An explanation of the various roles within the Chapter

The Three Principals

  • First Principal (Z – Zerubbabel): The leader and chief officer of the Chapter, acting as the president/master.
  • Second Principal (H – Haggai): The second in command, who assists in running and closing the Chapter.
  • Third Principal (J – Joshua): The third in command, who assists the Principals and oversees the admission of visitors. 

Scribes and Treasurer

  • Scribe E (Ezra): The secretary of the Chapter, handling administration, records, and correspondence.
  • Scribe N (Nehemiah): Works alongside the Janitor to maintain order and secure the Chapter against intruders.
  • Treasurer: The financial officer managing the Chapter’s funds. 

Sojourners

  • Principal Sojourner: The leader of the sojourners who guides candidates through the central ceremonies.
  • First and Second Assistant Sojourners: Assist the Principal Sojourner in the ritual work.

Other Chapter Officers

  • Director of Ceremonies (DC): Manages the layout, movement, and protocol of the ritual.
  • Almoner: Looks after the welfare, sickness, and charitable support of members and their families.
  • Charity Steward: Coordinates donations to Masonic and non-Masonic charities.
  • Organist / Music Maker: Provides musical accompaniment for ceremonies.
  • Janitor: Guards the door from the outside and keeps the sanctuary secure.
  • Stewards & Assistant Directors of Ceremonies: Support general operations and dining.

What the Principals Wear

  • First Principal (Zerubbabel): Wears a scarlet robe (symbolizing kingly dignity) and carries a sceptre with a crown.
  • Second Principal (Haggai): Wears a purple robe (symbolizing high station) and carries a sceptre with the All-Seeing Eye.
  • Third Principal (Joshua): Wears a blue robe (symbolizing holiness/priesthood) along with a breastplate and mitre.
  • Principals’ Regalia: All three Principals wear the specific Royal Arch Principals’ Apron and Sash (trimmed with red and blue moiré pattern and a triple Tau). 

Who Wears the Surplice in the UK Royal Arch?

  • Sojourners and Scribes: A plain white ceremonial surplice is worn by officers such as the Sojourners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) and Scribes (such as Scribe Ezra) during specific Royal Arch rituals and exaltation ceremonies.
  • Candidates: During specific parts of the exaltation ceremony in some workings, a candidate may also wear a surplice over his attire. 

The Team

Zerubbabel

Ranjit Verma

Haggai

Chris Fletcher

Joshua

John Perridge

Scribe E

Phil Meynell

Scribe N

Phil Laing

Treasurer

Phil Houckham

Principal Sojourner

Richard Hill                                                                                       

1st Assistant Sojourner

Steve Thornton

2nd Assistant Sojourner

Simon Timlick

Director of Ceremonies

Jeremy Thomas

Almoner

Mark Bird

Charity Steward

Peter Chibber

Janitor

Dave Shilling

Assistant DoC

Phil Wright

Organist

Ash Beeden 

Stewards

Dylan Burgess, Danny Betts

Steve Ward, Chris Warnes

Lee shallam, Tom Holdsworth

Immediate past Zerubbabel

Jeremy Thomas