Honouring the Past Inspiring the Future: A Special Evening in the Duke of Cornwall Chapter
IT'S YOUR ARENA
To send a story to Arena, please email arena@londonmasons.org.uk
We are also looking for writers – please email the Editor at the same address if you would like to contribute.
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future: A Special Evening in the Duke of Cornwall Chapter
Darren JA Knight of the F1 Lodge & Duke of Cornwall Chapter writes…
The Duke of Cornwall Chapter met on Friday 27th March 2026 for an evening that combined profound ceremonial significance with a heartfelt celebration of long-standing dedication to the Holy Royal Arch.
The Chapter was honoured to welcome its Metropolitan Grand Inspector, E. Comp Mark Cooper, whose presence with his Escorting Officer, the Metropolitan Grand Scribe N and two Metropolitan Grand Stewards added particular distinction to the proceedings. The principal business of the evening was the Exaltation of Bro Charlie O'Brien into the Holy Royal Arch, a ceremony conducted with care, precision, and evident sincerity.
For the candidate, the experience proved deeply moving, striking a genuine chord and delivering what he later described as a true "wow" moment – one that will undoubtedly remain with him throughout his Masonic pathway.
Adding further lustre to the occasion, the Chapter was delighted to host E. Comp Russell Race, Past 2nd Grand Principal and former Metropolitan Grand Superintendent.
He provided a particularly poignant moment in the evening when he presented a long-service certificate to E. Comp Clive Temple-Court, marking an extraordinary 60 years of dedicated service to Holy Royal Arch Masonry. In making the presentation, E. Comp Russell Race offered a thoughtful and engaging reflection on Clive's distinguished Masonic career. He highlighted the breadth of offices held over six decades, including his role as Primus MEZ of the Metropolitan Grand Stewards Chapter, and paid tribute to the lasting and meaningful contribution he has made to Freemasonry.
Special mention was made of Clive's remarkable ability to balance his extensive Masonic commitments alongside a demanding professional career – an achievement that stands as testament to both his dedication and his character. To mark the occasion, Clive was made an Honorary Member of his mother Chapter.
The presentation was warmly received by all present, with companions expressing their sincere congratulations and appreciation. The evening as a whole was marked by a strong sense of unity, pride, and shared purpose.
To conclude a truly memorable occasion, companions retired to a very convivial festive board held in the South Gallery Suite. The warm atmosphere, excellent company, and shared reflections on the evening's events made for a fitting and enjoyable conclusion, ensuring the occasion would be remembered as something especially significant in the life of the Chapter.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 61 here.
Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:
