The road from Exaltee to First Principal varies for us all. For some the route is plain sailing; whether they meander from the Stewards’ bench through the Sojourner roles to the East at a leisurely pace, or whether they take the express elevator to support their new chapter. But occasionally the journey becomes more scenic than planned until eventually the chance might appear to have gone. But of the many life lessons learned in the allegory of the Royal Arch ceremony; the journey of the Israelites on being released from captivity and their fortitude to rebuild the temple, their resilience, patience, faith and dedication is one of the most inspiring. Accepting the most menial work and toiling long and without protest lead to the greatest reward.
Gordon Clough thought his opportunity to be First Principal had passed him by. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1988 and just a year after taking his third degree, he joined the Royal Arch with St Chads Chapter No 3115 on 7th April 1990. Gordon recalls that his mother lodge (Wanstead Park No. 6718) had been a very busy and bustling lodge with regular dining numbers of 50 or more. Getting onto the Stewards’ bench was an achievement in itself and the prospect of starting to move through the progressive offices was a over-subscribed. Gordon was happy with the wait but in the meantime focused much of his attention to his new membership at St Chads which also began to thrive as other members of Wanstead Park and other lodges also looked to further their masonic journey. Over successive years Gordon served through the roles of Assistant Sojourners, as Scribe N, Principal Sojourner and eventually being installed as Third, and then Second Principal. Just as he was feeling on the home stretch, and with everything going well, a turn in Gordon’s personal life led to the need to step back for a moment. Becoming First Prinicipal was simply not possible as Gordon rightly needed to prioritise the needs of his family and work. Although the hiatus in masonic activity was relatively temporary at the lodge, the opportunity to pick up where he left off never really aligned again.
Separately, St Chads Chapter had begun to decline in numbers and was soon fighting for its own survival. After many years of limping on, the chapter membership reluctantly resolved to surrender their warrant in 2024 and several members of St Chads, including Gordon, became joining members at West Ham Abbey Chapter as their new home for the Royal Arch.
On Wednesday 25th March 2026, E Comp Gordon Clough finally squared the circle to become First Principal of West Ham Abbey Chapter in the company of many of his St Chads and Wanstead Park friends and his son. The members congratulated him on his achievement and celebrated with an amazing meal at The Square at Upminster. The chapter plans to Exalt a new member on Wednesday 24th June 2026. Why not come along and share Gordon’s year with him! Get in touch to be booked in.
