Royal Arch News
On 1 October 2015, E Comp Stan Wilford of Wellingborough Chapter celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his Exaltation into the Holy Royal Arch. Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent E Comp Wayne Williams attended to present E Comp Stan with his certificate and was assisted by E Comp David Brown PrAsstScrE who read the details of the Jubilee certificate to the assembled Companions
Pictured above from left to right: E Comp David Brown PrAsstScrE, E Comp Mark Constant 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp John Lambert, E Comp Jerry Higgins, E Comp Stan Wilford, E Comp Mike Ward and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Piscator Chapter’s inaugural Convocation in this Province took place on Friday 9 October at Northampton Masonic Centre. It proved to be a wonderful evening of celebration and Royal Arch companionship at its most memorable. The meeting was attended by an almost full complement of Acting Provincial Officers led, of course, by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Wayne Williams.
The three Principals, E Companions, Bob Green as Z, Aaron Day as H and his father Albert as J presided over the superb Exaltation of Companion John Byles in what can only be described as a textbook ceremony. Led by E Comp Trevor Sherman as DC, the Chapter Officers are to be congratulated on their outstanding quality of ritual. Comp. Roger Blason gave the performance of his life as Principal Sojourner, much to the delight of all present. Having migrated to Northampton from London, this Chapter, in the tradition of Piscator Lodge, already has its own style and identity. An early visit to this our newest Chapter is highly recommended, all can be assured of a very warm welcome!
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, is pictured above with (l to r): E Comp Mark Constant - 3rd Prov Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton - 2nd Prov Grand Principal and Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman along with the Principals of Piscator Chapter (l to r): E Comp Aaron Day, E Comp Bob Green & E Comp Albert Day.
- Written by: John Fergusson
A wonderful evening of Royal Arch masonry was experienced on 2 October 2015 at the Chapter of St Giles' Installation Meeting which marked the first official visit of Third Provincial Grand Principal E Comp Mark Constant.
E Comp. Jack Summerfield was installed as Z, E Comp Malcolm Atkins as H and E Comp David Docherty as J. The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was outstanding. Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp David Jackson, invested the Past Z Martin Baker with his jewel in a truly memorable and exemplary manner. The evening was very well supported by Acting Provincial Officers which included the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mike Coleman, and the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp George Clayton.
A very happy and most enjoyable Festive Board brought the evening to its conclusion and, finally, the caterers must be congratulated on the quality of the food which was simply delicious.
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Challenge Awaits – 2015 / 2016:
The new Masonic season 2015/2016 is underway and what a launch we had on Thursday 3rd September when the Bristol Demonstration Team guested at our First Principals’ Chapter in Northampton to demonstrate their ancient and original ceremony of the “Passing of the Veils”. In spite of attempts over the years by higher authority to modify and even delete the ritual, Bristol held firm and for some 250 years, their Exaltation ceremony including the “Passing of the Veils” has stood the test of time.
Before an audience of some 270 Companions (and dining 250+), we were privileged to witness a truly outstanding ceremony from which many of us made the requisite daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. We were indeed grateful to the three Principals and Companions of our First Principals’ Chapter for allowing us to take advantage of their September Convocation to hold such a unique and special occasion for Province.
And now we look forward to the first Convocation of Piscator Chapter in October, here in Northampton, after their recent relocation from London following in the successful footsteps of Piscator Lodge just a few short years ago.
Then Companions, the rest of the new season awaits which we can embrace with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Each of us must be seen as an ambassador for the Royal Arch, collectively raising the profile to even greater heights in order to attract worthy Master Masons and to encourage them to engage in that fourth and final stage of Pure Ancient Masonry by exaltation into the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch - a journey of enlightenment from “Initiation to Exaltation” and the very completion of Craft Masonry itself.
Social Media of one sort or another is helping enormously to communicate with our Companions and to convey our message to those Brethren who have still to make that final commitment. Remind them, Companions, that we were all initiated into Pure Antient Masonry as so clearly defined in the Book of Constitutions. As an integral part, their journey is so incomplete until they are able to share with us that unique companionship and friendship that they will only find in the Supreme Degree.
That’s our challenge; it’s our collective responsibility and Companions, I wish you all well in your endeavours. Share the journey with me; enjoy the new Masonic season ahead and I will catch up with you all again before too long.
E Comp Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: John Fergusson