One Journey, One Organisation, One Festive Board

Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester

Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was the setting for a landmark evening as members of the Craft and Royal Arch came together for a combined Festive Board, a first for the Province and a clear demonstration of the shared journey between the two Orders.

Separate Meetings, Shared Purpose

The evening began with three units meeting in their respective rooms:

• Gabriel Newton Cricket Lodge No.9071

• St John’s Lodge No.279

• Chapter of the Flaming Torch No.4874

St John’s Lodge, having no ceremony scheduled, completed a short business meeting before closing and moving into the magnificent Holmes Lodge Room. There they joined Gabriel Newton Lodge, which had a full agenda: installing a new Master for the year and welcoming a new member to the Craft through his First Degree Ceremony, delivered in front of a packed and appreciative audience.

Meanwhile, the Chapter of the Flaming Torch conducted its Royal Arch business in a separate room. With several items on the agenda, timing was crucial, the plan being for the Chapter to finish and gather with the Craft Lodges for a combined group photograph before dining.

Perfect Timing, Perfect Unity

Impressively, both rooms concluded their business at almost exactly the same moment. This allowed the Royal Arch Companions and Craft Brethren to assemble together for a joint photograph, an image capturing the spirit of unity that the evening set out to celebrate.

A Provincial First: The Combined Festive Board

After filling the bar with lively conversation, the two Lodges and the Chapter made their way to the dining hall for the Province’s first combined Festive Board.

The seating plan required careful thought to blend the three groups harmoniously. At the top table sat:

• The two Masters

• The First Principal of the Chapter

• The Installing Master

• The candidate for the evening

  
  

The host Director of Ceremonies had his work cut out, coordinating a toast list that honoured both Orders while being mindful that not all present were Royal Arch members.

With a superb meal and excellent company, the evening concluded in true Masonic style, warm, dignified, and full of fellowship.

A Vision for the Future

Provincial Grand Master and Past Grand Superintendent Peter Kinder reflected on the significance of the occasion:

“What a wonderful occasion to see One Journey, One Organisation demonstrated in such a respectful and enjoyable way. Let’s hope this provides a blueprint and is the first of many joint Festive Boards.”

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