Worcestershire Provincial Grand Chapter News
Top of page 
Allocation of Grand Charity Monies to Worcestershire Hospice Movement
On Friday 16th December 2011, the RW Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by the VW Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent presented cheques totalling £11,200 to five Hospices within the Province. As always they were gratefully received by representatives from each Hospice concerned.
Top of page
Date for the Diary -
Grand Officers and Acting Provincial Appointments Lunch ~ Following the very successful lunch held last year all Grand Officers and Acting Provincial Appointments are cordially invited to attend the 2012 Sunday Luncheon to be held at Kings Heath on Sunday May 13th 2012. Further details will be promulgated in due course.
Top of page
Continuation of Grand Superintendent's Initiatives.
Following the success of the Provincial Presentation Teams presentations and commentary of the important parts of the Exaltation Ceremony, two further Presentations have been organised for early in the New Year:
26th January 2012 Chapter of St. George, No. 5691, Kings Heath, contact Bernard Jennings.
10th February 2012 Godson Chapter, No. 2385, Halesowen, contact Ron Kindon.
The presentation is aimed at new Exaltees both in those Chapters meeting at the respective Masonic Halls and throughout the Province, and it is hoped that they, perhaps accompanied by their Mentor/Proposer, will attend to gain a far better insight into the very important journey they have taken from being Raised as a Master Mason to being Exalted as a Royal Arch Companion. Considered as the completion of Pure Antient Freemasonry. Please confirm your attendance with the Scribe E details as above.
Top of page
Dining Out of Ex. Comp. Richard Brian Ward Price, Past Grand Superintendent.
On Monday 19th December the cognoscenti of the Provincial Grand Chapter, in company with the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and the Grand Superintendents of Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire together with the Past Grand Superintendents of Warwickshire and Staffordshire and Past Deputies of the Province, gathered in Number 2 Dining Room at Kings Heath to “Dine Out” the Past Grand Superintendent, Ex. Comp. Richard Brian Ward Price.
It soon became obvious that the atmosphere was one of great conviviality and the whole evening, under the Stewardship of Ex. Comp. Geoffrey Weston, Deputy Grand Superintendent, turned out to be a great success. Many Wine Takings took place and it is believed that only the “Ships Cat” was missed out on this occasion.
In proposing the Toast to Ex. Comp. Richard the Grand Superintendent, Ex. Comp. Colin Peter Thomas Brown, paid him great credit dating from his Installation on a cold and wintry day at the Three Counties Showground in 2004; indeed the same day that our Provincial Grand Master was also Installed; he being the first “independent” Grand Superintendent for 31 years in the Province.
During his six year tenure of office Ex. Comp. Richard did much to revive the Order which had, during the last few years, started to lose its appeal. His success can be measured in that during his leadership a Provincial Grand Chapter Ball was held at Merry Hill and two new Chapters; the first for Eleven Years; were Consecrated, White Ensign No. 9169 and Old Bromsgrovians No. 5743. If this was not sufficient he also took a Provincial team to Andorra and Consecrated a Chapter there.
It has been from the strengthening of these foundations that our current Grand Superintendent has launched his various initiatives to further enhance our Supreme Order and make it more meaningful to the Companions and indeed encourage those who, having become Master Masons, should continue to complete the journey of pure Ancient Freemasonry.
In conclusion of his Toast, the Grand Superintendent, on behalf of all the Chapters in the Province, presented Ex. Comp. Richard with a gold watch together with a suitable floral arrangement for his long suffering wife, Beryl.
by Ian Fothergill, Information Officer
Top of page
Ex. Comp. John T. Hart, MA, PGStB, 30.9.1936 – 15.11.2011.
On Friday 9th December many Brethren, Companions, Family, Friends and School colleagues gathered in the beautiful Chapel at Malvern College to give thanks for the life of Excellent Companion John (Pom Pom) Hart who finally lost his fight against cancer on Tuesday 15th November 2011.
John will be remembered by many as the Curator of the Provincial Library and Museum, a post he held for some 11 years with a passion well beyond expectations. Ex. Comp. John’s Royal Arch contribution was significant, he was exalted into St. Wulstan’s Chapter No. 280 on 12th September 1979, was Installed as MEZ on 10th April 1991 and was Installed as the Third Provincial Grand Principal on 10th April 1999. This led to his promotion to Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter on the 29th April 1999.
John was the Head of the Classics Faculty at Malvern College for some 29 years retiring from that post in 1996. He will also be remembered as the first male winner of Mastermind in 1975 were his knowledge of Greek and Roman History was unbeatable. He also gained “celebrity” status when he and nine of his teaching colleagues took on the Inland Revenue in the case of Pepper v Hart where they succeeded in overturning a 300 year principal by gaining a Lords majority of 4-1. This is now considered a landmark case.
Ex. Comp. John was a keen musician being a Masonic organist, pianist at his local church and he ran the school jazz band. He was also a much appreciated after dinner speaker in and around Malvern. His sporting prowess was at cricket where he was a member of the Malvern College Masters XI. Freemasonry has lost a much respected Brother and Companion and we express our sincere condolences to his wife Sally and the family.
by Ian Fothergill, Information Officer
Top of page
Royal College of Surgeons Presentation
At the Provincial Installed First Principals Convocation held at Rainbow Hill, Worcester on Saturday 12th November, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent had arranged for a Presentation Team from the Royal College of Surgeons to address the assembled Companions. This followed his visit to Supreme Grand Chapter, where it was first introduced. His own enthusiasm following that meeting, gave him the desire to share this excellent presentation with the Province and to stimulate and encourage them to support the Supreme Grand Chapter Charity Appeal 2013. The first time that Supreme Grand Chapter has held a National Charity Appeal in its 198 year history.
The assembled Companions were treated to an excellent presentation by 3 of the Research Fellows who are currently researching Bowel and Oesophageal Cancers and External Limb Breaks and Traumas. The latter conducted by a Surgeon Lt. Commander RN following his deployment to Afghanistan.
The assembled company were enthralled at the excellence of the presentations and gained a great deal of insight into the workings of the Royal College of Surgeons which, surprisingly, is supported from private funds alone. It also provided a wonderful stimulus to the assembled company to ensure that the Companions in the Province of Worcestershire gave their whole hearted support to the 2013 Appeal it being such a worthwhile cause.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent is very keen that all monies raised within the Province are forward to the Provincial Office, cheques made payable to “W. M. C. O.”, rather than individual donations being forward to Supreme Grand Chapter. This to allow for a total sum to be collated, Gift Aid claimed and then a final total donated by the Province. Full encouragement is therefore given to the use of Gift Aid envelopes whenever a Chapter wishes to provide its support.
by Ian Fothergill, Information Officer
Top of page
New Provincial Third Grand Principal announced.
At the Festive Board following the meeting of Installed First Principals the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent announced that he had invited E. Comp. Ian M. Fothergill, PPrGReg, LGCR, Prov AGSE, of White Ensign Chapter No. 9169, to undertake that Office and to be Installed at the Provincial Grand Chapter Convocation at Birmingham University on Saturday 14th April 2012.
by Ian Fothergill, Information Officer
Top of page
The Master Mason Presentation on the Royal Arch
The next presentations on the Royal Arch will be given as detailed below:
The Meeting of Lickey Hill Lodge No.5947 at Northfield Masonic Hall on the 7th February 2012.
For details please contact:
W.Bro David Morris Tele. 0121 4753103 Email davehmorris@aol.com
The Meeting of Shenstone Lodge No.7037 at Halesowen Masonic Hall on the16th February 2012.
For details please contact: W.Bro Denis Lacy.
Top of page
50 Year Certificate for E.Comp. Richard Price
E.Comp. Richard Price, Past Grand Superintendent, celebrated his 50 years of Freemasonry at the regular meeting of Masefield Lodge on Monday 14th November.
The meeting was honoured with the presence of the R.W. Prov. Grand Master, Richard Goddard, who presented Richard with a 50 Year Certificate in front of the 80 Brethren that had gathered to celebrate this landmark event. It was good to see Kings Heath's No.1 Lodge Room filled with so many distinguished guests, a great many of whom were Royal Arch Companions from Worcestershire and further afield.
A warm tribute to Richard's service and achievements was given by W.Bro. Peter Band and a silver salver presented on behalf of the Brethren of Masefield Lodge by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. John Carreras. Richard replied to both with typically modest and heartfelt thanks.
Having been Initiated by his father, W.Bro. Eric Price, at the tender age of 26, Richard is of course a relative youngster for one receiving a 50 year certificate. The Brethren of Masefield Lodge and Companions of Masefield Chapter are proud to have such a dedicated Freemason amongst us and look forward to more of the same for many years to come.
After the Meeting was closed, photos were taken to commemorate the event combining distinguished Masons from Provincial Rulers of both Craft and R.A. Chapter in this Province and the neighbouring Provinces.
From left to right: W.Bro. C.P.T. Brown, V.W.Bro. R.C. Vaughan, R.W.Bro. R.G.H. Goddard (in background W.Master J.A. Carreras) V.W.Bro. R.B.W. Price, R.W.Bro. D.F. Macey, V.W.Bro. A.J. Wellan and V.W.Bro. J.L. Saint, (M.E.Grand Superintendent Warks).Top of page
E.Comp. T. V. Condlyffe 60 Years Certificate
On Thursday, 22nd September 2011, the Holy Royal Arch Province of Worcestershire celebrated a very special event.
Excellent Companion T Victor Condlyffe PGSN was presented with a Certificate marking the 60th Anniversary of his Exaltation into Royal Standard RA Chapter.
Excellent Companion Victor was Deputy Grand Superintendant from 1993 to 2004, following many years of dedicated service to Worcestershire.
At the regular Meeting of the Chapter held at the Masonic Hall, Dudley, the ME Grand Superintendant presented the Certificate before a gathering of over 40 Companions. The assembly included the immediate Past MEGS, three Past Deputy Grand Superintendants and a large number of Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter.
Excellent Companion Michael Simpson, acting as MEZ, presented a number of gifts from the Chapter.
The meeting included presentations from senior officers of 4 Christian Masonic Orders. The very enjoyable evening was completed at a happy and convivial Festive Board.
Top of page
Worcestershire Installed First Principles Chapter No. 6889
At the meeting of the Worcestershire Installed First Principles Chapter No. 6889 held in June this year, the ME Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Colin Brown announced further initiatives designed to promote the Royal Arch in Worcestershire.
First, the introduction of a Worcestershire Provincial Royal Arch Tie which is for wearing at Royal Arch Meetings only. This Tie is available from the Provincial Office or one of the Royal Arch Rulers of the Province at the reasonable cost of £10. Any surplus from the sale of the Tie will be donated to the Royal Arch WMCO charity Account.
Second, there is a new Explanatory Worcestershire Royal Arch Booklet, titled “A Guide to Royal Arch Masons”, this will be supplied, together with the Peterborough Booklet on Royal Arch Masonry, to all newly Exalted Companions of the Province.
“A Guide to Royal Arch Masons” is available to all Companions on the Provincial website. This is designed to complement the Peterborough Booklet which gives information on the Order in general, by explaining the practices and traditions in Worcestershire in particular as well as giving further information to new Companions.
Top of page
Appeal Total Raised £1,632,000
The Appeal total has achieved the magnificent amount of £1,622,000. A full report and photographs will feature in this summer's souvenir edition of Worcestershire Source. Visit the PGL Site for more details.
Top of page
Provincial Grand Chapter Officer's Luncheon.
“It is clear that the Dining Room at Kings Heath was recently adorned to an unusual degree. Our Grand Superintendent, Colin Brown, created an opportunity for this year’s newly appointed Provincial Officers to meet and mingle with Grand Chapter Officers in the Province.
He decreed a Luncheon should be held in the pleasure dome at Alcester Road South on Sunday 15th May. Not for him traditional maypoles.
The adornment was assured by inviting their Ladies as well and this achieved a colourful and delightful mix giving ample freedom to talk of matters of importance or jest, the latter being dear to our Grand Superintendent’s heart.
There seems little doubt that the event vaulted well over a threshold that might have discouraged our rulers from repeating this idea and I am sure the catering would have risen to the occasion. “
Thanks to you all for pics and info. John Yeates, Information Officer
Top of page
Visit to Supreme Grand Chapter.
At 07:00 on Thursday 28th April 2011, cold but cheerful Companions boarded the coach at Halesowen to commence the Provincial Annual Trip to Supreme Grand Chapter. Some 30 minutes later, a further 24 Companions boarded at Kings Heath and the real journey had begun.
After an excellent drive, with coffee served en route by the new Provincial 3rd Principal, E. Comp. Roger West, we arrived at the doors of Great Queen Street at 10:15. This meant that we were first in the queue for scrutinizing and entrance to the balcony, for the best views in the Grand Temple. After a superb meeting and the pleasure and privilege of seeing 4 Worcestershire Companions Promoted/Appointed, we retired to a hostelry across the road for a “Pie and Pint” lunch before re-boarding the coach and driving to the Throckmorton Arms at Kings Coughton, Nr. Alcester where we enjoyed an exquisite 3 course meal and the newly promoted/appointed Companions provided the wine.
By 19:15 we had returned to Kings Heath after a brilliant and inexpensive day out, which had been enjoyed by all. For those who have never been on this trip it really is worthwhile and allows the Companions below Grand Rank to enjoy the full panoply of ceremony, for which Supreme Grand Chapter are renowned.
article by E.Comp. Ian M Fothergill,
Top of page
Sad news at Easter for the Province of Worcestershire.
There has been much news of the passing on of Brethren who have contributed in great measure to the pride and happiness of our Province.
Dr J Marshall Wilson of Fort Royal Lodge and St. Wulstan Chapter among other Masonic pursuits was to receive Maundy Money from the Queen in Westminster Abbey last Thursday. His widow, Jan and his son Michael were there to receive it on his behalf and also Her Majesty’s personal sympathy. There is to be a Memorial Service for him in Pershore Abbey this Sunday May 1st at 3pm when everyone is welcome.
We also hope the following Brethren will rest in Peace: Alex Farmer of Bon Accord Lodge and Trinity Chapter, Keith Olsson of Abbott Lichfield Lodge; Freddy Buck of St John in Bedwardine Lodge, St. Wulstan’s Chapter and so many other Lodges and Orders and also Eric Beattie of Ribbesford Lodge and the Chapter of Stability among others. The company they offered us was accepted to our great gain.
article by E.Comp. John Yeates, Information Officer
Top of page
Provincial Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Worcestershire.
Annual Convocation on Saturday 9th April 2011
The ME Grand Superintendent Colin Brown presided at his second Provincial Grand Chapter in gloriously auspicious weather in the Avon Room at Birmingham University.
It was held under the Banners of The Chapter of Hope and Charity No.377, Bordesley Abbey Chapter No. 4495, Wigornia Chapter No. 4935 and Ben Marsh Chapter No.7938. Through their efforts; those of Provincial Stewards over two days, fetching, setting up, dismantling and re-transporting the required furniture from Kings Heath; the many acts of administration which we expect at their normal high standard from Provincial Ezratariat: those in attendance as of right or as guests felt welcome and engaged. The Prov. G.D.C., conducted his wonderful team with pleasant dignity throughout and how important is all of this work.
Much can be read elsewhere, in the summons, in the MEGS Colin Brown’s address and indeed the current welcome onto this website. What cannot be derived from print is the spirit of enthusiasm alive in the room, and determination to progress with good humour and diligence.
All made their farewells with companionable satisfaction and we are grateful that E. Comp Ian Sharratt gained time after helping others to put E Comp Roger West, who has proudly taken his place in succession to E Comp Michael Cox as Provincial Third Grand Principal, in Technicolour on our site. Everyone wishes him health and happiness.
We also benefitted from certain insights and illuminations into the first year of our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, already by no means the newest on the scene, but relishing his chance to represent and promote our beloved Province. The support for him is clear and let us join with his many initiatives.
article by E.Comp. John Yeates, Information Officer.
Click here for to read the full address from the ME Grand Superintendent.
