Address to the Assembly by the Most Excellent First Grand Principal

at Grand Proclamation in Rockhampton, November 2011

Most Ex.Comp Phipps, Most Ex.Comp Verran. Most Ex Comp. Keenahan the Most Ex First Grand Principal of the Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Chapter of N.S.W ,ladies ,Brethren, Friends and Companions. Welcome to the first Proclamation outside Brisbane here in Rockhampton and I thank you all for supporting Grand Royal Arch Chapter in this City. When I lived in Charleville I thought that the leaders of the various Lodges should come to the bush for their big Installations, so the country people could meet our leaders. That is why I decided to have my Proclamation outside Brisbane. No one knew how it was going to be supported but that is history now, with the numbers here over the last three days. Much planning has gone into this event from the office in Brisbane and the hard working party here in Rockhampton under the guidance of Darrel Harker and his committee. Grand Chapter and I wish to thank all who came to Yeppoon on Thursday for their Installation which was enjoyed by all the visitors, and to thank Yeppoon Chapter for arranging a Theatre evening for the ladies. The get together of the present and new Grand Educators yesterday morning was most successful. The Meet and Greet last night was enjoyed by all and made it possible for those attending to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

I would like to thank all the officers who made it to the practice this morning and help set up under the guidance of our acting Grand D.C. Rt. Ex. Comp. Lindsay Barfoot. To all the Chapters in the State I wish to thank you all for the good work you are doing in getting new members and doing ceremonial work of a high standard so that we can keep them interested in our wonderful Order. Companions we have to work harder as we are losing a large number of our members to the Grand Lodge above, so please all support your Craft Lodges. Grand Chapter is now starting to use modern technology by using PowerPoint in presenting the Mark Alphabet, Mark Tracing Board and the Royal Arch Jewel Lecture, and we will soon be presenting Master Masons' evenings in the same manner.

To all the representatives of other Orders, thank you for your attendance here. We trust that you have enjoyed yourself in Rockhampton To the Interstate visitors especially Most Ex .Comp Ted Keenahan and his group from New South Wales, a special thank you for coming all this way to be present and I trust that you have enjoyed yourself with your team. To Most Wor. Bro. Garry Fenton thank you for making the trip also. To all the ladies and other visitors thank you also for being present.

I wish to thank all those people who made these events run so smoothly over the last three days and a great success, Daryl Harker and his team of hard workers over the last 12 months here in Rockhampton have done a great job , Yeppoon Chapter for a great time, the Grand Educator for running a successful training meeting, and the acting Grand D.C. for a job well done. To our President of Grand Committee, Most Ex.Comp. Phipps, thank you for running excellent meetings. To all the Grand Officers who were able to make it here today. To our Grand Scribe Ezra, a special thankyou as you had to see that all the necessary gear was brought up, as we could not just go down stairs to the office and get something, and also Tetty for all her hard work, and to all those who brought up gear to make everything run smoothly. Special thanks to Mrs Glenice Wust who has done all the table decorations, place mats etc and assisted last night at the "Meet and Greet". To my wife Moya, I thank you very much for all the hard work and support that you give me. It is very much appreciated.

This weekend has indicated that the Royal Arch in this state is progressing and moving forward. In conclusion I wish that you all have a safe trip home and those staying for the banquet please enjoy each other's company. Thank you all.

Jonathan Nantes, First Grand Principal