Companions,

I will shortly have the great pleasure of greeting and investing those Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter who are being appointed, reappointed and promoted today. I congratulate you all and wish you good health and enjoyment in your new or continuing rank. Every appointment is well deserved, and you should feel proud.

I look forward to meeting many of you again at events throughout our Province, and also at East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Chapter No 3747, which I encourage you to join if you are not already a member.

One being appointed today is Companion John Lees, as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies – whilst continuing as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Craft. Provincial Grand Deputy Directors of Ceremonies will serve terms in office in both the Craft and Royal Arch – One Journey, One Organisation, Companions.

2025 is a significant year for us. It is the Bi-Centenary of the Province of East Lancashire. Time doesn’t permit me to go into much detail today, But I’d like to spend a few moments summarising that part of our history.

The Province of Lancashire had been established in 1734, but eighty something years on, all was not well, with discontent and even rebellion – I have to say, with apologies to our West Lancashire guests, mainly centred around Liverpool.

It’s relevant to point out that a major part of that discontent was over the treatment of the Royal Arch following the Union in 1813.
It led to the formation of the Grand Lodge of Wigan – but that’s a story best saved for another occasion.

As a consequence, in 1822, the then Provincial Grand Master was suspended, and the Grand Chancellor was appointed to be in charge of Lancashire.
The Grand Master decided to separate the Province, East and West, and in late 1825, the first Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, RWBro John Crossley, was appointed.
We will be acknowledging and celebrating this important event later in the year. Details are yet to be finalised, but we hope will include a Service of Thanksgiving and a dedicated Provincial Meeting hosted by one of our Lodges.

For the sake of completeness, I should add that following establishment of East Lancashire, the Grand Chancellor remained in charge of the remainder of Lancashire until 1826, which is why our West Lancashire cousins will be celebrating their own Bi-Centenary next year.

When I addressed this Meeting last year, I announced that our Festival total stood at £1.4 million. Today, a year on, it now stands at £1.8 million. Our Lodges and Chapters, and ultimately of course, you and all our members, have been hugely generous. I am both proud and grateful for that support.

With just over 18 months remaining, I am hopeful that we will reach our target of £2.4 million – hopeful, but not complacent. I do ask you to continue with your wonderful generosity, and, particularly addressing those who have not yet made a personal direct commitment, there is still time to do so, which will also provide a much-needed Gift Aid boost.

Companions ‘ One Journey, One Organisation’ . It is a fundamental part of our strategy restating the 1813 Declaration in a modern and succinct form. It articulates that Pure Ancient Masonry consists of the three Degrees and then the Royal Arch.

That journey starts with the Initiate, and for many, continues in due course, into the Royal Arch. That’s why I’m continuing a theme I spoke about at Provincial Grand Lodge last November, and it’s this.

We seem to have got out of the habit of approaching and introducing potential members, relying on people joining who have made their own enquiries, or whom we reach through social media.

Self-sponsored candidates can and do make excellent members, but that should be in parallel to, and not instead of, personal introductions.

Companions, please think about who you might approach to join. Discuss and encourage introductions with members into your Lodges, particularly with newer members, who perhaps have a wider circle of connections outside of freemasonry.

We are rightly proud of the Royal Arch in East Lancashire – our long and distinguished history, our values, and our achievements. Companions, thank you for all you that you do to ensure that our meetings are fulfilling and happy, and that our membership of our Order is rewarding. Your efforts and your passion for the Royal Arch ensure that we can look to our future with confidence.

Thank you.