Royal Arch

Date :

A Sad Night for St Helen’s Royal Arch Chapter

On Thursday 14th September, the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal Excellent Companion David Hanson attended St Helen’s Royal Arch Chapter No.531 at Raby Road, Hartlepool.

The Chapter was opened by the three principals, Z – Excellent Companion Dennis McIndoe, H – Excellent Companion Terry Potter and J – Ian Toy. After the minutes the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of ceremonies announced that the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal was at the door of the Chapter.

Excellent Companion David was welcomed into the Chapter by the three principals, there then followed a proposition from the Scribe E. Excellent Companion Neil Syres that any remaining Chapter funds be donated to the HMBA charitable account. After the proposition proved successful, he then gave a brief history of the Chapter, which was well received by those present.

The next business of the evening was to vote on surrendering the warrant of the Chapter, which proved, with a heavy heart from the companions of the chapter, successful.

A notably upset first principal, Excellent Companion Dennis, passed the warrant to the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal Excellent Companion David.

David then read out the following words:

“With the closing of the volume and the opening of a door think not this Chapter has ended, think what has gone before.

Remember all those worthy men who as Masons came, and who developed love and skill and worked in friendship’s name.

When you take up the labourer’s tools, to gently put aside, think not their work has ended, think; how they were applied.

Remember well the lessons taught, to Companions tried and true, of Principals worthy of the name and their sash of crimson and blue.

When your Pedestal is covered and the tools laid at rest, think not their teaching ended, think more a message blessed.

Remember the special meaning to Companions all, of rebirth and life and learning and waiting for the call.

With the sounding of the sceptres and as the lights at last go out,think not your Chapter has ended, dispel all lingering doubt.

Zerubbabel, Haggai, Joshua, remember as you depart, your Chapter will live forever, in every Companion’s heart.”

The Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies asked the companions to stand, then Excellent Companion David paraded the warrant around the room halting by the entrance.

The companions then retired passing the warrant with silence and dignity to the festive board to enjoy a happy end to very poignant evening, in the knowledge that the members of the Chapter were moving on to other Royal Arch Chapters within the Province of Durham.

Stronger Together

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

Which tie should I wear to Masonic meetings 

The common tie that is correct and acceptable for all meetings for both Craft and Chapter is the plain black tie – as shown on the left of the first photograph. 

For the Craft, all members of lodges with our Province are eligible to wear the latest Durham Provincial Craft tie – as shown second from left on the first photograph. These can be worn by all members regardless of which rank they hold from the date of their joining. It is not restricted to Provincial Officers. In fact, the wearing of this tie is encouraged by the Provincial Grand Master. 

The adjoining Provinces have recently agreed that these individual Provincial ties can also be worn when attending Provincial meetings of adjoining Provinces. 

When visiting Lodges outside our Province you should not wear our Provincial tie. You are to wear a black tie or the Grand Lodge tie (these can also be worn by any member of any rank) – as shown third from left in the first photograph. 

All acting Provincial Officers, and those attending a meeting in an official capacity within the Province, must wear the Provincial tie. 

When visiting Grand Lodge you may wear either a plain black tie or an approved Grand Lodge tie – as shown third from left in the photograph. (Be aware that there are several copies of the GL tie which are not acceptable to be worn in Grand Lodge. Check the back of the tie – as shown on the photograph below. 

United Grand Lodge Tie

Some Lodges have a tradition of presenting candidates with the ritual book after they have completed their Third degree. Why not consider presenting them with a Provincial tie at the same time? 

There are two lodges within the Province who have permission to wear an individual Lodge tie which can only be worn in their lodge unless specific permission is granted to wear it in another Lodge. These are Universities Lodge No. 2352 and Spirit of Rugby Lodge No. 9910 as shown on the photographs below. 

Universities Lodge No. 2352
Spirit of Rugby Lodge No. 9910

When attending your Chapter meeting the above applies in the same way – a plain black tie is always acceptable. 

All members of a Chapter within our Province are eligible to wear a Durham Provincial Supreme Grand Chapter tie as shown fourth from the left in the first photograph.

These can be worn by all members of the Chapter regardless of which rank they hold, from the date of their exaltation, and is not restricted to Provincial Officers. The wearing of this tie is encouraged by the Provincial Grand Superintendent. 

The adjoining Provinces have recently agreed that these individual Provincial ties can also be worn when attending Provincial meetings of the adjoining Provinces. 

When visiting Chapters outside our Province you should not wear our Provincial tie. You are to wear a black tie or a Supreme Grand Chapter tie – as shown fifth from left in the first photograph. This tie can be worn by any member of any rank. 

All acting Provincial Officers, and those attending a meeting in an official capacity within the Province, must wear the Provincial tie. 

When visiting Supreme Grand Chapter you may wear either a plain black tie or an approved Supreme Grand Chapter tie – as shown fifth from left in the first photograph.

Note that this tie is also allowed to be worn in a private Lodge. 

Some Chapters have a tradition of presenting candidates with the ritual book after they have completed their Exaltation. Why not consider presenting them with a Provincial tie at the same time? 

Provincial ties can be obtained from Provincial Office for £12 which includes postage or £10 on collection. No cash please. BACS details are included in the 2nd Rising. We are currently very short on stock!

Stronger Together

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

The Royal Arch – Discover More

Over the next 9 months we will be increasing the awareness of the Royal Arch to our craft members, I hope you will support us in this endeavour to help stabilise and maybe increase our Royal Arch membership.

The Royal Arch – Discover More

Brethren a wonderful opportunity to come along and DISCOVER MORE about the Royal Arch. This event is aimed at craft masons who have not joined the Royal Arch, the Royal Arch is vibrant, fun, colourful and has an interesting story to tell.


Please don’t miss out. This a brilliant way to broaden your masonic knowledge and meet new friends.


The first event will be on Saturday 21st October 2023, 9.30 – 11am at Penshaw Masonic Hall

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/provincialgrandlodgeofdurham/971941


Or Saturday 11th November 2023, 9.30 – 11am at Ferryhill Masonic Hall

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/provincialgrandlodgeofdurham/971944

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

‘Adding More Theatre to the Principal Sojourner’s Story’

Bernard Gilpin Royal Arch Chapter will be hosting a presentation by the Provincial Royal Arch Chapter Team of ‘adding More Theatre to the Principal Sojourner’s Story’.

The presentation takes the form of a dramatisation which brings to life the story of the Sojourners and the discovery that they make in the vault. The Exaltation ceremony will be worked by the Companions of the Chapter with the role of Principal Sojourner taken, on this occasion, by a member of the Provincial Royal Arch Chapter Team assisted by his Director of Ceremonies.

All Companions in the Province of Durham are invited to witness what is a truly memorable presentation.

To view Event Flyer Click Here

Stronger Together

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

Durham Chapter Convocation 2023 | Durham Freemasons

Saturday 20th May 2023 saw The Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham, with the Fed in Dunston being the venue. The various car parks quickly filled as the Stewards displayed their usual immaculate organising skills to make sure all went with precision so that the Companions could enter the venue and robe in the crimson, purple and blue of the Royal Arch.

This is the premier event in the Royal Arch Masonic calendar, and it provides an opportunity for companions from Masonic Halls throughout the province, along with distinguished guests to renew old friendships, meet future friends and of course, support the many Companions being either appointed or Promoted in Provincial Grand Chapter.

The Chapter room looked magnificent, and many thanks go to all those responsible for the setting up which had been ongoing from Friday evening. The sound of the Provincial Grand Organ so eloquently played by Richard Scothan, as the Companions stood to order to receive the Grand Superintendent and his Co-Principals added to the occasion.

With Provincial Grand Chapter opened in due form, apologies and minutes of the previous Convocation confirmed it was time for all present to remember the 41 companions we lost since our last meeting in July 2022.

After the Roll Call of Acting Provincial Grand Chapter Officers and Chapters, the Grand Superintendent welcomed the Companions, his Distinguished Guests, and Heads of Other Orders.

With the Provincial Grand Treasurer’s Statement of Accounts considered and accepted by the Companions present and the Treasurer re-elected for another 12 months along with the official Auditors, it was time to perform the most important and pleasurable part of the day, to appoint, invest and promote those companions’ receiving honours.

To see the full list of Appointments and Promotions Click Here.

With the Companions newly invested, safely back in their seats and the escorting carrousel of Director of Ceremonies retired back to their positions within Provincial Grand Chapter the Grand Superintendent, John Paul Thompson addressed Provincial Grand Chapter.

In his address John paid tribute to the companions he had the privilege to invest as well as to those retiring acting officers for the support they gave to the province and to Michael Shaw the Deputy.

Those who had been appointed to or promoted in Grand Rank at the April meeting of the Supreme Grand Chapter were introduced and applauded with acclamation.

John also thanked the many Companions present for their support in such high numbers, a testament to their commitment to Royal Arch Masonry, the first on a Saturday, as opposed to the usual mid-week meetings of the Chapter.

Moving onto the subject of membership he expounded on the need to make our ceremonies enjoyable and engaging, allowing Companions not only to perform the ritual to a high standard but also to understand their journey.

In his address, John said I hope you have noticed today companions that our Chapter furniture is looking quite pristine today. For many years we have kindly borrowed these items from Castle Eden, Sunderland, and Durham Chapters. Recently Londonderry Chapter of Amity and Rowlands Gill Lodge closed, and have kindly donated various ‘key’ items for our Provincial ceremonials including these magnificent thrones and many other items related to the Chapter.

To read the Grand Superintendent’s Address in Full Click Here.

A collection was then taken in Aid of Durham Benevolence  raising over £2,000.00   and with the companions having the opportunity of donating electronically by scanning a QR code on the back of the order of proceedings all donations made this weekend will be credited to the chapter collection.

Quick link to the donation page here

After the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra informed the Convocation that there was no other business Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed in due form the Grand Organ along with the Companions raised the roof with two verses of the National Anthem.

Remember companions, we are stronger together.

#Freemasons  #oneorganisation

Gallery of photos in Flickr now by clicking here

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

Richard Appointment To The Grand Masters Council.  | Durham Freemasons

Yesterday, at the Great Priory of Knights Templar Annual Meeting in Queen Street, London, the Provincial Prior for Durham, Right Eminent Knight, Richard George Scott was appointed to the Grand Masters Council, by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement.   

Richard will take an active role in the running of the Order as a member of the Council and will ensure the ‘Voice’ of the North is heard and involve all aspects of the running of the Companion Orders administered by Mark Masons Hall with an initial focus on Knights Templar Management and retrieval of membership.  

The Appointment does not affect Richard’s position as Provincial Prior, and he will continue to serve the Province of Durham.  

Richard said:  “ I am thrilled to be appointed to the Grand Masters Council and hope to be a voice for Durham Freemasonry. It is important that the Companion Orders work with the Craft and Royal Arch during these times of social change, and I hope to be able to contribute towards an enhanced Masonic membership for us all”

John Thompson said: “Wonderful recognition for Richard in achieving this national role helping to shape the KT Order going forward “

Congratulations Richard from all at Durham Freemasons.  

Stronger Together   

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

Strategy Seminar | Durham Freemasons

The second Grand Officer/Visiting Support Officer Seminar was held at Penshaw Masonic Hall tonight and was well attended as was last night’s Seminar at Ferryhill Masonic Centre.

The main speakers were the Provincial Grand Master, John Thompson, and Rak Bhalla with Tom Gittins filling in and the subject was the 2022 and beyond National Strategy for Craft and Royal Arch with emphasis on its impact in the Durham Province.

A quirky beermat, introduced by Rak, will soon be seen in your masonic halls with the Members Pathway outlined in its artwork.

The evening concluded with a question-and-answer session and a light supper.  The many points outlined and raised in the Seminar will be put forward to all members as the directive for the province, in the near future.

 #Stronger together

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

One and a half century celebration | Durham Freemasons

On the 21 st March the Grand Superintendent, John Thompson, had the pleasure of leading the provincial team to Fawcett chapter, who meet at the Masonic Hall at Raby Road in Hartlepool.  The companions of Fawcett chapter and their many visitors were gathered to celebrate 150 years since the chapter was consecrated.  John and the provincial team were warmly welcomed by the 3 principles of the chapter, after which all of the companions were enthralled with a very detailed history and account of Fawcett chapter from the point of being founded to date, co-presented by Paul Manley and Paul Fryer.  At the conclusion the companions showed their appreciation in a manner usual amongst Royal Arch Masons.  During the risings John further conveyed his appreciation of the Fawcett chapter history and highlighted that a tremendous amount of work had clearly gone into the preparation as well as pointing out that some of the names mentioned who were members in the early parts of the history are well known and prominent names to people from Hartlepool; something to be proud of.  John was then presented with a cheque for £764 from the chapter, which represents the chapter number, for masonic charities.

The night continued in celebration where the companions enjoyed conversation and a delicious meal at the festive board.  Before the night concluded the companions enjoyed a huge raffle consisting of many prizes as well as an auction for a cricket bat which was signed by all of the members of the Durham cricket team.  The raffle and auction raised a combined sum of £960 and the companions retired with arms full of prizes including Brian Bullock who won the auction for the cricket bat.

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

The Ceremony of the Veils | Durham Freemasons

On 8 th March 2023 Norman Royal Arch Chapter hosted a presentation of ‘The Ceremony of the Veils’. The lodge members, along with 51 guests packed the Temple in Durham Masonic Hall to be intrigued and enthralled by the presentation of this ancient ceremony by The Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham and the Companions of Norman Chapter.

Following a review by Supreme Grand Chapter back in 1834, this ancient ceremony was stopped and is seldom seen in English Chapters. Therefore consequently, it is no longer regularly practiced outside the Province of Bristol. The Ceremony of the Veils used to be a preliminary to the Exaltation and an integral part of the Royal Arch ceremony but can now only be practiced annually by a Province.

Michael Shaw and David Hanson led the evening and were accompanied by The Deputy Grand Superintendent of Yorkshire North and East Ridings Patrick Gambage.

The ceremony performed on the evening is very much part of the Royal Arch system in Ireland, the United States of America and in Scotland where it is known as the Excellent Master Degree. Early descriptions state that the ceremony took place in a room adjacent to the Chapter Room to seek admission.

At the time that the passing the Veils ceremony was in use in England the qualification for admission to the Royal Arch was that of being an Installed Master in the Craft. At the beginning of the ceremony the 4 veils are closed, and the candidate is challenged, between veils, before the opening of the next veil for a masonic sign and password. If successful, the candidate progresses through the first 3 Veils with the Principal Sojourner and is shown various artifacts on the way. During the progression, portions of holy scripture are read aloud by the Chapter Reader. In this ceremony, the final white veil is drawn back to reveal to the success full candidate the Chapter room as we would expect it to be today.

At the festive board Michael Shaw informed those present that he hopes The Province of Durham will be able to perform this interesting Ceremony again soon.

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date

Date :

Grand Rank Appointments 2023 | Durham Freemasons

The Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent is pleased to announce that the Grand Master/First Grand Principal has been pleased to appoint to and promote in Grand Rank a number of Durham members, who will be invested at the Annual Investitures of Grand Officers to be held on the 26th and 27th April, at Freemasons’ Hall in London.

We are extremely proud of all of them all and look forward to seeing them adorned in their new regalia and insignia when they return to our Lodges and Chapters.

Craft:

Receiving First Appointments:

Duncan Maw                            – PAGDC

David Anthony Turner         – PAGDC

Malcolm James Sweet          – PAGSwdB

Sidney James Watson          – PAGSwdB

Promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer:

Michael Graham                       – PGSwdB

Promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon:

Andrew Peter Fall Foster      – PSGD

Promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon:

Dennis Hudson Robinson     – PJGD

Royal Arch:

Receiving First Appointments:

Michael Graham                       – PGStB

Paul Heatherington                – PGStB

Ronald William Davison      – PAGDC

Bryan Kennedy                        – PAGDC

Promoted to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner:

Peter Athen Smith                  – PAGSoj

We congratulate them all on their respective preferment in recognition of their commitment and dedication to Freemasonry and wish them the best of health and happiness………….to continue to enjoy their Freemasonry!

<< Back to search results
<< Back to search results

Related Articles

Date

Date
Click here to find out more about becoming a Freemason
Let's be social
Facebook X Instagram
Ugle logo
Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham
8 The Esplanade Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR2 7BH enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org 0191 5675365
Durham Freemasons coat of arms
Members
Login Privacy policy Logout