My Journey in Royal Arch Freemasonry
M.E.C John Nisbet Steel
Depute First Grand Principal

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The rise from Exaltation to Depute First Grand Principal in 43 short years.

 

My journey in Royal Arch Freemasonry began in April of 1982 in Glasgow. I accepted an invitation to join Thetis Chapter No 122 and was so impressed by the ritual that I quickly became involved in the Associate Degrees of the Cryptic Council and the Lodge and Council Degrees as well.

My friends in Masonry were also involved with The Cathedral Chapter No 67 and I affiliated there as well and soon became First Principal in 1986 and the same year, Thrice Illustrious Master of The Cathedral Cryptic Council No 67. In 1994 I also served as W.C.N of The Cathedral Lodge and Council No 67.

I have had the distinct honour of holding a Commissioned office in the Provincial Grand Chapter of Glasgow on a number of occasions, Provincial Grand Scribe N 1987-1992, Provincial Grand Scribe E 1992-1995, Provincial Grand Scribe E 1997-2000, Depute Grand Superintendent 2000-2002, and Grand Superintendent 2002-2007. I had the privilege of guiding the Province through its 150th anniversary in 2004, culminating in a weekend of celebrations, starting off with a Royal Arch Degree carried out by the Office-bearers of Supreme Grand Chapter, a dinner dance and a Rededication Service held in Glasgow Cathedral.

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I have also served as Provincial Grand Treasurer since 2012, with a break between 2008 and 2011 that’s about 35 years’ service to the Province of Glasgow.

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My career in the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland began as a member of Supreme 
Committee in 1988 on the Bye Laws Committee and became Chairman in 1993. I have also served in the offices up to Third Grand Sojourner until I became Grand Superintendent of Glasgow.

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I had the privilege of being appointed as Depute Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2014 and Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2017. Third Grand Principal from 2020 until 2022, Second Grand Principal 2022 until 2025. Depute First Grand Principal from 2025.

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I have had some wonderful experiences during my terms of office in Supreme Grand Chapter, the highlight of course being involved in the 200th anniversary proceedings. I have also represented Supreme Grand Chapter in deputations to India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain and Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Australia, however the single most unexpected honour was in November 2019 when our M.E. First Grand Principal wrote and graciously offered me the appointment as Third Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, to which I of course replied affirmatively.

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Hopefully my sojourn in Royal Arch Freemasonry is not complete and there are further duties which I will be able to accomplish.

I am extremely proud to say, that’s not bad for a wee boy from Ayrshire.

John N. Steel
Depute First Grand Principal
Supreme Grand RAC of Scotland