E Comp Peter Jordan SLGCR writes:

In 2014, the Chapter of Reunion No 5618 was struggling, with only seven active members meeting at Mark Masons’ Hall. They rotated their four main members through the Principals’ chairs, conducting minimal Masonic business and then retiring for dinner.

It had also become normal procedure, in the preceding years, to call upon E Comp George Cannell, our former Metropolitan Grand Chapter Visiting Officer, to assist with offices. In the latter part of 2014, a General Purposes meeting was held and the decision taken to surrender the Charter of the Chapter. The Scribe E notified the new Visiting Officer, E Comp Colin Ring, of the committee’s decision.

At the following regular meeting, E Comp Colin attended, accompanied by E Comp Richard Greenhill, Assistant Metropolitan Grand Superintendent. E Comp Richard took time to express his warm feelings on visiting the Chapter in the past and the ambiance and fellowship of the members. Together, E Comps Colin and Richard offered their support and a plan for the Chapter’s future with immediate effect.

The closure was deferred until the June 2016 meeting in order to allow time to compile a support package. On Saturday 11^th June 2016, five joining members, known to E Comp Colin, were read at the meeting – with the prospect of five more to follow. Each subsequent meeting had a constructive agenda with demonstrations, lectures and guest speakers.

By the time of the February 2018 meeting, following months of planning, the Chapter was able to give a full demonstration of the ‘Exaltation with added theatre’ in the Grand Temple at Mark Masons’ Hall. We welcomed 91 Royal Arch Masons to witness the new format for Exaltations; the whole enhanced experience bringing a new and exciting way to introduce candidates and attract visitors. 

This new concept was very much supported by the members of the Chapter of Reunion. The theatrical innovations for the Exaltation led to arch stones being built and lighting used to further enhance the experience. It has been adopted by the chapter at all subsequent Exaltations.

By March 2020 the chapter had welcomed 13 joining members and risen from the ashes of closure. To date, six members have been Exalted with ‘added theatre’.

On Saturday 1^st March 2025, five candidates were Exalted with ‘added theatre’ in one meeting. The ceremony took place in the Grand Temple at Mark Masons’ Hall in the presence of 68 Companions, including E Comp Richard Greenhill and 11 new Companions from The Welcome Project initiative.

The convocation was opened, the dispensation to allow a multiple Exaltation was read, and two joining members were welcomed. In attendance was the Metropolitan Second Grand Principal, E Comp Robert Chaproniere, escorted by Acting Metropolitan Grand Steward, E Comp Bradley Collins. He was warmly received by E Comps Ian Garnham, Frank Gerrish and Paul Maxam, the Chapter’s First, Second and Third Principals respectively.

E Comp David Mellor assumed the First Principal’s Chair and Comp Matthew Wood acted as the leading Principal Sojourner for the five Exaltees. The Sojourner’s Readings were delivered, and a well-orchestrated ceremony of Exaltation was conducted, choreographed carefully by a group of five Sojourners directed by E Comp Ian Morrison.

The ceremony was enlightened by the removal of Arch Stones and with additional lighting, as per the enhanced theatre format. E Comp Robert Chaproniere took great pleasure in explaining and presenting the Exaltee’s Guide to each new member.

Over 50 Companions attended a very special Festive Board, held within Mark Masons’ Hall, and the general topic of conversation was how the whole experience had been an outstanding success.  

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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