Royal Arch News
On Monday the 4th October the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, EComp James Boughton presented Queen Eleanor Chapter with their Centenary Warrant, to mark this very special occasion.
The evening was supported with a full team visit from Provincial Grand Chapter.
After the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was received he proceeded to provide a passionate and emotional eulogy dedicated to the past Grand Superintendent, EComp Wayne Williams.
EComp Barry Howard then provided a history of the Chapter and its founders, followed by a detailed and very comprehensive presentation from EComp John Ferguson on what else happened during 1920 the year Queen Eleanor Chapter was consecrated.
MEGS confirmed the Warrant was correctly prepared which was then respectfully read aloud by the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra, EComp Mike Binsted.
MEZ EComp Roy Sparks thanked MEGS and his team for their support in making Queen Eleanors Centenary Convocation one very much to remember.
Jason Brice ProvAGDC
HRA Representative - Provincial Communications Committee
- Written by: Jason Brice
E Comp Wayne Williams
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent 2007 – 2018
E Comp Wayne Williams, Past Grand Superintendent past to the Grand Lodge above on the evening of Friday 1st October 2021 aged 79 years following injuries sustained in an accident at home a few weeks prior.
E Comp Wayne was a much loved and respected member of our Masonic community. A Companion and Brother with real charisma, compassion and humour.
He was Initiated in to Freemasonry and Lodge of Harmony 9048 in 1984 and Exalted in to the Royal Arch and Northampton Chapter 360 in 1988.
He rose to become Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Craft (2005 – 2012) and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch (2007 – 2018). He held several Craft Grand Rank Appointments, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (AGDC) (2001), Past Senior Grand Deacon (PSGD) (2006 – 2008), Past Deputy Grand Sword Bearer (2008 – 2012) and Past Grand Sword Bearer (from 2012). In the Royal Arch he was appointed Past Provincial Grand Sojourner (PPGSoj) (2002) before being appointed MEGS in 2007. An office he would hold for eleven years, building the membership and enthusiasm for our beautiful Order.
He was a Founder of two Craft Lodges – Sulgrave 9462 and Webb Ellis 9740. He was an Honorary Member of seven Lodges. He was an Honorary member of no fewer than eleven Royal Arch Chapters in the Province.
A banker by profession, he bought his wider professional and people skills to our Provinces. He was a great rugby fan and supporter of Northampton Saints, and of course Wales. We will no doubt mis his sharp wit and repartee in our gatherings.
Our thought and prayers are with his wife, Jean and his family at this trying time.
- Written by: Mike Binsted
On Tuesday the 1st June 2021 the Companions of Gildenburg Chapter were ‘thrilled’ to begin operating again as a RA Chapter in Ellindon Masonic Centre in Peterborough – albeit under a Rule-of-Six framework.
Gildenburg Chapter, by dispensation as their May 2021 meeting fell within the closing days of the suspension of masonic activity, was able to undertake its usual ‘elections’ to ensure it is well placed to hold its Installation Convocation in October 2021. Additionally, on the 1st June the Chapter was able to undertake all the outstanding administrative and procedural activities from 2020 and early 2021, which included the 2020 election and Installation, to enable the Chapter to move forward with no outstanding business when the new season begins again in September 2021.
After this June 2021 Convocation the Companions were able to enjoy refreshment and convivial ‘Companionship’ in the garden of the home of their MEZ.
E Comp Dr Christopher Clark PGStB (ScE), E Comp Stan Goakes PGStB (visitor and acting PS), E Comp David Treasure PPGSoj (acting H),
E Comp Steve Winterton (MEZ), E Comp Andrew Johnson LGCR (J), E Comp Mike Henton PPGScN (acting DC)
- Written by: Michael Genner