Syd Smith - 40 Years in Royal Arch Masonry

Extract from the DGS’s Address, presented by the Grand Superintendent

I am delighted, if a little surprised, to be here tonight to make this presentation to E Comp Sydney George Smith. E Comp David Rayson was very much looking forward to being here this evening, but sadly something has come up which means he can’t be with us. E Comp Syd, I have a feeling you may have had a lucky escape, because I think David was planning to say quite a few things, which aren’t included in his address.

David’s address is quite a personal one, so I will read it as David intended to deliver it.

E Comp Syd you and I go back 18 years, as our first meeting was here in March 2005. I was the acting DC for the Installation Convocation, my first outing since my appointment. E Comp Dr John Lloyd was the MEGS (no pressure Companions). E Comp Syd I must thank you and E Comp Mansel Hughes the DC of the Chapter for looking after me.

E Comp Syd you were initiated into the Aberystwyth Lodge on the 1st of February 1979, you became Worshipful Master on the 16th September 1988. You were then appointed as the Lodge DC in 2009 and Organist in 2014.

In the Province you were appointed to Provincial Steward in 1992 and promoted to Past Sword Bearer in 1996 and further promoted to Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2010.

You were further honoured in 2011 to be appointed to Past Grand Standard Bearer in the United Grand Lodge of England.

In the Holy Royal Arch, you were Exalted into the Ystwyth Chapter on 12th November 1981. E Comp Syd, I am sure that it feels like yesterday, but Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister, a pint of beer was 51p, a litre of petrol was 32p, 20 cigarettes were 72p and a new Ford Cortina cost £4,200.

You were Installed as 1st Principal in 1997, a full 16 years after being Exalted, which is how long the ladder was back in those days. You served the Chapter as the Organist for 10 years and DC for a total of 15 years.

In the Royal Arch Province your first Provincial appointment was Principal Sojourner in 1998 and you were then promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 2006.

E Comp Syd, you were born in Hereford at a very young age.

You attended St Paul’s Church School and Whitecross Secondary School. You qualified as a TV and Radio Engineer which led you to a very successful business career all revolving around Domestic Electrical Equipment one might say a highly charged career in Electrical Engineering.

Not only have you had a successful business career, but you have also had a very happy home life too. You met Joan in 1960 got married in 1962. You were blessed with two sons and one daughter (Alan, Steven, and Deborah). Last year you celebrated 60 years of blissful married life and received a Diamond Wedding congratulatory card from the King and Queen Consort.

After retirement in 2008 you carried on giving a valuable service to the community by becoming a volunteer for the Beacon of Hope Hospice at home charity. You were a Founder Director of Hospice at home Aberystwyth Volunteers, and then appointed as Life President. You are the Vicars Warden at All Saints Church, where you were appointed Worship Leader.

E Comp Syd, I have great pleasure in presenting you with this certificate and badge to mark 40 years continuous service to The Holy Royal Arch.

E Comp Syd may I congratulate you for your loyalty and dedication and I wish you good health to enjoy many more happy years in Royal Arch and Craft Masonry.