Atrium RAC No. 31 with the Most Excellent and Supreme Grand King

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ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 31•Atrium A New Chapter Readers of The Banner may recall that the 2007 Edition contained an article by the Registrar of Ardath Royal Arch Chapter No.573 in which he set out some of the strengths of that Chapter but pointed out that dwindling numbers could lead to its demise.He invited other Chapters in a similar position, which were interested in discussing a way forward, to contact him. Several Chapters responded and discussions began in earnest in August that year. Right at the outset,it was agreed that amalgamation was the way forward and, rather than risk creating the impression that some Chapters were being "taken over" by another,existing warrants should be returned to Dublin and a totally new Chapter be formed. Although as many as eight Chapters participated in the discussions at some stage, only four - Royal Arch Chapter numbers 229, 259, 469 and 573 decided to proceed to amalgamation. Discussions continued into 2008, first Officers were selected, by-laws prepared,and a petition presented to Supreme Grand Chapter. Saturday, 25 October 2008 saw the fruits of their labours when The Atrium Royal Arch Chapter No. 31 was born. As an atrium is the central feature of the adjacent and recently constructed Victoria Centre so it is anticipated that the new Chapter will provide a focus for the regeneration of Royal Arch activity in central Belfast. Just before 3.00 p.m. on that Saturday, in the Quigley Chapter Room, Freemasons' Hall, Arthur M. Ex. & Supreme Grand King, M.Ex. Comp. Michael J.Ward, and the Foundation members of Atrium R.A.C. No. 31 Square, Belfast, the Most Excellent District Grand King, Most Excellent Companion E. Cyril Ferguson, opened an Occasional Convocation of District Grand Chapter and,after Distinguished Companions were welcomed and saluted, the arrival of the Most Excellent and Supreme Grand King, Most Excellent Companion Michael J. Ward, was announced.The Most Excellent and Supreme Grand King was conducted to the dais where he was warmly welcomed, offered the Sceptre, and invited to preside. Having accepted the invitation, he was saluted in accordance with ancient custom. He expressed his pleasure at being afforded the opportunity to preside over such an infrequent event and proceeded to conduct the Ceremony of Constitution, Consecration and Dedication of the new Chapter. During this ceremony, important parts were played by the Most Excellent District Grand King, his Deputy, Right Excellent Companion Jon. McA. Pollock, the Assistant District Grand King, Right Excellent Companion Richard Aughey,the District Grand Chaplain, Very Excellent Companion William Halliday,the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, Very Excellent Companion William T. Brown, the District Grand Organist, Very Excellent Companion Dr. Norman Close, and the District Grand Registrar, Right Excellent Companion William J. Lynch. The new Chapter having been constituted, the Most Excellent and Supreme Grand King invited his Deputy, Most Excellent Companion S. Gordon Leathem, to preside.The by Alex Ireland Occasional Convocation of District Chapter was closed and the Atrium Royal Arch Chapter No. 31 opened. The Most Excellent Deputy Grand King installed the Council of the new Chapter - Excellent Companions D. Gordon Lynn, Harold Marsden and Brian Mooney as King, High Priest and Chief Scribe respectively.This he did in a masterly and exceptional manner, which was as expected, by those who know him. The newly installed Excellent King, Ex. Comp. D. Gordon Lynn, proceeded to invest the remaining Officers in exemplary fashion. Afterwards, in a brief address, he stated that he felt greatly honoured and privileged at having been selected to serve as King of this new Chapter. He remarked that the formation of a new Chapter,in these days of falling membership,was both bold and courageous, and it was up to the Foundation Members to work to ensure its success. He thanked all those who had taken part in the Ceremony and,in particular,all those who had participated in the discussions leading up to the formation of the new Chapter, the Constituting Officers and all those who had worked so hard in the arranging of the day’s events. After some other routine business, the Chapter was closed and the Companions retired to the Dining Room, where a sumptuous dinner was provided and served by the resident caterer and her staff. The customary toasts were honoured. This proved to be the perfect end to a wonderful day, which will live in the memories of all who were there. 4 www.dgracantrim.org
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 324 Celebration Redfern Kelly Centenary The Warrant of Royal Arch Chapter No. 324 was first issued to a Chapter in Portland, St John's, New Brunswick, Canada on the 30th September 1844. Grand Chapter records show the names of nine founder members and also a note stating " Warrant returned " but no date given. The Memorial for the founding of Redfern Kelly Temperance Royal Arch Chapter, came before a meeting of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter on the 4th of November 1908 and it was agreed that a Warrant be issued. Warrant No. 324 was reissued, dated 10th November 1908 and thereafter, on the 18th December 1908 at 7.30 p.m., in the Crumlin Road Masonic Hall, Redfern Kelly Temperance Royal Arch Chapter No. 324 was constituted. Most Excellent Companion Arthur Williamson, M.A., Deputy Provincial Grand Superintendent for Royal Arch Masonry in the Masonic Province of Antrim performed the Ceremony of Constitution and Dedication. The following Foundation Officers were Installed and invested-: Ex. Comp. D.W. Girvin (R.A.C.264), Excellent King. Comp. J.A. Holmes (R.A.C. No.264), High Priest. Comp. J. Magowan (R.A.C. No.258), Chief Scribe. Ex. Comp.W. J. McKinney (R.A.C. No.264), Captain of Host. Ex. Comp. J. McVickers (R.A.C. No. 54), S. of the T. Comp. H. Irvine (R.A.C. No. 97), R.A.C. Comp.W. J. Millar (R.A.C.No.), C.S.V. Comp. S. Hyndman (R.A.C. No. 264), C.P.V. Comp. J. Johnstone (R.A.C.No. 258), C.B.V. Comp. J.A. Holmes (R.A.C.No. 264),Treasurer. Ex. Comp. R. Karr (R.A.C. No. 97), Registrar. Ex. Comp. J.A. Campbell (R.A.C. No. 262), Janitor. Other Foundation Members were Ex. Comp. T. Gibb, (Chapter No. unknown) and Comp. W. Boag (R.A.C. No. 54). To celebrate the Centenary, the Chapter exemplified the M.M.M. Degree at the Grand Chapter of Instruction in January 2008.The degree was in the hands of V. Ex. Comp. Bert. McKelvey, and the Ex. King, Ex. Comp. Billy Mulholland, gave a word-perfect obligation.The whole team did exceptionally well and was congratulated by the members of Grand Chapter of Instruction. At the Stated Convocation and Celebratory Dinner on the 18th December 2008, in the Arthur Square Masonic Centre, the Companions of the Chapter were honoured to have in attendance the Deputy Grand King, M. Ex. Comp. S. Gordon Leathem B.E.M., the District Grand King of Antrim, M. Ex. Comp. E. Cyril Ferguson and the Past District Grand King M. Ex. Comp. Cyril F. A. Quigley. Also present were M. Ex. Comp. D. J. Long, Past Grand High Priest, M. Ex. Comp.W. J. Liggett, M.B.E., Past Grand Director of Ceremonies, V. Ex. Comp James McFarland, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies,V. Ex. Comp. Cyril McBratney, District Grand Inspector and Ex. Comp Neil Ritchie, whose musical accompaniment added to the formality and importance of the occasion. A near full attendance of the Chapter members saw Rt. Ex. Comp. Cecil D. Burns, in his usual highly accomplished and experienced manner, install M. Ex. Comp.William McKelvey, known affectionately as the Father of the Chapter, as Excellent King. At the Festive Board afterwards, the usual toasts were honoured. Each of the speakers congratulated the Chapter and wished it continued success. After such a memorable and historic occasion in the life of Redfern Kelly Temperance R.A.C. No. 324 the members would like to take this opportunity to thank V. Ex. Comp. Clifford Millar for producing the excellent Menu Cards and Florence and Tom for serving a delicious meal. Below: M. Ex. Comp C.F.A. Quigley, Centenarian and Past District Grand King, cuts the cake watched by the M.Ex. Deputy Grand King, M. Ex. District Grand King and M.Ex. Comp.W. McKelvey. The Banner 5
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