Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

There was great excitement at Westbourne House, Otley on 3rd November 2010.  Fairfax Chapter, which was founded in Guiseley on 5th July 1910, celebrated its centenary with a full house of members and guests totaling 100 Companions.

A large Provincial delegation headed by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, John K Clayton and his Co-Principals enjoyed a most happy evening welcomed by the Chapter’s Three Principals, E Comp. Dr. Eric Adderson – MEZ., E Comp John Wilkinson – H., & E Comp Dr. Andrew Wright – J., who lead the proceedings.
After the Chapter opening, the Grand Supt. entered the Temple, accompanied by his officers, by The Deputy Grand Supt. E Comp. John A. Briggs and by E.Comp. Jack Pigott, Dep. Prov. Grand Master. The MEZ gave them all a hearty welcome.

A short history of the Chapter was read by E Comp Michael T George-Powell who closed by reading a response received from Her Majesty the Queen to whom the Chapter had written expressing their fielty and admiration. The letter expressed her own best wishes and congratulations to the Chapter.

After E Comp. John Rushworth, Prov. Scribe E. had read the Centennial Charter; it was presented to the First Principal by the M E Grand Supt. who was most pleased to add his congratulations and to wish the Chapter well for their next 100 years.
This was followed by the M E Grand Supt. presenting Centenary Jewels to the Three Principals and the Fairfax members.

The First Principal then presented a Jewel to the M E Grand Supt. who, although delighted to receive it, pointed out that he was unable to wear it but would keep it as a fond memento of a happy occasion.

The Third Prov. Grand Principal, E Comp. The Reverend Frank Chappell then delivered a fascinating Oration which had obviously been carefully researched dealing with the background of the Fairfax family and its connections – this was
met with applause.

E Comp. Robin Gregson, PPGSN then presented a Charity Donation of £3255 to the M E Grand Supt. on behalf of the Chapter, which was most graciously received.

The Festive Board was a great success; the M E Grand Supt. presented a Silver Candelabra on behalf of a generous but anonymous donor and lit the candles for the first time.  After the opening toasts, E Comp. Wilkinson proposed a toast to the M E Grand Supt. who then responded in a light hearted manner to the amusement and delight of all present.

All agreed that the celebrations had been worthy of a Century of Royal Arch Masonry and all went home with an evening to remember.

Posted in Holy Royal Arch Chapter on March 7th, 2011

Some of you will be aware that the next Festival the Province will host will be for the RMBI and will culminate in 2017. The Festival will be launched at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in May 2012.

I intend taking a different approach to the organisation of this Festival. To that end a Festival Appeal Committee will be formed that will take responsibility for all aspects of the running of the Festival, from beginning to end. I have invited W Bro. John Boyington, CBE, PPSGD a Past Master of St Philip’s Lodge and the Lodge of South Yorkshire to be the Chairman of the Committee; he has accepted and will occupy that position until the end of the Festival.

I will not be setting any targets, but I do hope that Brethren and Companions will continue giving at present levels, in addition to specific fund raising activities within each Area. To this end I will be appointing Area Festival Managers for each Area of the Province. They will be responsible to the APGM for that Area, and manage all aspects of the 2017 Festival Appeal in that Area. They will also be members of the Festival Appeal Committee.

The Appeal Committee will be commencing work on the various elements of the organisation of the Festival, including the qualification and criteria for Festival Patronage, and how donations to the Festival will be handled. This information should be with you later in the year. I have asked the Festival Committee Chairman to ensure that there is adequate communication with Lodge and Chapters about the Festival.

Festivals are an important part of Masonic life and I hope and trust that you will give this Festival your full support.

Posted in Charity News, Provincial News on March 7th, 2011

The annual meeting of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd takes place on Saturday, 9 April 2011 at Ashville College, Harrogate commencing at 2.30 p.m.

This meeting, of your charity, provides the Directors of the charity the opportunity to explain their management of the charity to the members.     You can also hear first-hand, from recipients of donations from the charity, how the grant has been applied.   This year there will be a speaker from the Prince’s Trust.   It also gives you the opportunity to influence the way in which the charity delivers its purpose.

I therefore encourage all members of the charity to attend this meeting.  I would also hope that either the Charity Steward or Almoner of the Lodge would be able to attend, even if they are not members of the charity.

I look forward to seeing you at Harrogate.

Posted in Provincial News on March 2nd, 2011

In response to the severe earthquake, which took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, the President of the Grand Charity has approved an emergency grant of £30,000 to the British Red Cross to assist with their recovery appeal.  The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal which will be used to support the New Zealand Red Cross response to the disaster.

This grant follows a £10,000 grant that was given following a large earthquake in the same area in September 2010.  On that occasion the money was passed to the District Grand Master’s appeal on behalf of the Mayor of Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund, which was to help the wider community with their immediate needs following the earthquake.

Posted in Charity News on March 2nd, 2011

The Principals and members of St Oswald Chapter No 910 were proud to support the Rev Michael Taylor, PPGSN by hosting the Joint Meeting of the Affiliated Chapters of the South Riding Royal Arch Council at their regular convocation which was held on 12th January in celebration of his year as President of the Council.

Over 85 Companions including the Presidents and Officers of the sister Councils attended to readily offer their support, the highlight of which was an address in open Chapter by the renowned Masonic scholar the Rev Neville Barker-Cryer, PGSoj.

The Provincial delegation was headed by E Comp John Briggs, Deputy Grand Superintendent, accompanied by E Comp Rev Frank Chappell, Third Provincial Grand Principal, and E Comp Tony Kaddish, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.

A fulsome festive board was enjoyed by all in what was a joyous but dignified atmosphere.

In responding to the Provincial toast E Comp Briggs spoke of the invaluable work undertaken by the Royal Arch Councils and the contribution they make to the continuing success of the Royal Arch within the Province, none more so than actively supporting and promoting the various initiatives introduced for the betterment of the Royal Arch within their Chapters.
E Comp Briggs thanked the South Riding Council in particular for their contribution in piloting the Mentoring Scheme which was now up and running throughout the Province.
On a more serious note E Comp Briggs spoke of his concerns in respect to those of our membership who for whatever reason have become detached from their Chapters, almost 14% of members rarely if ever attend Chapter meetings and he called on all the Councils to actively support the Grand Superintendents “Freemasons Care-For One Another” initiative in encouraging these members to reconnect with the Order.

E Comp Taylor in thanking the Principals and Companions of his Chapter for hosting the meeting presented all those present with a personal gift of Pontefract Cakes as a mark of his esteem.

A memorable occasion enjoyed by all.

Rev Michael Taylor greeting Rev Neville Barker- Cryer, PGSoj

President greeting the Provincial delegation

Rev Frank Chappell, Prov Third Grand Principal addressing the Companions

Rev Michael Taylor, welcoming the guests

E Comp John Briggs, Dept Grand Supt with President's and Officers of the Royal Arch Councils

Posted in Holy Royal Arch Chapter on March 2nd, 2011