Royal Arch News
On Wednesday 8 February 2017, the Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, took a night off from Royal Arch duties and accompanied by W Bro David Tempest, W Bro David Todd and W Bro Stephen Addy from his Mother Lodge, Lodge of Harmony, headed down to the land of his birth to support one of their own Past Masters, W Bro Craig Davies, reigning Worshipful Master of Glantawe Lodge in the Province of South Wales. W Bro Craig was Worshipful Master of Lodge of Harmony in 2012.
The opportunity to see W Bro Craig initiate his brother in law was not one that they would pass up; they were not disappointed either as they were treated to an exemplary ceremony with some fine ritual. Bro Cook was of course blissfully unaware that W Bro Craig would be conducting the ceremony and was absolutely delighted at a family connection for his very special evening.
The evening was concluded with a very enjoyable Festive Board where the legendary Welsh hospitality was extended to all as Bro Cook was welcomed into Freemasonry.
The party from Lodge of Harmony are pictured below (from left to right): W Bro David Tempest, W Bro Stephen Addy, W Bro Craig Davies, VW Bro Wayne Williams & W Bro David Todd
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Valentine’s Day, 36 very brave Royal Arch Freemasons decided to spend this special evening away from their partners and with their Companions instead.
A most adorable evening of Royal Arch masonry was there for all that attended on Tuesday 14 February 2017 at the convocation of Thistle & Rose Chapter, No 6644 which was marked by the official visit of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. It was a special evening for E Comp Steve Seward as he witnessed his son Bro James Seward exalted into the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch, completing his journey in Pure Antient Masonry and become Comp James Seward.
Also present on the evening were E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent and E Comp John Phillips, Past 3rd Provincial Grand Principal as well as other Excellent Companions of Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter.
The Chapter’s Principals, E Comp David Docherty, E Comp Chris Goode and E Comp Paul Seaton, led their team with some enchanting ritual. The signs were exquisitely presented by E Comp Alex Henderson. Comp David Nixon captivated those present with a solo presentation of the Symbolical Lecture. The Mystical Lecture was then delectably presented by E Comp Ken Marris, E Comp Gordon Brown and E Comp Mike Coleman. The Sojourners' work was enticingly delivered and delightfully shared between all three of them; Comp Willie Docherty, Comp John Fowler were assisted by E Comp Mike Abbott from Perseverance Chapter.
Finally, E Comp Wayne Williams presented Comp John Neal and Comp Stephen Skillen with their Grand Chapter certificates.
This was followed by a scrumptious Burns Supper and festive Board. Could there be a more perfect Valentines night?
We welcome Comp James Seward into the Royal Arch in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.
The team (left to right):- E Comp Chris Goode, Haggai, E Comp David Docherty, MEZ, E Comp Wayne Williams,
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Comp James Seward, E Comp Paul Seaton, Joshua & E Comp Steve
Seward, Provinical Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
- Written by: John Fergusson
Piscator Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Friday 10 February 2017 which was marked by the official visit of E Comp Mark Constant, the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp Jeff Chambers, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
E Comp Aaron Day was installed as MEZ, E Comp Roger Blason was installed as Haggai and E Comp Mike Howells was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent; The explanation of the robes, MEZ by E Comp David Smith, Haggai by E Comp Dr Christopher Clark and Joshua by E Comp Bob Skidmore were all presented in a very accomplished manner.
The 3rd Provincial Grand Principal presented Comp Bob Cadby with his Grand Chapter Certificate a very enjoyable and informative manner. The evening concluded with a very convivial Festive Board.
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The Installation team (left to right):- Back Row: E Comp Roger Blason, Haggai, E Comp Aaron Day, MEZ & E Comp Mike Howells, Joshua
Front Row: E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, E Comp Bob Skidmore, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer,
E Comp Dr Chris Clark, Provincial Grand Registrar, E Comp Mark Constant, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal &
E Comp Jeff Chambers, Provinical Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
- Written by: John Fergusson
Friday 3rd February was the first convocation of 2017 for the Chapter of St. Giles No. 8736, in which Bro John Russell was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch, completing his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. The Chapter was honoured to receive a visiting group of Companions from Montagu Chapter No. 466 of Stamford, which is an annual exchange visit between the two Chapters.
The Chapter’s Principals, E Comp Malcolm Atkins, E Comp David Docherty and E Comp John Webster, led their team for an excellent ceremony with some fine ritual. A special note must be made to E Comp David Jackson and E Comp Harry Twelvetree who stood in at short notice for the Principal Sojourner’s role so excellently. The signs were perfectly presented by E Comp David Jackson, followed by the Symbolical Lecture, presented in an exemplary style by Comp Coward and E Comp David Docherty. The Mystical Lecture was very well presented by E Comp Harry Twelvetree, E Comp Mick Wren and E Comp John Webster.
Comp Eben Viljoen gave his first Royal Arch Chapter ritual with some style and confidence, as he congratulated Comp John Russell on being exalted into Royal Arch Masonry.
The evening was rounded off by the busiest Companion of the night, E Comp David Jackson as he presented Comp Eben Viljoen with his Grand Chapter Certificate. This was followed by a fantastic Burns Supper festive Board. All in all a Right Royal Arch evening.
We welcome Comp Michael Matthews into the Royal Arch in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.
The team (left to right):- E Comp David Docherty, Haggai, E Comp Malcolm Atkins, MEZ,
Comp John Russell & E Comp John Webster, Joshua,
- Written by: John Fergusson