Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario

From the desk of the

R. Ex. Comp. Desmond Washer
Grand Lecturer

The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario

SPECIAL BULLETIN
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Saturday November 7^TH – Woodstock Masonic Lodge (9:00am)
Thursday November 12^TH – Elliot Lake Masonic Lodge (6:30pm)
Saturday November 21^ST – Peterborough Masonic Lodge (9:00am)
Saturday December 5^TH – Waterloo (TENATIVE DATE)

August 15, 2009

My Companions.,

Once again, we venture into the Fall season of our Convocations and, it is appropriate that we consider the Protocol of the running of our Chapters.   One of the most important aspects of the meeting night is the protocol observed, before, during and after our meeting.

In accordance with the Protocol Manual I have  listed some of the protocol that must be observed to ensure that the working of the evening is presented to both the Candidate and visitors in a timely and appropriate manner:

VISITORS:

1. Visitors who require a Board of Trial should arrive early enough that they may be  examined without disrupting or delaying the opening of the Chapter.
    

2. The number of groups of visitors must be kept to a minimum, with the general visitors being received prior to the Grand Chapter Officers.
    

3. The Director of Ceremonies must not prolong his introduction to the extent that it  detracts from the welcome to be extended by the Excellent First principal.
    

4. All visitors must be received cordially and fraternally by the Excellent First principal.
    

5. If Grand Honours are in order, the Excellent First Principal shall instruct a Companion to lead the Grand Honours, then invite the Guests to the East to be received personally.   All three principals of the Council will descend from the Dias, to greet the visitors on the level.

NOTE: The Principals shall retain the same positions on the level, as when they are seated in the East, when receiving any Companion or Guest in the East.

6. Those entitled to assume the Sceptre will always be PRESENTED. Those not entitled to receive the Sceptre will always be INTRODUCED.
    

7. Those entitled to assume the Sceptre “WILL” sit in the East.   Present Elected and Appointed Grand Chapter Officers will be “entitled” to sit in the East.   No other person shall sit in the East unless specifically invited to do so by the Excellent First Principal or Worshipful Master.

NOTE:   Courtesy dictates that, depending on the quantity of seating available in the East, Grand Chapter Officers who choose to sit in the East, will do so in order and respect of those who are senior as defined in the current Constitution under Section: “Title and Rank of Officers and Members of Grand Chapter”

If it is the occasion of the Installation and Investiture of Officers, and a current Grand Chapter Officer (entitled to receive the Sceptre) is in attendance, then the Installing Principal will also be introduced, being entitled to assume the Sceptre on that evening.  The remaining Companions in attendance will assemble on the North and South sides of the Chapter Room and, would simply be  introduced as Distinguished Companions.