On Friday evening, 28th May, at the 8th and final "Provincial Chat" for this season, some 65 Companions joined the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and our Guest Speaker, E. Comp. Tony Baker, PGStB, PPrGH, who is also the Provincial Orator for the Province of Bristol, for what turned out to be a most absorbing, interesting and enlightening presentation.
Many of us are used to hearing the phrase "Bristol Workings", but what does that mean in relation to Freemasonry and its rituals as practised in other parts of the country? E. Comp. Tony not only gave us a full explanation of both the Craft and elements of the Holy Royal Arch, but also dispelled some of the myths often related to them.
From a Holy Royal Arch perspective however, especially for those who have never visited or witnessed an Exaltation Ceremony; it has to be placed very highly on the "must do" list. It commences with the Ceremony of the Veils, which, within the English Constitution, Bristol is now the only Province who practice this ritual, through to the layout of the Temple, the Regalia of the Principals and Sojourners, and the very different experience through which the Candidate passes.
As already stated it was a superb presentation and left the audience not only wanting to know more but hoping that another Provincial Trip can be arranged to Bristol to share in this wonderful experience.
Following the completion of the presentation, which received wide though silent acclaim, the MEGS once again hosted another of his "I know more than you quizes" which he again won hands down
An excellent evening bringing to a close what has been a most absorbing and interesting series of meetings with first class speakers, and we look forward to a recommencement of these "Provincial Chats" towards the end of the summer.