Royal Arch News
On 14 April 2015, Thistle & Rose Chapter in Corby, welcomed their newest Companion, Comp Matt Garner, which was a most enjoyable occasion for all. Comp Matt was delighted to complete his journey in Pure Antient Masonry. Comp Matt's father Comp Mel Garner was exalted into the Holy Royal Arch, in the same Chapter at their previous meeting.
The photo below shows E Comp D.G. Rodger, Comp M. Garner, E Comp D. Hopkins, and E Comp D. Docherty
- Written by: John Fergusson
Our Provincial Team visited Whytewell Chapter in Wellingborough on Tuesday 7th April to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural meeting of this very fine Chapter, a truly remarkable evening of Royal Arch Masonry was enjoyed by all. Our congratulations and best wishes go to newest member Comp Matthew Horton who was Exalted into this supreme Order in the most exemplary manner. This very special evening was supported by nineteen Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter, all of whom were most appreciative of the very kind hospitality received throughout the evening.
- Written by: John Fergusson
Excellent Companion Geoffrey Barnes PAGDC 1938-2015
Geoffrey was born and raised in Manchester in the year preceding the Second World War. As a youngster he enjoyed a career in the Boy Scouts, after which he joined the Navy in whose care he travelled extensively World Wide for a number of years. After leaving the Service he returned to Rochdale and set up a successful business in the shoe trade, became married to his beloved Susan and became the father of two sons, Simon and Michael.
Much of his later life was spent in Ramsey where he quickly became involved in the local scene and was able to enjoy his many hobbies of shooting, fishing ,bowls and golf………and Masonics but not necessarily in that order!
He was Installed as MEZ in Ailwyn Chapter 3535 in 1998 and promoted to PAGDC by the MEGS in 2012 in recognition of his sterling work on behalf of the HRA in the easternmost borders of the Province. As he was always keen to tell us….. “that glorious luminary the Sun, rises in the East from whence it diffuses light and influence to rest of the Province…”
The packed Memorial Service, held at St Thomas a Becket Church, Ramsey on Thursday 12 March was a testament to his popularity within the wider community. A poem “Footprints” was read by his dear friend Ex. Companion Esmond Edwards and a comprehensive and moving Eulogy was presented by his sons, Simon and Michael who between them gave an amazing insight into his long and very full life.
He will, of course, be greatly missed by his widow Susan, his family and the “Ramsey Boys” at the Abbey Rooms. We send them our deepest sympathy.
- Written by: Super User
The 2015 Appointments and Promotions to Supreme Grand Chapter Rank have now been published and circulated around Province – they will already be known to many therefore but may I, on behalf of the Royal Arch Province, formally extend congratulations on First Appointments to:
E Comp John Phillips of Montagu Chapter in Stamford on his first appointment to PGStB. John, of course, was our Third Provincial Grand Principal for a couple of years up until some 12 months ago. For his excellent contribution to the Province, John’s worthy recognition is richly deserved.
E Comp Brian Gebbels of Socrates Chapter in Huntingdon who also received his first appointment to PAGDC. Brian has been a stalwart of Royal Arch Masonry in Huntingdon for many a year and I have been so grateful for his loyalty and support throughout.
E Comp George Bonham of Euston Chapter who has been a tremendous supporter to me personally and to the Holy Royal Arch in general as well as being our Provincial Grand Master in Mark. His support and generosity on behalf of Mark Master Masons in this Province during our 2013 Bicentenary Appeal for the Royal College of Surgeons was greatly appreciated and in an exceedingly busy diary, we are grateful for his regular and frequent support for his Chapter and the Royal Arch Province in general. A first appointment in Supreme Grand Chapter Rank to PGStB is well overdue and also very well deserved.
And finally to E Comp Bob Pues PAGDC also of Montagu Chapter, a well-earned promotion to PGStB for his commitment and dedication to the Supreme Degree and for the sterling work he contributes in Stamford particularly. E Comp Bob is one of a number of stalwarts we have in Stamford all of whom have ensured that Montagu Chapter is constantly in the best of health.
To them all, I extend my personal congratulations and best wishes from all throughout the Province.
E Comp W E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent