King Harold Chapter History

On the afternoon of Saturday, 31st March 1979, the King Harold Chapter No. 8630 was consecrated at the Masonic Temple in Queen’s Road, Brighton. This event marked the formation of the latest Chapter in the Province of Sussex, just ahead of its own Centenary in 1981. The Consecrating Officers were subsequently made Honorary Members of the new Chapter.

Over the years, the Chapter has boasted a diverse membership, including four doctors, seven solicitors, three motor industry experts, three estate agents, two clerks-in-holy orders, several surveyors, financial advisers, a contact lens manufacturer, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, and even a coroner.

The fifty-first meeting, scheduled for December 1995, was postponed at the last minute due to heavy snowfall. Everyone, including the then Deputy Grand Superintendent, Excellent Companion Derek P. Johnson, and his escort, were snowbound. An emergency meeting was hastily arranged for 23rd January 1996. Due to the unavailability of the usual dining venue, a hearty alternative was provided by an outside caterer, uniquely housed above the Temple.

A source of immense satisfaction for the Chapter was its fundraising efforts for the Sussex 2004 Appeal, which qualified it as a Patron of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 2004. This prestigious distinction was achieved by only four Royal Arch Chapters in the Province.

On 27th October 2004, at the Chapter’s 77th Convocation, it celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The Chapter was honored by the presence of the M.E. Grand Superintendent, who was accompanied by the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal and the Provincial Grand Scribe E., escorted by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

A Special Convocation was held on Wednesday, 6th May 2009, for which a Dispensation was requested and granted by the M.E. Grand Superintendent, E. Comp Kenneth E. Thomas, to dedicate the Chapter’s first banner