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A Provincial Meeting at the Winter Gardens, Margate
The Holy Royal Arch, – commonly known as ‘The Chapter’ – is an extension
of Craft Freemasonry, but neither superior nor inferior to it. All
master Masons are eligible for membership.
The origins of the Chapter go back to at least the first half of the
C18th but in its modern form emerged with the formation of the first
Grand Chapter in 1817, following upon the merger of the then two Grand
Lodges in 1813.
Records exist of only four Chapters in existence in the County of Kent
in the C18th, the oldest of which was probably the Holy Mount Mariah
Chapter, which met in Chatham, (warranted 1783). However there were
various Military Lodges which held ambulatory Warrants, which at various
times were stationed in the County and practised Royal Arch Masonry.
The first Grand Superintendent, Captain George Smith, was appointed in
1778, but the Provincial Grand Chapter was not formed until 1877, when
William Archer, Viscount Holmesdale/Earl Amherst was appointed Grand
Superintendent. At that time there were 11 chapters.
By 1973 there were some 90 Chapters (and 300 Lodges) and the decision
was taken to divide both the craft and Chapter provinces of Kent between
East and West with an approximate division of the number of Lodges and
Chapters, since when the Chapter in East Kent has gone from strength to
strength, so that today there are some 68 Chapters.
Scenes from a Provincial meeting of the Holy Royal
Arch
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