The chapter room at Cleveleys Masonic Hall was buzzing with lively conversations between 56 companions ahead of a very special evening of chapter ritual delivery. There were 18 companions of Tithebarn Fidelity Chapter No 8446 in attendance alongside 38 visitors.
The main item of business was to receive a presentation of the Savage exaltation ceremony by the Provincial Grand Stewards Demonstration Team, which is part of the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516.
Following an efficient opening of the chapter and the usual business led by first principal Harry Davidson, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin led a procession of grand and acting Provincial grand officers into the chapter. The chapter was delighted to receive Deputy Grand Superintendent David Barr. Harry Davidson offered David his sceptre, but David swiftly handed it back at the same time wishing the chapter a successful evening of Savage ritual.
The Savage Cub chapter ritual had been rediscovered in the archive of the Savage Club Chapter No 2190, who meet in London, in the mid-2000s and had seemingly been approved for use many decades previously, but had never been brought into use. After members of the chapter read it, the consensus was that they should move towards it.
It doesn’t change anything about the underlying Royal Arch story or the message it imparts and so after updating it to make sure it incorporated the recent changes required by Supreme Grand Chapter, they confirmed with the Committee of General Purposes that it was still okay to use. It tells the story in a more logical, clearer way but without dumbing down. This allows everyone to appreciate the candidate’s involvement and his reaction, because the story is so much easier to follow. It’s a shorter, more efficient and a more engaging experience.
The most significant difference is that in other rituals the narrative and the performance aspects are split, which means the story essentially gets run twice, whereas this version has simultaneous acting and narration. This means there is less ‘coming and going’ and it creates more roles for other participants.
It’s shorter and more fun to participate in, but without losing any of the gravitas of the ceremony and its underlying story and some companions think it irons out some of the creases. It keeps the character of the story that it is still clearly recognisable to anyone in the Royal Arch, but is rather more engaging. There are more people involved in the storytelling, which can make it even more meaningful. The ceremony is a more efficient means of exalting multiple candidates.
Following the end of the ceremony, first principal Harry Davidson thanked all the officers of the demonstration team for all their hard work in preparing and delivering such a wonderful and different ceremony of exaltation. He praised the demonstration team leader Eric Kos for his management of the team and ceremony. Chapters interested in having the demonstration team visit them, should contact Eric Kos via email at: ewk@plussafety.co.uk To get more information about the Savage Club Chapter Ritual, click here.
