Page 26 - EssexMason (Issue 89)online_version

Royal Arch

ur hearty and sincere congratulations go to all of those Companions who are receiving a first
appointment or promotion this year. Whilst Provincial honours are a recognition of past services,
Oyour preferment does of course carry with it an expectation of future support both to your
Chapters and to the Province. The appointments to active ranks are featured in this publication and you
can find the names of all those receiving appointments and promotions on the Royal Arch website at www.
essexroyalarch.org

Turning to membership matters, in September 2016 the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent
announced that there was to be a five-year programme that would see the percentage of
Essex Craft Masons being subscribing members of the Royal Arch increase from 38% to 45%.
This was to be achieved by a number of initiatives including the re-launch of the Royal Arch
Representatives Scheme and would be implemented by a membership team under a newly
appointed Membership Officer.
Steady progress has been made towards this objective, with membership increases being driven
through 'Next Step' awareness evenings, publicity & education and, most importantly, the involvement
of Lodge Royal Arch Representatives in the development of the progress of Candidates through the four steps of core Freemasonry.
In addition it was emphasised that the Chapter Almoner’s role was to include the overall welfare of the Chapter, to encourage
attendance and letting Companions know that they are missed should they drift into the habit of not attending meetings. This
initiative was introduced to aid membership retention by helping to prevent premature resignations.

Last year saw a slight change in the way that membership percentages were expressed by including only qualifying Masons, ie
Master Masons of four weeks and upwards. Whilst this only had a small impact on the overall figure it was considered that Entered
Apprentices and Fellowcrafts should be excluded from the objective as this would not represent a true reflection of potential Royal
Arch membership.
By the end of 2019 the percentage of Craft Masons in Essex being subscribing members of the Royal Arch had increased to just over
44% and there is every indication that the our target will be met by the end of this year.
Looking to the Future
The Royal Arch Executive remain focused on looking to the future and continuing with our existing programme of initiatives as well
as introducing new ideas to further increase Royal Arch membership within the Province. The Lodge Royal Arch Representative
will continue to be a vital tool in ensuring successful recruitment and that Master Masons are aware that their Masonic journey is
not complete until they have been Exalted into the Royal Arch. Of particular focus will be our efforts to reduce membership losses,
encourage greater and more frequent attendance at meetings and to attract unattached Companions back into our wonderful order.
Support continues to be available to Chapters across the Province from the members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter in the
form of demonstrations and assistance with Exaltation Ceremonies. Grateful thanks go to E.Comp. Roger Davis and the members of
the Demonstration Team as well as to E.Comp. Jim Wolfe who now stands down as coordinator of the Support team and hands over
the reigns to E.Comp. Stuart Bramzel. Should your Chapter require assistance from either team then please contact your APGP in the
first instance.

Whilst we have been unable to enjoy your company at Provincial Grand Chapter this year, the Royal Arch Executive are grateful for the
support and encouragement that we continue to receive from Chapters across the Province, and now that the general suspension of
Masonic activity has been lifted, we look forward to seeing you all again when it is safe to do so and as our Chapters begin to meet
again.
ur late Most Excellent Grand
PROOF knowledge that Essex continues to
OSuperintendent
was
deeply
PROTECTING LOCAL
proud of the Holy Royal Arch in
Essex and took great comfort in the
PEOPLE & PROPERTY
be one of the most active and vibrant
Royal Arch Provinces.
• Intruder Alarms • CCTV • Access Control • Fire Alarms We hope that you will continue to
enjoy your Royal Arch Masonry and, in
PROOF
the words of our late Most Excellent
Grand Superintendent,

us go forward together and
walk worthily in the light
which shines around”.
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