ROYAL ARCH NEWS - Huntroyd Chapter of First Principals, No. 6385

"Despair to Discovery"

The esteemed Companions of the Huntroyd Chapter of Installed Principals, No. 6385, and their guests, had a very special evening of edification, followed by merriment, at the Chapter's regular convocation held on Friday 1st October, 2010.

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Companion Jack Price, was in attendance supported by a Deputation including the Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Allan Bennion, the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, EComp Ed Cheadle, and EComps Alan Garnett, Martin Roche and Nigel Bramley-Haworth, ably supported by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, EComp Wesley Marchant. The Guest Speaker for the evening was none other than the Deputy Grand Superintendent for the Province of West Lancashire, EComp Steven Reid.

This fine Chapter, healthy and vibrant, has a membership with many well known names including Keith Schofield (Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province), Norman Cope (Craft Provincial Grand DC), Michael Landriau (AProvGP), Brian Horne (Provincial Grand Almoner, Craft) and Brian Carter (Provincial Grand Almoner, RA) to list but a few.

Deputation

EComp Steven Reid (below), began his paper describing his fascination with words and their origins, "Masonic Ritual is unashamedly archaic with drifting and charmful phrases". He exemplified by helping the Companions define some elements of our ritual and have a better understanding of the term allegory. He went on to describe morality as an improvement in life and our interactions with each other and explained how we must look beyond the words of the ritual for meaning.

Then came the nub of his paper, the relationships between the three Degrees and the Royal Arch, the importance of the Royal Arch and why it is the climax of our Freemasonry, the Supreme Degree, how its ritual completes the story and how it complements Craft Masonry (which teaches us about our relationships with mankind, our minds and our selves) by teaching us about our relationship with and understanding of God.

The Companions sat entranced as they latched on to Steven's words - for many they had never really had a proper understanding of the Royal Arch Degree and they were enlightened this evening. The fundamental laws without which society cannot function were put into perspective, the importance of wisdom, knowledge and understanding were explained, the hidden mysteries of the Royal Arch were illuminated and the reasoning behind Freemasonry were made clear to all.

If you want to know more Royal Arch Masons - find out when Steven Reid is next delivering this paper, and Craft Masons, seriously consider completing your Masonic journey - speak with your friends who are members of a Chapter or Lodge Representative with a view to finding out more about the Royal Arch, and perhaps joining. Stephen's paper tonight was met with great acclaim from the Companions present and it was a delight to spend time with the man himself.

EComp Steven Reid, Deputy Grand Superintendent (West Lancashire)

The Festive Board was a lively and most enjoyable affair where the brethren dined on lamb shanks as the main course. Fun and merriment was certainly a feature of the Chapter's social side, a fitting balance for the evenings serious learning in the Chapter Room.

The Festive Board

The ME Grand Superintendent, EComp Jack Price (shown below with the First Principal, EComp David Russell and EComp Steven Reid) expressed gratitude to Steven for giving his time this evening. He has first hand knowledge of the time commitments associated with being a Deputy Grand Superintendent (virtually running the Royal Arch Province on behalf of the MEGSupt) and referred to our own Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Allan Bennion, as being the fulcrum for the Royal Arch within East Lancashire. He also thanked Steven for his erudite and meaningful delivery this evening and expressed how we should all spend time focussing not on the ritual, but on the messages inherent within it, "That was pretty good stuff, young Steven".

Jack also praised the First Principal on the manner in which he had conducted the evening's business.

Steven Reid with Jack Price (MEGSupt) and David Russell (1st Principal)

The Chapter's Third Principal had taken great pleasure in toasting the Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Allan Bennion, and the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals. He joked that Deputy Grand Superintendents are like buses - you don't see any for ages, and then several come at once (see below).

EComps Steven Reid and Allan Bennion

Jack Price spoke of recruitment into the Royal Arch, especially as we now understood its importance more, and encouraged the Companions to look to their Brothers in Masonry and ask themselves, Is this the type of person I would want in my Chapter? in many instances brethren have been worried about asking about membership of the Royal Arch and didn't know how to seek more information. It is our responsibility to bring awareness to them.

Many aspects of the evening were carefully orchestrated by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies (below) with able support from the Chapter Director of Ceremonies, EComp Ian Bell. As ever, the Companions were grateful for their guidance. The Principals and MEGSupt took the time to ensure they took wine with both the Provincial and Chapter DC together.

EComp Wesley Marchant, ProvGDC

So - a splendid evening was had by all - this was clear from the smiling countenances exhibited during the evening - what a terrific night of companionship and comeradery, something we see over and over again in our Royal Arch Chapters. to the next merry meeting ......

Montage of the Evening