Taurus Lodge

The later start of the Metropolitan Grand Chapter meeting meant that those attending had a chance to meet up with friends and enjoy the bright sunny day which greeted them as they arrived at Freemasons’ Hall. Those who needed to collect new regalia had done so and the crimson and blue colours were resplendent as the assembled Companions awaited the arrival of the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, E Comp Warren Duke, into the Grand Temple.

The Companions were called to order and the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent accompanied by his Officers entered in procession. The Metropolitan Grand Chapter was opened, and all were seated and were welcomed by the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent; then some administrative matters were dealt with. After a report, a  Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted to the Temple. He announced that the Most Excellent Second Grand Principal was outside and demanded admission, this was acceded to and the Second Grand Principal, Most Excellent Companion Sir David Wooton, accompanied by a retinue of Grand Officers, entered. After being offered and declining the Sceptre, the Second Grand Principal took his place in the Chapter.

After dealing with matters which required the Metropolitan Grand Chapter being opened, it was ‘Called Off’ and those Masons not yet members of the Holy Royal Arch and families and friends of those to receive Metropolitan office together with the soon-to-be recipients of LGCR and SLGCR were admitted to the galleries. The investiture of those honoured then took place.

When the Investiture was completed, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent addressed the gathering. He began by saying that it was wonderful that so many could be here to celebrate those who give so much to their own Chapters as well as to Metropolitan Grand Chapter and to the Royal Arch as a whole.

He said that he was delighted to welcome so many distinguished visitors from Supreme Grand Chapter, led by Sir David Wooton, as well as those from our neighbouring Provinces, but also our other guests, families and friends as well as Master Masons yet to join the Royal Arch.

After thanking the members of the Royal Arch Executive team, he singled out the Reverend Timothy L’Estrange, the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, who as well as running a busy London parish and having a young family combines this with his Masonic commitments.

Companion Duke went on to say that it had been his pleasurable task to invest those receiving London Grand Chapter Ranks as well as the active Metropolitan Grand Officers. He said that the Companions invested had earned their new collar jewel and apron for all their work in the Royal Arch and he gave them his personal thanks. For those receiving active office, he hoped that they would throw themselves into the role and enjoy their year, acting as enthusiastic and joyful ambassadors for the Holy Royal Arch. He pointed out that the Royal Arch is an integral part of ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ and that we are one team. “We are not either ‘Royal Arch Red’ or ‘Craft Blue’, but we are truly ‘Team Violet’. I personally – as do all Companions here – stress how important the Royal Arch is to our whole integrated system and so it can seem a bit odd not to take the next logical step.” He stressed that it was important that a Master Mason should not be pressurised into taking that step but do it when it was right for them. We should encourage them to make an informed choice; and there is support to be found with the Royal Arch awareness evenings, as well as the “Discover More” sessions being rolled out.

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to say that it is hugely encouraging that just over 45% of all Craft Masons in Metropolitan are subscribing members of Royal Arch. Another 38% are Craft Master Masons whom we should be gently encouraging to consider completing their journey in ‘Pure Antient Masonry’. “Let us tell them how wonderful and uplifting it is so that they want to join rather than feel it is expected of them.” There are a further 17% of Master Masons who joined the Royal Arch but are now unattached; we are looking at ways to engage with them to find out why and offer options to re-engage their enthusiasm.

Under the guidance of E Comp John Parry, there has been an increase in Special Interest Chapters, an example being the Chapter for F1 fans which has had eight Exaltees in the last year. Other Chapters are bringing members of Met teams together to enhance their work; the newest being the Baltic Chapter for Almoners which has 42 members and has performed its first Exaltation. There are over 60 Special Interest Lodges and there is scope to expand this into Special Interest Chapters and to invite unattached Royal Arch Masons to become involved again.

Today, the 3^rd Metropolitan Grand Principal, Christopher Head, and three Inspectors retired; as did another Inspector during 2024. “I would like to thank Chris, Oliver Crispin, Robert Lakic, John Shulman and Russell Sollof for all their hard work”, said E Comp Warren. “Another retiree today is the Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies, E. Comp Guy Foster, who has given four distinguished years of service and I thank him also.”

The Metropolitan Grand Superintendent went on to thank all those who make events like today possible: The Metropolitan Grand Scribe E and his staff and volunteers, the Director of Ceremonies and his team as well as members of 9812, the Metropolitan Grand Stewards Lodge.

Having thanked all those who attended and saying he looked forward to meeting many of them either at the drinks reception or over dinner, the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent, with the 2^nd Grand Principal, Metropolitan Officers and distinguished guests, retired in procession.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.