The Royal Arch is a wonderful, colourful and very friendly Masonic Order. It is the completion of a master Mason’s journey in pure and ancient Freemasonry. In recent years, that seems to have been forgotten but not anymore! The importance and enjoyment of the Royal Arch is being revived not only for those unattached members but also to new master Masons. The word is out, the Royal Arch is the place to be.
To amplify the renaissance of the Royal Arch, Preston Portcullis Chapter No 6316 hosted a fabulous White Table event on behalf of the Preston Group. Guest of honour was the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews supported by his Second Provincial Grand Principal Mike Threlfall and Third Provincial Grand Principal David Barr, along with Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Paul Hesketh and a vast turnout by Provincial and grand officers.
The event was organised for two main purposes. The first was to attract unattached Royal Arch Masons back into the Order, with a chance to see what they have been missing. The second was to welcome potential Royal Arch Masons into an event for them to plan their next step. Some 18 unattached Royal Arch Masons have expressed a desire to return to the Order and during the convocation, there were four joining members welcomed into Preston Portcullis Chapter and 14 proposals for joining members in September were made.
And what a show Portcullis Chapter put on, not only for the visiting unattached but also for the members and visitors and what a joy to see the chapter room packed to capacity as over 50 companions joined in the evening. Mark and his team enjoyed an excellent ceremony where the Royal Arch jewel was explained in great detail by a fine team of Preston Portcullis chapter companions, which was a true daily advance in Masonic knowledge.
Whilst the convocation met, Provincial Grand Mentor Stewart Cranage and David Parker Jnr, who looks after the light blues in Preston, hosted a reception and presentation of the Royal Arch, attended by seven interested Masons. After leaving the convocation, Mark and his team made for the bar and had a chat with the potential new members. They certainly enjoyed meeting with Mark and positive discussions ensued.
When the convocation had closed, David Parker Snr, Preston Group Vice Chairman and Royal Arch Lead, led the potential exaltees up to the chapter room with some of the Provincial team. There they met the three principals of Preston Portcullis Chapter, Brian Woodburn, Alan Bowerman and Harold Sutcliffe. Brian gave a warm welcome and a brief explanation to the visiting brethren. This once again showcased the colourful and friendly nature of the Royal Arch.
The Ballroom at Preston Masonic Hall was packed as the members and guests enjoyed a tasty hotpot supper followed by sticky toffee pudding. By the end of the night, five of the seven potential members expressed a wish to join while two others want to look at other chapters due to their commitments. Whatever direction they take, they will be supported in making that decision.
The evening was a great success and once again, Preston Portcullis Chapter is as the vanguard of the renaissance of Royal Arch Masonry in Preston. The White Table event has put the Royal Arch front and centre in Preston. This in turn is motivating more Craft Masons to make enquiries about joining the Royal Arch. At the same time, more and more unattached companions are coming back into the Order. It could be said that this is a great pattern for imitation.
