Project Romania moves to Romania for new phase of International initiative
Essex Royal Arch Romanian project sees Chapter teams travel to Romania for first meetings in situ
What are these five Essex Royal Arch Masons doing sitting in a minibus at Saxon Hall at 3:30 in the morning? - They were preparing to drive to Luton airport to fly to Iași (pronounced Yash) to continue Project Romania in situ. These will be the latest meetings taking place in the international collaboration of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Essex assisting the Grand Lodge of Romania in establishing their own Grand Chapter.
This involved re-purposing two Royal Arch Chapters, Albert Lucking No. 2717 and Epping Forest No. 4263, by exalting a number of Romanian masons into the Royal Arch and, under the jurisdiction of the Province of Essex, performing ceremonies in ‘English’ to demonstrate that the new custodians have the correct competencies. Only then will Supreme Grand Chapter consider consecrating a new National Grand Chapter in Romania.
In May 2025, a team of five Royal Arch Companions, Richard Goodwin, Emlyn Carter, Ian Kennedy and Alvyn Bysouth lead by Jim Wolfe, the Essex Royal Arch Support and Presentation Team Coordinator and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, met at Saxon Hall at 3:30am to travel by coach to Luton Airport for a 4 hour flight to Iasi where they were chauffeur driven to the majestic 4-Star Hotel Grand Traian (owned by a Romanian Freemason). The Hotel was fronted by a delightful square with cascading fountains and an aerial 'spider's web' of lights giving a spectacular night-time vista. The hotel was also central for the city and Masonic Temple.
Following the first day of settling in, and preparing the Temple for the next day, the team spent the second day training the Romanians in the various roles for the official meeting the following days. Although arriving at the Temple the next morning ready for a prompt start to a busy day, they found that there had been a Craft meeting the previous evening and the Temple had been left as such. Luckily their equipment wasn't too hard to find, and they were able to start about half an hour late.
The first meeting was for Epping Forest Chapter and the following day for Albert Lucking. Both had the same agendas with all Romanians taking the main offices (under supervision) and exalting three new Romanian Masons. After a short break, the Chapters Installation Meetings were held where the Principals were re-affirmed and officers for the year were invested.
Many of the Romanian Chapter members travelled from various parts of Romania and were staying in the same hotel. They were greeted by the team with firm welcoming handshakes and embraces.
There was only one Festive Board, which took place at the hotel following the second meeting. Unfortunately, most of the Members of Epping Forest had travelled from the other side of Romania, so they did not stay for the second day. They were sorely missed. The Festive Board was conducted with all the proprieties essential for Masonic dining.
Ian Kennedy (Team member) said, “Fulfilling our objectives has been challenging, but above all, totally rewarding and, speaking for the team, it has been an absolute privilege to represent the Province of Essex. We have enjoyed outstanding hospitality and forged lasting relationships.”
Jim Wolfe, Team Leader, added, "I greatly appreciate the efforts of the Provincial Royal Arch Support Team, and everyone involved in this initiative. Without their steadfast enthusiasm, none of this would have been possible. Planning and coordinating the meetings over the past 24 months has been intensive, and I am confident, and proud, that we are now close to achieving our goal, and have played an integral part leading to the consecration of a National Grand Chapter of Romania. To sum up, the Team have successfully been part of Exalting 85 new Companions into the Royal Arch in 24 months in 16 meetings. There will be 3 more convocations in 2025 which should bring the total to around 100.”
Photos:
Top: 3.30am Saxon Hall - the team in the bus starting their journey to Luton Airport (L-R) Jim Wolfe, Richard Goodwin, Ian Kennedy, Alvyn Bysouth, Emlyn Carter
Below Left: Albert Lucking Principals and Officers - Right: Epping Forest Principals and Officers
Bottom: Selection of memories from their historic trip
