Royal Arch News
On 26 April 2016, Comp Bob Hoffmann was exalted into The Holy Royal Arch by his son, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, First Principal of Dr Oliver Chapter. Amongst those present to witness an excellent ceremony was the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton who attended in a personal capacity.
Pictured below from left to right:- 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Tom Webster, Comp Bob Hoffmann, E Comp Paul Hoffmann, E Comp Malcolm Pegg
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Wednesday 6 April, Bro Colin Labrum became Comp Colin Labrum and completed his journey in Pure Antient Masonry at Piscator Chapter.
It was an excellent ceremony which was led by the Chapter’s Principals who were supported by E Comp Trevor Sherman and Comp Mike Howells as Principal and 1st Assistant Sojourners respectively and who delivered their work in an accomplished manner. The evening was finished off with a superb Festive Board to complete the evening and welcome Comp Labrum into the Royal Arch Masonry.
Comp Colin Labrum is pictured with the Chapter's Principals below (left to right): E Comp Aaron Day, E Comp Bob Green, E Comp Roger Blason and Comp Colin Labrum
- Written by: John Fergusson
On 5 April 2016, Whytewell Chapter in Wellingborough performed a rather unique Exaltation Ceremony on 5th April 2016. Bro Tony Norman, having been initiated into Freemasonry in 1973 finally completed his journey through Pure Antient Masonry on what proved to be a wonderful evening of companionship and celebration of this rather remarkable event.
The Three Principals, E Comp Arthur Ellis, E Comp Ron Ricker and E Comp Robin Porter led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce outstanding work. The Principal Sojourner, Comp Ian Richards together with 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp John Davies led Bro Norman through the ceremony in a most exemplary manner. The signs were then very ably presented by E Comp Robert Gibson. This was followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented with great style and flair, by E Comp John Barber E Comp Jim Boughton and E Comp Stuart Philips. It must be reported that E Comp Jim stepped in, literally at the last minute which resulted in a flawless presentation by all three participants.
A thoroughly entertaining and happy Festive Board followed which was enjoyed by all, and at which the Second Provincial Grand Principal, George Clayton, who was present in a official capacity, formally welcomed Whytewell Chapter’s latest Companion, now Comp Tony Norman, into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch. Could this perhaps be the longest journey yet, from Initiation to Exaltation?
Pictured above (l to r): 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp Ron Ricker, E Comp Arthur
Ellis, Comp Tony Norman, E Comp Robin Porter and Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
E Comp Steve Seward
- Written by: John Fergusson
On Thursday, 7 April, Companions of Benaventa Chapter 2380 installed their Three Principals for the ensuing year. E Comp Richard Hill was installed as MEZ, E Comp David Markham moved up to Haggai, and Comp Keith Hewitt was duly installed as Joshua.
The newly Installed Principals of Beneventa Chapter pictured with the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal. Left to Right:
2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, E Comp David Markham, E Comp Richard Hill, E Comp
Keith Hewitt, E Comp Tony Albrecht and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Jeff Chambers.
All present appreciated the excellent work by all the Principals, the IPZ, E Comp Tony Dicks, particularly being commended on the exemplary manner in which he installed his successor. E Comp Ray Lewis presented the First Principal's Robes and Sceptres in a most commendable way, followed by E Comp Dick Godwin who went on to present both Haggai and Joshua's Robes and Sceptres, with style and articulation.
The Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Tony Pointing, carried out his duties with his usual attention to detail, as well as formally presenting the IPZ Jewel in the most dignified and moving manner. The musical accompaniment was provided by ‘Organist’ E Comp Mike Shepherd, who superbly anticipated the mood of the ceremony with an excellent and appropriate choice of music.
Present in an official capacity was 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton accompanied by PrDepGDC, E Comp Jeff Chambers, together with a representation of officers from both Grand and Provincial Grand Lodges. The evening concluded with a wonderful Festive Board which included traditional, and very ‘light and healthy’ Steak and Kidney Pudding, much enjoyed and appreciated by all present on this very special, yet damp and cold evening.
Above (l to r): E Comp David Markham, E Comp RIchard Hill, E Comp Above (l to r): E Comp David Markham, E Comp RIchard Hill, E Comp
Stephen Hewitt & E Comp Tony DIcks Stephen Hewitt & E Comp Dick Godwin
- Written by: John Fergusson