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Inaugural Meeting to Discuss the Formation of a New Chapter
Wednesday 22nd September 2004
at Corbridge Road Masonic Hall
Prior to the meeting Ex Comp John Chan had issued a Proposed Agenda for the meeting.
Ex Comp David Jeffcock opened the meeting at 7:00pm and explained his role and the requirements of the Provincial Grand Superintendent, George Usher. These requirements were:-
- That there should be sufficient founders to ensure the success of the new Chapter. It is considered that between 30-40 founders should be the baseline. At present there are approximately 25–30 who have shown an interest.
- That all founders should be “active” members and not just joining for the possibility of future “Masonic Glory”
- That a sufficient number of candidates be available. It is considered that a minimum of 4-5 candidates should be the baseline. Currently there are four candidates available.
- Founders MUST continue with their individual memberships of their “Mother Chapters”.
The costs for founders will be dependent upon the final number of founders but from experience a “Ball Park” figure of £100 would be expected.
Initial thoughts are that the new Chapter would be aligned with Oriental Lodge No 9371 and would meet 4 times per year at Corbridge Road on the 3rd Monday of alternative months to that which Oriental Lodge meet with any festive board being held on similar lines to Oriental Lodge.
The meeting was opened for questions. In response to questions :-
- Ex Comp John Chan gave details of the candidates available;
- Consideration should be given to contacting Chapters that have closed in order to obtain obsolete equipment. All founders were asked to contact the appointed Chapter Scribe E should information come to hand.
- The Question of the Chapter name was discussed and agreed that the Steering Group (to be determined later in this meeting) would consider and make proposals. It was confirmed that the consent of Oriental Lodge would have to be formally obtained before we can proceed.
Given the requirements as had been outlined, all founders present at the meeting confirmed their commitment to the formation of the new Chapter.
It was stated that the “Ritual” for the new Chapter would be The Castle Ritual of Royal Arch Masonry by Northumberland Past Zs published in 2001.
Steering Committee/Working Group – The following was agreed:-
Founding Secretary - Ex Comp Colin Hume*
Treasurer - Ex Comp Andrew Chen
Z - Ex Comp John Chan
H - Ex Comp John Bartlett
J - Ex Comp John Wallace
DC - Ex Comp Eddie Price
*The position of Scribe E of the Chapter would be considered by the Working Group along with all other offices.
The meeting agreed that Ex Comp David Jeffcock should continue to act as Chair of the Working Group as, not being a founder member, he would bring a measure of independence to the process of founding the new Chapter.
It was agreed that one or two members of the working group should be Companions not currently members of Oriental Lodge. This would be actioned by the Working Group.
Ex Comp David Jeffcock asked all founders to consider the provision of Chapter Furniture and the possibility of Fund Raising events for the new Chapter.
The Secretary was asked to circulate the names and contact details of the founding companions with the minute of the meeting.
The meeting was formally closed and the Companions expressed their thanks to Ex Comp David Jeffcock for chairing the meeting.
Colin Hume
Working Group Secretary
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