D.G.R.A.C. Down Centenary - 2011
In 2011 the Centenary year started with the Quarterly Convocation in Newtownards Road Masonic Hall on Saturday 5th March. This was attended by the Most Ex. and Supreme Grand King, M.Ex. Comp. Michael Ward, the M.Ex. Deputy Grand King M.Ex. Comp. S.Gordon Leathern BEM and the M. Ex. Assistant Grand King Rev. Canon Harry Trimble. The District Grand Kings of Londonderry, Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh, Antrim and Armagh with their Deputies and Assistants. The President and Vice President of the Grand Chapter of Prince Masons and the heads of other Masonic Bodies. The Most Worshipful Grand Master was unable to attend as Grand Lodge was meeting in Wicklow. This convocation was attended by over 350 Royal Arch Masons.
During the Convocation Most Ex. Comp. James Copes was installed as District Assistant Grand King. The District Grand King presented Resolutions to Companions of the 32 original Chapters, which are still in existence.
In the evening a Centenary Banquet was held in the Park Avenue Hotel when over 170 sat down to dinner. A commemorative photo album was compiled by Comp. Nigel Williamson.
Centenary Thanksgiving Service
A Centenary Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday 5th May in the Non Subscribing Presbyterian Church Holywood. The Service was conducted by Most Ex. Comp. Rev. Charles McCurdy and the Address by the Minister Very Ex. Comp. Rev. Colin Campbell, District Grand Chaplain.
Wine and Cheese Event
The District Grand King decided that in our Centenary Year we would have a Charity Event and chose The Prostate Cancer Charity as the chosen Charity. A Wine and Cheese event was held in the Great Hall, Stormont, which was a great success. Donations came from Royal Arch Chapters, Golf competitions, Royal Arch Masons of Birmingham, Grand Council of Knight Masons and personal donations.
Cheque Presentation
Masonic District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Down completed their Centenary year celebrations when the District Grand King M.E Companion Ken Abernethy (2nd left) and District Deputy Grand King R.E Companion Ken Vance presented a cheque for £10,000 to Patrick Taggart (centre) from The Prostate Cancer Charity.
Included are Dr David Waugh and Professor Joe O Sullivan from Queens University Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.
The money raised was the proceeds from various charitable functions and personal donations, given by the Members of District Chapter, throughout 2011.
In the final Convocation of 2011 held in Newtownards Road Masonic Hall on Saturday 3rd December the District Officers who will start off the next 25 years were Installed and Invested.