On the 17th October 2022 at Mayflower Place Hertingfordbury the Hertford Royal Arch Chapter 403 met for its’ regular Convocation this being a Celebration of 150th year since the Consecration on 13th March 1872. The preparation for this having begun in 2019 when it was decided the Chapter could celebrate and have a continual reminder by arranging for the purchase of a Chapter Banner.
Discussions on how to finance the said Banner ensued when Comp Peter Hayhow, who is now comfortable in a care home, volunteered the money for the purchase. The production of the banner, ably managed by E Comp. Colin Prince with assistance from E Comp. Tim Carey and in consultation with the Chapter Members, agreed the uncomplicated but clear and defined design which was approved on 15th March 2021. The Banner was ordered although what would in normal circumstances be routine was hampered by the restrictions in place due to the ongoing Pandemic.
As 2021 drew to a close, with the recent resumption of masonic activity, and the Provincial team being involved with matters in Denmark, it was decided to have the Banner dedicated at the October Convocation when all would be available.
The Convocation having opened the Provincial Banner Dedication team entered the Chapter E Comp. James Sharpley, Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, assisted by E Comp. Robert Asser, Second Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp Rod Kent, Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp. James Angus, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp. Iain Green Provincial Assistant Grand Scribe E , E Comp Jason Roberts Provincial Deputy Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies and with members of the Executive in attendance E Comp. David Hampton Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp. Tim Huckle, Provincial Grand Treasurer and E Comp John Linley Third Principal Designate.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent took the chair and requested the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals to take their respective chairs and the Provincial Assistant Scribe E to assume the role as Provincial Scribe E. The Chapter Officers, following the instruction from the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, assembled in the West. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent then informed the companions of the purpose of the meeting and the officers retired to collect the Banner while a hymn was sung. On their return the MEZ, E Comp Tony Bearpark presented the Banner for Dedication. The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent signified his assent and called upon, E Comp Rod Kent, Third Provincial Grand Principal to deliver an Oration.
The Oration covered the Meeting of Hertford Lodge in November 1871 where it was voted that a petition be drawn up for a Royal Arch Chapter be created in the Name of Hertford Chapter 403. The Charter was granted, by the Supreme Grand Chapter, on the 7th February and consecrated on 13th March 1872. The consecration meeting was held at Hertford Town Hall. The difference in the way of life over the 150 years was made apparent comparing events in 1872, 1972 and 2022 making one consider the changes: modes of transport; communication; how companions had arrived at and conducted meetings; how the Chapter had survived 2 World Wars and a Pandemic resulting in the suspension of Masonic meetings.
Following a Prayer the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent dedicated the Banner being held aloft by the Chapter DC. The Banner having been dedicated and revealed was then paraded about the Chapter by the Officers and then placed on its stand alongside the Principals.
The dedicating team vacated their seats in favour of the Chapter Officers and the regular meeting resumed.
The Festive Board provided good fare and was enjoyed by all, special mention was made of Comp. Peter Hayhow in the Toast to Absent Brethren.