HISTORY Of
The Thanet Royal Arch Chapter No. 429
In celebrating the Sesquicentennial of this Chapter it may add to the interest which a life of One
Hundred and Fifty years of the Chapter must naturally arouse to set out what is known of the first five
years of its existence.
From the Minute Book of the Union Lodge No. 149, now 127, of Margate it is recorded under the date
Friday 21st April, 1854 :The Lodge was in the First Degree being summoned on Emergency meeting for the purpose of
considering the propriety of establishing a Royal Arch Chapter in connection with the Lodge and of voting
for such purpose a portion of the Lodge funds by way of a loan, with interest, to such Chapter.
“Bro. Harvey Boys proposed and Bro. Standing S.W. seconded that it is expedient a Royal Arch Chapter
should be attached to the Union Lodge No. 149 (127). This was carried unanimously.
Further Minutes bear record with extreme care and precision that a sum of £80 was advanced for the
purpose of purchasing Regalia and furniture, and that several well-known brethren would guarantee the
repayment of the loan and also be responsible for the payment of the interest at five per-cents per annum.
Any Lodge furniture which the Chapter might require could be used without further payment.
The usual formalities for the opening of a Chapter were undertaken and the Charter was received from
Supreme Grand Chapter on November 7th 1855.
It is not surprising to find that Bro. Harvey Boys is named as Z.,
While Bro. T. Poussett became H. & Bro. O. Phipps, J.
A study of Supreme Grand Chapter records reveals that the THANET CHAPTER to be attached to the Union
Lodge No. 149 of Margate was consecrated on the 9th January, 1856. Several candidates were exalted in
January and February of that year, after which period no further entries were recorded until after the
transfer of the Chapter to Ramsgate. It would therefore appear that the Margate Chapter encountered
difficulties soon after its formation and owing to the first Minute Book being lost little is known of any
further activities in that town. The only other information which is at present available is found in one of
the Minute Books of the Union Lodge which records that the interest on the loan of £80 was paid as
follows : In 1855 £4; in 1856 £4; in 1857 no interest repaid and in 1858 £2.
NOTE: No reference was made to the liquidation of the original capital of £80, at no time.
The CHARTER was for several years in possession of a certain Companion Feakins, and was handed over
to Ex.Companion OSMAND C. PHIPPS – the first M.E.Z. of the Thanet Royal Arch Chapter upon its reformation in Ramsgate – in January in the year 1860.
The transfer of the Chapter to the ROYAL NAVY LODGE, then No. 621 and later renumbered No. 429
was brought into effect in the following manner: At a Lodge of Emergency held on 18th May, 1859 Ex.
Companion O.C. Phipps recommended that the members should consider the propriety of establishing a
Royal Arch Chapter To be attached to the Royal Navy Lodge No. 621 (429). A sub-committee was
formed and at the next Regular meeting of the Lodge which was held two weeks later it is recorded: “That
an offer of Sixty pounds (£60) recommended by the sub-committee for the purchase of the Chapter
furniture (UNION LODGE to ROYAL NAVY LODGE) be confirmed, and Brothers Phipps, Boys,
Beeching, Cowley, Snowden, Mourilyan and Hiscocks, having offered to become responsible for the
payment of such a sum, such several be, and they are accepted.”
The Minute Book of both the Union and Royal Navy Lodge contain a large number of entries relating to
the transfer and make it quite clear that the Brethren of both Lodges were agreeable to the terms and were
in fact anxious to complete the said transfer – moreover such mutual arrangement was ratified when
Supreme Grand Chapter sanctioned the removal of the Chapter and the Charter to Ramsgate.
An extract from a letter sent to the Secretary of the Union Lodge by Ex. Companion Athelstan Harvey
Boys reads as follows: - “The attempt to establish a Royal Arch Chapter to be annexed to our Lodge
appears to have been too sanguine and it has turned out to be a failure.” This appears to have indicated his
deep disappointment, but his enthusiasm was not diminished for he rendered great assistance in the
transfer of the Chapter to Ramsgate and in 1872 he occupied the Chair of the First Principal.
Referring once again to the records of Supreme Grand Chapter we are informed “That the first
Convocation to be held in Ramsgate took place at the Royal Hotel on 7th June, 1860 when a local Brother
was exalted and that since that date the Thanet Chapter appears to have enjoyed an uninterrupted
existence.”
From various entries in the Minute Book of the Royal Navy Lodge there is evidence that during the first
few years certain financial assistance was provided to the Chapter from time to time in the form of loans.
The number of the Companions attending the Convocations never appeared to be large but the ceremonies
were carried out with the strict attention to the ritual.
In the early days the Installation Ceremonies were undertaken by eminent Companions who attended for
that purpose. Thus it is recorded that for a number of years ending on June 5th, 1890 Ex. Companion T.
Robinson, P.Z. P.P.G.H. appears in the Minutes as the Installing Principal, followed by Ex. Companion
H. Ward, P.Z. P.P.G.J. Who officiated at the next eleven Installation meetings. It was in the year 1902
that Ex. Companion G. Tyler (M.E.Z. in 1900) performed the Installation ceremony and thus began a
practice which has grown into a tradition still in use that each Principal shall install his successor.
During the early period of our history there were several outstanding Companions on whose zeal
depended the continued existence of this Chapter, Ex. Companion O.C. Phipps has already been
mentioned as a Founder of the Chapter at Margate, and was the moving spirit in bringing this degree to
Ramsgate a hundred years ago.
Ex. Companion T. H. Grove Snowden, a very enthusiastic mason, died at the end of the year 1887. As a
Past Master of the Lewises’ Lodge No. 1209 (1886) he was one of those responsible for the well being of
the Chapter at the time of the transfer, and became the first Treasurer, while five years later he occupied
the First Principals Chair, returning to this 0ffice in 1867 and again in 1874.
The name of Ex. Companion Alfred Wootton, P.Z., P.P.G.J., brings to mind memories of a mason greatly
revered as one of the greatest local exponents of Royal Arch Masonry: exalted in 1872 he became the First
Principal in 1878 and again occupied that 0ffice ten years later. For a time he was the Scribe E, and
throughout his long association with this Chapter he ably assisted in the ceremonies of exaltation,
particularly with the Lectures. On several occasions he undertook the duties of Installing Principal and
became the first regularly appointed Director of Ceremonies in 1897. His last attendance at the Chapter
was on 0ctobner 21st 1913, a month before his death.
One of the greatest achievements of Ex. Companion Alfred Wootton was connected with the formation of
the Royal Arch Chapter at Margate in 1896 and the ALFRED WOOTTON CHAPTER No. 127 to this day
commemorates his great work in the annals of Masonic history.
Returning once again to the Minutes of 1896 there is a record that Ex. Companion Wootton proposed, and
Ex. Companion Frederick Stanley seconded “That the Thanet Chapter be removed to Margate.” But this
was not carried. Ex. Companion Wootton then proposed and Ex. Companion W. H. Marcoolyn seconded
“That a new Royal Arch Chapter be formed at Margate.” And this was carried unanimously.
The Senior Warden of the Union Lodge, Brother Frederick Stanley was exalted in this Chapter in 1888
and he occupied the Chair of Zin 1896. Although he assisted in the formation of the Alfred Wootton
Chapter and became First Principal at Margate, he continued his association with the Thanet Chapter,
undertaking the 0ffice of Scribe E In 1901, a post which he held up to 1912.
Companion H. E. Boulter, printer and proprietor of a local newspaper, holds the record for length of
service; he was appointed to the 0ffice of Scribe N in 1897, a position which he held continuously for
thirty years.
Many Companions will remember the occasion when in 1954 a Memorial Window provided by the
Masons of Kent, was consecrated in Canterbury Cathedral. It is interesting to record that in 1897 this
Chapter contributed Ten Guineas towards the fund which was raised to provide a new window in the
Chapter House of the Cathedral.
The presentation of a Past Principals Jewel was first mentioned in the year 1901 and similar decorations
were Given to a number of Past Z’s. In this year also was recorded the death of Companion John Adnett
Norris of the Wellington Chapter No. 784; he had been the “Janitor and Serving Brother” of the Thanet
Chapter since 1887.
At the turn of the century the Minutes record the appointment of Ex. Companion Arthur William Larkin as
the first organist.
In 1902 recommendation was made to purchase a centre for use during the Installation ceremony at a cost
not exceeding twenty-five shillings, but at the present time a censer is not required according to our ritual.
About this period of our history a number of local Masons thought it desirable to meet in a Temple of their
own and negotiations began which resulted in the present building being purchased. It was originally
erected as a church but owing to it’s proximity to the parish of Holy Trinity the Archbishop refused to
perform a Consecration Ceremony and the property was retained as a Parish hall until it was acquired for
it’s present use. A body of prominent Masons appointed by the craft Lodges in the Town formed a
Limited Company duly registered and styled ‘’The Lewises Corporation’’ which still controls the
freehold property and the Local Lodges, chapters and Council contribute a fixed rental which is calculated
to meet the liabilities on Debentures without yielding a profit.
On December 8th 1903 the Companions were approached with a view to a transfer of the Thanet Chapter
from the Royal Hotel to the Masonic Temple, but contrary to expectation the idea proved to be extremely
unpopular. The first meeting of the Chapter in this building was delayed for a year when only ten
Companions attended – the three Principals being absent. At the following Convocation in March 1904
only four P.Z.’s and the Janitor were present and in consequence no meeting could be held, but in an
emergency Meeting later in the month H. and J. together with other Companions attended. Arrangements
were then made for the Installation Ceremony in the following June on which occasion only eleven
Companions attended. Again at the December meeting only five attended, necessitating the cancellation
of the Convocation, but from that time matters seem to to have improved and although the attendance of
the Companions did not average more than twelve until 1908 no more meetings were cancelled.
The Bradstow Craft Lodge was consecrated at Broadstairs in 1892 and until the formation of the Bradstow
Chapter twenty eight years later, a number of their Brethren joined the Thanet Chapter, the first of whom
was Bro. Richard Fawcett, Clerk in Holy Orders. Similarly Candidates were received from the newly
Consecrated St. Lawrence Lodge No. 3350 and in this instance the first Bro. who presented himself for
Exaltation was Lt. Col. John George Augustus Baillie; he proved to be a very valuable member. Ex Comp
A. Blasdale Clarke became Scribe E on June 17th 1913 an office which he relinquished 18 years later
when the Companions as a mark of their appreciation presented him with a Masonic Charity and
Benevolent Jewel. It was also approved that a sum of five guineas be paid to the Royal Masonic
Institution for boys and girls in Companion Clark’s name.
Throughout the ‘’FIRST WORLD WAR’’ the Chapter meetings were held with great regularity but not
without occasional visits to a nearby dug-out when warned of enemy action.
As to be expected a number of men serving with H.M. forces were received into the Chapter, particularly
during the last year of the War and the years immediately following.
Two records in the Minutes of the Convocation held on Dec. 18th 1919 are worthy of notice. In the first it
was resolved to send a letter of sympathy to the widow of Ex. Comp. Thomas, and this was followed by a
resolution of the Chapter to send congratulations to Ex. Comp. Thomas on the occasion of his marriage.
Research showed that the deceased Comp. was ‘’George Thomson’’ the late acting Janitor, and that the
second minute referred to ‘’William Thomson’’ the I.P.Z.
From 1918, Annual Reports were received from the Provincial Grand Chapter and for several years
attention was called to the various rituals in use in the Province, the ‘’Provincial Scribe E ‘’ suggested that
the ritual of the Standard Chapter of Improvement would prove beneficial.
The two local Chapters had combined to form a Chapter of Improvement which met alternately at
Ramsgate and Margate.
It is interesting to note that Companion Hugh John Perry J.P. the oldest member of the Thanet Chapter at
the time of its Centenary celebration was exalted in December 1918.
From this period until the outbreak of the SECOND WORLD WAR steady progress was maintained. On
several occasions three Brethren were exalted at the one meeting, while on the December 16th 1926
meeting there were four Candidates.
In 1921 two ceremonies of Exaltation were undertaken before the new Principals were installed.Six
Brethren were balloted for in October 1922 and on another evening six Companions received their
Supreme Grand Chapter Certificates
The Installation Ceremony had for the past.sixty-six years been held in June, but it was now decided to
change the date to October.
Ex. Comp. Fred Brook undertook the duties of Scribe E in 1931 and continued in this office until 1936,
later becoming treasurer in which capacity he served the Thanet Royal Arch Chapter up to the time of his
death. Any Companion in arrears by the Festive season received a very nice Christmas card from FRED
which usually had the desired affect.
The first time this Chapter was Honoured by a Personal Representative of the M. E. Grand
Superintendent, was at the Installation ceremony in 1931, when Ex. Comp. H. D. Farquharson, P.G. Sojr.
was welcomed by the Companions.
THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
At the outbreak of war in 1939 the Convocations were continued until March 1940, but only one meeting,
that of the Installation of Ex. Comp. Hugh Smith was held in 1941.
The possibilities of an invasion by the enemy became remote by 1942 and many of the local inhabitants
returned from evacuation centres to Ramsgate so that it became possible to resume Royal Arch
Convocations in July of that year. We met in a dilapidated Temple often to the accompaniment of gun
fire, explosions, and wailing of the nearby Siren. A shell from the enemy battery on Cap Gris Nez
demolished three houses very near to the Eastern end of the Temple causing further damage particularly in
the roof, but repairs were successfully completed for the October Installation meeting. Many of the
Companions some who are still with us will remember the efforts of the faithful few who continued to
attend the Chapter of Instruction, usually on a Sunday morning in a chilly and depressing building for the
purpose of maintaining the Chapter ritual. During the war years th e Charter was removed and deposited
sometime in the Bank and others in a strong room of the Scribe E The minute book was sent to Supreme
Grand Chapter in 1940and was returned to the care of Scribe E two years later.
Much to the satisfaction and comfort of all local Masons a complete renovation of the Temple was
undertaken a few years after the cessation of hostilities.
Among our contemporaries we are pleased to record the faithful service of Ex. Comp. Stanley Arthur
Ovenden P.Z. P.G.Std.Br. Who was exalted in 1921. After officiating as Organist for a number of years
he accepted the office of Scribe E in 1936 and continued in that office until this the centenary year- a
record of twenty four yearswhich it is hoped will be further extended.
Not long after the cessation of hostilities Brig. John Morley Stebbings, M.C., E.M., T.D., D.L.,
P.A.G.Soj., Prov. Third Grand Principal, was exalted and became extremely interested in the Ritual of the
Chapter, occupying the First Principals Chair in 1953. Three years later he was awarded Supreme Grand
Chapter rank and on the occasion of our Centenary meeting we are proud of his important position as
Third Principal in the Province.
At the beginning of the year 1951 we were pleased to receive into our Chapter as an Honorary Member
Ex. Companion Percy Still, Past Grand Scribe N., whose name is revered throughout the United Grand
Lodge as well as the Supreme Grand Chapter and a vast body of Freemasons all over the world in
connection with his great work with the Royal Masonic Hospital.
During the same year Ex. Companion Harold A. R. Cheeseman, C.M.G., Past Assistant Grand Sojourner,
Past District Grand Third Principal Eastern Archipelago became a Joining Member and four years later he
occupied the Chair of M.E.Z.
On 17th January, 1950 the First Principal paid tribute to the excellent work of Companion James Henry
Barrett who was called to the Grand Chapter above on 30th November, 1949. In a courteous and
unobtrusive manner he had served the Chapter as Janitor for twenty-seven years.
In anticipation of our Centenary Celebration being granted in 1955 (to harmonise with the original warrant
dated 1855) new robes were purchased for the use of the Principals and were used for the first time at the
Installation ceremony on 25th 0ctober, 1955 after being dedicated by Ex. Companion C. Harry Baker,
P.A.G.Soj.
Three years later new banners were purchased as those which had been in use for nearly a hundred years
were beyond further repairs.
The funds of the Chapter having reached a more healthy condition, it was decided to purchase nine P.Z’s
Jewels at a cost if about £83, for presentation to several P.Z’s who were long overdue to receive them.
FURTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
For a number of years it was usual for the Royal Navy Lodge to print on their summons the particulars of
the Meetings of the Thanet Royal Arch Chapter which at that time was much more closely associated with
the parent Craft Lodge.
1884
At the beginning of this year it was agreed that the Chapter could use as much of the furniture of
the Royal Navy Lodge as they might require, on payment of One Pound per annum on condition
that they provided
Their own candles.
1886
In the second Minute Book we find this entry :- “Ex. Companion Robinson, P.P.G.H. of Kent
acquainted the Chapter with a new By-Law of the Revised Constitution whereby the two Assistant
Sojourners are henceforth to be elected by the Chapter and not Appointed by the Principal
Sojourner as heretofore.”
1888
A vote of thanks was given to Companion G.J. Palmer for kindly providing his carriage to be used
at The Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge.
1893
It was decided to send a letter of condolence to Companion W. Harrison of this Chapter and now
of Ranagoon, Australia, expressing regret at the loss he had sustained by fire.
1895
A letter of thanks was sent to the W.M. of the Bradstow Lodge for the use of the Temple on
October 1st For the holding of a Chapter of Improvement, and a similar letter was sent to the
W.M.of the Union Lodge, Margate for the same reason.
1897
The sum of three guineas was donated to the fund being raised for the benefit of widows and
orphans of the Crew of the Margate Lifeboat, who lost their lives when “The Friend to all
Nations” capsized in the Disastrous storm of that year.
1898
Companion W.J. Clark J-elect was unable to attend the Installation ceremony in June, but later in
the year Ex-Companion Ward, P.Z., P.P.G.J., who would have installed him, arranged to perform
the ceremony at Canterbury in the Bertha Chapter No. 31.
1899
At the conclusion of the March Meeting hearty good wishes were accorded from the Principals and
Comps. Of the School of Plato Chapter No. 150, Madras, India.
1901
In appreciation of his excellent services As Installing Principal in this Chapter for the past eleven
years, Ex-Companion H. Ward P.Z. P.G.Std.Br., was presented with a memorial jewel and elected
an Honorary Member.
1904
The Chapter was now meeting in the Masonic Temple, St. Luke’s Avenue, Ramsgate, the first
Exaltee being W.Bro. Francis J. Wraight of the Royal Navy Lodge. Several years later the same
Companion Constructed and presented to the Chapter a “Catenarian Arch” for which he was
suitably thanked.
1909
It was this year that an Assistant Director of Ceremonies was appointed for the first time.
1910
A letter of condolence was sent to His Most Gracious Majesty King George V, and to the Queen
Mother, on the death of King Edward VII. The replies were ordered to be inserted in the Minute
Book where they may still be found.
1912
We were pleased to receive into our Chapter as a Joining Member, Most Ex.Comp. Cawasger
Rustomjee Varicawa, P.P.Z., Chapter 138, S.E.
1915
0wing to war conditions it is not surprising that a letter was received from Supreme Grand Chapter
stating That no Companion of an enemy country should be allowed to attend our Convocations.
1917
The first time that the “Manston Airport” appears in our history concerns the admission to our
Chapter, of Companion T. Courtenay Head, of the Prince of Wales Chapter, New South Wales,
Australia. He was a Chief Petty Officer of the R.N.A.S.
1918
Two more of H.M. Forces – Brother E. DeLaney, a Captain in the B.E.F., and Brother H.M. Pett,
of the Royal Engineers – were exalted while on leave. In June of this year the sympathy of the
Chapter was extended to Ex. Comp. A. Blasdale Clarke, Scribe E., P.P.G.Reg., on the loss which
he and his family had sustained by the death of his son, 2nd Lieut. Roland Henry Clarke, while on
active service in France with the Royal West Kent Regiment.
1919
The following year another son of our Scribe E., Brother John Arthur Clarke, a Lieutenant in the
Indian Army was duly Exalted in this Chapter.
1922
Two Companions who had returned from abroad and who had been exalted in the Victoria Chapter
attached to Lodge No, 3 of Melbourne, Australia, were welcomed as Joining Members of the
Thanet Chapter.
1923
A letter was received from Grand Scribe E., with respect to the severe distress among Brother
Masons in Japan caused by the earthquake, asking for assistance. A subscription was sent
immediately.
1928
By a Resolution of the Chapter the appointment of the 0fficers, with the exception of the Treasurer
and the Janitor, was left in the hands of the Principals.
1929
Many members will remember Ex. Companion Stephen Edwin Standen, but few will be aware that
originally he was a Brother of the Rising Sun Lodge No. 91 Cairo. Egyptian Constitution.
1932
The names of the Members were now to be printed on the Agendas for the first time at an extra
charge of five shillings, and the new By-Laws as framed by Supreme Grand Chapter were to be
adopted.
1935
A Charity Box of unusual design was presented to the Chapter by Companions F.E. Howard Paget,
of Broadstairs, and is still in use.
1940
After making the “Declaration of Allegiance” to the Supreme Grand Chapter of England,
Companion H.E. Beckett of the Mount Horeb Chapter No. 75, Kingston, New York, became a
Joining Member.
Another stalwart among our contemporaries – Ex. Comp. Alfred Thomas Mummery, P.Z.,
P.P.A.G.Soj., For a number of years the Director of Ceremonies, relinquished that 0ffice on being
made an Honorary Member, and was appointed the Preceptor of the Chapter of Instruction. This is
the first occasion that such an Office has been mentioned.
1943
The Address to the I.P.Z., at the Installation, which for a number of years had been omitted, was
once again revived and an excellent rendering was given by Ex. Comp. Fred Brook.
The most excellent First Grand Superintendent Lord Cornwallis was pleased to accept honorary
membership into the Thanet Chapter 429
1950
Comp. James Barnett died after serving as Janitor for 27 years, it was noted that the yearly
Christmas gift to the Janitor ceased.
1952
Meeting dates were changed to 4th Tuesday in the month and subs were raised to £1-10d
McKenzie Smith MBE Provincial Scribe E was made an honorary
1966
Our present Furnishings and Regalia was is on loan for an indefinite period from ISMA Chapter
5009
1981
Lord Cornwallis (Honorary member of 429) retired as Most Excellent Grand Superintendent after
many years loyal service.
1984
Ex. Comp. Peter Young started his 21 years as Scribe E
2005
Ex.Comp. Clifford E Jewett Commenced as Scibe E
****
In 1884 Ramsgate was incorporated a Municipal Borough and the following Companions have
served the office of Mayor:- ARTHUR W.LARKIN WILLIAM COLEMAN, J.S. LANGLEY, T.S.
CHAYNEY, E.E. DYE, F.C. LLEWELLYN, HENRY TERRY.
****
The Past records give ample proof that the Thanet Chapter has generously supported The Royal
Masonic Hospital and the three Masonic Charities.
****
On the foundations laid in 1855 the present superstructure has been erected-not perfect in all its
parts but honourable to the Builders. Time brings changes in all things. May we therefore
remember with gratitude those who laboured to maintain this Chapter in the early and difficult
days, and express our thanks--- first of all to the Scribes throughout the years who kept the records
with meticulous care; secondly to the great body of faithful Companions who gave themselves to
the Chapter cause but who’s names do not find a place in our history, and finally to all the
Companions who, during our own time have continued to build on those early foundations.
****
The future happiness and welfare of the THANET ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER will now depend on the
enthusiasm and devotion of our younger Companions and to their loyalty must be entrusted the
continuance of our Ritual and the heritage which is left to them.
THAT NEVER IN THE COMING CENTURIES THEIR HEARTS MAY FAIL OR THEIR HANDS GROW WEAK.
“HISTORICAL”
“SYMBOLICAL”
THINK ON THESE THINGS
“MYSTICAL”