By Ed Thompson

On Tuesday 7th May, Technical Chapter No.5666 had a deep and insightful meeting. Due to a few absences, the meeting required Companions to stand in. These were: E Comp Ian Parkinson as MEZ, E Comp Keith Challis as DC and Comp Tony James as Janitor. Tony, outside the door for the entire meeting, had lots of time to think and wonder - but more on that later.

Standing in as MEZ for E Comp Rob Atkinson, E Comp Ian warmly welcomed all Companions present with a smile on his face. After the Chapter opened, it was then time for the main items of business to ensue. A trident of educational and enlightening talks were to be performed.

Firstly came the Historical Lecture, delivered by Scribe E, E Comp Steve Berry. Companion Steve divulged into the three epochs in the history of Freemasonry namely The First or Holy Lodge; The Second or Sacred Lodge and the Third or Grand and Royal Lodge. 

Second was the Symbolical Lecture, delivered by myself. This lecture explained the symbolism behind the Chapter Jewel, the Principal Colours of the Royal Arch (Crimson and Blue), the Staves, the Four Principal Banners, the Sceptres and the 'Working Tools' of the Royal Arch Degree.

The final talk was led by Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings and Mentor of Technical Chapter No.5666, E Comp Hiten Thaker. Tying in with the previous lectures, E Comp Hiten explained the indissoluble link between Craft and Chapter. Using the Supreme Chapter Certificate as a clear reference of that link, he briefed the Companions on the history of the Royal Arch and its connection to Craft. Further to that, E Comp Hiten encouraged all to use Solomon Online Learning Platform to engage with Royal Arch Chapter on a deeper level. The incentive was twofold - not only does learning through Solomon make the Chapter experience more meaningful but you also get a formal certificate presented to you as a by-product of your hard work in completing the modules. E Comp Hiten highlighted that it was surprisingly fun and rewarding to complete all four modules - I can echo this in my own experience of Solomon. 

Mentioned too was Portal which will no doubt revolutionise Freemasonry in many ways. Several Technical Companions have signed onto Portal and indeed stood up on this evening to testify its usefulness and the value it brings.

After the main business concluded, the stand-in MEZ formally congratulated E Comp Thaker on his investiture as Deputy Grand Superintendent and noted that his hard work and dedication was a great example for all in Technical to follow. He was then given a hearty applause.

E Comp Neil Armstrong, Provincial Chapter Mentor, gave greetings from Kingston Chapter No.1010 (in his capacity of Provincial Support Officer to Technical) and I gave fraternal regards from the Companions of Technical Chapter to the MEZ and his co-Principles.

The Festive Board was very jovial from start to finish and the meal was as equally cooling as it was wonderfully delicious - perfect on a very warm evening. Great conservation filled the room and we departed in gratitude of meeting together again.

I will leave the final words for Comp Tony James, who stood pondering behind the door as Janitor...

There I was, sat outside the lodge, looking deeply official standing in as the Janitor.
In front of me sat the spy hole, staring back like it knew more than I did.
In the lock was a key so large it looked like it could open York Minster.
I gave it a respectful nod, just in case it outranked me.
The spy hole remained silent, which was probably for the best as I hadn’t learned any words.
The key, however, had the confidence of something that had seen centuries of Masonic secrets.
I wondered if I should bow, salute, or simply apologise for being there.
In truth, I was just waiting for someone who knew what they were doing.
Still, I sat there proudly, master of the key, and servant of the spy hole.