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
