The June meeting of the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter had something of interest for all present – and there were over 80 present from all corners of the Province.
The MEZ, E Comp Richard Barker, had arranged for two eminent members of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland to visit the Chapter, with the aim of identifying the differences between Scottish and English Royal Arch Masonry. The visitors from Scotland were the Most Excellent First Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, M E Companion Joseph J Morrow, CBE, together with the Supreme Grand Scribe Ezra of the Order – E Comp Douglas W Duncan.
After the usual commencing business of the Chapter, the MEZ welcomed M E Comp Joseph Morrow, and explained how he had made contact last year to invite a speaker, who was delighted to attend in person. This should have occurred in December 2021, but after the intervention of the covid virus, E Comp Morrow was unable to attend.
M E Comp Joseph Morrow, First Grand Principal E Comp Douglas Duncan, Scribe Ezra
The First Grand Principal is a fascinating character, holding numerous high ranking positions, including Companion of the Most Noble Order of the British Empire, Lord Lyon King of Arms, Order of St John of Jerusalem, Queens Council, Deputy Lieutenant, and many more honours. He was also the Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 2004-2005.
A first class speaker, M E Comp Joe (as he prefers to be knows) explained many of the differences between English & Scottish Masonry, particularly the Mark degree, where in Scotland this is considered part of the second degree. All Scottish masons who have been passed to the second degree, also automatically experience the ceremony of Advancement in the Mark degree too.
In addition, Royal Ark Mariner candidates can be elevated to the order from both the Craft and the Royal Arch in Scotland, and interestingly, the Cryptic degrees come under the jurisdiction of Grand Chapter in Scotland.
ME Comp Joe also explained that in Scotland they had rewritten the traditional ‘Three Rs’ so that their interpretation is Respect, Relevance and Renewal. His lecture was largely based on this theme, and kept everyone thoroughly engaged and enthralled.
Following the lecture, the normal business of the Chapter proceeded, chiefly being the installation of E Comp Paul Harrison as MEZ, E Comp Nick Renton as Haggai, and E Comp Brian Stopford as Joshua.
The finale to the evening was a proclamation by E Comp Geoff Walker covering all of the Grand Officers present – a very long list, perfectly memorised and recited. At the festive board, Geoff received loud acclaim for his mammoth effort and turned the colour of a pale beetroot with embarrassment.
The new Principals of the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter, with the Installing Principal, E Comp Richard Barker, and the Provincial Principals.
The Provincial Grand Principals, with the Provincial Grand Stewards Principals together with the Scottish visitors.
At the Festive Board, the First Grand Principal of Scotland was presented with a miniature Rugby Ball, to mark his sojourn in the market town of Rugby.
A packed Festive Board with the Grand Superintendent taking wine with all present.
John Hayward
Asstistant to the Provincial Grand Principals