90 years of service
to the Royal Arch marked in one evening
On Monday April 20th, 2026, a rare, possibly unique, event took place at Orpheus Chapter No. 7697 in Downend. On this occasion Excellent Companion Roger William Blake PPGScN celebrated 40 years’ service to the Royal Arch and also Excellent Companion Anthony Ernest Stock PGSwdB, PDepGSupt celebrated 50 years’ service to the Chapter, the Royal Arch Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire and Royal Arch Masonry in general. A remarkable combined 90 years’ service recognised at one meeting.
Excellent Companion Charles Perkins PGStB and 2nd Provincial Grand Principal presented Companion Roger with his congratulatory letter and 40-year pin badge and also Companion Tony with his 50-year pin badge and 50-year certificate. In making the presentations to both Companions they were able to share many fascinating stories and anecdotes in respect to their many years in the Royal Arch, and in Freemasonry and life in general. Companion Charles thanked both Companions most sincerely for their dedicated service to the Chapter and the Province and this was further echoed by the Most Excellent Zerubbabel, Excellent Companion Mark Steventon–Smith PPGReg at the Festive Board.