The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent addresses the Annual Convocation

A strong message of support and thanks in recognising the hard work being undertaken by the Province

Distinguished guests, Companions all,

Firstly, I would like to again welcome our honoured guests, from Supreme Grand Chapter and from many of the local Provinces. I realise that Essex, to many of you, is a strange, mysterious place and you don’t usually go to the deepest and darkest parts of Essex. So, we are very happy to bring Essex to you today in London. Thank you again for coming.

My thanks go to Elliott for his three years as my Deputy. Remodelling and energising the Royal Arch executive has been an outstanding achievement. Of course, I won’t lose him. He will be joining the Craft executive in the very near future.

My thanks also go John Hubbard for his three years as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal. His energy and commitment in so many ways has been so helpful. Of course, the Province will not lose him as he continued as Inspector General for South Essex for the Ancient and Accepted Rite.

It has been my pleasure to honour all those who have received promotions and appointments today, especially since we are back here again in the centre of English Freemasonry. Please remember, these honours are for what you will do is the future not, necessarily, for what you have done is the past.

We can be very proud of what has been a strong year for the Royal Arch is Essex.

We have engaged with the community across the province for the second year in a row. Local schools across the Province, were provided with free school meals for children because of the generosity of Essex companions. Many of the Chapters have supported local charities. We truly do make a real difference in our communities.

Our Romanian initiative continues apace. Working with Supreme Grand Chapter, and in particular with David Roberts-Jones, two of our Chapters are moving to Romania in the future. They will be the basis of a new Supreme Grand Chapter in Romania.  

We have exalted 62 Romanian brethren to date and further ceremonies are planned. I believe a number of our Romanian members are here. Please stand. Have a good day …

Looking to the future, I have some questions for you.

We have received strong leadership from Supreme Grand Chapter and UGLE with a clear focus on the fact than the craft and the Royal Arch are one organisation. We have embraced it Provincially. Are you doing everything you can to bring Craft and RA together?

Archway was launched since our last convocation. It’s a simple, powerful tool to help every Chapter thrive. Are you using this in your Chapter?

Thirdly, the RA rep has a critical role in every Lodge. There is excellent guidance on the CUBE and the Membership Team have been underscoring this with the seminars across the Province. Are you using this in your Lodge?

These are open questions for you to ponder.

The Royal Arch plays a massive part in the Masonic journey, but you already know this or you would not be here today.

Remember, we are one organisation.

I would like to see new Masons introduced to the Royal Arch as soon as possible. New Masons who join the Royal Arch tend to remain as members, they seem to get more enjoyment from their Freemasonry.

Make your meetings exciting. Ensure your RA Mentor is engaging all your members and join the parliament of Essex Royal Arch Freemasonry – Essex First Principals.

Companions, it is my privilege to be your Grand Superintendent. It has been my honour to present you with your new collars to mark the further progress you have made in your different Masonic journeys – and I thank you for your continued support.

May the True and Living God Most High keep you safe and well.