It’s A Double For The Chapter Of St George
The Companions of the Chapter of St George were looking forward to their February meeting as it was to be the first time the Chapter had carried out a double Exaltation ceremony in its 70 year history. The Chapter officers had attended a couple of extra rehearsals to ensure all was prepared for the two candidates, Brothers Bryan Raimondi and James Still. The Principle Sojourner Neal Hansley did an excellent job in guiding them both through the double ceremony, and with 1st Principle Ken Clarke and the rest of the Chapter officers in fine form it was a very interesting ceremony to observe.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent Neil Hurcum and the Second Provincial Grand Principle Graham Puddy were in attendance with a goodly number of guests. The DGS noted jokingly in his speech at the festive board that The Chapter of St George’s workings were unlike any other Chapter in the Province! Both candidates stated that they had enjoyed the unique ceremony and pledged they would become active members of the Chapter.
One sad event of the evening was that the Companions had to say farewell to Excellent Companion Mike Marshall, who had passed to the Grand Chapter above on the 8th February after a long battle with illness and a fitting eulogy was delivered by Mike Meatyard. Mike Marshall was due to achieve his ambition by taking the Chair of Z in 2025, but due to his ongoing illness he had to stand down at the last moment, with Ken Clarke taking that office for the 3rd time in 4 years; the Chapter thanks Ken for his commitment.
On the conclusion of the meeting the DGS gave a short presentation on the Chapter Membership Challenge and thanked the Chapter for Exalting 4 new members into the Chapter this current year. The next Convocation will be the Installation meeting in May, when Mike Meatyard will take the chair of Z. A candidate for Exaltation is lined up for October and the Companions are again looking forward to another successful and productive year of Royal Arch Masonry.
Photo above (L to R) shows: Neil Hurcum, Mike Meatyard, James Still, Ken Clarke, Bryan Raimondi, Neal Hansley, Peter Russell, Graham Puddy
Report by: Rod Green – Chapter of St George – Immediate Past 1st Principle
