GRAND EDUCATOR’S REPORT TO GRAND CHAPTER, MAY 2012.

Companions in submitting this Annual report to all attending this very important event, may I again say that we should be ever mindful to encourage as many Companions from our own Chapters to attend all Supreme Grand Chapter assemblies of which there are only two annually. Our support for our governing body is important if we are to ensure the preservation of our wonderful Order.

Our key concern in the present environment is to build on our membership. This is our responsibility as Chapter members and not the responsibility of the SGRACQ. With our membership coming from the Craft, the natural progression for Master Masons wishing to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge should be through the Royal Arch degrees.

Craft Freemasons Information sessions have continued to be an essential tool to convey a greater meaning of the beauty and teachings of the Holy Royal Arch degrees. The presentations of these sessions are available to any Chapter whose members have the foresight to invite Master Masons from their own Craft Lodges to attend an arranged evening in their own Chapter. A written request to the GSE to conduct such an evening in your Chapter will be given special attention.

Annual Reports from DGE received by me are good indicators that some Chapters are moving from strength to strength with a good flow of new members. Some of the smaller Chapters while having a strong central core do struggle for Candidates. Most DGE have reported that the Ritual work performed in their Chapters is of a good standard. Many reports reflect that some Chapters have developed educational programmes and conduct their activities in a very professional manner.

The officers of every RA Chapter should endeavour to stimulate the minds of every member when presenting Ceremonial workings. The first Principal should encourage the participation of as many Companions as is possible in the workings of the Chapter, to ensure favourable attendances of the membership at all meetings.

Education and Training is an important aspect in the management of any Chapter. The Education and Training Committee is presently in the process of developing suitable Educational Modules for members of the Order in general, but particularly for the DGE and as a means of assisting them in their very important role.

Presently fifty-nine Chapters are supported by twenty DGE. May I encourage each and every Chapter to utilise the talents of their DGE, who are only too willing to assist in any facet requested of them. They attend your meetings in order to assist with guidance and understanding whenever called upon.

I take this opportunity to thank Ex. Companion Jock Murray for his service to the Order and his enthusiasm for his office of DGE when he lived in PNG and during my term as Grand Educator.

Keith Hodgkinson

Grand Educator