Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Scribe E Handbook
CONTENTS
1. RESPONSIBILITIES
1.1 RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CHAPTER
1.2 RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PRINCIPALS
1.3 RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER
1.4 RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER
2. PREPARATION
2.1 PREPARATION FOR A REGULAR CONVOCATION
2.2 PREPARATION FOR AN INSTALLATION CONVOCATION
2.3 PREPARATION FOR EXALTATION CEREMONY
2.4 ACCOUNTS
2.5 RECORD KEEPING
3. BY-LAWS
3.1 BY-LAWS OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER
3.2 CHAPTER MODEL BY-LAWS
4. NOTES FOR CHAPTER OFFICERS
4.1 NOTES FOR SCRIBES E
4.2 NOTES FOR TREASURERS
4.3 NOTES FOR DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES
4.4 GENERAL NOTES
5. PROCEDURAL NOTES
5.1 PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF SURREY TOAST LIST
5.2 OPENING AND CLOSING THE CHAPTER
5.3 INSTRUCTIONS FOR ROBING OF THE THREE SOJOURNERS
5.4 AN EXAMPLE OF EXALTING TWO CANDIDATES
5.5 PROCEDURE FOR CALLING-OFF AND CALLING-ON
5.6 DECLARATION OF THE PRINCIPALS
5.7 PROCLAMATION OF A PRINCIPAL WHO IS TO CONTINUE IN OFFICE
FOR A SECOND YEAR
5.8 PROCEDURE FOR ABANDONMENT OF A CONVOCATION
5.9 NOTES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF COMPANIONS TO BE INVESTED OR PROMOTED
5.10 CLOTHING FOR PROVINCIAL GRAND STEWARDS
5.11 BUSINESS CONDUCTED WITH NON-MASONS PRESENT
6. ROYAL ARCH INFORMATION
6.1 GUIDANCE NOTES FOR ROYAL ARCH REPRESENTATIVES IN CRAFT LODGES
6.2 LETTER TO NEW MASTER MASONS
6.3 THE ROLE OF MENTOR
7. DOCUMENTATION
7.1 GRAND CHAPTER FORM AR1
7.2 GRAND CHAPTER FORM LP & A4
7.3 PROVINCIAL ANNUAL FINANCIAL RETURN
7.4 PGCS3 - INSTALLATION RETURN
7.5 GRAND CHAPTER REGISTRATION FORM P
7.6 PGCS1 – CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR STATUS
7.7 PGCS2 - NOTIFICATION OF RESIGNATION
8. OFFICIAL VISITS
8.1 OFFICIAL VISITORS FOR THE YEAR 2009/2010
8.2 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
8.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF SCRIBE E
8.4 COMPLETION OF REPORTS
8.5 FORM OVF1
They will want to know that the administrative work of the Chapter is being carried out in a
timely, efficient and accurate manner. They will also need to be assured that correct procedures
are being followed. The Scribe E has a major part to play in all of these matters although
responsibility also falls upon the Principals to assure themselves about them. Good and close
communication between the Scribe E and the Principals is therefore essential.
2.4 ACCOUNTS
At the end of the Chapter’s financial year liaise with the Treasurer so that you have audited
copies of the accounts to send out with the summons for the convocation at which they are to be
presented. Once the Chapter has approved the accounts, two copies must be sent to Provincial
Grand Chapter.
1. Forming a Committee is a domestic matter and, while the principal officers are obviously
necessary, the inclusion of ‘Past Principals of’ or ‘of and in the Chapter’ may be omitted or
their number restricted, e.g. two ‘of’ and one ‘in’. Other members should only be included
if the Chapter considers them essential. The most effective Committee is often small.
If the subscription is exclusive of dining fees the reference to non-dining should be deleted
from clauses 6 and 7. Lines 10 to 19 should then read:- ‘The annual subscription due and
payable in advance on 1st _____________________________and exclusive of dining fees,
shall be of such amount as the Chapter shall from time to time decide by resolution, after
notice on the summons at the previous regular convocation. The fees for members and
visitors at dinners shall be such amounts as the Chapter shall from time to time decide by
resolution, after notice on the summons at the previous regular convocation.’
2. As an alternative to the last sentence above, and if appropriate, the wording may be
amended to: ‘The fees for members and visitors for dining ‘shall be at cost’’. The
members can be informed of the dining fee by a separate note included with the summons
for each convocation.
While Royal Arch Regulation 48 allows for the Scribe E’s services to be equivalent to
payment of subscriptions, this is an option for the Chapter to adopt.
3. If clause 6 is amended as shown above, the last sentence of clause 7 should refer to the
‘current dining fee’.
For all Convocations please send ONE copy of the Summons, in a single envelope.
If you issue a separate members list, please send ONE copy. When you issue your Annual
Accounts, please send TWO copies.
Full details of all Candidates for admission into a Chapter must be shown on the Summons –
see Rule 66 Royal Arch Regulations.
The Triple Tau should only appear on Summons for occasions of more than usual importance,
e.g. Installation of the Principals.
Honorary Members should be listed in order of their Royal Arch Rank, although the M.E.
Grand Superintendent, followed by the current Deputy Grand Superintendent, the current
Second & Third Provincial Principals, if Honorary Members, take precedence.
3. Form PGCS1 - Change of Address or Status (excluding resignation)
One copy must be sent to the Provincial Grand Scribe E.
4. Form PGCS2 – Notification of Resignation (for resignation only)
One copy must be sent to the Provincial Grand Scribe E immediately following resignation.
5. Form PGCS3 Installation Return
A copy of Form PGCS3 must be sent to the Provincial Grand Scribe E. immediately after the
Installation ceremony either by email or by post. This form will be sent to Scribes prior to their
Installation meeting.
All three forms (PGCS1, PGCS2 and PGCS3) can be downloaded from the Provincial Website:
royalarchsurrey.org.uk or requested from the Provincial Office -
E-mail address: pgc-surrey@btconnect.com
6. Chapter Business. If a dispensation has been granted it should be read by the Scribe E. as soon
as the Chapter has been opened.
When the Minutes of two Convocations are to be read, those of the earlier Convocation should
be submitted for approval before reading those of the second. Signing should be deferred until
both have been approved.
Matters to be dealt with on the Risings:
First Report of the Proceedings of Supreme Grand Chapter
Second Communications from Provincial Grand Chapter
Third & Fourth Matters concerning the Chapter
The V.S.L. must be open and held on the left hand when the obligation of Candidates and
Principals is taken. Note – the Candidate should not be wearing gloves.
It is desirable that the candidate be S.S. for the first part of the ceremony.
The Rs of I. should be put on outside the Temple. (see Section 5 of this handbook)
When investing the candidate the clothing should be outside the robe and the sash outside the
apron.
The Janitor should not give any Craft K's except for the 3 M.Ms.
If using the old ritual, the Mystical Lecture must be delivered in full on each occasion that an
Exaltation takes place. There is no objection to the Historical or Symbolic Lectures being
deferred.
If using the new ritual, the Explanation of the Signs must be given. There is no objection to the
Historical Symbolic or Mystical Lectures being deferred whenever the new Mystical Lecture is to
be given in preference to the traditional version.
Before the Symbolic Lecture is given, in order to provide a better view of the objects on the
floor, the D.C. should move the K.S. to a position immediately in front of the Sojourners. It
should be returned to its former position prior to the Mystical Lecture.
8. At the end of the Exaltation ceremony the candidate should be conducted to the First Principal
to be shown the Charter of the Chapter and to receive a copy of the Royal Arch regulations, the
By-Laws of the Chapter and a copy of the current Provincial Year Book.
9. The Installation Ceremony
The Installing Principal must always do the anointing. The Greater Lights must not be removed.
It is the duty of the I.P.Z. to entrust the Charter of the Chapter to his successor prior to the
investiture of the Officers. (See Royal Arch Regulation 47.)
10. Ritual Changes
Particular attention is drawn to the recommendation of our M.E.Grand Superintendent, that the
words “our mysteries to keep” should be used in the Opening and Closing of the Chapter.
Supreme Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter have adopted the practice of allowing the
Companions (with the exception of the Principals in the opening) to drop the Sign of R.
immediately after the fourth ‘agree’ in the opening and closing of their Convocations,. It is
therefore in order for private Chapters to follow suit should they so wish.
Although not mandatory, Chapters may wish to follow the procedures adopted at the Opening and
Closing of Supreme Grand Chapter and the Provincial Grand Chapter of Surrey.
During the Opening of the Chapter:
“We three do meet and agree – in peace, love and unity – our mysteries to keep – and never to
divulge the same – unless when three – such as we – do meet and agree
(Z) Agree – (H) Agree – (J) Agree – (Z) Agree” *
At this point after the fourth Agree* the Companions drop the sign. (The Principals resume the
sign)
Similarly, during the Closing of the Chapter:
“We all do meet and agree – in peace, love and unity – our mysteries to keep – and never to
divulge the same – unless when three – or three such as we – do meet and agree
(Z) Agree – (H) Agree – (J) Agree – (Z) Agree” *
At this point after the fourth Agree* All the Companions, including the Principals, drop the
sign.
The relevant part of the above forms part of the recommended (but not mandatory) procedure
for closing Chapters in Surrey. The revised procedure is as follows:-
MEZ “Companions, assist me to close the Chapter”
•
Principals step down to floor of Chapter then H & J reveil*
•
ADC (if any) passes behind Principals and takes position next to H facing South.
•
Principals hand Sceptres to DC who places them on ADCs extended arms.
•
SN places opened VSL on Principals’ left hands, which are formed in a triangle.
•
As Principals’ right hands form a triangle on top of the VSL, MEZ (or DC) says “To order
•
Companions”
• Principals “We all do meet………..”
• After fourth ‘Agree’ Companions drop the sign.
• Principals salute VSL once each.
• SN removes VSL and replaces it.
• DC returns Sceptres to Principals who form them into a triangle.
• MEZ “Companion PS, the labours……..”
• Principals break triangle of Sceptres and give Knocks.
• Principals hand Sceptres to DC who places them on the ground in the form of a triangle with
the point towards the MEZ.
• PS “ In the name of ………”
• Principals show Fiducial sign.
• MEZ “Glory……..”, H “On earth….” J “ Goodwill…..”
• IPZ “Nothing now…..”
• DC places Sceptres parallel as words “fidelity” are spoken.
*NOTE: DC can do Reveiling should the Chapter so wish.
It is the M.E. Grand Superintendent’s suggestion and desire that the following procedures are adopted
by all Chapters in the Province of Surrey to improve the arrangements for the robing of the three
Sojourners during the Exaltation Ceremony:
After the unveiling of the A.
M.E.Z. “My colleagues in office..... (to) .....Comps. E. & N. divest those worthy
masons of the implements of labour that they may retire and clothe
themselves with the Rs of I. and, on their return, you Comp S.E./S.N.*
instruct them to advance hither that they may be further rewarded.”
The three Sojourners (two Sojourners and Candidate) remain in their
places while Scribe E. and Scribe N. take the tools and cords and replace
them upon the floor cloth.
Scribe E. returns to his seat.
The three Sojourners then retire from the Chapter – the door is closed
and Scribe N. returns to his seat.
When the Sojourners are clothed the Janitor gives knocks (4)
S.N. M.E. there is a report
M.E.Z. Comp. Scribe N. see who seeks admission
S.N. (to Janitor) Whom have you there?
Janitor The three Sojourners clothed with the R.of I.
S.N. Wait while I report to the M.E. (closes door)
S.N. M.E. the three Sojourners clothed with the Rs of I.
M.E.Z. Admit them (the three Sojourners take up their previous position)
S.E./S.N.*, after closing the door, then directs the Candidate how to
advance
* Scribe E. or Scribe N. according to the ritual adopted by the Chapter
Note: After the Obligation when the P.S., A.S., and Candidate retire, it is
important that the D.C. or A.D.C. ensures that the P.S. and A.S. leave
their surplices and R.A. regalia (including officers’ collars) outside the
Chapter and, if necessary, to ensure that a third surplice is also outside –
by handing same to the Janitor at the time the three Sojourners retire.
CALLING-OFF
M.E.Z. (Ks. 4. The Principals rise) – Comp. Scribe N., what is the hour?
Scribe N. (Rises) – It is the hour of meridian splendour, M.E.
M.E.Z. – Summon the Companions from the vault for rest and refreshment.
Scribe N. – Companions, it is the command of the M.E. that you leave the vault for rest and
refreshment. (H. and J. approach the Al… , reveil the plate of gold and then return in line with
M.E.Z.; P.S. closes large V.S.L. The Principals place their scpts on their chairs *and all may retire)
*Alternatively
D.C. – Companions will you please remain in your places until the Principals (and MEGSupt etc.
have retired). The Comps. May then retire behind the Principals.
CALLING-ON
(The Companions resume their places. D.C. closes and locks the door)
M.E.Z. (Ks. 4. The Principals rise) – Comp. Scribe N., what is the hour?
Scribe N. (Rises) – Past the hour of meridian splendour, M.E.
M.E.Z. – Summon the Companions from rest and refreshment [for a further explanation of their
important discoveries].
Scribe N. – Companions, it is the command of the M.E. that you return from rest and refreshment.
(H. and J. unveil the Al… P.S. opens large V.S.L. H. and J. return in line with M.E.Z. and the
Principals sit.)
Note: It is suggested that the words in square brackets be omitted in the Installation Ceremony
General
Acting Ranks
Those who are receiving Acting Ranks should note that it will be their duty to attend the Annual
Convocation in the following year when they will be required to carry out the duties of the Office to
which they are to be appointed.
First Appointments - Fee of Honour
Your acceptance form of First Appointment whether to Acting or Past Rank should be accompanied
by the Fee of Honour (£10) as set out at the foot of the letter with which these notes are enclosed.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Provincial Grand Chapter of Surrey’.
All Appointments and Promotions
When replying please confirm all the details on the acceptance form are correct and advise me of any
Civil Honours to which you are entitled.
Attendance - all receiving Promotion or First Appointment
You should be in attendance at Freemasons’ Hall as soon after 1.45pm as possible, and in any case
not later than 2.45pm. You should clothe in the PAST GRAND OFFICERS’ ROOM on the first
floor, report to the appropriate desk, sign the attendance sheet and proceed to the seat which will be
reserved for you in the Temple. You should be seated in the Grand Temple by no later than 3.15pm.
If you are not able to attend you should advise me of the reason for your absence.
Dress
Dark lounge suit or morning dress. (Gloves will not be worn)
Regalia
Apron, Sash and Jewel
The Apron, Sash and Jewel of the Order, appropriate to your New Rank should be worn.
Collarettes and Collarette Jewels
First Appointments to Acting Rank
You will be provided with the Collarette Jewel of your Office which is larger than the Jewel for Past
Rank. You may retain this Jewel, providing that you sign as having received it, for one year but it
must be returned to the Provincial Grand Scribe E. no later than the 30th of April of the year following
your investiture. You should provide yourself with the Collarette which should be carried in your
right hand until you are invested with it.
First Appointments to Past Rank
You should provide yourself with the Collarette and Past Rank Collarette Jewel appropriate to the
Office with which you are to be invested. The Collarette should not be worn but carried in your right
hand until you are invested with it.
Promotions
Your Apron should be altered by changing the central feature from that of your former Rank to that of
the new one. In addition, you should provide yourself with the Jewel of your new Rank and wear it
on your Collarette, which should be worn throughout the Convocation and not removed for your
investiture.
For those who have not been Installed into a Principal’s Chair
Apron
The Triangle on the flap shall be backed with dark blue.
The ribbons supporting the metal gilt tassels shall be dark blue.
The supporting belt round the waist shall be dark blue.
The monogram on the centre of the apron shall be the Surrey badge with a Cornucopia at the centre.
Sash
The triangle shall be backed with dark blue.
The tassels shall be of woven materials (not metal gilt).
Breast Jewel
The Breast Jewel shall be worn with a White ribbon.
Collar Jewel
The Collar Jewel shall be of metal gilt and shall be worn on a Tri-Colour Collarette.
The emblem on the Collar Jewel shall be a Cornucopia.
Province of Surrey
He:
always stays neutral
is approachable at any time
is honest
gives constructive advice
gives guidance but leaves the decisions to the individual
is open to the idea of learning from the relationship as well as teaching
has a genuine interest in the individual
takes rejections well
Complete this section in full, especially telephone number(s) and email address for our records
Scribe E Name:
Full postal address (incl post code)
Telephone numbers: Home: Business: Mobile:
Email address:
Note: If this form is completed electronically and e-mailed to the Provincial Office the name can be
printed
Form PGCS1 (Change of Address or Status) has to be sent to Provincial Grand Chapter immediately
after being notified of any change to a member’s details or status.
Note: for Resignations use form PGCS2.
Form PGCS2 (Notification of registration) has to be sent to Provincial Grand Chapter immediately
after being notified of a resignation of a member.
Change of Address:
Post Code:
E-mail: Tel:
Date:
Change of Status:
Deceased Date:
Excluded Date:
Promotion or new Masonic Honours (London [Metropolitan] or other Provinces, excluding Surrey)
Date of Resignation
If previously a regular non attender, was contact made to find out why? (Y/N)
Has the member been contacted (letter, visit or telephone call) by Almoner, Scribe or other
senior Companion to discuss his resignation? Please indicate L for letter, P for phone call or
V for visit.
Please say who made contact and summarise briefly the outcome of such contact:
Do you believe that this resignation could have been avoided? Please specify how.
Reserves
E.Comp. D G Dew, PAGDC
E.Comp. A B Ford, PPGSoj Provincial Assistant Grand Scribe E
Number of deaths (D), resignations (R) and exclusions (E) in the last 12 D R E
months
Number of members at close of today’s Convocation (include today’s Exaltees and Joining
Members)
3. CHARITY (Please specify supported Charities clearly and unambiguously). (For ProvGChStwd’s records)
Please list Charity 1 2 3
Donations from 1 Aug Charity: Charity: Charity:
08 to 31 July 09
Please indicate whether Sum donated: Sum donated: Sum donated:
Masonic (M)
or Non-Masonic (N) Date of donation: Date of donation: Date of donation:
Rank:
Promotions: 1 2 3
Rank:
5. GENERAL REMARKS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: Please identify particular strengths in or problems being
experienced by the Chapter which you may wish to draw to the attention of the Provincial Executive. Please be as frank and explicit
as possible. This report will be treated as CONFIDENTIAL unless you specify otherwise. (Continue on a separate sheet if
necessary):
Does the Chapter share its work (e.g. some PS work allocated to 1st and /or 2nd Asst. Soj.) Please describe briefly if work sharing is
regularly practised:
OCCUPATION
If retired give previous occupation
If Company Director give type of business
IS HE REGULAR ATTENDER?
Please show the number of years the MEZ has served in any of the under mentioned Offices prior to going into the Principals
Chairs.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in
years years years years years
prior to being
Installed in the Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
Principals Chairs
years years years years years
Please show the number of years “H” has served in any of the under mentioned Offices prior to going into the Principals Chairs.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in
.................. years ...................years ..................years .................. years ................. years
prior to being
Installed in the Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
Principals Chairs
.................. years ...................years ..................years .................. years ................. years
Please show the number of years “J” has served in any of the under mentioned Offices prior to going into the Principals Chairs
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in
.................. years ...................years ..................years .................. years ................. years
prior to being
Installed in the Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
Principals Chairs
.................. years ...................years ..................years .................. years ................. years
Scribe E comments upon MEZ: Please refer to ritual ability, chairmanship (Chapter & Festive Board), relationships with Chapter
Companions and any special attributes. Please also mention any mitigating or extenuating circumstances that may have impaired his
work
OCCUPATION
If retired give previous occupation
If Company Director give business
DOES HE ATTEND REGULARLY?
Please show the number of years the First Candidate for Appointment has served in any of the under mentioned Offices since
leaving the MEZ Chair for the first time.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
since MEZ
Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
Please show the number of years the Second Candidate for Appointment has served in any of the under mentioned Offices since
leaving the MEZ Chair for the first time.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in .................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
since MEZ
Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
Please show the number of years the First Candidate for Promotion has served in any of the under mentioned Offices since his
last Appointment/Promotion.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in .................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
since last
Appointment/ Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
Promotion
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
Please show the number of years the Second Candidate for Promotion has served in any of the under mentioned Offices since his
last Appointment/Promotion.
Offices Invested Scribe E Scribe N Treasurer Dir of Ceremonies Almoner
and served in
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
since last
Appointment/ Charity Steward Principal Sojourner Asst Sojourner ADC ASE
Promotion
.................. years ................... years ..................years ..................years ................ years
Scribe E comments upon above Companions: Please refer to ritual ability, relationships with Companions; work in Chapter offices since leaving
the First Principals Chair, any special attributes. What is each Companion’s greatest single achievement since leaving the First Principals chair?