Having taken the first step in Freemasonry, one of the first things we observe in the lodge, is the junior and senior deacon displaying the relevant tracing board with each degree. This is a familiar sight; it is interesting that lodges have very different tracing boards and makes visiting other lodges so enjoyable noticing the ritual and visual differences.
Taking the next step in Freemasonry and joining the wonderful Order of the Royal Arch, many will notice that although the chapter room is set out very differently, a tracing board is not typically part of the chapter furniture laid out on the chequered pavement.
Having received the summons for City Chapter No 2514, who meet at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, the business of the next meeting was a presentation of the Royal Arch tracing board by the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516.
The chapter room was full of members, visitors and the Provincial Grand Stewards chapter in attendance. The principal guest was Deputy Grand Superintendent, Christopher Butterfield, accompanied by Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals Ian Sanderson, Malcolm Alexander, Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Colin Rowlands, Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar and Vice chairman, Matt Casson.
The chapter was duly opened by the three principals, David Edge, Derek Hedges and Andrew Prowse. First principal David formally welcomed Chris Butterfield to the chapter, and as was custom offered Chris the sceptre of the chapter. Chris accepted the sceptre and commented that on this occasion he was content to observe the proceedings and was looking forward to seeing the demonstration of the tracing board, handing the sceptre back to David.
The chapter business was quickly conducted, and the stage was set with large screen and projector ready for the presentation to begin. The introduction to the talk was given by Eric Kos who explained that although unusual tracing boards or floor cloths do exist in Royal Arch chapters. Chapter of Unity and Perseverance No 580 who meet in Ormskirk being one such example. The chapter history details that in 1851, having received the keys to the ‘arch chest’, the then first principal William Sherlock opened the chest which contained amongst other things a gilded floor cloth.
The history of tracing boards was then expanded, with examples from John Cole whose 1801 publication, An Illustration of Masonry, gives some examples of early forms of tracing boards and the symbolism used. Then moving into examples of tracing boards which can be found in chapters, and their symbolism and relevance.
Each presenter gave a different explanation and meanings to the everyday objects that we would see in a Royal Arch chapter, the tools of a Royal Arch Mason, to the banners, the archway and the sceptres, which was very interesting and informative and helped to explain to the companions the objects in a different way and it is fair to say everyone learned something new about the Royal Arch.
If you would like to find out more and would like to see a presentation from the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire, it is well worth attending, and very professionally demonstrated. The stewards who expertly narrated the journey were Eric Kos (Chorley and Leyland), David Boyes (Mersey Valley), Kevin Byrne (Chorley and Leyland), Ian Lynch (Mersey Valley), David Atkinson (Group Chaiman, Mersey Valley), Stephen Holcroft (Leigh), Philip Powell (Ormskirk and Bootle), Malcolm Warren (Gladstone), Geoff Waters (Furness and South Lakeland), Chris Butterfield (Deputy Grand Superintendent), Chris Gleave (Warrington), Terry Dickinson (Wigan) and projectionist Michael Harrison (Chorley and Leyland).
At the conclusion of the presentation, first principal David, on behalf of the chapter and companions present thanked the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire team for an excellent talk and how informative and entertaining it had been.
The chapter was then solemnly closed and all retired to the Pearce Suite for the festive board. City Chapter is quite unique in the way that the festive board is arranged in that the companions sit at a table arrangement formed in the shape of an equilateral triangle.
At the festive board the last words are perhaps left to Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield who thanked City Chapter for hosting the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire, and thanked the stewards for a very informative and most interesting talk, which not only was entertaining but helps to spread knowledge about the Royal Arch.
If you have not yet taken the next step in your Masonic journey, ask your lodge Royal Arch representative and enquire about joining a chapter, a wonderful journey, ceremony and knowledge awaits you.
