Royal Arch News
Provincial Grand Chapter 2016 Convocation
The annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on Thursday 23 June 2016 was, yet again, another special occasion. It was, as has become the norm, very well attended and the occasion was graced by the attendance of the ME 2nd Grand Principal, E Comp Russell Race, making his first visit to the Province since his installation in November 2015. There were a further 70 guests from other Provinces including no less than 13 Grand Superintendents.
After the appointments and promotions had been made, the ME 2nd Grand Principal was invited to address the Convocation. During his address, he was particularly keen to stress the importance of membership numbers and that we all need to do our bit to ensure that we look after and retain Companions in our Chapters. He also noted that this Province enjoys a strong, healthy relationship with the Craft and how valuable such a relationship is for the Holy Royal Arch. During the course of his own address, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent thanked all of those Active Provincial Officers who had supported him over the course of this season. He took time express his thanks to E Comp Barry Hadley for his superb contribution in the Provincial office over the last 10 years and wished him well as Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. E Comp Tony Greene stood down as Provincial Grand Treasurer after 11 years and his dedication to ensuring the Province’s finances were well run was acknowledged too. E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, and his team were congratulated for the excellent way in which they ensured the Convocation ran smoothly.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent advised the Companions present that he had presented his Certificate of Meritorious Service to E Comp Stan Wilford earlier in the week with his Executive team. He spoke very warmly about E Comp Stan and said that this well deserved award reflected an above and beyond contribution over a significant number of years.
During the course of the Festive Board, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent made a special presentation of an engraved Crystal Decanter to the ME 2nd Grand Principal to mark his first visit to the Province.
Below: ME 2nd Grand Principal, E Comp Russell Race, replying to his toast and pictured with our Provincial Executive.
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s Certificate of Meritorious Service Award
Presentation to Excellent Companion Stan Wilford – PGStB
On Monday 20 June 2016, on the final run-up to the annual convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter, the MEGS, E Comp Wayne Williams, together with his Executive, was delighted to travel to Wellingborough, in order to present this very special award to E Comp Stan at his home in Wellingborough.
It would be extremely difficult to find a more deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. E Comp Stan’s glittering masonic career began some 65 years ago on being initiated into the John Pyel Lodge No. 5195 in 1952. He then went on to be Exalted into the Wellingborough Chapter No. 737 in 1965. Having been the recipient of a Royal Arch Jubilee Certificate in September 2015, marking his 50 years of exemplary service to the Holy Royal Arch, this award reflects his commitment, dedication, and unfailing encouragement he has always shown to younger and less experienced Companions.
He is admired, respected, and held in such high regard by his peers and indeed by all those who enjoy the privilege of knowing him. On presenting the award, the citation was formally read out by the PrGScE Designate, E Comp David Brown, in a most commendable manner. Thanks to his wife Jessie, this presentation came as a complete surprise to E Comp Stan who clearly enjoyed his very special morning. E Comp Stan, for health reasons, will unfortunately be unable to attend Provincial Grand Chapter, but there is little doubt that he will, on Thursday, be quietly raising a glass of something rather special, in celebration of his richly deserved preferment and, of course, to the very good health of his many friends and Companions.
Pictured below our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams presents E Comp Stan with his certificate and his wife, Jessie,
with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Tony Norman’s Incredible 43 year Journey from Initiation to Exaltation.
In 1973, Tony Norman of Podington was Initiated into Risdene Lodge. Two years later, an agenda item at his Lodge was to present him with his Grand Lodge Certificate. For reasons unknown, this presentation was deferred to a later date, much later in fact, for he finally received his GL Certificate thirty one years later in 2006.
E Comp Tony has enjoyed a truly ‘chequered’ existence throughout his daily life, battling several health problems over the years, which included a heart attack at the age of thirty three. He is currently suffering severe sight problems and was registered blind four years ago. Contrastingly, he has enjoyed a glittering career in business at the highest levels, culminating in the position of Executive Chairman of the Marriot Construction Group. Throughout his 43 years in Freemasonry, Tony has found it to be a ‘sanctuary’ from the pressures of his work, a bolthole from business, somewhere to truly relax, unwind with his peers and enjoy our fraternity.
Following retirement, and on strong recommendations from his friends, he finally took the decision to complete his masonic journey, that fourth and final stage of Pure Antient Masonry, in the firm belief that ‘It’s never too late’. He was duly Exalted into Whytewell Chapter 8400 on 5th April 2016, thus ending a quest, 43 years in the making, to fully enjoy the wonderful Companionship that is The Holy Royal Arch.
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 9 May 2016, Bro Iain Griffin became Comp Iain Griffin on being exalted into the Holy Royal Arch and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. Amongst those present to witness an excellent ceremony was the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
The 2nd Provincial Grand Principal congratulated the Chapter's Principals, led by MEZ E Comp David Sutton, on a first class ceremony,. Particular mention must be made of the outstanding work also carried out by the Principal and 1st Assistant Sojourners, Comps Peter Baker and Lyn Howells respectively. Other outstanding contributions were made by E Comp Ray Taylor who gave a stunning presentation of the Signs and E Comps Robert Pues and Cedric Cadman who presented the Mystical Lecture in an most exemplary manner.
The ceremony was followed by a fine festive board to welcome Comp Iain into the Holy Royal Arch.
Pictured below from left to right:- 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, Comp Iain Griffin, E Comp John Wilkes, E Comp David Sutton, E Comp Maurice Eggleston & E Comp Robert Pues.
- Written by: John Fergusson