The History

Delve into the captivating origins of the Royal Arch Province, where the seeds of tradition were sown by three pioneering chapters: Royal Union Chapter No. 382, Strawberry Hill Chapter No. 946, and Royal Middlesex No. 858 back in the year 1872. This remarkable trifecta laid the foundation for what would become a beacon of masonic heritage and camaraderie.

In the spirit of celebrating this illustrious past, the idea of a Provincial Anniversary celebration was born, a concept that would not only honor the historical significance but also rekindle the essence of those early days. The task of bringing this vision to life fell upon the shoulders of E Comp Mike Karn, a luminary with the title of Past Provincial 3rd Grand Principal and a distinguished Prestonian Lecturer, alongside E. Comp. Peter Lawrence, the esteemed Provincial Grand Charity Steward. Their mission was clear: to orchestrate a show-stopping event that would encapsulate the essence of Arch Lodge ritual as it was practiced in the mid-18th century.

Mike Karn embarked on a scholarly quest, uncovering the first printed version of the Royal Arch ritual dating back to 1825. His research painted a vivid picture of how the ritual would have unfolded in 1750, during a time when it was intricately woven into the Craft as a fourth degree. With a blend of historical accuracy and creative flair, Mike crafted a script titled “The Royal Arch in 1750”, a narrative masterpiece that promised to transport audiences back in time.

However, the magic of the re-enactment wouldn't be complete without a guide to lead the audience through the journey. Mike ingeniously incorporated an introduction and insightful commentaries for a Narrator, further enriching the experience. He didn't stop there; a meticulously designed Lodge Business Agenda and a period-authentic song were added to the mix, ensuring the portrayal of 1750 meetings was as authentic as it was engaging.

The puzzle was coming together, but two crucial elements remained: assembling a team of charismatic performers and adorning them in period-appropriate attire. This is where E. Comp. Peter Lawrence, with the able assistance of E Comp Ruel Lawrence, shone brightly. Their diligent search for authentic costumes and their commitment to regular rehearsals at the Uxbridge Centre laid the groundwork for what was to become a memorable enactment. The team's dedication was palpable, and their collective enthusiasm was the spark that ignited the flame of entertainment and fun throughout the presentation.

The inaugural performance took place at Cole Court on the memorable day of 6 May 2022, during a special convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter, marking the 150th Anniversary of the Royal Arch in the Province of Middlesex. This was just the beginning of a series of captivating performances that would leave audiences mesmerized and clamoring for more. From the PMK Chapter No 9120 in Twickenham to the Essex First Principals Chapter at the Southend Masonic Centre, each performance was a testament to the team's talent, passion, and the enduring allure of masonic traditions.

As the team continues to enthrall audiences with their performances, they not only celebrate the rich history of the Royal Arch but also inspire a sense of unity, tradition, and enjoyment within the masonic community.