Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of East Kent
Annual Convocation

The Companions arrived to celebrate the Annual Convocation of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of East Kent on Thursday 21st May at the Winter Gardens in Margate. It was a beautiful day outside with a calm blue sea to greet our guests from other Provinces.

It may have been calm and tranquil outside but the atmosphere within the Winter Gardens was one of happiness blended with considerable excitement as the Companions of the Holy Royal Arch gathered together for the Annual Convocation. Much preparation had taken place on the part of the Provincial Grand Scribe E and his hard working team, with every part of the day meticulously planned, all was now ready.

Following a solemn, colourful, and most impressive procession of the Distinguished Companions, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was warmly welcomed into the hall and the Provincial Grand Chapter was opened in Solemn and Ancient form by EComp Michael Bailey, assisted by the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, namely EComps Martin Ransom and Brian Barden.

The Provincial Choir then sang "Be Still My Soul" by Sibelius (from Finlandia) in a most impressive fashion and helped create the marvellous atmosphere which continued for the rest of the meeting.

The ME Grand Superintendent called the Companions to order in respect to departed merit, and EComp Brian Barden led the Companions in warm and sincere prayer in memory of those who had gone to Higher Service during the past year.

The Distinguished Guests from far and wide were welcomed by the ME Grand Superintendent, and the Companions showed their welcome in the usual way. Various items of business were attended to, after which the audited accounts and financial report were ratified.

Companion John Cooper was re-appointed as the Provincial Grand Treasurer.

EComp Trevor Climpson was re-appointed as Deputy Grand Superintendent and EComps Martin Ransom and Brian Barden were re-appointed as Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals respectively.

The rest of the Provincial Grand Officers were Appointed and Invested. A full list of Companions receiving honours is shown in The Provincial magazine, Issue 52 which can be viewed in full on this website under the "News" section.

A special presentation for long and distinguished service was made by the Grand Superintendent to EComps E C Ilott Chapter 972; N Jacobs 4123 and R French 5818 in recognition of their quiet and consistent service over very long periods of time. The choice of Companions selected for this high honour was clearly popular and supported warmly by all present.

The Grand Superintendent addressed the Companions and expressed optimism for the future and congratulated the recipients of Provincial Honours and reminded them that they are now required to lead by example. He also reminded them that they must continue to work hard for the general good and encourage and support younger Companions.

The Grand Superintendent gave details of a "Strategic Paper" which looks at ways of taking forward Royal Arch Masonry in our Province. The document also details plans to encourage joint Convocations of Chapters so that in due course, Chapter representatives can discuss issues and exchange views and ideas of strengths and weaknesses perceived and discuss ways forward. The first of these Convocations will be held in the early autumn in the Medway area. Similar Convocations will then be held in other Centres across the Province.

A copy of the Strategy booklet has been sent to each Chapter Scribe E and it is also produced as a document which can be downloaded by clicking the link below. This booklet addresses many issues from recruitment and retention to a full analysis of statistical trends and is a must for all Companions to read and understand.

The Chapter Executive has also taken the opportunity to update the Royal Arch Questions and Answers card which is given to every Master Mason when he receives his Grand Lodge Certificate. A copy can be viewed by clicking the link below.

The Grand Superintendent then gave details of the many other exciting projects and initiatives going on in the Province and reminded the Companions of the Biennial Christmas Gala Concert on Friday 11 December, to be held at the Royal Engineers Barracks, St. Barbara Church, Brompton, Gillingham.

The Provincial Grand Scribe E then completed other remaining business and amused the Companions by explaining where the 4 bars in the Winter Gardens were located and pointing in the appropriate direction, just like a Stewardess on an aircraft, pointing to the emergency exits, but the Grand Superintendent replied that that was where the similarity between the Provincial Grand Scribe E a Stewardess ended!! The Grand Superintendent also congratulated Marion Odd, our Provincial Grand Scribe E's wife on winning 2 Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, a wonderful achievement.

The Provincial Grand Chapter was closed and the ME Grand Superintendent accompanied by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, Distinguished Companions and Distinguished Guests retired in full procession whilst the Companions accompanied by the Provincial Choir sang Jerusalem in a very boisterous and spirited manner.

The after proceedings were warm and friendly, and EComp Trevor Climpson, was well received by the Companions after a very amusing and sincere Toast which he proposed to the Grand Superintendent. The Companions then left in good heart having had a most enjoyable and meaningful meeting.

 Top of Page