Tyntesfield 4494 Royal Arch Chapter Meeting 8th May 2025
It was a busy evening at Tyntesfield Chapter’s May meeting with delivery of the Somerset Sceptre from Abbey Chapter No 4491 as a starter, an Exaltation Ceremony for main course, and finally a dessert of the Membership Challenge review visit; with various elections and Grand Chapter certificates as palate cleansers.
With the initial business complete, the delegation from Abbey Chapter presented the Somerset Sceptre to the Principals, which they had received from King Alfred Chapter No 3169. It will be transferred to Sir Isaac Newton Chapter No 9801 by Tyntesfield Chapter companions in June.
With the new Sceptre safely delivered, First Principal excellent companion David Maddern led the Chapter through an exaltation ceremony of Bro Mark Eastaugh of Estune Lodge. The Principals (excellent companions David Maddern as Zerubbabel, Bob Paice as Haggai, and Mark Wilcox as Joshua) and the Sojourners provided another great ceremony, ably supported by substitute Principal Sojourner, excellent companion Colin Martin Provincial Principal Sojourner. The Address to the Candidate was given by excellent companion Neil Hurcum Deputy Grand Superintendent. The signs were presented by excellent companion Martin Slocombe, and The Mystical Lecture was presented by the three Principals – excellent companions Richard Ellis, Bob Paice and Martin Slocombe.
Excellent companion Neil Hurcum presented Supreme Grand Chapter certificates to Companions Keynon and Stokes.
After the Principals were elected for the forthcoming year, a review of the Membership Challenge, led by E Comp Neil Hurcum, Deputy Grand Superintendent was held. Unfortunately, Tyntesfield Chapter has bucked the trend of increasing numbers, however the Chapter is reasonably healthy with all progressive offices to be held by Companions.
In addition, a candidate and a joining member were proposed, but as per our school reports; could do better!!
A next step is to contact recently resigned and unattached members, to see if they might want to re-join, especially now that the chapter uses the much more straightforward Savage workings.
After the Risings the Chapter was closed in peace and harmony, the companions adjourned for the Festive Board, which was up to the normal excellent Nailsea standard.
A very pleasant evening was had by all the companions of Tyntesfield Chapter and the visitors.
The next convocation will be the Installation Meeting on Thursday 11th September 2025. As always visitors will receive a normal Tyntesfield welcome.
