E. Comp John Young, Scribe E of Kingswood Chapter 2278 reports that some five years ago it was decided they would like their own banner. One of the members, E. Comp Colin Childs, designed it and the design was duly sent off to Supreme Grand Chapter (SGC) with the Kingswood logo and motto on it, for approval.
This approval took three attempts! The first attempt failed when SGC wanted know the significance of various items on the Chapter logo, which after 100 years proved impossible to find out.
A second design – the triple tau within a triangle and the Chapter motto, “Res Non Verba” – “Deeds Not Words” failed because the triple tau was not proportioned exactly as shown in the Book of Constitutions.
Perseverance paid off with a third design being submitted, finally getting SGC approval and the Chapter had it made!
A date was set for the Dedication and then the pandemic hit, and it had to be postponed. Two further dates were planned but for various reasons, both again had to be delayed.
The 20th May 2022 was finally settled upon and happily it coincided with E. Comp Colin Childs 50 years of service to the Royal Arch.
A delegation from the Provincial Executive, headed by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, James Sharpley attended to officiate at the ceremony.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent accepted the proffered sceptre from the Chapter MEZ, E. Comp Robert Burch and assumed the First Principals Chair.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent, David Hampton was placed in the Second Principals Chair, and the Third Provincial Grand Principal, Rod Kent was placed in the Third Principals Chair with Iain Green, the Provincial Assistant Scribe E replacing the Scribe E of the Chapter.
The Companions then took up their allocated positions in the Chapter and the Banner Dedication was carried out, during which time the Third Provincial Grand Principal gave a very touching oration to the Chapter.
All of this was overseen by the keen and watchful eye of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, James Angus with the music being played by the Provincial Grand Organist, Tim Mitchell.
On conclusion of the dedication, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent then presented a Certificate to E. Comp Colin Childs, marking fifty years since his exaltation into the Chapter, on 6th May 1972.
During the presentation, the M. E. Grand Superintendent recounted to the Companions, his first and rather unusual meeting with E. Comp. Childs at Ashwell House in St Albans, nearly thirty years previously.
After the meeting closed, 46 Companions retired to a very enjoyable Festive Board.