Blackpool Chapter No 1476 held a White Table Event that attracted three definite candidates and at least three more who are awaiting their third degree before applying to join the chapter. The event was attended by two grand officers, Stephen Jelly, Chairman of the Blackpool Group and John Cross, Chairman of the North Fylde Group.
The event was organised by chapter member and Provincial Grand Mentor Ray Lamb, Ray has long recognised the value of the light blue clubs, which support mentoring throughout all the degrees and beyond. Ray is also the originator of the regular Blackpool Lodge No 1476 ‘Gentlemen to Dine’ scheme, which has resulted in eight initiations in just two years and four more waiting to join. This has led to an increase in potential candidates for the Royal Arch, as the policy encourages candidates to attend as many festive boards as reasonably possible to keep them interested before their initiations.
Once the general business of the chapter had been concluded, it was closed and the guest master Masons were admitted to the chapter room. They were warmly welcomed by first principal John-Paul Lovie and his co-principals Michael Sjollema and Chris Hill. North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross then delivered a talk on the Royal Arch, explaining its connection to the Craft.
He began by providing some historical background, stating that Freemasonry comprises only three degrees, including the Royal Arch. John emphasised that the Grand Master of the Craft is also the First Grand Principal of the Royal Arch, while Mark Matthews holds the dual roles of Provincial Grand Master of the Craft and Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch simultaneously.
John then traced the history of the order, beginning with the foundation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, known as the ‘Moderns’. He then moved on to the 1751 foundation of the second Grand Lodge of the ‘Antients’ and their union in 1813. During this period, the Royal Arch ceremony was part of the ceremonies of the Antients but not the Moderns. However, it was only upon their union that the Royal Arch ceremony was included for all Masons.
John eloquently explained to the assembled brethren and companions why the Royal Arch holds such significance, delving into the moral teachings of the degree and the exclusive secrets known only to members. The chapter room listened attentively as John encouraged the guest master Masons to complete their Masonic journey, highlighting the availability of additional resources like the UGLE website Solomon. John concluded the presentation and all retired to enjoy a traditional meal of meat and potato pie and chips, discussing the excellent presentation they had just experienced.
The evening was a resounding success with three new candidates for the Royal Arch, Darren Clemson and Luke Bodenham from Blackpool Lodge, completed their application forms and future candidate, fellow craft Simon Rhodes is eagerly awaiting his third degree and getting his Grand Lodge certificate. Additionally, a raffle was held to raise much-needed funds for local charities.
