MEGS Address to District Grand Chapter of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Convocation on 24 July 2010
Companions,
A most hearty welcome to this the July Communication of the District. I also welcome our distinguished visiting Companions and in particular I welcome:
- E. Comp. G. Trevor Jones the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of Scottish Royal Arch Masonry in Jamaica and his deputation.
I also offer a very special welcome to E. Comp. Afeef Lazarus, the Immediate Past Most Excellent Grand Superintendent.
Companions, you will recall that at my address to you in January of this year I advised of the assignment of administrative tasks and responsibilities to the Deputy Grand Superintendent and the 2nd and 3rd District Grand Principals in order to assist in the management, organization and growth of the Royal Arch in the District.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent and the 2nd and 3rd District Grand Principals have attended to these new duties with a level of zealousness that has surprised even me.
They have been frequent visitors to the Chapters under their Superintendence and have given valuable advice to the Companions under their watch. Already, we are seeing the results of these effects and we all will work hard to ensure the continued growth of the Royal Arch in the District.
I have noticed an increased enthusiasm amongst companions. More brethren are being exalted. As I know that I am addressing the converted, you, my companions, need to become advocates for and on behalf of the Holy Royal Arch, encouraging your brethren to becoming Companions, and Companions to raising their levels on interest and enthusiasm. It is not beyond us.
Companions these are economically challenging times. We will hear a lot more about Benevolence and Charity in the District Grand Lodge Communication which follows. You would have noted that Agenda Item 9 on the printed Agenda for this meeting has been deleted. This is as a result of a decision to avoid an increase in dues to already burdened Companions for as long as possible. I assure you Companions that it will not affect the financial viability of the District Grand Chapter over the next year, and if all goes according to plan, we will record a modest surplus on our operations at the end of the current financial year. Think of it as our stimulus plan, if you wish.
Companions,
Supreme Grand Chapter has declared that in 2013 we will celebrate the Bi-Centenary of the Declaration of the Royal Arch as the completion of pure Ancient Masonry.
At the Annual Investiture meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter in April this year the Most Excellent the Pro First Grand Principal said the following:
“In the eighteenth century the premier Grand Lodge and the Antients Grand Lodge developed differing attitudes to the Royal Arch. The premier Grand Lodge would only accept it as an order completely separate from the Craft. The Antients Grand Lodge readily embraced it and worked it within their Lodges.
This divergence of opinion was settled in 1813 – two years before the Battle of Waterloo and I am delighted to say with no bloodshed – with the Union of the two Grand Lodges. The articles of union between the two, forming the Craft and Royal Arch into pure ancient Masonry, defining it as consisting of, “three degrees and no more, that is to say, those of Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.”
The proposed celebrations in 2013 will be comprised of a Special Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter in London followed by a commemorative Dinner. Additionally, a collection will be made for a donation “to the Royal College of Surgeons to be used specifically for Royal Arch Bursaries.”
Companions, we in this District are used to conquering the world. No doubt evidenced in recent times by our conquest of Cuba in large numbers last year. London, in October 2013 beckons.
Companions, it only remains for me to thank you all for attending and for the attention which you have paid to this address. I offer an especial thanks to our Companions from the Cayman Islands who have journeyed from so far at such great expense to be here.
Finally, let me on your behalf thank the District Grand Scribe E and his team for their very hard work in arranging the meeting and to the District Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team for our very efficient ceremonies.
Walter H. Scott
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent
of Jamaica & The Cayman Islands
24 July, 2010
