The half yearly meeting of the Provincial Grand Officers' Chapter, No. 3747, was, as always, a most relaxing and enjoyable evening of masonic companionship. It was well attended by its Provincial Officer membership and supported by many of the leading figures from the Province including the ME Grand Superintendent, Companion Jack Price, and the current First Principal of the Chapter, EComp Allan Bennion, PGSwdB, DepGSupt.

Top Table at the Festive Board including the three Principals:
Allan Bennion (MEZ), Royce Batters (H) and David J Thornton (J)

During the Convocation the MEZ referred to the wonderful time he had at the Investiture meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter at the end of April (see here). Members of the Chapter receiving honours included Norman Clarke and Ivan Eastwood (appointed to PGStB), Christopher Bolton (promoted to PAGSoj) and Allan Bennion (promoted to PGSwdB).

Chris Bolton	Ivan Eastwood
Norman Clarke

Later the ME Grand Superintendent, EComp Jack Price, announced the nominations for the three Principals Chairs for next year.They are Alan Garnett (First Principal), Chris Bolton (Second Principal) and Ian Lord (Third Principal). "Alan Garnett is one of the hardest working and devoted masons in the Province and it is just that some recognition be given to him by this Chapter. Chris Bolton is well known for his work in Audenshaw and indeed, is presenting a paper to us this evening. Ian Lord has also made his mark, as an ADC and DepDC in other orders and through his diligent and capable work as a DORA". The choices were met with acclaim.

Keith Taylor retires as Treasurer this year and the new Treasurer elect is EComp Brian Howells.

H Alan J Garnett
Chris Bolton	Ian Lord

There then followed an attention grabbing lecture entitled, "The Banner Bearers", by EComp Bolton. The paper gained rapt attention from the brethren as Chris detailed the origin of the names of the Banners and unfolded the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob's deception allowing him gain Isaac's inheritance, dreams of the ladder, Jacob's flight to Uncle Laban, his love of Rachel and his fathering of 12 sons from a number of different women, whose descendants became the 12 Tribes of Israel.

At the Festive Board EComp Price thanked Chris for his excellent presentation. Jack was pleased that this half yearly meeting and mustered together a goodly number of companions - all whom share the responsibility of furthering the Royal Arch and spreading the message of the excellent companionship we share. After a hectic week, on masonic work in this and other Provinces, it was good to come here and settle into the friendly, family atmosphere this Chapter provides. Jack too referred to the recent Supreme Grand Chapter investiture meeting and how good it was to, "have some of the stardust sprinkled on those being honoured, sprinkled on the supporters too - they did us proud".

 

Finally, Jack spoke fondly of the Royal Arch and how as companions we should remember that a few kind words, a smile and a handshake or a look into the eyes with a greeting costs nothing, but all are vital ingredients of everything that we do as RA masons and love is an essential ingredient of masonic life. He also pointed out that we are all ambassadors for this fine order and to remember that whoever we are, well all have something to give - keep the life-blood going of this wonderful, beautiful and picturesque order we all belong to..