ROYAL ARCH NEWS - Provincial Grand Officers Chapter 3747 - 14 Oct 2010

"Quality Matters, Quality Wins"

After a proud year in the First Principals Chair, EComp H Alan J Garnett, PAGSoj, ProvGSE, together with his co-Principals, EComps Christopher Bolton and Ian Lord, opened the Chapter. EComp Garnett offered the Sceptre to the MEGSupt who said, "It is a joy to receive this, even more of a joy to return it". Senior members and guests included the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Allan Bennion, the Second Provincial Grand Principal, William Porter, the Third Provincial Grand Principal, Rev Donald Price, the Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals Norman Clarke, Edwin Cheadle, Stuart Hughes, Michael LLandriau and David Thornton, also Past Assistants Trevor Thomas and Peter Messum, and the Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, Victor Hodgson. EComp Stephen Blank, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, represented the Craft Degree.

Chapter Room before the Meeting

EComp Garnett welcomed a number of joining members to the Chapter - John Knowles, Andrew Greenhalgh, Barry Raymond, Roger Bower and Graham Rawlinson, wishing them many enjoyable years with the Chapter. The Three Principals were then Installed as pictured below:

The 3 Principals - EComps John Jackson (H), David Thompson(Z) and John Preston(J)

The ritual and ceremony was good, concise and most enjoyable and was followed by a very special, warm and convivial Festive Board. During his responses to the various toasts Jack Price said, "We have had a very happy evening in excellent company. A lot of good Companions set out this afternoon to enjoy themselves and collectively we have had something that has given us memories to treasure. We are just like family in this room - we all belong other and have a commitment to each other. Three good men have been Installed as Principals of this Chapter and the Companions who worked the ritual have done an excellent job".

A snapshot of the Evening

Referring to Supreme Grand Chapter and our Provincial Leaders Jack said, "Those working in high places are very visible and do an excellent job in their ceremonial roles, what we don't see is the hard work they perform behind the scenes, serving on various committees, sub-committees, advisory committees and so on. They give tremendous committment to their roles both in time and energy". Moving on Jack reflected on those people present in the room today, colleagues who he served with as DORAs back in the early 1990s (like Michael Shaw(not here today) and John Jackson) with whom he still meets on an annual basis with their Ladies for lunch, current colleagues who are serving the Province in their respective roles and those who undoubtedly reflect the future of the Province.

"The Chain bearers of East Lancashire all share a vision and ideal for this Province. I listen to their wisdom, learn and look. Together our interpretation leads to solid objectives and direction for the Province which we all put into place in our own way, with our own emphasis but with the same enthusiasm. We mean a lot to each other and hopefully to you as well. We are all Team Players, and as has often been said, there is no 'I' in Team".

On the future, the MEGSupt spoke about the rejuvenation process, "We may become leaner and fitter but will never lose the ethos of what Freemasonry and the Royal Arch is about. We all share the pride of being a member of this, the finest Order in the world, and one that has a very relevant role in the 21st Century. In a world with so much conflict and self interest we all have a duty to bring new and good men into our Order, to continue to look after the vulnerable and the elders who paved the way for us. These are some of the values of our Order and represents part of what I am about. If you have a belief in Freemasonry and a love for Royal Arch Freemasonry just think what you can do to demonstrate that. For those that are not with you on a regular basis remember to put that metaphorical 'arm' around their shoulder and perhaps pick up the telephone. You might just re-inspire them, and light that spark. Remember, it is quality that matters, quality that wins".

The Festive Board

Wine taking Galore!

Later, Jack proposed the Toast to the Three Principals. "When nominating the Principals for this Chapter it is a matter of timing and looking at the persons' involvement, commitment and circumstances. I have known David Thompson since he was a pup [he was just as big then :-) ]. David is doing an exemplary job as Chairman of our Festival Committee and this is just one gift we can give him to recognise his contribution. In short, he is a fine Royal Arch Mason and has also served well both in the Craft and other Orders. John Jackson served with me as a DORA and has contributed greatly to this Province Finally, John Preston - unassuming and unnoticed he has been getting on with the job! - Well, I noticed!

The MEGSupt, Jack Price, with EComp David Thompson, 1st Principal

In response David Thompson thanked Jack Price for his kind comments and thanked the Companions of the Chapter for voting for the Three Principals. He gave, "A special thank you to Alan Garnett and his Installing Officers for the ceremony tonight - it's the only nice thing he's ever done for me :-)". David also pointed out that this was the last meeting of the Chapter before Christmas so he wished everyone a very happy time and a prosperous New Year!

A short summary of the evening such as this can give one only a taste of what a soulful and inspirational time was had by the Companions of the Chapter and their guests. The Chapter meets twice annually and Provincial Grand ChapterOfficers would not be wrong to give serious consideration to applying to join this wonderful Chapter; one of the flagships of the Province.