Three In A Row For Ridley Chapter

At its December meeting Ridley Royal Arch Chapter No. 2260, which meets at Fern Avenue Masonic Hall, welcomed into its ranks its latest Exaltee, Ethan, a University Student and member of Hotspur Lodge No. 1626, witnessed by the Deputy Head of the Order, Gordon Craigs, who very much enjoyed the evening.

Ethan is the third Hotspur Lodge member to be Exalted into Ridley Chapter in 2022, preceded by Evangelos and Alex, a student of Law at The Open University, who were exalted in April and November respectively.

In addition, the evening also witnessed a joining member, Tom, who is the current Lodge Assistant Director of Ceremonies and Mentor of Hotspur Lodge.

The Most Excellent, Philippe Pagès, the current Provincial First Grand Principal, and his team of Officers, have certainly been kept on their toes over recent months, and he commented “We are highly delighted to welcome Ethan, Evangelos, Alex and Tom into Ridley Chapter. Craft masons who join the Royal Arch never fail to be impressed by the beauty and profound nature of their Exaltation ceremony. The Royal Arch represents the best means to extend their enjoyment of and engagement with Freemasonry and we wish our newly Exalted Companions all the very best as they continue in their masonic journeys.”

Having recently undertaken their Third Degree ceremonies Ethan, Evangelos and Alex were initially approached by the Lodge Chapter Representative, the current Master of Hotspur Lodge, Derek Oliver, a former Second Provincial Grand Principal, who provided details regarding the Royal Arch whilst also encouraging them to consider continuing their masonic journeys by joining.

Ethan explained “The Royal Arch was suggested to me by a number of the Brethren in Hotspur who were also members of Ridley Chapter, so it was an easy decision for me put my name forward. Once the evening arrived I was excited and slightly nervous but in a good way and I was greeted with nothing but assurance from my soon-to-be Companions. The Exaltation ceremony was a truly unique experience. The Chapter Room was amazing, and the ritual was performed to a very high standard. I would say to any Brother who is thinking about joining the Royal Arch, “don’t think; just join!” Believe me; it’s that good!”

Congratulations to Ethan, Evangelos and Alex, from everyone at Northumberland Freemasons, on taking the next step on your Masonic journey and we wish you all well for the future.