The Provincial Chapter of Instruction 2026

The Provincial Chapter of Instruction has arrived.

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent has initiated the formation of a  Provincial Chapter of Instruction which will serve the whole Province.

The aim of the Provincial Chapter of Instruction is to help new Companions to understand and deliver the work of the Royal Arch in a sincere and meaningful manner.  The hope is that the members of the Chapter will be keen companions who are presently below the chairs of Principal in their own Chapter, although newly installed principals would be welcome to participate.

Most Chapters in the Province meet on just 3 or 4 occasions and perhaps have just one rehearsal prior to the meetings.  This means that the opportunities for rehearsal with one’s peers are very limited. The Provincial Chapter of Instruction will provide the opportunity to practice the different roles within a Chapter and, in so doing, to gain an understanding of the meaning of each of the elements of the ritual; comprehension is an aid to confidence and delivery.  

The use of drama, where appropriate, will be encouraged as it is also a useful tool not only to learning and understanding but also to enjoyment both by the individual and the audience.  The ritual to be practised by a member will be the ritual used in their own Chapter as there is no desire to enforce a uniform version where there already exists a historical and perfectly acceptable form.

At each meeting there may be a brief explanation of an aspect of the ritual, initially by one of the Preceptors or a senior visitor but it is important that this not be either a lecture or delivered as ritual but rather as a brief, informative and inclusive chat.  Subjects might include the banners, the Royal Arch jewel and a guide to the identities of those mentioned both in ritual and in the commemoration; who were Zerubbabel, Haggai and Joshua, who were Aholiab and Bezaleel?

The Chapter will be self-governing, with no hierarchy, no membership fee, no bylaws, minutes, committee or constitution but there will be Preceptors to help and guide the members during meetings.  

An inaugural meeting of the Chapter will be held at Goldsmith Street at 7.15pm on Monday 16th February 2026 and all recently exalted members from each chapter in the province are invited to attend.  

Although the inaugural meeting will be at Goldsmith Street it is intended that the Chapter will move around the Province, initially holding perhaps 4 meetings per year but holding more when necessity demands.

The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and the other members of the Royal Arch Executive believe that, with the support of newly exalted Companions, this initiative will enhance not only the quality of ritual throughout the Province but, most importantly, the comradeship and companionship throughout the Order.

If you are a Junior Companion and wish to attend the Chapter of Instruction, please contact:

NottsProvCofI@gmail.com