ADDRESS BY THE ME GRAND SUPERINTENDANT
I welcome all of you to this 7th Annual Convocation of the District Grand Chapter. This is the first convocation we have held on the same day as the craft communication, and I think it has encouraged an increase in our numbers. This is also the first time we have met in this room and in this building. We are grateful to the DGDC and his team for organizing the transportation of the furniture and fitments from Belleville, and for setting up everything as you see them.
I thank all those officers who have served in their stations since October 2006. I congratulate those appointed to-day to acting office in the District Grand Chapter and Ex Comp David Jones and Mykul Husbands on their promotions. I am sure that you will support Royal Arch masonry in these parts, and that you will act as mentors in both recruiting candidates for exaltation and retaining those exalted.
With 3 of our Chapters less than 6 years old, it has been quite difficult to decide on appointments and promotions following the 5 year rule. Ideally, those holding high rank in the craft District should hold a comparative rank in the Royal Arch. This is difficult in that in some areas, craft members do not have the choice of forwarding their Masonic careers into the English Royal Arch system, and I speak particularly of St Vincent, Anguilla and Montserrat.
After further consideration, SGC’s Committee of General Purposes reconsidered the petition of Union 7551 for an attached Chapter, and a petition has been granted. The consecration of this Chapter will take place here on Saturday 26th July 2008.
I have something to say about the RA during this afternoon’s craft meeting. What has to be emphasized is that the RA is the next step in freemasonry after the craft degrees and the final step in pure antient masonry. It is both an integral part of craft masonry as well as being its completion.
I would like to draw your attention to the District’s by-laws and in particular to by-law 10, Report of First Principals. These reports are to be forwarded to me direct, or through DG Scribe E, within 7 days prior to the next installation convocation. The requirements of the report are set out in by-law 10. The procedure is a little different from the craft, Chapters meet less frequently than Lodges. Your assistance in this matter will help our administration, and I request all Principals to do the necessary.
Finally, I thank the Principals of Victoria 2196 and St Michael 2253 for hosting the lunch which is to follow.
