Royal Arch News
On Tuesday 13 December, the Convocation of Gildenburg Chapter in Peterborough proved to be a very busy evening with an Exaltation, a presentation of a Supreme Grand Chapter certificate and last, but by no means least, the presentation of a 50 Year Jubilee Certificate. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, was the official visitor for this Convocation.
The three Principals of the Chapter; E Comp David Burton, E Comp Marcus Murphy and E Comp Richard Olson, led the Exaltation of Comp Robert Hodson in a fine manner and enabled him to complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. At this point, our Most Excellent Grand Superindent presented Comp Mark Benwell with his Supreme Grand Chapter Certficate and explained it to him. Finally, to the delight of all those present our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, then presented a 50 year Jubilee Certificate to Comp Colin St John-Browne who has enjoyed the companionship of the Holy Royal Arch for half a century, but, not progressed through the Principals' Chairs. He was absolutely delighted to receive this certificate.
The evening was completed with a very enjoyable Festive Board which captured the wonderful atmosphere of the evening.
Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, presents the 50 year Jubilee Certifcate to Comp Colin St John-Browne
flanked by the Chapter's three Principals; Haggai, E Comp Marcus Murphy, MEZ, E Comp David Burton, & Joshua, E Comp Richard Olson
Above left: Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams with the newly exalted Comp Robert Hodson.
Above right: Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams & Comp Mark Benwell flanked by the Chapter's three
Principals; Haggai, E Comp Marcus Murphy, MEZ, E Comp David Burton, & Joshua, E Comp Richard Olson
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 9 December 2016, our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, visited Piscator Chapter for their December Convocation. He was accompanied by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and supported by E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand Registrar and Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, E Comp Martin Dimmock.
It was a very memorable evening for two sets of fathers and sons; E Comp Aaron Day and E Comp Michael Long both witnessed their sons, Comp Daniel and Comp James respectively, being exalted into the Holy Royal Arch and complete their journeys in Pure Antient Masonry. The Exaltation ceremony was delivered with ritual of the highest standard with the Chapter's three Principals leading the way and they were very well supported by Comp Mike Howells as Principal Sojourner and delivered the Historical Lecture in a superb manner.
The ceremony was followed by a fine festive board to welcome Comps Daniel and James into the Holy Royal Arch and Piscator Chapter and we wish them both a long and happy future as members of this fine Chapter.
Pictured above right from left to right:- E Comp David Smith, Provincial Grand Treasurer, E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand
Registrar, Comp Daniel Day, Haggai, E Comp Aaron Day, Haggai, MEZ, E Comp Bob Green, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent,
E Comp Wayne Williams, Joshua, E Comp Roger Blason, Comp James Long, E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of
Ceremonies & E Comp Martin Dimmock, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer
- Written by: John Fergusson
Companions All,
Certainly time flies and another year has passed and here we are again, rapidly approaching our Seasonal celebrations with the challenges of a New Year quickly to follow.
Always endeavouring to keep up with ever-advancing technology with Social Media, Websites, Facebook and my good old friend, the Intertwit, at least it gives me an opportunity of directly conveying to you all the very best of Seasonal Greetings, not only on behalf of myself but also on behalf of my colleagues on the Royal Arch Provincial Executive.
We should never lose sight of the true meaning and real purpose of Christmas and all it stands for - a period of joy and celebration as we reflect on events of some 2000 years ago in a far off land. Particularly at this time, we should enjoy and share the love of family and friends but then in quieter moments, perhaps take time out for calm reflection on events of recent past and events we can anticipate in the months ahead. And with batteries recharged, we may then be better prepared to approach the New Year with renewed vigour, enthusiasm and confidence.
Let me therefore thank you all for the wonderful support you have given to me, to my colleagues and to the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch over the last 12 months in particular. Can I, in return, wish you, your nearest and dearest and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas coupled with a healthy and prosperous New Year to follow. Thank you for sharing your companionship; thank you for your friendship and I’ll look forward to catching up again with you all in 2017.
A very Happy Christmas to you all.
E Comp Wayne Edward Williams
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday 2 December, a party of five Royal Arch Masons, namely: the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, the Provincial Grand Master, E Comp Max Bayes PAGSoj, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, PGStB, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant, and E Comp Mike Green, PGStB, visited the Chapter of Charity, Bristol to experience an Exaltation ceremony, Bristol style! 
The Bristol Masonic Hall itself is a most impressive building, commanding a most imposing position in the old town. On arrival, the Northampton visitors were warmly welcomed by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of Bristol, E Comp Alan Vaughan and his Deputy, E Comp Christopher Williams. Following refreshments after the considerable journey, the party enjoyed an extensive tour of the building which was most impressive. Dating back over two hundred years, the building was almost totally destroyed by enemy bombing in 1940 when, a ‘’few burned out relics were recovered’’. Restoration of this very beautiful and unique building was finally completed in 1957.
The Chapter of Charity No. 187 (formerly No 9 prior to renumbering in the far and distant past) was consecrated in 1769 and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, continuously working Chapters in existence. The current Bristol Royal Arch workings contain passages very reminiscent of surviving 18th century manuscript rituals, and every Exaltation ceremony includes a ceremony of ‘The Passing of the Veils’. Hence, the Bristol Royal Arch workings are not only very old but therefore unique and substantially different from all other English Chapter Workings.
The visiting companions from Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire were privileged to witness a truly outstanding Exaltation Ceremony, perfectly executed by the MEZ, E Comp Terence Cole and his team.
An unexpected item was the presentation (pictured below) of a certificate to Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, by his very good friend and fellow Grand Superintendent, E Comp Alan Vaughan, to mark his presence on this very special occasion. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, was delighted to respond to a very generous Visitors’ Toast, thanking all present, particularly the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Alan Vaughan, and his Deputy for their welcome, their companionship and splendid hospitality throughout the day. The obvious special relationship that exists between the two Provinces is most apparent and long may it continue.
Above left to right:- Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, Provincial Grand Master, E Comp Max Bayes,
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent (Bristol), E Comp Alan Vaughan & Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Mark Constant
- Written by: John Fergusson