David Elsley - 40 Years in the Royal Arch - Extract from the Address

Recognising the long and distinguished service of companions is one of the real pleasures of being Grand Superintendent.

Behind every long service presentation is a lifetime of service to the Royal Arch, but it's important to remember that they also represent a huge amount of fun and enjoyment gained from being part of our wonderful order.

In the Province of Surrey, you were appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar in 1997.

In Metropolitan Grand Lodge you were appointed to London Grand Rank in 1993 and promoted to Senior London Grand Rank in 2002.

In The Province of West Wales, you were appointed to the rank of Past Junior Grand Warden in 2005. You served the Province as Deputy Director of Ceremonies from 2009 until 2010. You were Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2011. You crossed the floor of Provincial Grand Lodge in 2012, going from the Senior Warden’s Chair to the Secretary’s Chair, holding that office from 2012 until 2017. During your time as Provincial Grand Secretary, you provided the brains, and I provided the good looks!

In the United Grand Lodge of England, you were appointed to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2015.

In Metropolitan Grand Chapter you were appointed to London Grand Chapter Rank in 1996 and promoted to Senior London Grand Chapter Rank in 1999.

In the Royal Arch Province of West Wales, you were appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2006. You served the province as Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra between 2012 and 2017 and as Second Provincial Grand Principal between 2017 and 2019.

In Supreme Grand Chapter you were Acting Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2007 and in 2017 you were promoted to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer.

Despite your heavy masonic and professional workload, you have always found time to mentor and advise the people coming behind you. I have no doubt that if it hadn’t been for the friendship and generous support which you offered so freely to me, someone else would be standing here as Grand Superintendent.