Page 10 - Essex Mason (Issue 87) Online Version

Holy Royal Arch

Royal Arch Tracing Boards

Chapter of True Friendship

ost Companions can be forgiven for not knowing that there are tracing boards
Min the Royal Arch because very few examples are known to remain in existence.
At the convocation of the Chapter of True Friendship, No. 160 on12th November, some
ninety Companions were present at the Rochford Masonic Centre to witness a fascinating
and informative explanation of the tracing boards.

The explanation was given by members of the Metropolitan Grand Stewards'
Demonstration Team, headed by E. Comp. Simon White PGSoj, Metropolitan Grand
Inspector.
In attendance was the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E. Comp. Nicholas Franklin,
Second Provincial E. Comp. Grand Principal Phillip Campbell, Third Provincial Grand
Principal, E. Comp. Elliott Chevin together with three APGPs.

Also present was the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendent E. Comp. Chris Clarke
PGSN who is also a member of the Chapter of True Friendship and had facilitated the
visit by the demonstration team.
Royal Arch Tracing Boards have a history dating back to when UGLE was first formed
when the Duke of Sussex, the first Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England,
commissioned the artist John Harris to harmonise the tracing boards by creating an
official model for each degree including the Holy Royal Arch. The rituals and explanation
of the symbols had in the main been lost over time but have again been brought to life
following research of examples of the Tracing Boards that are held at Freemasons Hall in
Great Queen Street.
The inaugural demonstration of the Royal Arch Tracing Boards had been given at the
Clapton Chapter No. 1365 at Southgate Chapter in April this year when our very own
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent E. Comp. Rodney Lister Bass had presided as MEZ
of his London Chapter. The Chapter of True Friendship were very proud to have hosted
the very first demonstration in an Essex Chapter and the evening was much enjoyed by
all who were present.

Look out for news of the next explanation of the tracing boards by the Metropolitan
Grand Stewards Demonstration Team; it should definitely be experienced at least once!

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