The Bedfordshire Chapter of Provincial Grand Stewards, consecrated just last year, presented a demonstration of the three Royal Arch lectures at their first ever 'working' Convocation on Tuesday 31st January. Over 60 attendees witnessed the lectures presented in a shared format, with additional commentary delivered in his inimitable style by the First Principal, Nicholas Edwards.
Each of the three lectures was shared between 5 or 6 companions, and interspersed with a commentary explaining their origins, meanings and significance. Many comments were received that attendees had learned more in one evening than they had over several years of membership.
The Companions then dined together in excellent spirits having made a most enjoyable advancement in masonic knowledge. A great start to the Chapter's ambition of showing how the Royal Arch ritual can be inclusive, informative, enlightening, entertaining and above all - fun!
The Chapter was conceived with the purpose of providing ritual support for occasions when Bedfordshire Chapters find themselves short of officers, to afford practical assistance at the annual Convocation and other events, and overall to demonstrate good practice - and hopefully excellence - in ritual. The ceremonies performed by the Chapter, and the Festive Board, are also delivered in a ‘concise’ format, keeping the duration of the formalities and business of the Chapter to a minimum so Companions can spend more time enjoying each other’s company. The splitting of ritual traditionally performed by one individual into smaller parts-really does make meetings far more inclusive and enjoyable.
The Chapter was consecrated in March 2022 - the first new Chapter consecrated in the Bedfordshire for over 30 years, after years of Covid interrupted planning. Unfortunately, after spearheading the process to form this new Chapter for over 5 years, the Founding First Principal designate, Nick Edwards, tested positive for Covid on the morning of the meeting and had to miss the culmination of all his efforts.
The timing of the arrival of the Stewards Chapter is very opportune for Bedfordshire as we begin the implementation the Pro Grand Master’s seven year plan, which sets the Royal Arch as a central element in ensuring every Freemason gets the most out of their membership
