Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
Chapter of Fidelity's Installation Convocation on Monday 16 January 2017 was marked by the official visit of E Comp Mark Constant, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and supported by the attendance of two Grand Superintendents, our very own E Comp Wayne Williams and E Comp Ian Hopgood, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of Berkshire, they were escorted by E Comp Alex Henderson, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. E Comp Ian was attending as a guest of the newly installed First Principal, E Comp Simon Laws.
E Comp Simon Laws was installed as MEZ by E Comp Russ Dickinson in a fine and accomplished manner, E Comp Terry Oldfield was installed as Haggai and E Comp Richard Brice was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent; and the evening concluded with a memorable Festive Board.
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The Installation team (left to right):- E Comp Wayne Williams, Grand Superintendent, E Comp Mark Constant, 3rd Provincial Grand
Principal, E Comp Ian Hopgood, Grand Superintendent (Berkshire), E Comp Graham Minett, Provincial Grand Sojourner,
Haggai, E Comp Terry Oldfield, MEZ, E Comp Simon Laws, Joshua, E Comp Richard Brice & E Comp Alex
Henderson, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
- Written by: John Fergusson
Socrates Chapter enjoyed an excellent Installation meeting on Tuesday 24 January 2017 which was marked by the official visit of E Comp George Clayton, the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal who was escorted by E Comp John Payne, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.
E Comp Cliff Summers was installed as MEZ, E Comp John Taylor was installed as Haggai and E Comp Philip Miles was installed as Joshua.The quality of the ritual throughout the evening was excellent; the evening concluded with a very convivial Festive Board.
We wish the newly installed Principals a very enjoyable year in their respective offices.
The Installation team (left to right):- E Comp George Clayton, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, Haggai, E Comp John Taylor,
MEZ, E Comp Cliff Summers & Joshua, E Comp Philip Miles
- Written by: Simon Key
We are very sad to report the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of WBro Bill Zarins, who fought a brave battle against cancer over the last three years.
WBro Bill was installed as Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge No. 9165 in 2008 at Kettering. He received his first promotion to Provincial Grand Steward in 2011 and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Superintendent of Works in 2016.
WBro Bill Zarins at Provincial Grand Lodge in 2013
WBro Bill played an active role in the Lodge as ADC during 2016. He had a fine singing voice and was often asked to perform at the Festive Board, which he did wonderfully.
A member of the Pemberton Chapter No. 3039 in Rushden, he worked through all the offices, becoming MEZ in 2015.
WBro Bill was a well-respected and much-liked Brother. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Angie, son Guy and daughter Amy.
The funeral will take place on Tuesday 31st January 2017 at 1.30pm at St Andrews Church, Rockingham Road, Kettering, NN16 8RG.
Following the service there will be a private cremation for family members only. Afterwards, there will be a reception for all at the Masonic Centre, York Road, Kettering NN16 0DB.
No flowers by request. It is requested that any donations in memory of Bill go to Cancer Research UK.
- Written by: Simon Key
We are very sad to announce the death of WBro John James (Jim) Parker, PAGDC.
WBro Jim was initiated into Old Northamptonian Lodge No. 5694 in November 1974.
He was also a subscribing member of Palmer Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No. 8995, a subscribing and founder member of Webb Ellis Lodge No. 9740, and an honorary member of Grand Junction Lodge No. 9775 and England’s Centre Lodge No. 2555. He was also a member of Northampton Chapter No. 360.
WBro John James (Jim) Parker, PAGDC at the laying of the Freemasons' Hall Foundation Stone, Sheaf Close, Northampton in March 2013
During his career, WBro Jim held several acting ranks: ProvGStwd in 1989, ProvAGDC in 1993 and ProvSGW in 2003. He became a Grand Officer in 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Jim was a Group Officer for Northampton and Chairman of Freemasons' Hall Northampton Ltd.
In relation to Holy Royal Arch, WBro Jim was given an acting rank of Prov2ndAGSoj in 1999. He was promoted to PPGSN in 2004.
WBro Jim made a substantial contribution to Freemasonry during his career. His good friend WBro John Denton wrote -
"If Jim had a motto it would have been “controlled irreverence”. He was great fun. As Master, Director of Ceremonies and Chaplain of the Old Northamptonian Lodge he was superb. As Director of Ceremonies the Festive Board was strictly controlled, interspersed with lots of laughs".
There's no doubt Jim will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family.
Update Regarding Funeral Arrangements
The cremation of WBro Jim will be a private family-only service. This notwisthstanding, a public memorial service will take place on Thursday the 9th February 2017 at 2pm at Boughton Church, Church Street, Boughton and afterwards at Northamptonshire County Golf Club, Golf Ln, Church Brampton, Northampton NN6 8AY.