THE AUTUMN INSTALLATION OF MIDDLESEX FIRST PRINCIPALS CHAPTER No 3420.
A report by E. Comp Stan Marut PPrGReg, SLGCR, PPrGReg (Hants IoW)
This year has gone quicky and after a balmy summer it was time to put on warmer garments and head to TDMC for the autumn Installation Convocation held on Monday 24th November. This is always a splendid occasion and an opportunity to meet up with Companions not seen for a while. Regrettably the outgoing First Principal, E. Comp Chris Weeks PAGDC was unable to attend and E. Comp Mike Karn PAGSoj stepped into the breach.
The Official guests were warmly welcomed from the following First Principals Chapters:
Berkshire No 3684, Clerkenwell No 9628, Hertfordshire No 4090, West Kent No 5778, North London No 9784, North Middlesex No 9240, Sussex No 3672 and Mid-Surrey No 7388.
The first duty after welcoming the guests was to announce the death of two Companions of the Chapter who had passed to higher service namely, E. Comp William Gaunt PPrGSwdB and E. Comp William Hagon PPrGSoj and eulogies were heard in respect of both Companions.
After the regular business of the Chapter, it was time to receive the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent E. Comp David Allan together with the Deputy Grand Superintendent and the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals together with members of the Provincial Executive. The Principals Elect were then duly Installed:
MEZ – E. Comp Nigel Codron PGStB PProvGDC
H – E. Comp Martin Kemble PAGSoj PPrGSwdB
J – E. Comp David Wareham PProvGSN
The Officers for the forthcoming year were then duly invested by the First Principal.
The Provincial Grand Charity Steward during his report proposed that the Chapter should make a donation of £250 to Dementia UK which was accepted.
In the time available for the Convocation the rebuilding of the Temple would be continued on March 23rd March 2026 when the prospect of sunnier days, spring flowers and the clocks going forward present themselves. The Chapter was then closed and the MEGS accompanied by the Principals of the Chapter, the Provincial Executive retired in procession.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent together with the Provincial 2nd and 3rd Principals and the newly invested Principals of Middlesex First Principals Chapter No 3420.
THE FESTIVE BOARD
78 Companions dined at Festive Board and enjoyed a repast with a choice of Duck Spring Rolls, King Prawns, Pork Neck, Lemon Sole and rice pudding or Fruit Salad washed down with select wines. Definitely not a Weight Watchers Convention.
At Festive Board the MEGS spoke about ‘Building Together’ which is the tagline for Craft and Royal Arch coming together as one organisation, and that as Royal Arch Companions we must encourage as many Brethren to join the Royal Arch and experience the companionship and camaraderie of both familiar faces and by creating new friendships.
https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/blog/introducing-building-together.
He also mentioned the 1870 Club a newly evolved organisation that had succeeded the former PGO Club and reflected a modern, inclusive vision for Provincial fellowship. It was named in honour of the year the Province was consecrated. The 1870 Club would mark a new chapter in strengthening connections across the Masonic community. The Middlesex 1870 Committee would serve as the coordinating body for social events across the Province. The aim would be to ensure a well-planned and inclusive calendar of events, promoting collaboration, and encouraging participation across all levels of Freemasonry in Middlesex. The committee’s work would help strengthen bonds of friendship and shared purpose within the Province.
