David takes over as Lincolnshire’s Royal Arch representative co-ordinator
Former Second Provincial Grand Principal David Cartwright has taken over the role as Lincolnshire’s co-ordinator for Royal Arch Chapter representatives.
It’s a role he intends to get into in earnest when the new season starts this autumn, but is already thinking about the most effective way to approach it with his Deputy Keith Bickley.
His intention is to help Royal Arch representatives to be more visible, arm them with consistent information, and help them to inform and support Royal Arch members and Master Masons who are able to join.
“I shall be building on the work done by my predecessor Terry Little, who has done much to establish the role of the Royal Arch representative over the last 13 years,” he said.
“My view of the task is not unlike the way a car dealership works. When you’re considering buying a car from a dealership you’ll no doubt want to explore what’s on offer first, and you’ll want to speak to a representative – because that’s the way to get all of the details. You might find the name of the relevant individual on the internet or in a book beforehand, but when you get there the rep has to be visible and approachable.
“What’s more, you’ll expect that he or she will have all the right information to hand, with knowledge about available models. You’d expect to get the same information at any dealership.
“For the car dealership it’s all about recognition, consistency of information, and education leading to a sale.” David agrees that although we’re not trying to ‘sell’ Royal Arch membership, we are trying to highlight its benefits. He says: “The comment my successor Mike Rix made in his article in Masonic Lincs sums it up. We’re trying to shine the spotlight on what Royal Arch members can enjoy through taking up membership; to show Master Masons what’s in it for them – which is exactly what I want our Royal Arch Representatives to be able to do.”
He believes that if information about the Royal Arch is shared in an enthusiastic and informative way, it’s more likely to generate enthusiasm and interest in the listener, and increase the likelihood of them taking up what’s on offer – especially if they can be assured that the same levels of enthusiasm and interest are shown by their proposer, seconder and mentor.
- We’ll follow up this article with more specifics as the new season gets under way in the autumn
