A Savage Time at Chapter of Brotherly Love
The recent regular Convocation of the Chapter of Brotherly Love was certainly a busy one. The Chapter had the pleasure of welcoming, not only the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Neil Hurcum and his escorting DC Angus Ross, but also a goodly number of the Provincial Team who all joined the Companions of the Chapter for the Chapter’s unique opening. The First Principal of the Chapter Gary Hall, welcomed the Deputy Grand Superintendent, and accordingly proffered him the Sceptre, which on this occasion was accepted, as the Provincial Team were present to provide a demonstration of an exaltation using the Savage Ritual. The Provincial DC Angus Ross firstly exchanged the 2nd & 3rd Chapter Principals with the Provincial representatives and then exchanged the Chapter Officers for their equivalent Provincial Officers.
The Team then proceeded to exalt Ronn Vergara, a member of Royal Naval Lodge No 2761, into the Royal Arch in superb form using the Savage Ritual. Ronn was invested, rewarded and decorated with the Badge, Jewel and Sash of a Royal Arch Mason and warmly welcomed into the Chapter both by the Provincial Principals and then the Chapter Principals. Companion Ronn later said he was blown away with the ceremony, obviously not knowing what to expect, he could not believe the splendour within the Temple and regal look of all the regalia, and he is looking forward in due course to becoming an active and useful member of the Chapter. The meeting continued with the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal David Maddern presenting a Supreme Grand chapter certificate to Companion Martin Duan.
The meeting was rounded off with E. Comp Neil Hurcum delivering a presentation on the Membership Challenge followed by a Q & A session. The chapter was closed in its own traditional form and all adjourned to partake in a delightful festive board.
Martin Duan who had only been exalted at the last regular convocation, 2 months ago, said that he had thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony and found he had gained more from the ritual used, it was easier to follow and more understandable. Members of the Chapter having now witnessed the Savage Ritual ceremony are now seriously considering adopting the ritual for exaltation whilst retaining their unique opening and closing. Naturally up for discussion with the committee and members. Watch this space.
