Royal Arch Exaltation

Wilfrid Attenborough Chapter No. 7672 reconvened last night at Totton Masonic Centre, where Bro. Brian Marcer was exalted into the Chapter - or Royal Arch Chapter, to give it the full and proper title and ensure that nobody mistakes it for a book club. In my day, Chapter was regarded as something of an “add-on” to Craft Masonry, rather like ordering pudding after an already substantial dinner. Today it is recognised as the fourth regular step in becoming a Freemason, and quite right too. It is colourful, fascinating and provides an excellent excuse to acquire yet more impressive regalia and then explain to one’s family why yet another tie is required.

A word about the venue. Totton Masonic Hall is tucked discreetly among the houses near Eling Tide Mill. Before its Masonic conversion, the building was known as Lexby Hall and served as an important industrial dispersal facility during the Second World War. Engineering firms, including Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. Ltd, used it to produce machined parts safely away from heavily bombed industrial centres. After the war, the building exchanged engineering components for compasses of a rather different kind, proving that almost any property can enjoy a second career if it knows enough people. The Totton Masonic Hall Company Limited was incorporated in December 1945 to manage the premises, and the hall has been welcoming visitors in dark suits ever since.

The ceremony went well, despite a few last-minute stand-ins and the traditional air of calm confidence produced by people quietly whispering, “Which bit are we on?” Companion Brian was duly Exalted, and the South-Central Area Chairman, EC Mick Geddes, presented the Chapter with a Certificate of Appreciation from the MEGS, Jonathan Whitaker, for donations to the 2027 Festival.

There was nothing else exciting to report so the Companions retired for dinner. That part of the evening is reviewed under ‘A Square Meal’, where the only working tools required for this meeting were a knife and fork.