A striking two tone cranberry red and clear firing glass, issued by the Provincial Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
The glass is etched with the Seal of Solomon and within that the Sign of The Holy Royal Arch the Triple Tau within a Triangle, around the outside of that within a circle are the words (Deo. Regi. Fratribus. Honor. Fidelitas. Benevolentia) Latin for (God. To The King. Brothers. Honor. Fidelity. Benevolence).
The firing glass was supposedly developed as a glass for toasting. They are typified by a thick, flattened foot which allowed the glass to be slammed on the table after consumption of the liquor poured for the toast. The act of slamming the glass proved that the individual had completed the toast (or risk spraying everybody around them with liquor) and when carried out in unison or near unison the resultant noise resembled the sound of a musket volley – hence the term firing glasses.
The custom of “the fire” takes place during the festive board when the Brethren will make a toast to the King, Grand and Provincial Chapter Officers and Visitors along with others.
The Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire is unique in so much as it is the only Holy Royal Arch Province in the constitution that covers two Craft Provinces. Their Chapters meet at twenty locations across the two counties and provide a magnificent opportunity to meet new friends, visit new venues and experience of Holy Royal Arch Masonry.
