Companions,

As with this morning I stand in a very privileged position, and I will ensure that I live up to the expectations which the role demands.

Companions, I was faced with something of a conundrum when the sequencing of today’s ceremonies was initially Chapter first and Craft second. The conundrum wasn’t solved by reversing the ceremonies, in the sense the order didn’t make any difference to the situation. It isn’t the first time that a conundrum has presented itself, and I have no doubt it won’t be the last.

The issue was simple. During the day I needed to make two addresses, a toast and a response at lunch so, how could I make each sufficiently different to maintain interest when, certainly for the addresses in Craft and Chapter, they essentially focus on the same messages, the exception being that one occurs after lunch and possibly a visit to the bar? So here we are Companions at speaking slot number four!!

The easy solution was to give the same address twice, a stereo version, and that would have been entirely possible on the basis that there is absolutely no distinction between Chapter and Craft.

That approach implied, however, that all those here now were here before lunch and vice versa, so I decided to take the middle ground.

Companions it goes without saying that I am overwhelmed to be your Grand Superintendent and I thank all those who have been involved in the preparations for and the execution of the ceremony which we have just experienced, and for making this such a special day.

I must once again thank the ME Pro First Grand Principal and the team from London for the way in which they have conducted the day. I said in Craft this morning that the way in which the ceremony was conducted was polished, perfectly timed and, although public, at the same time personal. I also said that one might be forgiven for thinking they have done this before, and I think you will agree that this is equally applicable to the Royal Arch.

This morning I thanked all those who have come today to play a part in the proceedings whether that be speaking, on the floor or simply just being here. It is appreciated more than you will ever know, and I extend the same thanks for this afternoon, including once again those who have joined in the day from some sixteen other Masonic orders. Their presence is proof positive of how closely linked our Masonic family is and it is my intention that it will continue to be the case and where possible grow.

Some would say that we are fortunate to have a higher percentage of Craft masons in Chapter than in other parts of the country. We are currently showing about 46%. Higher than many Provinces but less than some.

That said Freemasonry isn’t about league tables. It is about participation in an organisation which provides a compass for its members and increasingly a beacon for those who aren’t yet involved, but encouragingly even the latter are recognising just what a force for good we are.

I ask myself the question what is it that leads 54% of Brethren to resist taking the step of completing their masonic journey and experiencing what I believe is one of the most expressive aspects of Freemasonry? Companions whilst I am not offering to give up the two new jobs, I am convinced that the “best job” in Freemasonry is that of Principal Sojourner in Chapter. He has the task of delivering the most revealing piece of ritual that we commit to memory.

I became a Chapter Mason at the time when you couldn’t progress to the Principals’ chairs until you had been through the chair of a Lodge, so I ended up for about four years as Principal Sojourner. But I loved it.

We have had several attempts to make Brethren fully aware of Chapter via presentations such as Chapter meets Craft and Talking Heads, being the two most recent, but numbers have stayed stubbornly at or around the same level.

Companions a lot has been accomplished in the last few years and even Covid-19 hasn’t wreaked the havoc which it might have done but, that said, the gauntlet is down to find a way of enthusing those Brethren who have yet to take the step of becoming a Chapter Mason. The message is that they are missing out on something very special, if for no other reason other than observing the “best job” in Freemasonry. Companions the Brethren are out there, 1679 to be precise, just waiting for the enthusiastic approach.

All the thoughts for the future which I mentioned this morning are equally applicable to Chapter. The Province will ensure that those who wish to participate and use their skills are given that opportunity.

We will look to ensure that Chapter has its own identity but that it is inextricably linked with the Craft. For example, we are looking at whether we return to what for some was a much more enjoyable celebration of our Provincial meetings, namely a Craft day and a Chapter day. Do we find a formula for involving families in our Provincial meetings? What about younger Masons who are as important as those who have been involved for longer, and who were able to attend our Provincial meeting in May because of the way we configured the opening and closing?

There are consequences for all these issues, costs of course and for the sequencing of Provincial honours if we move back to two Provincial meetings, but these will be considered, and all views fully taken into consideration as the debate starts over the coming weeks.

I mentioned this morning the issue of a ban! Equally banned from our Chapter vocabulary is “we have always done it that way” and in its place is substituted “can we do it better than that”, “if we did this we can involve more Companions” and “how can we squeeze more enjoyment out of it”?

This is not to say we will play footloose with traditions or our constitutions but, there is ample evidence that Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter are forging ahead with ideas for change to make us relevant to and fit for purpose in today’s world and we will be there in the charge when new initiatives are unveiled.

Also erased from our vocabulary is that of I, me, my and mine in favour of we, us and our! We can only achieve by teamwork, and you will see ample evidence of this developing further.

I said at the start I am honoured to be your Grand Superintendent, in which role I promise to give 100% effort, which will include trumpeting loud and clear that there is no distinction in this Province between Craft and Chapter, if there ever has been or there is a lingering doubt that there has been. To say unequivocally to all within hearing distance that I have been fortunate enough to have had the best job in Freemasonry on several occasions in Chapter so don’t delay because you are missing out on a real treat.

Please rest assured that my brevity in this final address signals nothing more than a recognition that some of you have been here since very early this morning but, even if you arrived when the streets were more fully aired, you have families to return to and journeys to make, some with very long journeys to make!

Companions, in a world where there is so much division, we as Brethren and Companions share what is an amazing bond and one which we have a duty to ensure is available to those who follow us so that they can experience what we derive so much pleasure from.

Companions I ended this morning in Craft with the comment that I am thrilled to be your Provincial Grand Master and I am equally thrilled to be your Grand Superintendent. I also said I would give you my all and I make that same commitment once again.