A king is a king. But in the realms of Freemasonry the Grand King is a personage to be reckoned with, especially if he happens to be Most Excellent Companion (MEC) Michael J. Ward, Grand King of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland.

His office is the highest that is possible to achieve in Freemasonry. He was installed just over a fortnight ago. Within a week he was on a plane to Bermuda to make his first official overseas visit for the installation convocation of the Royal Arch Chapter No. 833. The principal officer of that chapter is Very Excellent Companion Dr. Gerard Bean.

The Bermuda chapter was formed in 2004, the very first in the history of Irish Freemasonry in the island that extends back nearly two centuries. There were, however, and are well established chapters of the English and Scottish Constitutions.

"Bermuda is a very healthy province," MEC Ward said in an interview before returning to Dublin. He will now prepare his schedule that will take him to many parts of the world.

During his long and distinguished career, his great talent for ritual matters has merited him numerous honours for outstanding work and dedication in the various branches of Freemasonry. Among the positions he concurrently holds is that of secretary of the Grand Lodge of Instruction.

The three principal offices of an Irish Royal Arch Chapter are Excellent King or First Principal, which position Dr. Bean holds; High Priest or Second Principal, who is M.E. Hubert Simmons; Chief Scribe or Secretary; M.E. Sinclair Tucker; and .Registrar, M.E. Keith White.

Photo: Most Excellent Companion (MEC) Michael J. Ward, Grand King of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland, in distinctive collar of his high office, is seen above with other officers of the Bermuda Royal Arch Chapter. Others from left to right are V. Curtis, B. Smith, G. Bean, R. Bray, L. Davis, M. Ward, M. Smith, H. Simmons, B. Tucker, V. Ratteray, F. Bean, S. Outerbridge, L. Simons, C. Smith, and A. Lugo.