Companions Sojourn to Supreme Grand Chapter

It was a particularly warm and sunny spring morning as over forty Companions from Gloucestershire and Herefordshire made their way to London for the annual investiture meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter. It is at this meeting that appointments and promotions are conferred on members by the First Grand Principal, HRH The Duke of Kent. With around 2000 members filling the Grand Temple dressed in the distinctive and beautiful Royal Arch colours of blue and crimson, anticipation began to mount as the Grand Director of Ceremonies announced that the First Grand Principal was in attendance and would be presiding over the meeting. The meeting was opened by the Grand Principal’s and the First Grand Principal then entered to rousing acclamation and an emotional crescendo as he took the First Principal’s chair.

The Duke of Kent then proceeded to appoint the Active Grand Officers of the year including:

E. Comp. Peter Brindle, Innsworth Chapter as Grand Sword Bearer
E. Comp. Ian Davies, Chapter of Sympathy as Grand Sojourner

Followed by promotions and then first appointments including:

E. Comp. Mark Smith, Sherborne Chapter to Past Grand Sword Bearer
E. Comp. Dereck Freeman, Chosen Hill Chapter to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
E. Comp. Andrew Moore, Vitruvian Chapter to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies

After the conclusion of the meeting the Companions joined together for some photographs in the Grand Temple. As a tangible demonstration of the ‘One Journey, One Organisation’ message from The United Grand Lodge of England, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire was supported by the Provincial Grand Master for Gloucestershire and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master’s of both Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Provinces, suitably dressed in their Royal Arch Regalia.

The majority of Companions had travelled to London by coach from Stroud and then after the meeting dined at the Trattoria Verdi on Southampton Row, which for many years has been expertly organised by E. Comp Ray Bennett PGSwdB, PDepGSupt. The remainder attended the formal investiture luncheon held at the Grand Connaught Rooms before making their way back home.

Tickets are not required to attend this meeting and all Companions are encouraged to attend at some point in the future to experience what is always a truly memorable day, in great company and excellent hospitality. If you would like to find out more about visiting Supreme Grand Chapter or completing your journey in pure ancient freemasonry by joining the Royal Arch then please speak with anyone you recognise in the photo’s or message the Deputy Grand Superintendent who will be pleased to put you in touch with a local Chapter.

Thanks go to the Deputy Grand Superintendent Mark Smith PGSwdB for the article.