Calderley Chapter of Union discussion and a special evening for Chris Moore

Calderley Chapter of Union No 906, which is the Royal Arch discussion chapter in Somerset, met on Thursday 18th September at the Wedmore Masonic centre.

The Principals, E Comp Julian May (Zerubbabel), E Comp Adrian Halliwell (Haggai) and E Comp Andrew Clapp (Joshua) opened the chapter with skill and decorum, and as is usual for Calderley Chapter they dealt with the business of the chapter in an efficient manner, in order to allow time for the discussion, which on this occasion was led by the Grand Superintendent in and over the Province of Somerset, Excellent Companion Ray Guthrie.

Item 4 on the agenda was to welcome Ray to the chapter, which was done. Ray was to be accompanied by excellent companion John Bennett, but for the first time since the consecration of Calderley Chapter, John had sent apologies, as he was at home looking after Jenny, who was recovering from an operation. Needless to say everyone in the room wished Jenny a speedy recovery.

Item 10 covered the main business of the evening, “The Grand Superintendent or his Deputy will be proffered the Sceptre to initiate a discussion“, when the following items were discussed.

• Royal Arch Ritual and Lectures:  There has been some debate about the importance of the three Royal Arch lectures, that is the Symbolic, Historical, and Mystical. Supreme Grand Chapter issued guidance some time ago advising Chapters that the three lectures should be presented in every Chapter at least once a year. If the ceremony is the exaltation of a brother, the Mystical lecture should always be presented. Should time constraints prevent that, then the signs, explained in part one of that lecture must be presented. 
  The introduction of Savage Club Chapter ritual has helped. This removes duplication from the ceremony, the Mystical lecture is an integral part of that ceremony. 
  All three lectures are an important part of a Companions Masonic journey but presenting three lectures on the same night as a brother is exalted could be Masonic overload for that candidate(s)! A key question is how to balance the need for an efficient ceremony and good candidate experience with the desire to present the full lectures? Possibly by holding extra meetings (by dispensation) or making them optional visits to other chapters where the lectures are being presented.
  
• Membership and Retention: The discussion touches on retaining members and attracting new ones. It’s suggested that making ceremonies “enjoyable, understandable, and well done” is the best way to keep people engaged. The concern is that people might join simply to qualify for other Masonic orders, like Knights Templar (KT), rather than for the love of the Royal Arch itself. There’s a push for better communication and for officers to focus on making the experience meaningful for new members.
  
• Succession and Officer Development: A significant portion of the conversation is about succession planning for leadership roles within the chapters. The concern is that some members are unwilling to take on certain offices, and there’s a need to make these roles more appealing and seen as a path for personal development. Suggestions include creating assistant roles, implementing formal succession plans, and offering training sessions for officers like the Secretary or Treasurer, not just those on the path to the main chair.
  
• Communication and Resources: The speakers mention the “Building Together” initiative, a new, centralized platform that will consolidate information from “Archway” and “Pathway.” This is seen as a way to improve communication and make resources, like information on lectures and succession planning, more accessible to all members.
  

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Under the second rising, E Comp Ray asked for E Comp Chris Moore to rise!

The grand superintendent usually presents two Grand Superintendents Awards each year, and 2025 is no exception. These are presented to Companions in recognition of extraordinary service to their Chapter.

This year the first recipient is excellent companion Roger Reina of Avalon Chapter No 446. Roger’s award was presented at their meeting last Tuesday, 16th September. Please see this article for more information on this –> A Great night at Avalon Chapter – Somerset Freemasons – www.somersetfreemasons.org

The second recipient is excellent companion Chris Moore of Exmoor Chapter No 2390, and as these pictures demonstrate, was presented at Calderley Chapter of Union No 906 at the meeting on 18th September.
Chris said, “I am so humbled by this presentation, and I’m mindful of many of those other companions who have received this award before me, and  I feel more than honoured  to join their ranks.  Thank you very much.“

At the Calderley meeting there were 6 recipients of the Grand Superintendents Awards in attendance, and thanks to Ray Beckingham’s quick thinking, this image was captured to mark the occasion…

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Roger and Chris join the ranks of some very distinguished companions…

Companion	Year	Chapter
E Comp A J Carter, GSA, PPGScN	2017	Dungarvan No 973
E Comp R Guthrie, GSA, MEGSupt	2017	Dungarvan No 973
E Comp N D J Smith, GSA, PAGDC, PrGAlm	2017	Royal Cyrus No 285
E Comp D D Veale, GSA, PPGScN	2017	Exmoor No 2390
E Comp J T May, GSA, PPGScE	2018	St Luke’s No 6540
E Comp P J Davis, GSA, PPGScN	2018	Royal Cyrus No 285
E Comp P R du Kamp, GSA, PPGReg	2018	Marine No 232
Comp C B Dyer, GSA, PPGAlm	2018	Perpetual Friendship No 135
E Comp K H W Crang, GSA, PPGScN	2019	Brotherly Love No 329
E Comp P N Crang, GSA, PPGScN	2019	Brotherly Love No 329
E Comp K R Smith, GSA, PPAGSoj	2019	Fidelity and Sincerity No 1966
E Comp C A Snook, GSA, PPGScN	2020	Avalon No 446
E Comp R F Beckingham, GSA, PAGSoj	2022	Wrington Vale No 1199
E Comp R I Stone, GSA, PPGScN	2023	Brotherly Love No 329
E Comp B F Crome, GSA, PPGScN	2023	Avalon No 446

(For updates to this list, please look for “GRAND SUPERINTENDENT’S AWARD” in the Somerset reference book.)