The Chapter

Stanford-le-hope Royal Arch Chapter

When a Freemason has attained the rank of a Master Mason he is then entitled, after a period of one month, to be exalted into a Royal Arch Chapter in order to complete fully his Master Mason’s Degree. He is then, in the Royal Arch referred to as a Companion.

The regalia is different to a Craft Lodge. It consists of an Apron with red and blue surround, a red and blue sash and a special Jewel which Royal Arch Masons should also wear in their Craft Lodges in order to show the bond that exists between Craft and Royal Arch.

As in all Masonic degrees the ritual of the Royal Arch is an allegory. It helps to focus the minds of the Companions, without conflicting with their religious beliefs, to a contemplation of the nature of, and their relationship with their God which will be appropriate to their own religion.

A Royal Arch Chapter has a number of officers with particular titles but most important are the three Principals who collectively rule the Chapter for one year. Each year there is an Installation meeting for the new team of officers.

In all Provinces there is a Provincial team of officers who are appointed on an annual basis. The Grand Superintendent is in charge.

On a national level, the Supreme Grand Chapter controls the affairs of the Royal Arch and officers are appointed at an Annual meeting. HRH The Duke of Kent is the First Grand Principal.

With thanks to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex for the above description

First Principals of the Stanford Le Hope Chapter

  • 2014-2015        E Comp M Parker PProvGStdB
  • 2011-2013        E Comp S Stock Prov GStwd
  • 2010-2011        E Comp P Morris Prov GStwd
  • 2009-2010        E Comp P Morris Prov GStwd
  • 2008-2009        E Comp JA Morris
  • 2007-2008        E Comp G Swift PPGSN
  • 2006-2007        E Comp FWG Wright PPAGDC
  • 2005-2006        E Comp FV Turnpenny PPDepGSwdB
  • 2004-2005        E Comp W R Bushel
  • 2003–2004       E Comp S J Muir
  • 2002-2003        E Comp M Parker PProvGStdB
  • 2001-2002        E Comp D A Cobham PPGStdB
  • 2000-2001        E Comp A C Court ProvDepGDC
  • 1999-2000        E Comp J G Oliver PPGReg
  • 1998-1999        E Comp G S Larke PPGReg
  • 1997-1998        E Comp F Turnpenny PPGReg
  • 1996-1997        E Comp A J James PPGSwdB
  • 1994-1995        E Comp P Burns PPGSwdB
  • 1992-1994        E Comp W Jowett PPDepGReg
  • 1991-1992        E Comp R J South PPGSN
  • 1987–1988       E Comp G Swift PPGSN

Chapter of Improvement

We are the Stanford Le Hope Chapter of Improvement No 5217 and are attached to the Stanford Le Hope Lodge No 5217.

We were consecrated on 8th January 1946 and have met at various venues throughout our time. It has been in the last 24 Years that we have held our ”C.O.I“ at the Woolmarket, Horndon on the Hill in Essex, and qualified visitors are always welcome.

We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday’s between September and April

Our Chapter workings are known as ‘Complete workings’

Our C.O.I has Three principle officers, they are

  • The Preceptor                        ( He maintains the standards of the rites & ceremonies )
  • The Assistant Preceptor      ( He assists the Preceptor )
  • The Scribe ‘E’                        ( He keeps the records and correspondence of the C.O.I )
A number of Past Excellences of the Chapter attend, to pass on their accumulated wisdom and to encourage the younger members to do well with all their endeavours.