Hundreds of Companions from across the Province gathered at The Fed in Gateshead on Saturday, 16th May, for the first Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Durham since John Watts became Grand Superintendent in June 2025.
The meeting brought together members, visitors and Provincial Officers from across Durham in a celebration of the Royal Arch — recognised as the fourth step in a Freemason’s journey and described by many as the spiritual heart of Freemasonry.
Opening the meeting, John Watts thanked Durham Freemasons and their families for the support shown since his appointment, telling Companions: “We truly are stronger together.” He also welcomed his predecessor, John Thompson, praising the impact he continues to make nationally within Freemasonry.
During the meeting, John Watts invested Provincial Officers, both new and existing, and welcomed those exalted into the Royal Arch over the past year. Among them was Peter Irvine, a newly Exalted member of Tristram Chapter, who was presented with the new light blue and red quartered Chapter pin badge celebrating the message that the Craft and the Chapter are 'one organisation and one journey'.
The special badge, introduced as part of Durham’s continuing Building Together approach, recognises newer members who have completed the four-ceremony pathway through pure Ancient Masonry and reinforces the close connection between Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry across the Province.
In his address to the Companions, John Watts reflected on the importance of the Royal Arch within modern Freemasonry.
He said: “Chapter is an incredibly special part of our masonic journey. It completes the 4-ceremony pathway through pure Ancient Masonry.”
He then shared words which had inspired him from a fellow Companion in another Province:
“Craft Masonry is the path we walk, the practical, the everyday. But the Royal Arch is the deeper search, for meaning, for truth, for something higher. It is the spiritual heart of the journey.”
The meeting also celebrated recent national honours awarded to Durham Companions at Supreme Grand Chapter in London and highlighted continued progress within the Province’s “Building Together” approach, encouraging more Master Masons to complete their Royal Arch journey. John Watts also revealed that Durham’s aspiration is for 50 per cent of Craft members to become Chapter members, with membership already increasing from 41 per cent to 43 per cent over the last year.
Companions were also encouraged to support Durham’s planned visit to Supreme Grand Chapter on Armistice Day later this year, with the Province continuing to strengthen links between Craft and Chapter Freemasonry through its Building Together approach and wider “One Organisation, One Journey” vision for the future of Freemasonry in Durham.
A special presentation was also made to St John Ambulance in recognition of their support for the event. On behalf of Durham Freemasons Charity, John Watts and Provincial Executive Officer Richard Scott presented a £250 donation to thank the charity for providing first aid cover throughout the day.
Closing the meeting, John Watts thanked the Provincial Grand Stewards, the Administrative Team, Ceremonial Officers and the Communications Team whose work helped make the event such a success.
