Most Excellent, your Excellencies, Distinguished Visitors and Companions all.
Thank you for your very warm welcome this afternoon and for the opportunity to address a few words to this Annual Convocation of the Province of Hertfordshire. I feel almost that I should be welcoming you, as this Grand Temple is of course the home of Supreme Grand Chapter, and next week on Wednesday, we have our own November Convocation.
As well as our usual business, there will be two special items: the first will be a demonstration of the Ceremony of Passing the Veils, by Companions from the Province of Bristol, which at present, is the only Province in England which is permitted to perform this wonderful ceremony that fully links the 3rd Degree with that of Exaltation. There is of course a recognition of passing the Veils whenever we open a Chapter – that is when we halt and bow three times to the altar – originally there would have been a Veil to pass at each of these points. The second special item is that next week will be the Marquess of Northampton’s Final Convocation as Provincial First Grand Principal, since has he announced his forthcoming retirement in the New Year; for this reason, next week will be a sad day for all of us to whom the Royal Arch is a special and Supreme Order. Lord Northampton has consistently shown his deep knowledge and understanding of the meanings of the Royal Arch, and I know we will miss his wisdom and enthusiasm for this Supreme Order. So next week will be, at the same time, both an exciting and a sad occasion – I would just point out that any Companion is entitled to attend S G C, and I hope that not just some, but many of you will be able to be present, if not next week, then on a future occasion.
So where does the Royal Arch stand at present, and where are its fortunes heading?
Well, in the last two-and-a-half years I have now officially visited 30 out of our 46 Provinces in England, and I am delighted to say that nearly everywhere I have found there is a new feeling of hope and enthusiasm for the Royal Arch. Although our overall numbers continue to decline slightly, on an annual basis, in the last two years the decline in the number of Exaltation has been halted and the numbers have begun to improve at long last. I would like to thank all Companions here, and in Hertfordshire generally, for your hard work and dedication in helping to achieve this turnaround, and I urge you to continue reminding all Master Masons to complete their journey through pure Ancient Freemasonry, by joining the Royal Arch.
Twelve months ago I reported my Working Group findings to Supreme Grand Chapter on recruitment and retention. I am glad to say that the first of the three main recommendations is now being implemented; the appointment of an official RA representative in each Craft Lodge.
The second recommendation – a re-definition of the RA in the Book of Constitutions will be considered by Grand Lodge next year.
However, perhaps the most important is the third recommendation – to make Chapter meetings more interesting and rewarding. The Report makes many suggestions, in order to help retain the enthusiasm and attendance of more Companions; more sharing of work, shorter meetings and mentoring are all examples. My current favourite this month is for the Principals to go through the scripture readings at least once, before an Exaltation, to familiarise themselves with their meanings and to give proper emphasis.
Talking of shorter meetings – I think that this is probably enough from me for the moment. I hope to be able to say a few more words, perhaps on a lighter note, at your dinner this evening. In the meanwhile, I look forward to this afternoon and your Annual Investiture.
I thank you again Most Excellent for your invitation, and I am glad that I find the Province of Hertfordshire in such good heart, and to see so many of you present here today.
Thank you Companions.
George Francis
Second Grand Principal
3 November 2008
