St Chad Chapter surrenders its Charter after 114 years
A sad closing for a proud Chapter after having been a prominent and important part of the Province
After nearly 114 years, on the 6th April 2024 proved to be the last Convocation of St Chad Chapter No. 3115. The Chapter was Consecrated in June 1910 at the Great Eastern Hotel, London EC2, and presided over by the then Grand Superintendent, His Honour Judge Philbrook KC and became the 21st Chapter in the Province of Essex.
The Chapter initially held only two meetings a year and met at the Seven Kings Hotel, Ilford before moving in 1915 to the White Hart Hotel, Romford, and then in 1935 the Lambourne Masonic Hall, Romford. During WWII the building suffered bomb damage resulting in a move back to their birthplace at the Great Eastern Hotel, before finally arriving at the Chingford Masonic Hall in 1946, where they have met ever since.
A little-known fact is that before the Province grew in size, private Chapters hosted the Provincial meetings and St Chad was honoured to do so in 1914 and 1922.
Following damage during the floods of 1953, the Chapter renewed their furniture and regalia, but an act of kindness was demonstrated, as they had their damaged furniture and regalia repaired and donated to the Harwich Chapter who had lost all of theirs.
During its time the Chapter has exalted over 160 into the Royal Arch Province of Essex with an incredible six candidates being exalted in an afternoon in 1914 and a further seven in 1919.
Sadly, over the years, numbers have reduced, and average ages have increased, which made the continuation of the Chapter unviable. This was highlighted by only six members and five guests being present at the final meeting.
Melvyn Webb gave a most interesting talk on the Chapters history and the many characters that have gone before.
David Wilson, Second Provincial Grand Principal, on receiving the Charter from the acting First Principal, Graham Snowden, for passing on to the Provincial Grand Superintendent, said, “It is with a great sadness and heavy heart that I take custody of the Chapters Charter. Everything has a beginning and an end. Sadly, we have come to the natural ending of this fine Chapter after being a prominent and important part of the Province, for which I thank you. Do not be sad, hold your heads high and be proud of your contribution, and those who have gone before you.”
In 1910 at the Provincial Grand Chapter, His Honour Judge Philbrook KC said the following words, which are just as prophetic today:
“In times like these of startling changes, Freemasonry is a steadying influence, and while I think there is much to be said in favour of recognising the spirit of the times in which we live, we must not give up the principles which are the very foundation of the order.”
Photo
Top: Graham Snowden, Acting First Principal holding the Charter of the Chapter surrounded by officers and guests.
