This is not an allusion to the fact that St Clair Chapter No 2902 has just exalted Companion Carl Gibbs, who happens to have served with the Household Cavalry. It alludes to the continuing success of the Chapter in attracting high calibre new members. In the last two Chapter masonic years there will have been five new Companions exalted into the Royal Arch. However, Carl stands at 6’3” and just the sort of guy you need with a sword at his side as ever ready to defend the City and Holy Sanctuary against the enemies who surrounded them.
Carl served for 18 years in the Armed Forces and became a Middlesex freemason having been initiated in Berkeley Lodge No 7591 in 2022. He approached the Lodge Royal Arch Representative, who happens to be a member of St Clair Chapter, about joining the Royal Arch and was exalted on March 15th, 2025. Now begins a new masonic experience for Carl.
Being a member of the Household Cavalry is not all about sitting on a horse looking good. Although some of Carl’s experience has been of a formal nature, he was a soldier first and foremost and was posted to the Balkans as well as doing two tours in Afghanistan where he served alongside Prince Harry. He also met Daniel Craig the actor, who whilst filming Casino Royale was able to train in a private military gym used by Carl. Not only that he spent 3 months skiing with James Blunt, the pop singer, when he was Troop Captain in the Household Cavalry.
Hopefully, Carl will be fulfilled masonically by both his Craft and Royal Arch experiences and be able to contribute to the work in both Orders as time progresses.
This report was written by E. Comp Stan Marut SLGCR PPrGReg, Provincial Communications Team.
