EARLY planning for Holy Royal Arch bicentenary celebrations in London in 2013 and the launch of a new initiative to support Companions through difficult times in our own Province, featured prominently in the M E Grand Superintendent’s Address to Provincial Grand Chapter.
Speaking to around 500 Companions at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, on Saturday 6 November, E Comp John K Clayton said:
“Companions, I intend launching a new project on the back of the successful “Freemasonry Cares for you” initiative. This will bear the slogan “Freemasons Care -for one another”.
“When did you last contact a Companion or Brother who has not attended your Lodge or Chapter for a while? We are a family and need to be aware of difficulties amongst our own. I have said before that resignation is rarely a spur of the moment decision.
“If we are vigilant, we can see difficulties arising and hopefully be proactive in helping a Companion through what he perceives as a difficult time.
“ We are, of course, going through difficult financial times at the moment. Some Companions are experiencing difficulties in meeting the cost of Freemasonry. We should be aware of this and, pride permitting, perhaps we could help an individual.”
Regarding membership, E Comp Clayton said he was pleased that for the five-year period ending 31 December 2009 there had been net gains both in Craft and Royal Arch.
When, sadly, deaths were taken into account there was a net gain of 197 Craft Masons and, in the Royal Arch, 179.
“Despite encouraging figures, we cannot afford to be complacent. We should continue to explain to Master Masons the advantages of joining the Royal Arch. Please note I did not say cajoled or persuaded to join!
“With this in mind however, I am disappointed that 42 Lodges have decided not to appoint a Royal Arch Representative, whilst such an appointment was not mandatory I would ask those Lodges to perhaps think again about the wisdom of their decision.
“Mentoring, Companions is moving apace. The hard work of the Provincial Almoner, John Blundell, is to be applauded. Area Co-ordinators are all in post and have met in workshops arranged by John. Individual Chapter Mentors will soon have been briefed on their responsibilities, though, as you will appreciate, much of the Mentor’s role is common sense.
“The Royal Arch Councils are assisting in spreading the word regarding mentorship – another function they have taken on willingly and effectively.
“I am convinced that mentoring will assist in cutting down on resignations, especially those leaving within the first five years of membership. If we show a newly Exalted Companion that we care, that we want to teach him about the Royal Arch, then this must surely have some beneficial effect.
E Comp Clayton then spoke of the year 2013 and the proposed celebrations to coincide with the bicentenary of the declaration of the Royal Arch as the completion of pure Antient Masonry.
“It is envisaged that the scheduled November Convocation in 2013 will be held in October. Plans are in their infancy but it is likely that it will be in the Grand Temple on the chosen date, to be followed by dinner at a suitable venue.
“ I will, of course, keep you informed of developments as they arise. However, at this stage, I can tell you that the event will be recognised further by raising funds to make a donation to the Royal College of Surgeons. It is hoped that £10 per Royal Arch member should be raised between now and 2013.
“Please be assured Companions that this is not a levy or a mandatory ‘donation’. The giving of such an amount, that we hope will be Gift Aided, is purely voluntary.
Earlier, the ME Grand Superintendent congratulated those receiving Provincial honours, both Acting and Past Rank.
“The appointments carry a Provincial health warning that expects you to continue working for your own Chapters and the Province. It is not a ticket to retirement, he said.”
E Comp Clayton also congratulated Companions who received Grand Honours at the Annual Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in April this year.
Appointed PGStB: Paul Clarke, Tony Llewellyn, Alan Thorn and the late Robert Cook.
Promoted PAGSoj: Philip Harrison and John Rushworth
In thanking his deputy and co-Principals and the Assistants to the Provincial Principals, the ME Grand Superintendent spoke warmly of Rodney Tolson, who retired as an Assistant.
“Your dedication and support is tremendously appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with you in your capacity as Administrator of the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund.”
E Comp Tony Kaddish, Welcome Chapter No 408, was appointed to succeed E Comp Tolson.
In thanking John Rushworth, Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra, for his help and support: “not just for today but for the first five years of my 10 year Patent,” the MEGS also spoke appreciatively of the work of Provincial office manager Mick Dyson, Susan Smith and Elaine Hutchinson.
“Elaine has been with us for 22 years. She has travelled from Leeds to Bradford every day on public transport. After much dedication, Elaine has decided to call it a day and actually retired last month. We all wish Elaine a long and happy retirement and at the same time thank her for her committed service to Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasonry.”
EARLY planning for Holy Royal Arch bicentenary celebrations in London in 2013 and the launch of a new initiative to support Companions through difficult times in our own Province, featured prominently in the M E Grand Superintendent’s Address to Provincial Grand Chapter.
Speaking to around 500 Companions at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, on Saturday 6 November, E Comp John
K Clayton said:
“Companions, I intend launching a new project on the back of the successful “Freemasonry Cares for you” initiative. This will bear the slogan “Freemasons Care -for one another”.
“When did you last contact a Companion or Brother who has not attended your Lodge or Chapter for a while? We are a family and need to be aware of difficulties amongst our own. I have said before that resignation is rarely a spur of the moment decision.
“If we are vigilant, we can see difficulties arising and hopefully be proactive in helping a Companion through what he perceives as a difficult time.
“ We are, of course, going through difficult financial times at the moment. Some Companions are experiencing difficulties in meeting the cost of Freemasonry. We should be aware of this and, pride permitting, perhaps we could help an individual.”
Regarding membership, E Comp Clayton said he was pleased that for the five-year period ending 31 December 2009 there had been net gains both in Craft and Royal Arch.
When, sadly, deaths were taken into account there was a net gain of 197 Craft Masons and, in the Royal Arch, 179.
“Despite encouraging figures, we cannot afford to be complacent. We should continue to explain to Master Masons the advantages of joining the Royal Arch. Please note I did not say cajoled or persuaded to join!
“With this in mind however, I am disappointed that 42 Lodges have decided not to appoint a Royal Arch Representative, whilst such an appointment was not mandatory I would ask those Lodges to perhaps think again about the wisdom of their decision.
“Mentoring, Companions is moving apace. The hard work of the Provincial Almoner, John Blundell, is to be applauded. Area Co-ordinators are all in post and have met in workshops arranged by John. Individual Chapter Mentors will soon have been briefed on their responsibilities, though, as you will appreciate, much of the Mentor’s role is common sense.
“The Royal Arch Councils are assisting in spreading the word regarding mentorship – another function they have taken on willingly and effectively.
“I am convinced that mentoring will assist in cutting down on resignations, especially those leaving within the first five years of membership. If we show a newly Exalted Companion that we care, that we want to teach him about the Royal Arch, then this must surely have some beneficial effect.
E Comp Clayton then spoke of the year 2013 and the proposed celebrations to coincide with the bicentenary of the declaration of the Royal Arch as the completion of pure Antient Masonry.
“It is envisaged that the scheduled November Convocation in 2013 will be held in October. Plans are in their infancy but it is likely that it will be in the Grand Temple on the chosen date, to be followed by dinner at a suitable venue.
“ I will, of course, keep you informed of developments as they arise. However, at this stage, I can tell you that the event will be recognised further by raising funds to make a donation to the Royal College of Surgeons. It is hoped that £10 per Royal Arch member should be raised between now and 2013.
“Please be assured Companions that this is not a levy or a mandatory ‘donation’. The giving of such an amount, that we hope will be Gift Aided, is purely voluntary.
Earlier, the ME Grand Superintendent congratulated those receiving Provincial honours, both Acting and Past Rank.
“The appointments carry a Provincial health warning that expects you to continue working for your own Chapters and the Province. It is not a ticket to retirement, he said.”
E Comp Clayton also congratulated Companions who received Grand Honours at the Annual Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in April this year.
Appointed PGStB :
Paul Clarke, Tony Llewellyn, Alan Thorn and the late Robert Cook.
Promoted PAGSoj :
Philip Harrison and John Rushworth
In thanking his deputy and co-Principals and the Assistants to the Provincial Principals, the ME Grand Superintendent spoke warmly of Rodney Tolson, who retired as an Assistant.
“Your dedication and support is tremendously appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with you in your capacity as Administrator of the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund.”
E Comp Tony Kaddish, Welcome Chapter No 408, was appointed to succeed E Comp Tolson.
In thanking John Rushworth, Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra, for his help and support: “not just for today but for the first five years of my 10 year Patent,” the MEGS also spoke appreciatively of the work of Provincial office manager Mick Dyson, S
EARLY planning for Holy Royal Arch bicentenary celebrations in London in 2013 and the launch of a new initiative to support Companions through difficult times in our own Province, featured prominently in the M E Grand Superintendent’s Address to Provincial Grand Chapter.
Speaking to around 500 Companions at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, on Saturday 6 November, E Comp John
K Clayton said:
“Companions, I intend launching a new project on the back of the successful “Freemasonry Cares for you” initiative. This will bear the slogan “Freemasons Care -for one another”.
“When did you last contact a Companion or Brother who has not attended your Lodge or Chapter for a while? We are a family and need to be aware of difficulties amongst our own. I have said before that resignation is rarely a spur of the moment decision.
“If we are vigilant, we can see difficulties arising and hopefully be proactive in helping a Companion through what he perceives as a difficult time.
“ We are, of course, going through difficult financial times at the moment. Some Companions are experiencing difficulties in meeting the cost of Freemasonry. We should be aware of this and, pride permitting, perhaps we could help an individual.”
Regarding membership, E Comp Clayton said he was pleased that for the five-year period ending 31 December 2009 there had been net gains both in Craft and Royal Arch.
When, sadly, deaths were taken into account there was a net gain of 197 Craft Masons and, in the Royal Arch, 179.
“Despite encouraging figures, we cannot afford to be complacent. We should continue to explain to Master Masons the advantages of joining the Royal Arch. Please note I did not say cajoled or persuaded to join!
“With this in mind however, I am disappointed that 42 Lodges have decided not to appoint a Royal Arch Representative, whilst such an appointment was not mandatory I would ask those Lodges to perhaps think again about the wisdom of their decision.
“Mentoring, Companions is moving apace. The hard work of the Provincial Almoner, John Blundell, is to be applauded. Area Co-ordinators are all in post and have met in workshops arranged by John. Individual Chapter Mentors will soon have been briefed on their responsibilities, though, as you will appreciate, much of the Mentor’s role is common sense.
“The Royal Arch Councils are assisting in spreading the word regarding mentorship – another function they have taken on willingly and effectively.
“I am convinced that mentoring will assist in cutting down on resignations, especially those leaving within the first five years of membership. If we show a newly Exalted Companion that we care, that we want to teach him about the Royal Arch, then this must surely have some beneficial effect.
E Comp Clayton then spoke of the year 2013 and the proposed celebrations to coincide with the bicentenary of the declaration of the Royal Arch as the completion of pure Antient Masonry.
“It is envisaged that the scheduled November Convocation in 2013 will be held in October. Plans are in their infancy but it is likely that it will be in the Grand Temple on the chosen date, to be followed by dinner at a suitable venue.
“ I will, of course, keep you informed of developments as they arise. However, at this stage, I can tell you that the event will be recognised further by raising funds to make a donation to the Royal College of Surgeons. It is hoped that £10 per Royal Arch member should be raised between now and 2013.
“Please be assured Companions that this is not a levy or a mandatory ‘donation’. The giving of such an amount, that we hope will be Gift Aided, is purely voluntary.
Earlier, the ME Grand Superintendent congratulated those receiving Provincial honours, both Acting and Past Rank.
“The appointments carry a Provincial health warning that expects you to continue working for your own Chapters and the Province. It is not a ticket to retirement, he said.”
E Comp Clayton also congratulated Companions who received Grand Honours at the Annual Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in April this year.
Appointed PGStB :
Paul Clarke, Tony Llewellyn, Alan Thorn and the late Robert Cook.
Promoted PAGSoj :
Philip Harrison and John Rushworth
In thanking his deputy and co-Principals and the Assistants to the Provincial Principals, the ME Grand Superintendent spoke warmly of Rodney Tolson, who retired as an Assistant.
“Your dedication and support is tremendously appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with you in your capacity as Administrator of the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund.”
E Comp Tony Kaddish, Welcome Chapter No 408, was appointed to succeed E Comp Tolson.
In thanking John Rushworth, Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra, for his help and support: “not just for today but for the first five years of my 10 year Patent,” the MEGS also spoke appreciatively of the work of Provincial office manager Mick Dyson, Susan Smith and Elaine Hutchinson.
“Elaine has been with us for 22 years. She has travelled from Leeds to Bradford every day on public transport. After much dedication, Elaine has decided to call it a day and actually retired last month. We all wish Elaine a long and happy retirement and at the same time thank her for her committed service to Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasonry.”
usan Smith and Elaine Hutchinson.
“Elaine has been with us for 22 years. She has travelled from Leeds to Bradford every day on public transport. After much dedication, Elaine has decided to call it a day and actually retired last month. We all wish Elaine a long and happy retirement and at the same time thank her for her committed service to Yorkshire, West Riding Freemasonry.”
Posted in Holy Royal Arch Chapter on November 17th, 2010
