Leicestershire & Rutland Chapter of Installed First Principals No.7896

ATTACHED TO Leicestershire & Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896

Warranted 10^th February 1965 - Consecrated 16^th March 1965

Held at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, on the third Tuesday in March and the fourth Thursday in September, at such hour as the Principals may appoint.

Installation meeting - March

History

The Leicestershire and Rutland Lodge of Installed Masters No.7896, was created in 1963 as part of the overall expansion of Freemasonry, and particularly the number of Craft Lodges, within the Province during the period of office of Brigadier Bernard Morley. It would therefore have been little surprise that a parallel Royal Arch Chapter of Installed First Principals should have been warranted (10^th February 1965) and consecrated (15^th March 1965) within a short space of time. It is often said that a Lodge of Installed Masters is the “premier” Lodge within a Province, and the same claim can be made for a Chapter of Installed First Principals. If, however, that had been the hope of “The Brig,” events were to take another turn. Though initial recruitment was healthy, within a few years at Provincial Communications the MEGS went on record to deplore low attendance rates amongst members and to criticise the Chapter for what he regarded as its poor leadership.

That sad state of affairs fortunately did not continue. With the criticism levelled at a certain word used in Royal Arch ritual during the 1980’s, and the consequent decision of The Supreme Grand Chapter to make alterations in workings, there was a need for a local forum to consider ritual issues and also to demonstrate new forms of ceremonies. The Chapter of Installed First Principals took on that role, and has continued and developed it ever since. In addition the Chapter has received papers from distinguished companions on a range of matters relevant to the Royal Arch degree. The current high standing of the Chapter is clear from its list of PZs, many of whom have held high office in the HRA and also Craft Freemasonry, but especially at the present time when the three chairs of the Chapter are held by the Provincial Grand Master, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

With a membership of over 200, it is not uncommon for candidates for membership to apply as soon as they have been installed as First Principal in their respective Chapters. At the same time a friendly rivalry has developed with the Lodge of Installed Masters to see which of the two sisters can recruit more members in any year. Those qualified to be in the Chapter will, of course, be similarly qualified to be in the Lodge, so the rivalry is in no way detrimental to either, and is seen as adding a little “frisson” of competition to the life of both.

Further information can be obtained from the Provincial Year Book.

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