On Saturday 10th January 2026 Venerable Sir Knight Arnold Imrie was installed as Most Excellent Great Chief.
The ceremony was conducted in an impeccable manner by Venerable Sir Knight S. Gordon Leathem, BEM, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander (Emeritus), 33′ Ancient & Accepted Rite for Ireland.
Some 230 members attended the packed venue in the Mourne Country Hotel, Newry, Co.Down to show their support for the new Great Chief.
After his installation, the M.E. Great Chief Installed & Proclaimed R.E. Sir Knight Victor McNeill as R.E. Deputy Great Chief, Past Chief Mourne Council No.16 & Elected Member of the Grand Council of Instruction.
Venerable Sir Knight Robert C. Barnes, Past Chief, Nebuchadnezzar Council No.85, Tasmania & Provincial Grand Superintendent of Australia was Install & Proclaimed as R.E. Assistant Great Chief for the Provinces of Australia, South & South East Asia & the Far East.
R.E. Sir Knight Desmond McCormick, Past Chief, Mourne Council No.16 was Installed & Proclaimed as R.E. Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendent for the GCKM Province of Mid-Ulster.
Distinguished guests attending the installations were the R.W. Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, R.W. Bro. Leslie J. Nixon, the R.W. Assistant Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, R.W. Bro. John W. Montgomery, M.E. Companion Raymond Stanley, Most Excellent Assistant Grand King, Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter, the Most Eminent & Supreme Grand Master of the Great Priory of Ireland, Venerable Sir Knight Robert G. Quigley and Most Illustrious President -elect of Prince Masons Chapter of Ireland, R.E. Sir Knight Dr. Thomas Gardiner.
District Grand Kings from most District Grand Royal Arch Chapters in Ireland & Provincial Grand officers from various Provincial Grand Lodges were represented.
A superb Ritual & Ceremony was perfectly conducted by R.E. Crawford Mitchell, V.E.Sir Knight Richard Graham & V.E. Sir Knight Derek Thomas McKnight .
SIr Knights & their families attended the Celebratory Lunch & Toasts. The staff of the hotel were thanked for the amazing preparations throughout the venue and a enjoyable evening .
Most Excellent Sir Knight Arnold Imrie, Most Excellent Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons.
