I would like to begin my Address by welcoming you all here today and say how encouraging it is to see so many present in the magnificence and splendour of this Grand Temple, which we are so fortunate to have in the heart of London. This enables us to meet and enjoy our Freemasonry.

First, I offer sincere congratulations to those Companions who received Supreme Grand Chapter honours last April. I know that each has been truly merited and will enable them to further the valuable work they are doing for Freemasonry, both generally and the Royal Arch in particular.

In turn, I do also offer my hearty congratulations to all those Companions whom I have appointed, promoted and invested today. As I have stated on numerous occasions, those honours have been awarded on merit for services rendered in the past. At the same time, they are also intended to encourage enthusiasm, continued dedication and effort, which will add lustre to their already distinguished service.

I make particular mention of the “three wise Companions” to whom I presented my Certificate of Service – all very well known to me and I am sure to many of you present here today, and around the Province, for the valuable contribution they give and are still giving to this Order.

I cannot let the occasion pass without recording a special “thank you” to those Provincial Officers who accompanied and assisted me during the year. To those Grand Officers who represent me at meetings, particularly during the busiest season of the calendar, I also extend my thanks. They ensure that with members of the Executive, every Installation Convocation is at least represented to complete the rota.

Let us not forget the Provincial Stewards who turn out in force on these occasions to give of their time and energy to ensure the success of these Provincial Convocations and other special events.

My personal thanks go to E. Comp. Graham Sutherland our newly appointed Web Master for developing our new Web Site. This is now very readable with plenty of Provincial Royal Arch news and information gathering apace.

Also, special mention and thanks to E. Comp. Neil Phillips. His expertise and journalistic ability give excellent coverage of the happenings in the Royal Arch Province, for inclusion in the Provincial News.

Companions. Changes to the ritual. I am often asked for my opinion on this subject. My steadfast reply always is, that there is merit in their adoption. The changes are not difficult to assimilate, and are now being introduced more and more throughout the Province. My feedback is that Exaltations and active rehearsals are taking place using the new form and present no problems.

The changes are a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation, such as Chapter Stewards and Sojourners to use my oft–repeated phrase, “to share the work in the catechetical form of delivery.” This makes the ceremony of Exaltation more interesting to the candidate; avoids boredom among non–participants, and encourages confidence in the minds of those taking part in the ceremony, particularly as they approach the Principals´ Chairs.

My thanks go to E. Comp. Paul Ostwind our Provincial DC and his team, for the very lucid way in which they demonstrated the changes, not only in this Province and Supreme Grand Chapter but elsewhere.

I reiterate the comments of Scribe Ezra in his support and likewise thank E. Comp. Elkan Levy, who on the 10th November last, in Supreme Grand Chapter spoke very effectively in favour of the changes.

That is all I intend to say on changes to the ritual.

I make no excuse for once again referring to mentoring. Last year´s statistics make disappointing reading regarding the number of resignations we have sustained during the year. It is so necessary to make full use of the Almoner or a senior PZ with a brief to help retain members whose attendance is falling off, leading to possible resignation. We must nurture our new members and welcome them more fully into the body and fellowship of the Chapter.

My wife and I attended several White Table and other events during the year. I particularly mention the Royal Arch weekend at Bournemouth last November when we completely took over the Durley Hall hotel and a most happy time was enjoyed by all present.

The Royal Arch Golf Day prize giving at Chesfield Down was a great day for golfers. Needless to say the generosity of Companions to chosen charities from both occasions was most gratifying.

Here I can offer thanks to you all for the kind and hospitable way, we and other members of the Executive and Officers are greeted on these occasions.

It gives me great encouragement on my journeying around the Province to hear of the magnificent efforts being made by Chapters to support our well–known local charities. In the vein of charitable giving, I am pleased to report on the generosity of members, so far, to the 2009 Festival for the Grand Charity. To add to this I will ask the DC to escort the PGM this way so that I can present him with a cheque from the magnificent response we have had, and are still receiving, from the sale of Provincial Royal Arch ties.

To enhance and co-ordinate this further, you will have noticed earlier that I have appointed E. Comp. Richard Shirley to be our Provincial Charity Steward, to work closely with E. Comp. Graham King the Craft Charity Steward and Chapter Charity Stewards.

I acknowledge once again the special relationship which exists between the Royal Arch and all the other Orders in the Province, and support given to us by you Provincial Grand Master and your Secretariat headed by Keith Gilbert.

Companions, to be your Grand Superintendent is busy and pleasurable, not least because we attend the Annual Convocations of some 24 other Provinces, including our own Craft and Mark annual meetings, where we enjoy abundant hospitality and make many friends. It is a pleasure to be able to reciprocate today.

Now arrives what is for me a few sad moments, when I must tell you that this is the last Convocation over which I will preside. Strict age rules imposed by Supreme Grand Chapter and our Provincial diary means that I retire during the Springtime next year.

At my Installation on the 19th February 2001, I light–heartedly mentioned that I was installed as the thirteenth Grand Superintendent of this wonderful Province. Companions, number thirteen is surely my lucky number. It has been a most pleasurable, fulfilling and wonderful experience to occupy this Chair. Of course, it would not have been without the dedicated support of my Deputy John Ilott; second and third Principals Alan Ward (sometime our Provincial Scribe), Ian Clift (sometime our Provincial DC) and not forgetting Past Principals Ken Gamston and Mervyn Lewis. Phil Lever our Provincial Scribe ably assisted by David Enock (Fellow Grand Superintendents, where would we be without our Scribes? They are so precious to us.).

Paul Ostwind Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team of deputies; Alan Wiffen and Peter Borst the dining duo. Last but no means least the teams of Stewards over the last few years who have been so dedicated to their duties. I am grateful to all the helpers too numerous to name who have assisted and been so loyal to me during my tenure and providing me with so many happy memories. Indeed, Companions, that means you all. Yes it has been a truly memorable period in my life.

Finally, the message I give as we set forth into another year; let us continue to cultivate our principles; offer a sincere thanksgiving for our Freemasonry and dedicated way of life; retain our customary happiness and sense of humour.

St. Paul was surely right in the advice he gave to the Thessallonians: “You must be happy all the time.” My short rider to that is: “if circumstances permit.”

Companions, it is for me a pleasure to serve you all.

E Comp Alec Fuller
ME Grand Superintendent
Annual Convocation
7th November 2005