The Passing of the Veils Ceremony, held at Blair Chapter 815 on January 27, 2025, was a captivating and deeply symbolic event. Hosted at the historic Hemsley House, the evening brought together companions from various chapters across the province, all eager to witness the rarely seen ceremony, which added a sense of mystique to the occasion.

In Bristol’s version of the Exaltation ceremony, the candidate passes through four veils as part of their journey toward being exalted in the Royal Arch. Each “veil” represents a deeper spiritual and philosophical truth.

Upon entering the venue, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as members and guests alike felt the gravity of the ceremony to come. Hemsley House provided an elegant and suitably reverent setting,

With its traditional décor amplifying the sense of occasion. The lighting and acoustics within the hall were also finely tuned, allowing for a flawless execution of the ritual carried out by the East Lancashire Royal Arch Presentation team and witnessed by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, accompanied by many Royal Arch Masons from around the Province.

The ritual was impeccably performed by with each station being executed with precision and solemnity. The dialogue was clear and well-delivered, providing not only a stunning visual experience but also engaging the audience in the deeper allegorical meanings of the ceremony.
Each of the veils was presented with great care, allowing the candidates to absorb the profound meaning behind each step of the journey.

The three veils—representing the journey from darkness to light—were executed with grace, capturing the essence of Royal Arch Masonry’s spiritual journey. The team showed immense composure as they were guided through the symbolic passage, a testament to their preparation.

After the conclusion of the formalities, the evening concluded with fellowship in the social board, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on the ceremony. The convivial atmosphere and shared respect for the event created a lasting bond among those present, reinforcing the sense of Masonic Companionship. An excellent £263.40 was raised in donations towards the 2026 festival.

In summary, the Passing of the Veils Ceremony at Blair Chapter 815 was an extraordinary event, flawlessly executed, and rich in Masonic symbolism. It provided an opportunity for reflection and inspiration and left a profound impression on all who attended. The officers and members of Blair Chapter 815 deserve the highest praise for their hard work in making the evening such a resounding success.

It was a privilege to witness such a profound moment in Royal Arch Masonry, and the entire evening left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be present.