Russell Race Celebrates 50 years in Royal Arch Masonry
Fifty years ago, a young Russell Race took his first steps into the then Holy Royal Arch, when he was exalted into Pentangle Chapter 1174 on Friday the 14th of March 1975. Fifty years later, to the day, Russell received his 50 year certificate from the Provincial Grand Superintendent, Neil Hamilton Johnstone in the presence the Third Grand Principal, Gareth Jones.
Sixty-five Companions, including 29 Grand Officers, celebrated with him at the March meeting of Pentangle Chapter. There were three speakers; Pentangle Chapter’s oldest member E.Comp Ron Martin, who has known Russell from when he joined Pentangle; The Provincial Grand Superintendent, who gave a brilliant speech praising Russell’s help in the past and his influential benefit to the Province and the 3rd Grand Principle, who had work with Russell at Supreme Grand Chapter as 2nd and 3rd Principals. The three speakers each highlighted Russell’s extensive civil and masonic career and the Provincial Grand Superintendent presented his certificate.
The 1st Principle of Pentangle Chapter then Presented Russell with an engraved decanter from the Companions of the Chapter.
Gareth Jones presented two Supreme Grand Chapter certificates to the two newest companions of Pentangle Chapter. Most of the evening was given to the celebration for Russell but a small amount of ritual was seen when the MEZ and two Past Zs presented a word-perfect example of the Mystical Lecture. The celebrations continued into the festive board where champagne and bucks’ fizz were served, a 4-course meal with lots of wine and ending in the evening with an excellent port.
The Race family came from Gloucester, and they left when Russell was young because his father, Ray Race became chief draftsman at Blaw Knox in Rochester. The Province secured a good deal with this move as Ray became a member of this Chapter and its Director of Cermonies, eventually becoming Provincial Director of Ceremonies.
Russell went to Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School in Rochester then to Liverpool University where he graduated in Economics, taking up a position with Hoare Govett. Following his retirement years later Russell has devoted himself to public service.
Russell was appointed a Magistrate on Medway Magistrates Bench in 1998, and during his time as a Magistrate he became a court chairman, serving as both the Provincial Grand Scribe E and Pentangle’s Scribe E. In 2005 he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent and whilst this time as DL he was DL for Medway. In 2022 Russell was High Sheriff of Kent, appointed by the Sovereign for a single year.
Russell has been involved with The Rochester Bridge Trust since 2004. He has served two terms as Senior Warden. Russell is a Trustee of Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Cathedral Council; he is President of Friends of Medway Archives and Chairman of Foundation Trustees of Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School Rochester.
Russell’s masonic career is extensive; he is a member of thirteen chapters including Pentangle his Mother Chapter, numerous other lodges and an extensive amount of side orders, He has served as Treasurer and Deputy Provincial Grand Master for our Province, both Metropolitan Grand Master and Metropolitan Grand Superintendent and for eight years as 2nd Grand Principal before he retired last year.
Our congratulations go to Most Excellent Companion Russell John Race Past 2nd Grand Principal , for his excellent service over 50 years to Pentangle Chapter, the Province of East Kent and Supreme Grand Chapter.
Story: Chris Sanford
Photos: Andy Yates
