It was an uncharacteristically mild day as the Royal Arch Companions of the Province gathered once again at The Fed, Dunston, for the Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham. The weather, however, didn’t dullen our enjoyment of the day. As all Royal Arch Masons will know, this order which is intrinsically linked with the Craft is beautiful in its display, and this is no better exemplified by a full meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter - not only in its colourful ceremony but in the bonds of friendship between those who have completed their journey in pure ancient Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Chapter is at a crossroads in its history as we bid farewell to our Grand Superintendent, E Comp John Thompson, as he takes up his new role of Assistant Grand Master in the Craft, leaving the Province to be ably led by the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge, E Comp Michael Shaw, until John’s successor is appointed and installed.
With the Companions assembled in the hall and brought to order by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, the awesome sound of the organ reverberated around as distinguished guests, Provincial Officers and other notable Companions paraded in, accompanying the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge. Having taken their places, Provincial Grand Chapter was opened in due form and all were welcomed.
Sadly since the last meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter in 2024, 68 Companions of the Order had passed away. In token of respect, all present stood in memoriam to these friends and colleagues.
The Annual Convocation is undoubtedly, however, an occasion of celebration and after completing the various business items of the meeting, the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge was pleased to appoint and invest a new team of acting Provincial Officers, as well as making various promotions and first appointments to past rank. Each appointee received his collar of office at the dais from E Comp Shaw, escorted by the DC Team of Provincial Grand Stewards with the grace and precision we have come to expect. Irrespective of rank, a Provincial Honour conferred is always a mark of distinction for the Companion and his own Chapter, however, some notable changes to the acting officers include Darren Bethell taking over from Gary Elgie as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals; Stephen Willis becomes the new Provincial Grand Treasurer, having big shoes to fill as Keith Bibby retires from the role; David Atkinson replaces Martin Rankin as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies (mirroring his role in the Craft); and Richard Davison becomes the new Provincial Grand Communication Officer. The Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, William Carlyon and Stephen Ranson, continue in office.
Appointments made, the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge then addressed the Companions assembled. To read E Comp Shaw’s full address, please click the link here.
E Comp Gavin Rowell, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, then made a presentation on the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) and how we as a Province will help support its work over the next seven years as part of the Durham 2032 Festival. To help get us started, a collection was the taken in aid of the Festival.
There being no other business, Provincial Grand Chapter was closed in due form, followed by two rousing verses of the National Anthem. In as much style as at the start of the meeting, the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge, the Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter and the distinguished guests then formed up and paraded out to refreshment.
As the room was transformed for dining by the ever-present and vital Provincial Grand Stewards, the Companions took the opportunity to socialise in a very convivial atmosphere, renewing old friendships and creating new ones, after which they took their seats for the Annual Convocation banquet.
On behalf of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham, can we thank everyone who attended and supported the Convocation, to our hardworking team of Provincial Officers who help to organise such events, to the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge for putting that organisation into action, and to our recipients of Provincial honours for all their work and contribution to Royal Arch Masonry across the Province of Durham. Congratulations!
Are you a Master Mason who has not yet joined a Royal Arch Chapter and therefore was not yet qualified to attend this meeting? Speak to your Lodge Mentor or Royal Arch Representative about the completion of pure ancient Freemasonry and, hopefully, we’ll see you next year!
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