General Chapter of Instruction

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General Chapter of Instruction

What to know more?

Email Mark Philips and Stewart Lenton for more information

Email Mark and Stewart

Welcome

Excellent Companion Philip L Hall
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent

A Chapter of Instruction is a wonderful place to learn, develop and gain confidence in your Royal Arch ritual, at the same time as forming life-long friendships with fellow Companions on their Royal Arch journey.

We are lucky enough to have four Chapters of Instruction in Warwickshire (details on the last page), including the prestigious General Chapter of Instruction.

The General Chapter of Instruction is there for Royal Arch Companions to come together and practice their ritual in preparation for demonstrating the ceremony of exaltation at the annual festival which is held in April each year. Companions below the chairs showcase their skill to a large audience of Royal Arch Companions, comprising of many Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, in addition to younger and more junior Companions.

I encourage all Companions to get involved with the General Chapter of Instruction, whether taking part, or coming and supporting your friends at the annual festival; I’m certain you will enjoy it, and this guide will tell you more.

The General Chapter of Instruction (GCI) operates under the sanction of The Howe Chapter number 587

Preceptors
Preceptor – Mark Philips
Deputy Preceptor – Rich Pinner
Deputy Preceptor – Stewart Lenton

Ceremony of Exaltation

A selection of Chapters are chosen each year and the ceremony of exaltation and mystical lecture is shared between volunteer Companions from these Chapters. Rehearsals are arranged to accommodate everyone and the ritual is practiced in a relaxed and supportive way to maximise confidence and enjoyment. A trip to the local pub often follows!

Rehearsals start around 7.30pm and the team meets every month from September to March, with two dress rehearsals in April – to allow plenty of time for perfecting the ceremony of exaltation for the yearly festival in April.

The Chapter has strengthened my ritual and my friendships alike

I have been privileged to attend the Warwickshire General Chapter of Instruction for several years and, during that time, to work through the offices of 2nd Assistant Sojourner, 1st Assistant Sojourner, Principal Sojourner, Joshua, and Haggai.

The Chapter has been a real benefit to me in learning and polishing the ritual, as well as building my confidence in delivering it. All the hard work during the year comes together at the annual festival, which is presented before a large number of Companions, often more than fifty, at different masonic halls across the Province. It is always a great honour to take part in such an event, especially in the presence of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Warwickshire and Grand Superintendents from neighbouring Provinces too.

A large part of what makes the Chapter so valuable is the guidance of our preceptor, Mark Phillips. His knowledge, encouragement, and inspirational teaching style make the learning both enjoyable and rewarding.

Alongside the ritual and festival, I’ve also really appreciated the friendships I’ve made with Companions from across the Province. For me, the General Chapter of Instruction has not only been a school of learning but also a source of fellowship, and I am very grateful for the part it continues to play in my Masonic journey.

Neil Johnson

Leigh Chapter 887
Severn Street, Birmingham

Festival Fun

When?

The annual festival takes place each April with rehearsals running throughout the year

Participants will be joining a prestigious group of Royal Arch Masons who have taken part in the General Chapter of Instruction since it started in 1945. As a member of this respected alumni you are encouraged to proudly wear a festival player’s pin badge which reflects your commitment to excellence and a shared purpose to be one of Warwickshire’s best – something to feel genuinely proud of and honoured to uphold.

Installation Masterclass

Following the festival in April, the GCI run installation masterclasses once a month until exaltation rehearsals restart in September

How To Get Involved

Many Chapters hold their own rehearsals to ensure that ceremonies are conducted with dignity, efficiency and competence. rehearsals afford an excellent opportunity for Companions to learn the ritual, demonstrate their ability and enhance their confidence. All Companions are eligible to attend their own Chapter rehearsals, the General Chapter of Instruction or any of the other Chapters of Instruction listed on the next page, where they will be encouraged to participate and establish a pattern of learning to suit their needs.

If you would like more details please speak to your Chapter Mentor (new Chapter officer position from in September 2025),
Chapter Scribe E or email RACofI@warwickshirepgl.org

Other Chapters of Instruction in Warwickshire

ABBEY CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION
Working under sanction of Abbey Chapter, No. 432
Meeting on 3rd Monday, October to March inclusive (excluding December)
7.00 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, Newdegate Street, Nuneaton CV11 4VF
Preceptors
E.Comp. H.S. BAKER, PProvGStB
E.Comp. R.G. WHITE, PProvGSoj
Assistant Preceptor and Scribe E
E.Comp. D.W. COOKE, PProvGSwdB.
Tel: 02476 741803 e-mail: dewi.cooke@sky.com

YENTON CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT
Working under sanction of Yenton Chapter, No. 3484
Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month from October to April inclusive
8.00 p.m. at Yenton Masonic Hall, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6BJ
Preceptor
E.Comp. Maurice A. Summers PProvGStdB
Tel: 0121 353 8984 e-mail: maurice.summers@outlook.com

ST MARY’S CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION
Working under sanction of St Mary’s Chapter No 7244
Meeting on the last Monday of each month (except May, Jul, Aug & Dec)
7.15 p.m. at Alderson House, 23, High Street, Warwick
Preceptor
E Comp P W Skinner ProvDepGDC
Scribe E
E. Comp R.W. BRADLEY PProvGReg.
Tel: 01676 533203 robertbradley31@aim.com