Royal Arch News
A record number attended the 2015 Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on Thursday 25 June. This included representatives from no less than 21 Provinces.
The principal guest was the Second Grand Principal, ME Comp George Pipon Francis. He was making his last visit to a Provincial Convocation in that capacity as he is to stand down in November after ten years in office.
During the ceremony E Comp David Jackson stood down as Deputy Grand Superintendent and was replaced by E Comp Mike Coleman - being promoted from 2nd Provincial Grand Principal.
E Comp George Clayton was promoted from 3rd Provincial Grand Principal to 2nd Provincial Grand Principal.
E Comp Mark Constant was appointed as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal.
Following the appointment of E Comp Trevor Boswell as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, his place as the Holy Royal Arch’s Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies was taken by E Comp John Payne.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, presented his Certificate of Meritorious Service to E Comp Brian Thompson who he warmly congratulated on a well deserved award.
At the following Festive Board, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent made a special presentation to the Second Grand Principal to mark his fourth visit to the Province during the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent’s tenure of office.
The presentation was in the form of a refill for the previously presented cut glass decanter and a Saints rugby shirt bearing the number two and the name Francis. The Second Grand Principal gratefully received these gifts and was quick to don his new rugby jersey, to the delight of all present - with the possible exception of the Province of Leicestershire representatives.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on 25th June 2015, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Wayne Williams awarded Excellent Companion Brian Thompson with his Certificate of Merit to much acclaim from the Companions.
This well deserved award made for a rare `double` because in 2007, Worshipful Brother Brian had also been awarded the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master`s Certificate of Merit for services in the Craft.
Worshipful Brother Brian Thompson is a Kettering Group Officer, a Past Master of St Crispin Lodge 5627, & both a founder & Past Master of Trinity Lodge 9165. He is also a Past First Principal of St Crispin Chapter 5627 & a member of Cytringan Chapter 4048, together with many other orders.
A member of both the Northants & Hunts Lodge of Installed Masters L3422 & Chapter of First Principals C3422, he holds the ranks of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden & Past Provincial Grand Scribe N.
Commenting, W Bro Brian said, ` I am very honoured to have been recognised in this way. I am most grateful because throughout my Masonic career over 36 years, I have made such wonderful friendships & have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of both Craft & Royal Arch Freemasonry, & indeed other orders".
- Written by: Rob Taylor
Thursday 23 April saw the Acting Provincial Officers, Principals & Scribe Es dinner in Corby. This dinner was extremely well supported by the Principals and Scribe E’s of the Province together with an almost full complement of the Provincial Team.
Our ME Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, gave a very comprehensive address on the state of the Holy Royal Arch in Northants & Hunts, particularly thanking E Comp David Jackson for his exceptional contribution to the Holy Royal Arch over his 14 years as a Provincial Officer, nine of which being as Deputy Grand Superintendent. All were pleased to note, from the MEGS, that E Comp David will continue his active involvement in our Provincial Grand Chapter, albeit in a different capacity.
The Grand Superintendent went on to expand on the forthcoming ‘Ceremony of the Passing of the Veils’ by the Province of Bristol team. This will take place on 3rd September at the Chapter of First Principals in Northampton. Demand is expected to be high for this event and early application for tickets is advised.
- Written by: Super User
As the 2014/15 Masonic season comes towards a close and the Holy Royal Arch Chapters hold their last meetings, Excellent Companion David Jackson enjoyed a most convivial evening of companionship at Ailwyn Chapter which was his last official visit as Deputy Grand Superintendent. E Comp David, has served on this Province’s Executive since 2002 which is over 13 years dedicated service, the last 9 years have been in the capacity of Deputy Grand Superintendent. It should be noted that he has served under 2 Grand Superintendents.
During this period, E Comp David has enjoyed many official visits across the province and has represented Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire across the country at numerous Provincial Grand Chapter meetings. His last visit at Ailwyn on Monday night was an excellent occasion and enjoyed by all those in attendance. The Three Principals wished E Comp David well in his retirement and thanked him for his services to the Holy Royal Arch, which met with unanimous agreement from all the Companions present.
- Written by: Super User