Essex First Principals Chapter Install new First Principal
Increased focus on communication as Royal Arch Masonry moves into its third century
On Thursday September 28th 2023 at the Frinton and Walton Masonic Centre almost 90 Companions enjoyed the Installation Ceremony and an insightful and informative presentation from E.Comp Paul Renton, PGSwdB. The Installation Ceremony was carried out by the Installing Principals Geoff Turpin, 1st Principal; Tony Edwards, 2nd Principal and Alan Beere, 3rd Principal.
E.Comp Geoff Turpin in his inimitable style and humour reached up to invest E Comp Nicholas Franklin PGSwdB, PDepGSupt with the Collar of his Office as the banter between them amused and delighted the Companions. The newly installed 1st Principal, E.Comp Nicholas Franklin, proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers for his year with grace and humour which was well received by the Companions.
E.Comp Paul Renton PGSwdB, delivered a powerful and compelling presentation on the matter of Engagement within the Royal Arch. As Chairman, Paul, explained how a new SGC team called the Membership and Communications Working Party (MCWP) had developed a strategy and tool kit for retaining and engaging new Royal Arch Masons. The presentation was extremely well received by the Companions and promised to provide useful and beneficial guidance to future recruitment of Royal Arch Masons. This would be made available to all the Provinces during the following months. After a series of Q & A’s the Convocation resumed and was closed in the normal manner.
The Festive Board was full of culinary delights and was followed by the usual toasts and speeches. E.Comp Elliott Chevin PGSwdB, DepGSupt and also one of the six members of the MCWP Team, gave a humorous and enjoyable response on behalf of the Province and continued to extol virtues, love and passion of the Royal Arch. This gained rapturous applause by the Companions and provided the perfect ending to a memorable and enjoyable day.
This was the final Convocation for E.Comp Ian Marshall PAGDC who had served the Chapter for over 11 Years as the AsstSE and SE. Ian has left his mark on Essex First Principals Chapter and created massive boots to fill for E.Comp Russell Segal Prov1stGSoj, the newly appointed Chapter SE. This was a great Convocation and we all look forward to the next which will be at Saxon Hall, Southend on Sea, Essex, on the 18th April 2024. All Companions will have due notice.
Discover more about the exciting times the MCWP are planning for the Royal Arch at The Supreme Grand Chapter | United Grand Lodge of England (ugle.org.uk)
Photos
Top: Principals of the Chapter with the Royal Arch Executive
Middle-left: E.Comp Paul Renton PGSwdB, Chairman of the MCWP
Bottom-right: Teammates planning exciting times ahead for us all: Paul Renton and Elliott Chevin