Royal Arch News
We have now circulated to all Chapters details of the recent announcement of Appointments and Promotions to Supreme Grand Chapter Rank for 2017.
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 Mark R Constant of Euston Chapter who was first promoted as our Third Provincial Grand Principal in June 2015 and will be re-appointed again at our Annual Convocation in June of this year. E Comp Mark is well known and respected throughout the Province – a worthy addition to the Provincial Team and has been of great support, contributing a great deal to the success of this Royal Arch Province throughout.
We are indeed grateful to him; he is well worthy of this further recognition.
E Comp John A Payne of Cytringan Chapter who has been our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies since June 2015. Prior to that, he served Province as both Deputy GDC and Assistant GDC and as such, he is well known throughout the Province therefore. A popular Companion with all Royal Arch members with a fine sense of humour, yet a strict disciplinarian when it comes to the protocols and accuracy of our ceremonial work.
His recognition at Supreme Grand Chapter rank is richly deserved.
We can also formally recognise the Promotion of E Comp Dr Bob Beeton of Chicheley Chapter to the Supreme Grand Chapter Rank of PGStB. He was first appointed as a Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in April 2006 and whilst not enjoying the best of health in more recent times, he has served the Royal Arch Province magnificently over the last 10/11 years and for that, we have been extremely grateful.
E Comp Bob also carries the Craft Grand Rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon – promoted in 2012 from PAGDC which he had held since 1994.
******
To all three, I extend my personal congratulations and very best wishes from us all throughout the Royal Arch Province.
E Comp Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson
E Comp Rick Hill, MEZ of Beneventa Chapter, presented a cheque for £1000 to Macmillan Nurses on behalf of the Chapter's Companions. Having originally being diagnosed with prostate cancer at the end of 2016, a further biopsy highlighted a more aggressive cancer in the prostate requiring surgery. The support that E Comp Rick is receiving from Macmillan is greatly appreciated, but, more invaluable is the support given to his family.
Prostate cancer is something that can easily be detected but if unchecked is estimated to be the single biggest cause of death by cancer amongst men. E Comp Rick wanted to raise awareness of this and to motivate others to “just take the test”, it’s five minutes that could save your life.
E Comp Dick Godwin, Ellen Finn, E Comp Rick Hill and two Macmillan nurses (Judith & Pam)
- Written by: John Fergusson
Friday 27 February was the Convocation of Perseverance Chapter at which W Bro Alan Bounds was exalted into the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch, completing his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. The Chapter was honoured to have the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton, as their official vistor and he was escorted by E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The Chapter’s Principals, E Comp Brian Willis, E Comp Bal Lotay and E Comp Sandy Cruickshank, led their team for an excellent ceremony with some fine ritual. This was followed by a fantastic Festive Board.
We welcome Comp Alan Bounds into the Royal Arch in the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire.
Back Row: E Comp David Bowder, Provincial Grand Steward, E Comp Martin Dimmock, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer,
E Comp Dr Christopher Clark, Provincial Grand Registrar, E Comp Mike Coleman, Deputy Grand Superintendent, Comp John Wooding
Provincial Grand Janitor & E Comp Tony Albrecht
Front Row: E Comp Brian Thompson, Certificate of Merit, E Comp Ken Marris, PAGDC, E Comp Bal Lotay, Haggai, E Comp
Brian Willis, MEZ, Comp Alan Bounds, E Comp Sandy Cruickshank, Joshua, E Comp George Clayton, Provincial 2nd Grand
Principal & E Comp Steve Seward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
- Written by: John Fergusson
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