MEGS Address to District Grand Chapter of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Convocation on 24 January 2015

Companions,

It is with unfeigned pleasure that I welcome you all to this the 2015 Annual Investiture Convocation of the District

Companions, on your behalf I welcome our distinguished visiting Companions and in particular I welcome:

• E. Comp. G. Trevor Jones, the Grand Superintendent of Scottish Royal Arch Masonry in Jamaica and his deputation, inclusive of his Depute and MEC Keith Scott a Past Grand Superintendent in his District, and,
• E. Companion James Moss-Solomon, the Past Grand Superintendent of Irish Royal Arch Masonry for Jamaica and the Bahamas.

I am delighted that E. Comp Afeef Lazarus, the Immediate Past Grand Superintendent continues to find it possible to join us at these meetings. Do assist me to properly welcome him.

Companions, although we have already paid our last sad tribute of respect to all of the companions who had died since or last convocation in July, it would be exceedingly remiss of me not to point out to you the great loss which this District and I personally, have suffered through the sad and untimely passing of E. Comp. Dr. Charles John Henry Thesiger.

In the Tribute which I wrote for delivery at the Service of Thanksgiving for him on the 14th I said:

“When I became Grand Superintendent for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, I re-appointed Charlie to the post of Deputy Grand Superintendent, as I could think of no better companion for an infant leader such as myself, to have by my side to teach, guide and nurture me. When I created the District Grand Master’s Council as my advisory body, Charlie was one of the very first names to be pencilled in as an initial member.

Charles John Henry Thesiger was always gracious, always enthusiastic, always willing to take on any new task, always helpful, always willing to teach, always kind and always faithful. He was never quarrelsome, never mean spirited, but was generous with his time, experience, and learning and of himself.

Despite the pressures and even darkness of his chosen vocation-psychiatry, Charlie was a happy man, full of laughter and with an enormous sense of humour.

Charlie was both a humanitarian and an enabler. Jamaica, Freemasonry and the world are all far better off because of the love, work and friendship of Dr. Charles John Henry Thesiger”

Companions, how grateful we ought to be to have shared time beneath the canopy of heaven with such an outstanding human being.

Companions, at our Convocation last January I spoke of the dream to create a District Grand Stewards Chapter with the objective of:

• Holding demonstrations of the Aldersgate version of the Holy Royal Arch Ritual.
• Performing functions as a Chapter of Instruction., and
• Assisting the District Grand Chapter in arranging its Convocations and meetings.

All, ultimately leading to the improvement of the ritual work in the Holy Royal Arch in this District.

Companions, I am pleased to advise that at its Convocation last November, Supreme Grand Chapter of England approved the Petition for the formation of the Chapter. It will be known as the District Grand Stewards Chapter of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands No. 9795. Its Principals will be E. Comps. Ian Roxborough, Veront Satchell & Phillip Baker, as MEZ, H. & J respectively.

The dream has been realised!

I have written to the Grand Scribe Ezra enquiring as to whether any of the High Rulers of Supreme Grand Chapter wish to lead in the performance of the consecration of the Chapter. I await the reply of the Grand Scribe Ezra. Once this is to hand, a date for the consecration of the Chapter and the Installation of the Principals will be fixed.

E. Comp. Dr. Basil Robinson has retired as Deputy Grand Superintendent. E. Comp. Robinson has been a loyal, dedicated, hard working soldier in the cause of the Royal Arch. He has given liberally of his vast knowledge of the Royal Arch in the service of this District. He has worked hard and long in giving superintendence to the Chapters assigned to him by me. Companions, join me in recognising and demonstrating our gratitude for this giant of a Companion.

I have appointed E. Comp. The Hon. Justice Patrick Brooks as Deputy Grand Superintendent of and over the District. His impeccable masonic credentials speak for themselves. I have no doubt that the energy, hard work, commitment and loyalty which he has amply demonstrated over the last few years will be continued in his new role.

Companions, as you will recall, at our Annual Investiture meeting in 2010, I advised you, my Companions, that I proposed to delegate some of my responsibilities for the superintendence of Chapters to the Deputy Grand Superintendent and the Second and Third District Grand Principals. This unique approach has worked well. However, in the light of the commitments which these Companions owe to their families, their work & themselves, I have determined that I ought to lessen the burdens on them. Accordingly, in addition to these three (3) senior Companions, I will be tasking a number of the Grand Officers in the District to “superintend” specific chapters. They will attend the meetings of these chapters. They will give quiet and unobtrusive advice and guidance, and will report to me.

Companions, please join me in offering sincere congratulations to all the Companions who have been re-appointed, appointed or promoted today. This has been the result of hard work, commitment and dedication on their part.

On your behalf I convey our thanks and gratitude to the District Grand Directors of Ceremonies ( both outgoing and incoming) and their team for our very efficient and beautiful ceremonies and to District Grand Scribe Ezra and his team for their very had work in arranging this meeting.

Walter H. Scott, Q.C.
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent
In and Over Jamaica and The Cayman Islands
24 January, 2015