Temple 10, Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London – Tuesday 16th June 2026
Companions from across the Province and beyond gathered in the splendour of Temple 10 at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, on Tuesday 16th June for the Annual Convocation of Middlesex Provincial Grand Chapter.
Known affectionately as the Egyptian Temple, Temple 10 provided a magnificent setting for one of the most important occasions in the Middlesex Royal Arch calendar. Its impressive décor and unique atmosphere formed the perfect backdrop for a day that celebrated dedication, achievement and the continuing growth of the Royal Arch throughout the Province.
The day began long before the first Companions arrived. Deputy Directors of Ceremonies and Provincial Grand Stewards from both the Craft and Royal Arch assembled early to prepare the temple and rehearse the proceedings. It was an especially demanding day for Provincial Grand Tyler, Excellent Companion Andy James, whose meticulous attention ensured that every item required for the Convocation was exactly where it needed to be.
Under the watchful eyes of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Excellent Companion Mark Millard, and his successor-designate, Excellent Companion Frankie Whelan-Mellor, rehearsals proceeded smoothly and efficiently. Their professionalism and dedication ensured that everything was ready for the arrival of the Province.
As regalia was donned and the temple filled with Companions travelling from far and wide, anticipation began to build. Many had come to witness friends and colleagues receive their first Provincial appointment, promotion, or reappointment within Provincial Grand Chapter.
The impressive line-up of visiting dignitaries, Provincial officers and distinguished guests assembled along the corridor leading from Temple 8 to Temple 9. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the procession formed and stepped off towards Temple 10.
With the temple filled to capacity, the Director of Ceremonies called the Companions to order to receive the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over Middlesex, Excellent Companion David Allan. A magnificent entrance followed as Provincial Grand Chapter was opened in due form, assisted by the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, Excellent Companion Peter de Wolfe and Excellent Companion Robert King.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent warmly welcomed visitors and heads of other Masonic Orders, creating an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill. His engaging exchanges with guests were enjoyed by all present and set the tone for the remainder of the afternoon.
Following the confirmation of routine business, including the minutes and financial reports, the Provincial Grand Chapter confirmed the reappointment of Excellent Companion Howard Hughes, PGSwdB, as Deputy Grand Superintendent and Excellent Companion Peter de Wolfe AGSoj as Second Provincial Grand Principal.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent then paid tribute to Excellent Companion Robert King, who was stepping down as Third Provincial Grand Principal after giving outstanding service to the Province. In a significant moment for Middlesex Royal Arch, Excellent Companion Julian Saunders, PProvDepGDC, was obligated, invested and installed as Third Provincial Grand Principal.
Another important transition saw Excellent Companion Geoffrey Stuttaford, PAGDC, stand down as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. He was succeeded by Malcolm Johnstone, PPGSwdB, who was invested into the role.
The Convocation then moved to the appointment and reappointment of Active Provincial Grand Officers for the forthcoming year, followed by promotions and first appointments to Provincial Grand Rank. For many Companions, this was the culmination of years of dedicated service to their Chapters and the Province.
The Grand Superintendent’s Address
In his address to Provincial Grand Chapter, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent thanked all those present for their continued commitment to the Royal Arch and expressed particular pleasure at seeing Temple 10 filled with Companions from across Middlesex.
He warmly welcomed those attending Provincial Grand Chapter for the first time and thanked every Companion for the work they undertake within their Chapters to support new members and strengthen the Province.
Special recognition was given to the Provincial Executive, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and the Active Officers who had accompanied the Executive team throughout the year.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent paid particular tribute to Excellent Companion Mark Millard for his outstanding service as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and expressed his delight at welcoming Excellent Companion Frankie Whelan-Mellor as his successor.
Turning to membership, he delivered a positive message regarding the Province’s progress, noting that Middlesex continues to outperform previous years in the proportion of Royal Arch members compared with Craft membership.
However, he emphasised that there remains significant work to be done.
With fewer than fifty percent of Middlesex Craft Masons currently members of the Royal Arch, he challenged every Companion to become an ambassador for the Order by speaking enthusiastically about their Royal Arch experience within their Craft Lodges.
The Province’s continuing efforts to strengthen Lodge-Chapter relationships were highlighted, including the development of a new data-driven application under the guidance of Companion Ian Ferguson, designed to identify and strengthen connections between Lodges and Chapters.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent also praised the work of Visiting Officers and Royal Arch Representatives throughout the Province, recognising their efforts in promoting the Order and supporting recruitment initiatives.
Looking ahead, he announced that Supreme Grand Chapter would shortly launch a regular digital publication entitled Discover More, aimed at informing and inspiring Craft Masons who have yet to take the next step into Royal Arch Masonry.
The address also touched upon ceremonial excellence, member engagement, charitable activity and the continuing success of the Middlesex 2031 Festival, which has already raised in excess of £1,000,000.
Among the lighter moments was reference to the forthcoming fundraising abseil from the tower of Freemasons’ Hall, which will see Deputy Grand Superintendent Howard Hughes bravely descending the building in support of the Festival.
The address concluded with a reminder that while the Royal Arch completes the journey in Pure Antient Freemasonry, it also serves as the gateway to many further opportunities within the wider Masonic family.
A Fitting Conclusion
Following the closure of Provincial Grand Chapter, Companions made their way to the Grand Connaught Rooms for the Festive Board.
VIP guests attended a reception while many Companions gathered in the bar at or enjoyed refreshments in the nearby establishments on Great Queen Street before dining.
The Festive Board was attended by a capacity audience, with the traditional toasts observed in fine style. Friendship, laughter and good humour filled the room as Companions celebrated together and congratulated those honoured during the day.
All too soon the proceedings drew to a close and Companions began their journeys home, reflecting on what had been a truly memorable occasion.
The 2026 Middlesex Provincial Grand Chapter Convocation was a magnificent showcase of the strength, vitality and fellowship that characterise the Royal Arch in Middlesex. From the splendour of Temple 10 to the warmth of the Festive Board, it was a day that will live long in the memory of all who attended.
Completing the Journey
One message resonated more strongly than any other throughout the day: the future growth and success of the Royal Arch depends upon every Companion becoming an advocate for the Order.
For those Middlesex Freemasons who have not yet joined the Royal Arch, the invitation could not be clearer.
The Royal Arch is not an optional extra. It is the completion of the journey begun in the Craft. It provides the essential conclusion to the story of Pure Antient Freemasonry and unlocks a deeper understanding of the principles, symbolism and teachings that every Mason encounters in his Lodge.
Those who have taken that step consistently speak of the enjoyment of the ceremony, the warmth of Chapter membership and the friendships formed along the way. They discover that joining the Royal Arch enriches their Craft experience rather than replacing it.
The challenge set by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent is one that every Companion should embrace. Talk positively about your Chapter. Share your experiences. Invite your fellow Brethren to discover what awaits them.
If you are a Middlesex Mason who has not yet joined the Royal Arch, now is the time to complete your Craft journey.
Speak to your Lodge Royal Arch Representative, Chapter Scribe E, Visiting Officer or Provincial team. Discover more. Take the next step.
Complete your journey. Join the Royal Arch.
Story Pete Swatton
Photography Sam Bassan & Pete Swatton
