremy was personally welcomed into our Supreme order by the MEGS and, together will all present, wished our newly Exalted Companion a very happy and fulfilling career as our newest member.
Secondly, E Comp Norman Coe, Exalted in West Kent Province in 1966 who was presented with a Certificate to commemorate his 50 years of meritorious service in the Royal Arch. Then and much to the surprise of the recipient, and the absolute delight of all present, the MEGS announced his decision to promote E Comp Norman, with immediate effect to the rank of Past Pr. Grand Registrar. E Comp Norman will be presented with his new regalia at the forthcoming Provincial Grand Chapter on 22nd June.
Such was the turnout; the temple at this wonderful new venue was filled almost to capacity. The Socrates Chapter team were congratulated on producing much fine work in the temple and particularly thanked for their warm welcome and very kind hospitality
The Principals of Socrates Chapter are pictured below with the E Comp Norman Coe along with the Most Excellent
Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams and his Executive team.
- Written by: John Fergusson