Provincial News
- Written by: Neil Langford
Members of St. Crispin Lodge No. 5627 were recently pleased to welcome two of their members' sons into their number.
On Friday the 12th January 2018, the Worshipful Master, WBro Tom Reed, Initiated his son, Adam, into Freemasonry.
WBro Tom Reed pictured with his newly initiated son. Bro Adam Reed
At the next meeting, which was held on the Friday 9th February 2018, Bro Johnathon Thompson was also initiated into the Lodge. Johnathon is the son of WBro Brian Thompson, Kettering Group Officer and holder of the Provincial Grand Master's Certificate of Merit (CoM).
Bro Johnathon Thompson (4th from left, front row) and W.Bro. Brian Thompson (5th from left, front row) pictured with other members of St. Crispin Lodge and visitors
We congratulate both Adam and Johnathon on their respective initiations and wish them many happy years in the Craft.
- Written by: Simon Perry
At the March meeting of St Ivo Lodge, held in the ancient town of Slepe in the old county of Huntingdonshire, Bro Tom Mantle was initiated into Freemasonry.
Tom's father, Bro Stephen Mantle, acted as Junior Deacon; Tom's grandfather, WBro Brian Higgins, worked the Obligation.
From left, Bro Stephen Mantle, WBro Douglas Jackson WM, Bro Tom Mantle, WBro Brian Higgins
All 80-brethren who attended the meeting had a most enjoyable time welcoming Tom into Freemasonry in such a wonderful setting.
We congratulate Bro Tom on joining our fraternity and wish him many happy years at St Ives. We also hope he has many enjoyable evenings visiting other lodges, near and far.
- Written by: John Fergusson
We have now circulated to all Chapters details of the recent announcement of Appointments and Promotions to Supreme Grand Chapter Rank for 2018.
Many Companions will have already been notified or advised within the last day or two but may I on behalf of the Royal Arch Province extend formal congratulations on First Appointment to Past Grand Standard Bearer on behalf of us all to:
E Comp Derek Pearson of Euston Chapter who was first appointed as our Provincial Grand Almoner in June 2014 and will be reappointed again at our Annual Convocation in June. E Comp Derek has put a tremendous effort into this very important appointment to ensure that our Chapters and their membership thrive. In June 2016 he received further recognition with a promotion to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
E Comp David Smith of Northampton Chapter who has been our Provincial Grand Treasurer since June 2017 and, like E Comp Derek, will be reappointed at our Annual Convocation in June. Prior to that, he served as Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2012 with some considerable distinction. He is now working very hard to ensure that the Province’s finances are kept in good order.
E Comp Dr. Kevin Williams of Chapter of Installed First Principals No 3422 to Past Grand Standard Bearer. E Comp Kevin is known to many as a Group Officer for Kettering in the Craft and holds Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is very active in the Royal Arch in London and holds Senior London Grand Chapter Rank.
To all three, I extend my personal congratulations and very best wishes from us all throughout the Royal Arch Province.
E Comp James Boughton
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson
At the Provincial Grand Charity AGM on Saturday 10th March 2018, I announced the details of the Appointments and Promotions to Grand Rank for 2018 and, on behalf of the Province, I extend our sincere congratulations on First Appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies to :
WBro Dale Robert Gilbert – Risdene Lodge No. 6532
WBro Dale is a well known and popular figure around our Province as he has been our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies since May 2015, having previously served as the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He is very committed to maintaining the high ceremonial and ritual standards within this Province so this preferment is richly deserved.
WBro William Murray Caswell – Lodge of Perseverance No. 455
WBro William is a very busy Freemason and is well known to many because he is the Provincial Grand Orator and has been since 2015, an appointment which he serves with some considerable distinction. He has made tremendous efforts to explain our ceremonies and ritual to members old and new.
Our congratulations are also extended to the following Brethren for their respective Reappointment and Appointments.
VWBro James Henry Newman, OBE – Old Wellingburian Lodge No. 5570 has been reappointed as Deputy President of the Masonic Charitable Foundation which continues to be a source of great pride to this Province, particularly, as the 2024 Festival has been formally launched and we are raising funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.