NEWSLETTER 36 Repro - Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

NEWSLETTER 36 Repro 11/5/07 11:45 AM Page 44
LEEDS & DISTRICT
R A COUNCIL
FORMED in 1922 the Leeds and District
Royal Arch Council is the oldest in the
Province covering 14 Chapters stretching
from Leeds out to Ripon, Harrogate and
Wetherby.
Several of the Chapters have very long
histories with Fidelity Chapter No 289 being
granted its Charter in 1793.
The objectives of the council are to
promote interest and stimulate the progress of
Royal Arch Masonry by consultation and by
visiting the various Chapters. Changes are
taking place as the recent modifications to the
ritual are assimilated and each Chapter has
always had its own style.
The function of the Council is to be
supportive, consultative and advisory.
These are exciting times for the Council.
The Provincial Grand Superintendent's
enthusiastic support for the Royal Arch with
new initiatives has led to increased interest in
its activities.
The Council ensures that all Chapters
have a representative at every meeting.
Usually they are one of many guests but for a
small meeting they can be especially
welcome.
After many years as secretary to the
Council, Roger Barnes has stepped down
and will be replaced by Gerry Barker. Roger
has worked unstintingly through his wife's and
his own ill health and the Council is deeply
grateful to him. Gerry now has the incredibly
difficult task of allocating visits to all the
meetings of the Chapters while avoiding other
Masonic meetings and holidays.
The main event every year is the Joint
Chapter Meeting held in turn at one of the
Chapters, with Companions from all Chapters
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in the district and representatives from other
Districts in the Province attending. Sometimes
around 100 attend, including Provincial Grand
Principals.
These are special occasions for all but are
especially impressive for newly exalted
Companions.
One of the most memorable recently was
the meeting held by Philanthropic No 304 in
the form of a Reception evening when 20
Brethren as potential Companions joined the
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SUN - 11am - 4pm
Bank Holiday Monday -
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meeting and a spell-binding presentation was
given by E Comp Keith Roberts.
A president is appointed every year and
several of them have gone on to hold senior
positions in the Royal Arch.
This year’s president is E Comp John
Batt, from Harrogate, and Claro No 1001.
He will visit all 14 Chapters and attend all
Joint Chapter meetings in the Province,
greatly improving his knowledge of the
geography of the area and widening his circle
of friends.
E Comp Tony Llewellyn, from St Michael's
No 4353, is vice president.
In this the 85th year of the Council's
existence a collar and jewel has been
presented by E Comp Graham Pile, a former
president, for use by vice presidents at the
Festive Board during their visits. It is going to
be a busy, interesting and exciting time for all
members of the Leeds and District Royal Arch
Council.
• Editor’s note: There are seven Royal Arch
councils in our Province, each of them run on
similar lines to Leeds and District.