A Century of Companionship for Forest of Arden Chapter
A Century of Companionship for Forest of Arden Chapter
Forest of Arden Chapter No. 3826 celebrated 100 years of Royal Arch Masonry on Tuesday 13 October 2026, with a special Centenary Convocation at Knowle Masonic Centre attended by 55 Companions.
100
Years of history
55
Companions present
1926
Year consecrated
Exactly 100 years and one day after the Chapter’s consecration, Companions gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone in its history. It was a particularly fitting occasion, with 55 Companions present compared with the 51 who attended the original consecration in 1926.
The Chapter opened for its regular business during the afternoon before being called off ahead of the Centenary celebration at 6pm.
The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies then announced the arrival of the Deputy Grand Superintendent, David Graham, who entered in procession accompanied by the acting Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, Provincial Sword and Standard Bearers, Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter and acting Provincial Officers.
Looking around the Chapter, David Graham remarked how wonderful it was to see the room so full – a particularly encouraging sight as the Chapter celebrated its first century.
One Hundred Years of History
The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the Chapter’s long and distinguished history, beginning with its consecration on 12 October 1926 at the Public Hall, Solihull.
During the ceremony, Greig Young presented a brief history of the Chapter, recalling the generations of Companions who have contributed to its development and success.
The Chapter was founded during a period of considerable growth in Royal Arch Masonry, and its early members established traditions of companionship, learning and service that have continued throughout the century.
Like many Masonic organisations, Forest of Arden has experienced both prosperous and challenging times. The economic depression of the 1930s, the Second World War and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic all presented difficulties, yet the Chapter continued to adapt and maintain its traditions.
For many years, the Chapter met at the George Hotel in Solihull, which became an important part of its identity. When the hotel closed for refurbishment in 1975, the Chapter moved to Knowle Masonic Centre, where it continues to meet today.
The Chapter also celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2001, when it had welcomed more than 200 Exaltees during its first three-quarters of a century.
A Name Steeped in Warwickshire History
The Chapter takes its name from the ancient Forest of Arden, once a vast area of woodland covering much of Warwickshire and neighbouring districts.
The forest has associations stretching back to prehistoric times, but is perhaps best known through William Shakespeare, who immortalised the Forest of Arden as the setting for his comedy As You Like It.
It is a particularly appropriate name for a Chapter whose roots are so firmly established in Warwickshire.
The Centenary Charter
The highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of the Centenary Charter, marking 100 years of continuous Royal Arch Masonry.
Following the Centenary Oration, the Chapter’s original Charter was presented to the Deputy Grand Superintendent for inspection and reading.
A deputation was then formed to escort the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra, Bernard Foad, from the Chapter. He subsequently returned in procession bearing the Centenary Charter.
Following the singing of Now Thank We All Our God, the Charter was presented to David Graham, who inspected and approved it before directing that it be read to the assembled Companions.
The Chapter’s First Principal, Nigel Clemson, was then escorted forward to receive the Centenary Charter on behalf of the Chapter, before placing it at the north-east corner of the Shrine.
Copies of the specially prepared Centenary History were also presented to the Deputy Grand Superintendent and to the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra for the Provincial Library and Museum, ensuring that the Chapter’s story will be preserved for future generations.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of O God Our Help in Ages Past and the Patriarchal Benediction, bringing a dignified and memorable celebration to a close.
Looking Forward to the Next Century
The Chapter’s Centenary History records not only its formal achievements but also the companionship, dedication and service of generations of members who have sustained it over the past 100 years.
The anniversary was an opportunity to remember those who laid the foundations in 1926, recognise the contributions of those who followed, and look forward with confidence to the Chapter’s future.
With 55 Companions gathered to share the occasion, the evening was a fitting celebration of a century of Royal Arch Masonry, friendship and tradition.
Congratulations to the Principals, officers and Companions of Forest of Arden Chapter No. 3826 on reaching this wonderful milestone. Here’s to the next hundred years!