2004-2010
By 2004, the Craft and Royal Arch had grown to the extent that it was considered worthwhile for the Orders to have distinct but closely co-operating leadership. E.Comp. Richard Price was appointed as Grand Superintendent in 2004 and in 2010 E.Comp. Colin Brown succeeded him as Grand Superintendent.
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2010-2018

The desire to strengthen Royal Arch Chapters continued and several Initiatives were introduced to seek to encourage the low percentage of Master Masons who are completing the journey through Antient Freemasonry. Much work was done to build on the success of The Grand Superintendent’s representatives to lodges, a letter from the Grand Superintendent and Provincial Grand Master given to Master Masons when receiving their Grand Lodge certificate that encourages them to complete their Masonic journey into Chapter.
The Grand Superintendent launched a Provincial Demonstration Team who delivered the “Talking Heads’” presentation to Craft Masons in their Lodges, together with an explanatory presentation about the Royal Arch to non-Exalted Master Masons being invited into Chapters. Enthusing and educating the Exalted Companion became a priority. Each being given a copy of the Peterborough booklet about the Royal Arch, as well as a specially written guide that introduces the nuances and characteristics of Worcestershire.

During this period an established Provincial Chapter of Instruction/Improvement, under the guidance of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, was established to provide a full demonstration and explanation of the Worcestershire Workings of both an Exaltation and Installation Ceremony.
The Worcestershire Installed First Principals’ Chapter successfully increased attendance by encouraging the newer Companions to its educational talks at its November meetings. The most popular annual event continued to be the coach trip to the appointments and promotions Annual Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in April, which is always followed by a most convivial dinner back in the Midlands.

Unfortunately the MEGS, E. Comp. Colin Brown was forced to retire on medical grounds at the end of 2018, so his Deputy, E. Comp. John Michael Phenix, became the Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge with effect from 1st January 2019.

There is no doubt that during Colin Brown's tenure the Royal Arch in Worcestershire had gone from strength to strength. We saw the establishment of a very good Provincial Web site and the introduction of a Quarterly Newsletter, "Worcestershire Second Risings" both to stimulate greater interest and provide a membership wide communications links.

2019

In April E. Comp. John Phenix was duly Installed as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent over and in the Province of Worcestershire at an excellent ceremony in the College Hall at Kings School, Worcester, conducted by the Second Provincial Grand Principal, E. Comp. Russel John Race. John in turn then appointed, obligated and invested Michael Dexter Cox as his Deputy, reconfirmed the appointment of Alfred John Yeates as Second and appointed, obligated and invested Barry John Griffin as Third Provincial Grand Principals.

E. Comp. John has continued the ethos of encouragement, team building, communication and development of both the Order and its members.

2020 - To date

On the 17th March 2020 the severity of the outbreak of COVID - 19 led to the Government declaring a National Lockdown, meaning the couintry came to a grinding halt. A partial re-opening occured in September, under what became known as the "Rule of 6." The MEGS therefore decided that the 2020 Provincial AGM would be held under that Rule at Kidderminster Masonic Hall where all the necessary administrative requiremnents including the confirmation of Honours was conducted. It also meant that the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E. Comp. B. J. Griffin, P.G.Std.B was re-appointed in that role.

In 2021 the Annual Convocation took place at Freemasons Hall, Kings Heath with a limited attendance.

In 2022 the AGM was held for the final time in the Avon Suite at Birmingham University and in 2023 moved back to Freemasons Hall, Kings Heath which has now been deemed as the regular meeting place for the Annual General Meeting.
Original by E.Comp. J. A. St. M. Mallin, P.G.St.B.
Subsequent amendments by E.Comp. I. M. Fothergill, PAGSoj..

Welcome Return forHope & Charity 377

Welcome Return for
Hope & Charity 377