Transcription
THE HISTORYofThe First One Hundred Years1921 - 2021ofTHE STEPHENS CHAPTER No. 3062in theRoyal Arch Province of BuckinghamshireByE.Comp John Arthur Stribling, PGStB, ProvGHE.Comp Roger Leslie Perry, PGStB, PProvGReg1
Contents .Page5The Formation and Consecration .7The Early Years of the "Roaring" Twenties 11The "Depressing" Nineteen Thirties .19The Nineteen Forties, the World at War .30Introduction .44The "Swinging" Sixties .56The "Groovy" Seventies .68The "Nostalgic" Eighties .79The "Nifty" FiftiesThe "Nifty" Nineties 90The New Millennium .100Two Thousand and Ten to the Present Day .111E.Comp James Stephens, PGSN, PPGJ . .127 .130 .132Meeting Places of Stephens Royal Arch Chapter No. 3089 .133Bro Frederick Seddon .134First Principals of Stephens Royal Arch Chapter No. 3089Scribes E of Stephens Royal Arch Chapter No. 3089. .2
IllustrationsPageVanity Fair print of James Stephens, c1913.4Stephens Chapter No. 3089, Founders Jewel.8.9The Very Revd J. Studholme Brownrigg, ME Grand Superintendent (1891-1930)Pagani’s Restaurant, Great Portland Street, London.12MW Bro King Edward VIII, PGM.20MW Bro King George VI, PGM.20.20HRH Prince George, Duke of Kent, KG, MW Grand Master 1939-1942Bulls Head Hotel, Aylesbury.26.293d. Victory Stamp, depicting a dove bearing an olive branch,a trowel and the square and compasses .30Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen StreetThe Restaurant Frascati, Oxford Street, London W1.36Masonic Hall, Ripon Street, Aylesbury .46Rose and Crown Hotel, Tring.49Hendon Hall Hotel.50HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG, Grand Master, c1967.57Crown Hotel, Amersham.58Stephens Chapter No. 3089, PZ Jewel.63Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.103Caricature of Roger Leslie Perry, PGStB, PProvGReg. .110.112HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, ME First Grand Principal c2017E.Comp Roger Leslie Perry, PJGD, PProvSGW. 114MEGS Graham Peter Dearing.125The Stephens Chapter Centenary Badge .126Stephens & Carter Company founded in 1850.127Stephens and Carter, c1921.127.128.135.E.Comp James Stephens, PGSN, PPGJFrederick Seddon.3
Vanity Fair print of James Stephens, c19134
IntroductionThe Stephens Royal Arch Chapter was conceived in the summer of 1920, by a small group of Royal ArchMasons, who were also members of Stephens Lodge No. 3089, along with other friends who were RoyalArch Freemasons from London and the Home Counties.The Stephens Lodge itself had been formed in the year 1905, like a number of Lodges at this time inBuckinghamshire, Stephens Lodge arranged to meet in the summer months, May, June, July and Septemberat Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. The Lodge was named in the honour of W.Bro James “Jimmie”Stephenson, PDepGDC, he was a business man, local politician, leading freemason and from 1909 to 1929,he was President of the Board of Benevolence of the United Grand Lodge of England.James Stephenson was a founder member of the Stephens Lodge; however, he was not the only famousfounder of the Lodge, Bro Frederick Henry Seddon was also a founder member.Bro Seddon would go on to be hung in Pentonville Prison, for murder in 1912. On being asked by the Clerkof the Court if he had anything to say as to why the sentence of death should not be passed against him,Seddon replied at length and appealed directly to the judge, Sir Thomas Townsend Bucknill, as a brotherMason and in the name of 'The Great Architect Of The Universe' to overturn the jury's guilty verdict.According to some sources he gave the First Degree sign, according to others the Sign of Grief and Distress,begging for mercy. The judge is reported as having said, with some emotion:“It is not for me to harrow your feelings – try to make peace with your Maker. We both belong to the sameBrotherhood, and though that can have no influence with me this is painful beyond words to have to saywhat I am saying, but our Brotherhood does not encourage crime, it condemns”A resolution to form and sponsor the Stephens Chapter was duly passed at a meeting of Stephens Lodge heldon the 4th of September, 1920. Further to the resolution a founders meeting was held at the RestaurantFrascati, Oxford Street, London on Wednesday 24th of November 1920. There were present tencompanions, E.Comp Albert V. Davies was unanimously elected to the Chair and to be the Primus MostExcellent Zerubbabel. E.Comp Edmund J. Gill was elected as Secretary. The partition to form a StephensChapter was to be forwarded to Supreme Grand Chapter.At a meeting of Supreme Grand Chapter, held on Wednesday 9th of February 1921 the partition to formStephens Chapter No 3089 was passed and approved.On Wednesday 6th April 1921 The Stephens Chapter was consecrated by the Very Revd J StudholmeBrownrigg, ME Grand Superintendent of Buckinghamshire at Pagani Restaurant, Great Portland Street,5
The Ninteen TwentiesThe recovery from the First World War would take some time, however, the populace would live life to thefull during this decade. The BBC was founded in 1922 and by 1926 John Logie Baird had demonstrated thenew medium of television. Within Masonry efforts were now being made for the Masonic Million MemorialFund. The amount required to become a “Hall Stone Lodge” was 882, this figure was reached within a fewyears by members of the Stephens Lodge. The Peace Memorial Building is now the home of BritishFreemasonry and the Mother Grand Lodge of the World, it was built in memory of all the Freemasons whogave the supreme sacrifice in the 1914 to 1918 War at a cost over a million pounds. It is an honour that theStephens Lodge No. 3089 has its name inscribed within the entrance walls of this magnificent building, aswell as being a Hall Stone Lodge. In 1932 the Worshipful Master attended the September meeting of GrandLodge and was invested with the Hall Stone Collar and Jewel of the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Sincethat time and at every Lodge Installation Ceremony, this Collar is transferred to the incoming Master withstrict instructions to pass it to his successor when his year of office has finished. The presiding Master alsowears the Hall Stone Collar and Jewel when visiting other Lodges within the Province.6
The Formation and ConsecrationFurther to a resolution duly passed at a meeting of Stephens Lodge on the 4th of September 1920, a meetingwas held at the Restaurant Frascati, Oxford Street, London on Wednesday 24th of November 1920.There were present: E.Comp Albert Victor DaviesE.Comp Louis N. SteanE.Comp Charles W.G. PalmerE.Comp Edmund J. GillE.Comp Frank G. CarpenterE Comp Frank TurnerComp James H. HawleyComp William N. BlairComp Arthur F. LockE.Comp William A. FinchE.Comp Albert V. Davies was unanimously elected to the Chair and to be the Primus MEZ. E.CompEdmund J. Gill was elected as Secretary. The petition to form a Stephens Chapter was to be forwarded toSupreme Grand Chapter. The meeting resolved that Stephens Chapter should meet at the Masonic Hall,Slough on the second Saturday in the months of May, July and September. Annual subscriptions were set atthree guineas, exaltation fee five guineas, joining fee three guineas. It was resolved the founding Principalsand Officers would each provided his own collar and jewel and present the same to the Chapter. It wasfurther resolved that the consecration fee for visitors be one guinea and visitors to ordinary convocations ofthe Chapter to be charged pro rata to the cost of the meal. Morning dress to be worn except at theconsecration meeting.At a convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter held on Wednesday 9th of February 1921 the petition to formStephens Chapter No. 3089 was passed and approved.Friday 18th February 1921. The founders held a meeting at the “Restaurant Pagani’s", Great PortlandStreet, London, to arrange the details of the consecration of the Chapter and other matters.The Secretary E.Comp Edmund J. Gill read a letter from W.Bro Frank T. Deverill, Secretary of Herschel,Masonic Lodge stating that Herschel Lodge would be pleased for Stephens Chapter to rent the SloughMasonic Hall, for 2.5.0 per night. The charge includes the use of all the ante rooms, harmonium & piano,lighting and heating. It was determined to accept the offer of the use of Slough Masonic Hall for the regularconvocations of the Chapter subject to being able to hire Royal Arch clothing and furniture from HerschelChapter. It was reported that Messrs Charles Weeden & Sons had submitted specimen design of a foundersjewel at a cost of 2.5.0 along with an estimate for collars and inscribed Officers jewels for 35 shillings. Itwas decided that Messrs Charles Weeden & Sons offer for jewels and collars be accepted.7
Stephens Chapter No. 3089 Founders JewelSilver and enamel Founders Jewel produced by Charles Weeden & Sons and hallmarked London1920 at a cost of 2.5.0. As this jewel bears the collar emblem of Assistant Sojourner it wasoriginally the property of either Comp William N. Blair or Comp Arthur F. Lock.It was resolved that the consecration of the Chapter take place on Wednesday 6th April 1921, in the Templeof the Restaurant Pagani, at 5.30pm. E.Comp Frank Turnerkindly promised his daughter would be pleased toassist with the music during the banquet, E.Comp William A. Finch made a similar promise that Mrs Finchwould also assist.It was decided that Messrs Pagani’s be asked to submit a menu for ten shillings and six pence. The Chairmanwas also authorised to purchase a supply of cigars for use at the diner. It was resolved to present each of theconsecrating Officers with a founders jewel.The Founders fee was set at ten pounds. A letter of regret was read from E.Comp James Stephens regardinghis absence from the meeting due to ill health.29th of March 1921 a meeting of the founders of Stephens Chapter was held at the Restaurant Pagani’s,Great Portland Street, London N1.The menu was decided upon was:Huitres RoyalesPetite Marmite Crème Reine8
Saumon de Montrose Bouilli- Sauce HollandaiseNoisette de Pri Sale’ Lelie, nachie Sicilienne, mmes FondautesPunch RomainePoulet Roli a L’AuglaisePeche MelbaPailles ParmesanHerschel Chapter had agreed to the hire of Royal Arch furniture for one guinea per meeting of the Chapter.E.Comp Frank Turner (Founder) had very kindly presented the Chapter the three Principals Robes.It was resolved that the first convocation of the Chapter after consecration would held at the RestaurantPagni’s, Great Portland Street, N.1 on Thursday 12th of May 1921.Wednesday 6th April 1921 - By dispensation from Supreme Grand Chapter.The Stephens Chapter No. 3089 was consecrated by the Very Revd J. Studholme Brownrigg, ME GrandSuperintendent of Buckinghamshire at Pagani’s Restaurant, Great Portland Street, London on the 6th April1921, assisted by:- E.Comp G.H. Charsley, ProvGH as Second Principal, E.Comp Dr W.H. Bull, ProvGJ asThird Principal, E.Comp Dr J. Shaw, ProvGSE as Scribe E and E.Comp Percy G. Mallory PGStB of StJames Chapter No2 as Scribe N and DC.The Very Revd J. Studholme Brownrigg,ME Grand SuperintendentThe opening hymn was “Through the night of doubt and sorrow onward goes the Pilgrim Band”.The meeting started at 5.00pm, Banquet 7.00pm.9
FoundersE.Comp James Stephens, PGSNE.Comp Albert Victor DaviesE.Comp Louis N. SteanE.Comp Charles W.G. PalmerE.Comp Edmund J. GillE.Comp Frank G. CarpenterE.Comp Frank TurnerComp James H. HawleyComp William N. BlairComp Arthur F. LockE.Comp William A. Finch“Elade” 129 Maida Vale, London W17, Northolm Road, Highbury Park, London N52, Drayton Park, Highbury, London N539, Noble Street, London EC263, Sotheby Road, Highbury Park, London N512, Upper Woburn Place, London WC1132, Liverpool Road, London N1“The Durdans” Scarle Road, Wembley, Middlesex22, Miranda Road, Upper Holloway, London N19328, Old Street, London EC2“Ravenshoe” Bourne End, BuckinghamshireVisitorsE.Comp's James Duffy, PAGDC, R. Percy, G. Leeform, PAGDC, T. A. Key of Sir Hugh Myddelton ChapterNo. 1602, Sydney F. Strong of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511, T.H. Croft ofCovent Garden ChapterNo. 1614, J. Anley and A. Forbes George of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511, W. Weston of the RoyalEngineers Chapter No. 2599, C. Thwaites, PPGReg and T. H. Day of the Army and Navy Chapter No. 2738,Sidney Weeden of Mount Lebanon Chapter No. 73, A. E. Whitehead of St John at Hackney Chapter No.2511, J. J. Taylor of Mizpah Chapter No. 1671, G. M. Ball of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, E. PearseBaker of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, Comp's A. J. Grosford of Ronaldshay Chapter No. 3376, N. A.Armour of Royal Union Chapter No. 382, F. N. Day of Beadon Chapter No. 619, A. Cormack of St John atHackney Chapter No. 2511, R. S. Jorden of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, Harry Parkins of the Sir WalterRaleigh Chapter No. 2513, A. Ball and P. Storr of Commemoration Chapter No. 2663, A. F. Papworth ofPhilbrick Chapter No. 2255, W. Perry of Wanstead Chapter No. 3524 and the Janitor E.Comp S. G. Gallop.First OfficersE.Comp Albert Victor DaviesE.Comp Louis N. SteanE.Comp Charles W.G. PalmerE.Comp Edmund J. GillE.Comp Frank G. CarpenterE.Comp Frank TurnerComp James H. HawleyComp William N. BlairComp Arthur F. LockE.Comp William A. FinchComp S. G. GallopMEZHJScribe EScribe NTreasurer (Absent due to illness)P.Soj1st Asst Soj2nd Asst SojStewardJanitorAt the consecration convocation the nine-course menu, and a supply of good cigars, was arranged at the costof ten shillings and six pence.10
The Early Years of the "Roaring" TwentiesThe Nineteen Twenties and Stephens ChapterThe Consecration of the Stephens Chapter No. 3089 was held at the Restaurant Pagani, Great Portland Street,London, on Wednesday 6th April 1921. The first meeting of the Chapter was also held in London at Pagani’sRestaurant, from then Stephens Chapter meet at the Masonic Hall, Slough, Buckinhamshire up until 1924,when it moved to the Railway Hotel, Borne End, Buckinghamshire, where the Stephens Lodge also meet atthis time. From 1925, the Chapter convocations were to be held at Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross,Buckinghamshire.During the decade each First Principal of the Chapter was presented with a gold enamelled P.Z Jewel. Thedesign of the Jewel was based on the Stephens family coat of arms incorporating at the top of the Jewel agriffin’s head with wings extended, on the Jewel two demi eagles with wings elevated, along with theBuckinghamshire swan, on the ribbon of the Jewel, Principals sceptres and the Latin inscription “HonesteAudax” translating into English as “Honourably Bold"There were Ladies Evenings in winter months at various Central London hotels - only open to attendance byRoyal Arch Masons and their Ladies.The membership of the Chapter resided in the main in London travelling to meetings in Buckinghamshire bytrain from London’s Paddington Station, on the front of the summonses were the train times. Of the foundersonly one had a Buckinghamshire address.During the decade the membership of the Chapter went from 11 in 1921, to 14 by 1929, towards 1930meeting attendance was low.Thursday 4th of May 1921The first convocation of the Chapter (By dispensation from Supreme Grand Chapter) held at Pagani’sRestaurant, Great Portland Street, London N1 starting at 5.00pm with Dinner at 7.00pm.Fifteen members were present together with five visitors, E.Comp T. F. Strong of St John at HackneyChapter No. 2511, E.Comp R. A. Jorden of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, E.Comp A. E. Whitehead of StJohn at Hackney Chapter No. 2511, E.Comp Sydney F. Strong of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511,E.Comp F. S. Waldron of Henry Lavender Chapter No. 2048 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.There were five candidates for exaltation:W.Bro Albert Ernest Hitchin, LR, PPGD aged 48, a Rate Collector of 28 Tytherton Road, Tufnell Park,London N19, and a PM of Stephens Lodge No. 3089, raised 15th July 1903,Bro George Henry Norris Saunders aged 35, an Accountant (Incorporated) of 62 Carnarvon Road, Leyton,Essex, a MM of Stephens Lodge No. 3089, raised 5th September 1914,Bro Thomas John Chalkley aged 35, a Municipal Officer of 7 Clifford Road, East Finchley, London, a MMof Stephens Lodge No. 3089, raised 7th June 1919,Bro Alfred George Merrick aged 40, a Registrar of 38 Anson Road, Tufnell Park, London N7, a MM ofStephens Lodge No. 3089, raised 7th June 1919andW.Bro Walter Mokler aged 57, a Timber Merchant of 17 Hungerford Road, London N7, a PM ofSkelmerdale Lodge No. 1599 and Boro’ of Islington Lodge No. 2861, raised 12th March 1896.11
MENUHors d’ Oeuvre Varies,Petite Marmite, Crème ReineSaumon de Montrose Bouilli Sauce Hollandaise. Pommes Nouvells NaturesCoeur de filet de Boeuf Goodard, Haricots Verts Pommes ChateauPoulet en Chocotte SaladeMacedoine de Fruits Glace’ LindaPROGRAMME OF MUSICMiss Gladys Davis“Parted”Tosti,“Thy Songs” OliverMrs E.J. Gill“The Enchantress”Hatton,“I did not know”Nelson,“Myself when Young”TratersMr Raymond Johnson“The Windmill”LahmannPagani’s Restaurant, Great Portland Street, London12
Saturday 9th July 1921The second convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 4.00pm with Dinnerat 7.00pm. On the front of the summons for the convocation “Trains from Paddington to Slough, 1 - 20, 2 5, 2 - 30”.Fourteen members were present together with one visitor Comp J. E. O’Neil of Electric Chapter No. 1201and the Janitor Comp S. G. Gallop.The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed.Saturday 1st September 1921The third convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 4.30pm with Dinner at7.00pm. On the front of the summons for the convocation “Trains from Paddington to Slough, 1-20, 2 - 5, 2- 30”.Thirteen members were present together with one visitor, E.Comp Sydney F. Strong of St John of HackneyChapter No. 2511 and the Janitor Comp S. G. Gallop.W.Bro Otto Hall aged 57, a Rate Collector of 4 Upper Hornsey Rise, London N19, WM of Stephens LodgeNo. 3089 and WM of Pecunia Lodge No. 3526, raised 3rd July 1909, was exalted into the Chapter.Saturday 13th May 1922The fourth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 4.00pm with Dinnerat 6.30pm.There were five visitors present, E.Comp G. M. Ball of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, E.Comp J.Robertson of Wellington Chapter No. 548, E.Comp R. A. Jorden of Regents Park Chapter No. 2202, E.CompR. A. Robins of Horistic Chapter No. 2822, E.Comp E. F. Baker of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Louis N. Stean as MEZ, E.Comp Charles W. G. Palmer as H and E.CompEdmund J. Gill as J took place.W.Bro Frederick William George London aged 49, a Rate Collector of 88 Buckingham Palace Road, LondonSW1 and PM of St Martin's Lodge No. 2455, raised 23rd March 1904andW.Bro Frank Hayward aged 46, also a Rate Collector, of Caxton Hall, Westminster, London SW1 and PM ofSt Martin's Lodge No. 2455, raised 24th February 1904, were exalted into the Chapter.E.Comp William A. Finch, founder, resigned due to the convocations being held in Slough "being frightfullyinconvenient", his address at this time was 18, London Street, Paddington, London.Saturday 8th July 1922The fifth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough.Nine members were present with one visitor, Comp R. J. Wagstaff of Hampstead Chapter No. 2408 and theJanitor Comp S. G. Gallop.Saturday 9th September 1922The sixth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 3.30pm.13
Fourteen members were present together with the Janitor Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Charles W. G. Palmer as MEZ, E.Comp Edmund J. Gill as H and E.CompArthur F. Lock as J took place.Saturday 12th May 1923The seventh convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 4.00pm with Dinnerat 6.30pm. On the front of the summons: Trains from Paddington: 2 - 8, 2 -18, 2 - 33, 3 -18.Seventeen members were present together with two visitors, Comp J. A. Kay of Mizpah Chapter No. 1671,E.Comp R. Dork of Regent’s Park Chapter No. 2202 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Charles W. G. Palmer as MEZ, E.Comp Edmund J. Gill as H and E.Comp ArthurM. Lock as J took place.Bro George Clements aged 42, a Solicitor of 14 St Margaret’s Avenue, London N15 and a Master Mason ofIvy Lodge No. 1441, raised on 30th January 1906, was exalted into the Chapter.E.Comp Frank G. Carpenter resigned due to his work making Saturdays difficult to attend convocations, heworked for The Wall Paper Manufacturing Ltd, 1 Newman Street, London W1.Saturday 14th July 1923The eighth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough.Ten members were present together with the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.Saturday 8th September 1923The ninth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Hall, Slough starting at 4.30pm with Dinner at6.30pm.Fourteen members were present together with the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.It was resolved that future convocations of the Stephens Chapter should be held at The Railway Hotel,Bourne End, Buckinghamshire.Comp Walter Mokler resigned from the Chapter.The Scribe E was authorised to write to the Secretary of Stephens Lodge No. 3089 requesting that a notice ofthe Chapter and its connection with the Lodge to be placed on the Lodge summons.Saturday 10th May 1924The tenth convocation of the Chapter was held, by dispensation from the ME Grand Superintendent, at theRailway Hotel, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire starting at 4.00pm with Dinner at 6.30pm. On the front of thesummons: Trains from Paddington: 2 - 5Fifteen members were present together with four visitors, E.Comp Pearce Baker of Regent’s Park ChapterNo. 2202, E.Comp Sydney F. Strong of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511, E.Comp Whitehead of StJohn at Hackney Chapter No. 2511, Comp R. J. Wagstaff of Wanstead Chapter No. 3524 and the Janitor,Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Edmund J. Gill as MEZ and E.Comp Albert Ernest Hitchin as J took place,E.Comp Arthur F. Lock, H Elect, was unavoidably absent.14
Saturday 12th July 1924The eleventh convocation of the Chapter was held, by Provincial dispensation, at the Railway Hotel, BourneEnd starting at 4.00pm with Dinner at 6.30pm.Nine members were present together with one visitor, Comp W. Wright of Wellington Chapter No. 548 andthe Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Arthur F. Lock as H, took place.Saturday 15th September 1924The twelfth convocation of the Chapter was held was held, by Provincial dispensation, at the Railway Hotel,Bourne End starting at 4.00pm with Dinner at 6.30pm.Twelve members were present together with one visitor, Comp W. Wright of Wellington Chapter No. 548and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.It was resolved that future convocations of the Stephens Chapter should be held at The Masonic Temple,Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.Saturday 9th May 1925The thirteenth convocation of the Chapter was held, by Provincial dispensation, at the Masonic Temple,Gerrards Cross starting at 4.30pm with Dinner at 6.30pm. On the front of the summons: Trains fromMarylebone, 2 - 10; 3- 5.Thirteen members were present together with one visitor, Comp B.T. Simimis of Temperance Chapter No.169 and the Janitor, Comp S. C. Kesby.The installation of E.Comp Arthur F. Lock as MEZ, E.Comp Albert Ernest Hitchin as H and E.Comp JamesHenry Hawley as J took place.Saturday 11th July 1925The fourteenth convocation of the Chapter was held, by Provincial dispensation, at the Masonic Temple,Gerrards Cross starting at 4.30pm with Dinner at 6.30pm.Nine members were present together with two visitors, E.Comp Belsen and Comp Wright, both of theWellington Chapter No. 548 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.Saturday 12th September 1925The fifteenth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at 5.00pmwith Dinner at 6.30pm.Nine members were present.It was resolved to hold a Ladies Day in London on the 28th November 1925.Saturday 9th May 1926The sixteenth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at 4.00pmwith Dinner at 6.30pm. On the front of the summons: Trains from Marylebone, 2 - 10; 3 – 5.Ten members present together with two visitors, E.Comp Belsen and Comp Wright, both of the WellingtonChapter No 548 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.15
The installation of E.Comp Albert Ernest Hitchin as MEZ, E.Comp James Henry Hawley as H and CompAlfred G. Merrick as J took place.Notice of Motion was given to alter the by-laws to “Any companion of the Chapter who has been a memberof the Chapter for three years, may with the assent of the committee become a non-dinning member and payan annual subscription of ten shillings and six pence."A letter was read from Comp William N. Blair requesting to be a non-dining member, which was approvedby the Chapter.Attention was drawn to the difficulties in holding the convocation due to the General Strike. A hearty vote ofthanks be given to E.Comp's Arthur Lock and Frank Turner and the two visitors Comp's Wicks and Clementsfor their services in providing facilities for travelling.Saturday 10th July 1926The seventeenth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.30pm with Dinner at 6.30pm.Six members were present together with one visitor, Comp Newman.Saturday 11th September 1926The eighteenth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross and started at4.15pm.Thirteen members were present together with one visitor, E.Comp E. O. Barker of St John at HackneyChapter No. 2511 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.Bro Sidney Borthwick aged 34, a Printer and Stationer of 94 Upper Tollington Park, London N4 and raisedin Hendon Aero Lodge No. 3895 on 5th April 1919 was exalted into the Chapter.Saturday 14th May 1927The nineteenth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.15pm.Twelve members were present together with three visitors, E.Comp's Strong, Whitehead and Baker, allmembers of St John at Hackney Chapter No. 2511 and the Janitor, Comp P. R. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp James Henry Hawley as MEZ, E.Comp Alfred G. Merrick as H and Comp OttoHill as J took place.Scribe E submitted the Balance Sheet of the Chapter for the year ending September 1926, but stated thatowing to the lamented death of the Treasurer, E.Comp Frank Turner, he had been unable to get hold of thevouchers for payments and the balance could not be paid off until probate had been obtained.E.Comp Albert V. Davies was elected as Treasurer.Notice of Motion was given by E.Comp Albert V. Davies to alter the by-law No. 1 by the substitution of thethird Saturday in June and second Saturday in the months of September and May, in place of the secondSaturdays in months of July, September and May.Saturday 16th July 1927The twentieth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at5.00pm.16
Six members were present together with one visitor, Comp G. Newman of Avondale Chapter No. 2395 andthe Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.Bro Thomas Alderton Venables aged 53, an Engineer of 11 Camberwell Road, Tooting, London SW1 and aMaster Mason of Stephens Lodge No. 3089, raised on 1st July 1922, was exalted in to the Chapter.Saturday 11th September 1927The twenty-first convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.30pm.Twelve members were present together with two visitors, E.Comp C. E. Vinceins of Finsbury Chapter No.861, Comp J. Lowring of Guild of Freemen Chapter No. 3525 and the Janitor, Comp P. R. Gallop.The Treasurer reported that he had received, from the executors of the late E.Comp Frank Turner, a chequefor 30.18.2, being the balance due to the Chapter.Saturday 14th May 1928The twenty-second convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.30pm.Thirteen members were present together with the Janitor, Comp P. R. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Alfred G. Merrick as MEZ, and E.Comp Otto Hill as H took place. E.CompFrederick William George London, J elect, was unavoidably absent.Saturday 16th June 1928The twenty-third convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at5.00pm.Eight members were present together with the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.Saturday 8th September 1928The twenty-fourth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.30pm.Twelve members were present together with one visitor, Comp J. G. Wicks and the Janitor, Comp S. G.Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Frederick William George London as J took place.Saturday 11th May 1929The twenty-fifth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at4.30pm.Thirteen members were present together with one visitor, E.Comp E. J. Baker of St John at Hackney ChapterNo. 2511 and the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gallop.The installation of E.Comp Otto Hill as MEZ, E.Comp Frederick William George London as H and CompFrank Hayward as J took place.17
Saturday 15th June 1929The twenty-sixth convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross starting at5.00pm.Seven members were present together with the Janitor, Comp Baldwin.Saturday 14th September 1929The twenty-seventh convocation of the Chapter was held at the Masonic Temple, Gerrards Cross.Seven members were present together with the Janitor, Comp S. G. Gall
1 THE HISTORY of The First One Hundred Years 1921 - 2021 of THE STEPHENS CHAPTER No. 3062 in the Royal Arch Province of Buckinghamshire By E.Comp John Arthur Stribling, PGStB, ProvGH E.Comp Roger Leslie Perry, PGStB, PProvGReg
