E.Comp Eric Trodd PAGDC, PPDepGReg, LGCR
Progress Chapter C1768 was delighted to welcome E.Comp Stephen Wigmore, Third Provincial Grand Principal to present a long service award to E.Comp Eric Trodd.
E.Comp Eric’s award was technically his 61st year of service to the Royal Arch but like many, its presentation was delayed thanks to the COVID festivities.
E.Comp Eric Trodd was exalted into Portsmouth Chapter in October, 1960 of which he was an active member until he commenced working overseas in 1963. Following his resumption of Masonic activities in the mid ’70s, he joined Vane Chapter in January 1980. Progressing through the offices, he initially became MEZ for 1988-89.
He was its Treasurer from 1992 to 1997; then resumed progressive offices, serving as First Principal for 2000/01. He continued to support this Chapter, being MEZ again for 2009-10. He received London Grand Chapter Rank in 1999. He was made an honorary member in 2011. Within the Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London he was a Visiting Officer from 2007 thru 2011, when he ceased to be a subscribing member in London.
As almost all of his masonry is in Surrey, Eric joined Progress Chapter in October, 1984. He has contributed to the
Chapter’s recovery both by introducing four candidates (so far) and serving in each of the offices – occupying the First Principal’s Chair in 1991-2 and 1992-3. He held the office of Director of Ceremonies from 1998 – 2007, when he became First Principal again for 2007-08, and for 2008-09. Since then he has been Principal Sojourner, ADC and is currently DC.
E.Comp Eric’s Masonic CV runs to 6 x A4 pages of close type and in the Orders beyond the Craft, he holds Grand rank in eleven of them. If you have a question about any Order beyond the Craft, you ask Eric !
Progress Chapter moved from its previous home at Sutton to Chertsey in October 2019 as part of a planned approach to attract new joining members and Exaltees. The strategy has been successful with a new Companion exalted just before the COVID suspension and further Exaltations scheduled for February and May 2022.
Following the presentation, the Companions retired for a very enjoyable festive board to celebrate E.Comp Eric’s many years in the Royal Arch.
L:R: E.Comp Neil Powling, E.Comp Steve Pepper, E.Comp Melvyn Andrews, E.Comp Eric Trodd, E.Comp Ian Bloodworth, E.Comp Stephen Wigmore . Images: E.Comp Brian Penfold