CHAPTER VI - The Order of High Priesthood
Provision for the Order of High Priesthood followed rapidly on the organization of Grand Chapter. At Halifax on June 17th, 1870, Alexander Keith, Stephen R. Sircom and J. Conway Brown met and "they being all duly anointed High Priests and the only ones in the jurisdiction," formed and organized themselves as the Grand Council of High Priests. Keith became President, Sircom Vice-president,and Brown Recorder. A code of rules, presented to Grand Chapter on June 22nd of the same year, and published in the Proceedings, listed the officers and their duties, and made provision for jewels and for the general conduct of business. Only High Priests, duly installed and specially recommended, were eligible.
In 1889 Grand Chapter assumed control of the Order.
Although it became obligatory for all High Priests in 1922, gentle pressure to receive this ceremonial and useful degree promptly has not always been effective. The backlog was lightened somewhat in 1968 when thirty-three were anointed at two conventions.
In recent years two conventions have usually been held, one at the time of Grand Chapter and one in mid-winter at Halifax. These alternatives seem to be convenient for most of the candidates concerned.
The work found in "The Guide to the Chapter" by Sheville and Gould, adopted in 1870, was superseded by the Chamberlain ritual in 1895. The praise of succeeding classes of High Priests for the beauty and solemnity of the degree has undoubtedly been a healthy force in bringing forward those who are eligible. Elsewhere in these pages .will be found a list of those who have conferred the degree.
In 1889 Grand Chapter assumed control of the Order.
Although it became obligatory for all High Priests in 1922, gentle pressure to receive this ceremonial and useful degree promptly has not always been effective. The backlog was lightened somewhat in 1968 when thirty-three were anointed at two conventions.
In recent years two conventions have usually been held, one at the time of Grand Chapter and one in mid-winter at Halifax. These alternatives seem to be convenient for most of the candidates concerned.
The work found in "The Guide to the Chapter" by Sheville and Gould, adopted in 1870, was superseded by the Chamberlain ritual in 1895. The praise of succeeding classes of High Priests for the beauty and solemnity of the degree has undoubtedly been a healthy force in bringing forward those who are eligible. Elsewhere in these pages .will be found a list of those who have conferred the degree.
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia with Jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island.