Royal Arch

From the First Grand Principal

Greetings Companions; one of the privileges I have appreciated during my time has been the opportunity to offer a personal perspective for inclusion within each issue of The NZ Freemason Magazine, which I hope has generated a little reflective interest. Naturally, my focus has been Royal Arch-oriented with a bias towards key objectives such as Lodge support and allegiance, Craft/ Royal Arch liaison initiatives, membership retention and growth, and last but certainly not least - to enjoy and value our involvement.

And as my term is now drawing to a conclusion, it is with deep sincerity that I thank you Companions for the tireless contribution you continue to make toward strengthening our Royal Arch Order and highlighting the importance of Master Masons completing their Masonic journey begun in the Craft. The relationship between Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter has never been stronger and we jointly share a common goal of membership growth and retention.

Whether brother or companion, we are all custodians of the benevolent culture which is Freemasonry, and among our most important responsibilities is to ensure our future relevance within society and so positively influence future generations of good men whose voluntary involvement will future-proof our fraternity. Our enthusiasm postpandemic proves there is little we cannot overcome and that our only threat is complacency.

And as I quietly slip to the sidelines and into an unfamiliar role of spectator supporter, I know you will join me in wholeheartedly wishing our First Grand Principalelect REComp Dennis Waller PG Lecturer and his new administration well. Your support for his installation at Annual Convocation in Christchurch would be most welcome.

I hope my final editorial finds you safe and well, and wish you happiness in whichever Royal Arch capacity you have chosen to contribute.

And lastly, I thank you. It has been an honour to serve with you.

MEComp Ron Lane First Grand Principal

High-flying photography a first for Freemasonry

“Say cheese!” didn’t really cut it as smiles were mostly displaced by looks of wonder in this first-ever (dare we say ‘pilot’?) Group photograph taken by drone within a NZ Lodge or Chapter room, recorded those present to celebrate the Centenary of Otaihape Chapter No 43 at Taihape on Saturday 22 October 2022.

It was a long time coming as Covid-19 had forced the cancellation of two previous attempts, but past complications were forgotten as the day was celebrated in style with a combined Chapter working of a Mark Master Mason degree for Bro Daniel Duxfield, a centennial cake and the issuance of a Centennial Lapel Badge to mark this important occasion for Otaihape and the Ruapehu/Taranaki District.

Jaws Truly

MEComp Ron Lane’s quip: “We’re going to need a bigger ribbon!” perfectly summed up the service of REComp Peter Copeman SGR, when the First Grand Principal presented him with a fourth 5-year bar to his 40-year jewel marking 60 years service as a Royal Arch Companion; begun three years after having been initiated into freemasonry.

Our photo shows Peter indicating where on the ribbon he will affix his fourth bar at home in the company of his family who are shown seated behind him.

Kaipara Mahurangi Chapter No 80 ensured the large gathering of Companions, ladies and visitors were well catered for, and all will remember 22 September as a very special day in which REComp Peter Copeman SGR was honoured and acknowledged for his extraordinary and continuing service to both the Craft and Royal Arch.

Wednesday 7 September 2022 was a very special occasion for Timaru Royal Arch Chapter No 15, when MEComp Eoin Dryden, Past First Grand Principal, was Installed into the Chair of his mother Chapter for the first time, after 45 years of Royal Arch service.

The ceremony was faultlessly conducted by REComp Paul Johnston Depute First Grand Principal, who had; unbeknown to Eoin; invited MEComp Ron Lane, First Grand Principal to make a surprise visit and present Eoin with a 5-year bar to his Forty-year service jewel at the conclusion of the ceremony. It was touch and go for a while as Eoin, a stickler for detail, questioned the gaps in the Program and was artfully steered away by Paul with “still to be finalised.”

The amazed look on the face of the First Principalelect as MEComp Ron Lane formally entered was one of those special Masonic moments which fully justified the secrecy. And after the presentation marking his 45 years of Royal Arch service; MEComp Eoin Dryden, an accomplished speaker; had difficulty responding because of a large lump in his throat. It was a very special evening, made more so by the ability of the Chapter to keep a secret – and that in itself was a considerable mark of respect for Timaru Chapter’s new First Principal.

Some of the Companions who attended.

Royal Arch Grand Convocation and Installation

CHRISTCHURCH 10–12 MARCH 2023

Registration now at www.trybooking.co.nz/LTE

Master Masons completing the Masonic journey

Clause 71 of the Freemasons NZ Constitution recognizes three Craft degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason; plus the three Royal Arch degrees of Mark Master, Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch as being pure, antient Freemasonry. We warmly welcome these newly-advanced Mark Masters within our Royal Arch fraternity. 15.09.22 Richard Tiu

Rotorua No 44 19.09.22 Robert Armstrong Piako No 48 19.09.22 Anthony William Ellmers St Augustine No 1 19.09.22 Heinrick Bratton St Augustine No 1 20.09.22 Russell Kimber Marlborough No 14 28.09.22 Jessie Dizon Rose & Thistle No 35 05.10.22 Gabriel Eduardo Justo Morales North Shore No 52 15.10.22 Robert Stanford Davis Ohinemuri No 17 17.10.22 Jason Sugui Karangahape No 69 17.10.22 Andrew Christie Karangahape No 69 17.10.22 Nolan Phillips Adye St Augustine No 1 17.10.22 Corey Dorset St Augustine No 1 18.10.22 Paul Christopher Buddle Howick No 101 18.10.22 Tony Allen Francis Howick No 101 22.10.22 Daniel Duxfield Otaihape No 43 01.11.22 Paul Spence Shirley No 86 01.11.22 John Leslie Eckardt Shirley No 86 21.11.22 Gary Coppard Mt Maunganui No 103 21.11.22 Owen Williams Chapter of Peace No 38 21.11.22 Gavin John Clark Chapter of Peace No 98