The Provincial Deputation was led by EComp Harvey Basger, the Second Provincial Grand Principal
It is not every day that you have the opportunity to see a double Exaltation in the Royal Arch. When you see a ceremony conducted with such joie de vivre and enjoyment by a dedicated team, and you see it in the company of the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, three APGPs, multiple Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter and several Acting Officers of the Province, then you know that you are in for a treat!
On Wednesday 28thNovember Ardwick Chapter No 2185 acted as the host for a Joint Convocation of the Southern Area’s Royal Arch Chapters at Audenshaw Masonic Hall. On this occasion the Province was elegantly represented by EComp Harvey Basger, the Second Provincial Grand Principal, supported by EComp Reverend David Halford, the Third Provincial Grand Principal and EComp Gerald Hodson, the APGP for the Southern Area. We had so many significant Companions with us that it was easy to lose count of them, and it is to be hoped that they won’t mind their names not being listed.
The members of Ardwick Chapter No 2185 together with EComps Harvey Basger, and Rev’d David Halford
The main business of the meeting was to Exalt two masonic Brethren, Arthur Leatherbarrow and Donald Hokins into Ardwick Chapter. This particular task was accomplished by the East Lancashire Royal Arch Presentation Team who make it their business to conduct ceremonies like this, and also perform some other extravagant entertainments which are aimed at making the Royal Arch more visible. They are very good at their work.
The Exaltees, Companions Leatherbarrow and Hokins were congratulated by EComp Basger and the First Principal of Ardwick Chapter, EComp Jozef Markisz
We greatly enjoyed a very fine ceremony performed with care and gusto by the Presentation Team. Certainly it was very evident that the two Candidates thoroughly enjoyed their Exaltation, and that is what it is all about. The Royal Arch teaches us a series of lessons that enhance what we have already learned in Craft Freemasonry. The Royal Arch adds to that knowledge, makes some things clearer and takes us further on our journey into the mysteries of Freemasonry.
Afterwards we retreated downstairs where the staff of Stanley House treated us to an exceptional meal, excellent companionship and pleasant conversation. I can only say that if you are reading this, and you are not a member of the Royal Arch, you really do need to think about what you are missing. You don’t get many opportunities to have such a wonderful, entertaining, pleasurable and instructive evening as this.
Some of the members of the Presentation Team
Words and Pictures are ©Kevin Hall, District Communications Officer for Ashton & Mossley District. Unauthorised use of either words or pictures for commercial gain is forbidden.
The photographs taken at this function are available for download from a photo gallery on the Provincial WebServer. Please go to Provincial Photo Gallery