VEComp Neville James Hall, PZ, GPA

The Royal Arch has a very special merit award which honours exemplary service within a Chapter or for the cause of Royal Arch Masonry. This accolade can only be bestowed by the First Grand Principal after satisfactory evidence the submission meets stringent qualification criteria. While Neville’s Masonic service to both the Craft and Royal Arch was very compelling in itself, supplementary phone calls and written testimonials from Southern Divisional Grand Principal REComp

Paul Johnston and Grand Superintendent REComp

Ferg McNaughton made the decision an easy and obvious one.

Both advised that VE Companion Neville Hall, PZ, had worked tirelessly over many years promoting Royal Arch Masonry in the Southland District, where it had formerly languished in the doldrums. There is now a steady growth in numbers and a new enthusiasm within the district.

Neville also serves as Scribe E of his Chapter and as Recorder for his Cryptic Council. He developed and published a booklet on Freemasonry in the Southland District with a bias towards Royal Arch and Cryptic Masonry. When presenting the Award at St Andrews Royal Arch Chapter No 30 in Invercargill on 19 October 2022, MEComp Ron

Lane First Grand Principal stated it was a personal privilege to present Neville with this mark of recognition in appreciation of all he has achieved in supporting and growing Royal Arch interest in the far south. Congratulations were also extended to partner Louise Craig who has always been wholly supportive of Neville’s considerable Masonic endeavours.

Neville’s commitment to Royal Arch Freemasonry will be further recognised at our Annual Grand Convocation in Christchurch on 11 March, when he will be invested with Grand Chapter rank as the Grand Sword Bearer for the Southland District.