A Magic Month of Matrix
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W Bro Alan Taunton writes…
June has proved to be an extremely busy month for chapters using or considering using Matrix Royal Arch Ritual.
First off, on 3rd June 2026 at Mark Masons’ Hall was the John Hervey Chapter No 1260 (see title picture) whose rapidly increasing attendance numbers once again meant that the Grand Temple was required to seat those present. What followed was the very best of John Hervey Matrix ritual during the Exaltation of the third new companion to the chapter in 2026. With another Exaltation planned for the October 2026 meeting, the chapter continues its success story.
Moving onto Wednesday 10th June 2026, again at Mark Masons’ Hall, Paddington Chapter No 3267 held a conjoint meeting with First Artificer Chapter No 3774, who changed their meeting venue by dispensation. Both chapters used Matrix Ritual to install the Principals which enabled both meetings to be concluded well within 2 hours, with members from both chapters contributing to the ceremonial work. A special mention goes to E Comp Ivan Belic, the MEZ of Paddington Chapter, who installed Z elect for the First Artificer Chapter and followed this by installing his successor in Paddington Chapter into the First Principal’s chair.
The Matrix installation ritual not only streamlines the spoken ritual but uses modern readings and adds mystique using lighting variations. The result of these two chapters working together was there to be seen by all, the many benefits cementing the idea that this coming together should be a permanent arrangement for the June meetings of these two Matrix chapters.
The following week consisted of three meetings, the first of which was the St Michael’s Chapter 211 held on the 17th June 2026 at the South East London Masonic Centre located in the leafy suburbs in the shadow of the Crystal Palace radio tower.
The upward trajectory of this chapter continues at a pace, the June meeting resulted in three new joining members making the total recovery of unattached Royal Arch Masons to six during the past 12 months. Another Exaltee from Luminary Lodge 6635 was welcomed and experienced a strong ritual delivery by all officers. With the chapter membership now at 30 and with another Exaltee already elected for the November meeting, it cannot be denied that this chapter, which was on the verge of voting to hand in its warrant just two years ago, is an example of what can be achieved if there is the will and common purpose to succeed.
The following evening marked the meeting of St Martin’s-le-Grand Chapter No 1538 back at Mark Masons’ Hall. There was a need to ensure that the candidate for Exaltation received a memorable ceremony with more than a handful of members in attendance. To ensure this happened, the Justin Lee Inspectorate chapters provided a support team for the meeting, comprising 9 individuals all well versed in Matrix ritual from the John Hervey, St Michael’s and Paddington Chapters; these Royal Arch Masons transformed the meeting into a meaningful and memorable event for the candidate.
A similar situation occurred on Saturday 20th June 2026 at the meeting of Forum Chapter No 3527. A slight change to the line up still saw the three Chapters mentioned above represented, supplemented by 2 additional members of the Inspectorate team also making a team total of nine. The Exaltee and Forum members were engaged and captivated throughout the ceremony delivered by the support team; as they witnessed the use of music, props, tracing board and journey map to graphically explain the Exaltation ceremony.
The splitting of the ritual undertaken by the First Principal, unique to Matrix Exaltation ritual, enabled the chapter’s Second Principal, who had witnessed two previous Matrix Exaltations, to be part of the team delivering a first-class ceremony. The chapter Scribe E, E Comp Malcolm Bevan, commented afterwards: “I have to say that in my 30 years as a member of the chapter I’ve not witnessed a ceremony delivered with such emotion, enjoyment and as meaningful as the Matrix ritual we witnessed on Saturday.”
That draws to a close the use of Matrix ritual for the summer. Should you require any information regarding Matrix ritual or wish to purchase a ritual book – a unique publication printed incorporating the recommendations of the Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide 2023 – please visit the website www.mrara.co.uk.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 61 here.
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