Red Triangle Chapter No 3874 having moved from Woolton Golf Club, have been settling in to their new meeting place, Widnes Masonic Hall. Following on from their installation meeting, what better way than to start a new Masonic season, than with an exaltation of a new candidate.
The chapter was particularly pleased and honoured to welcome the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews to the chapter, who was accompanied by second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Stewart Cranage, and a contingent of grand and acting Provincial grand officers.
No pressure then for the three principals of the chapter, Alan Routledge, David Douglas and Darren Fulton, as first, second and third principals respectively, who opened the chapter in fine form, assisted by stand-in director of ceremonies, Ian Edge, a member of Chapter of Equity No 1384, who was kindly deputising for Ian McGovern, who unfortunately couldn’t attend.
First principal Alan, accompanied by the other principals, formally welcomed Mark Matthews to the chapter and offered Mark his sceptre. On this occasion Mark was pleased to return the sceptre to Alan and was content to observe proceedings. First principal Alan, then orchestrated a rotation of chapter officers. Paul Shirley of Sefton Chapter No 680 occupied the office of principal sojourner vacated by Mike Fox, who then occupied the chair of second principal vacated by David Douglas, who took up the office of scribe Nehemiah, vacated by Tom Smith.
The scene was set for the exaltation to begin. Principal sojourner Paul Shirley, having previously left the chapter to attend to the candidate, Christopher Edwards, returned to the chapter to announce that all was set for the ceremony to begin. Scribe Nehemiah David announced the candidate and a splendid exaltation then ensued. Highlights included both principal sojourner Paul and first assistant Les Cutting, who were superb in their respective addresses and participation in the ceremony of exaltation. The three principals conducted the exaltation with authority, and it was obvious to observe that a lot of practice and hard work had gone into making the ceremony the success that it was.
Having been exalted as a companion of the Royal Arch, Christopher then received the first part of the mystical lecture, delivered by Mike Fox, and was duly proclaimed as a companion of the order. At the conclusion, the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews rose and firstly congratulated Christopher Edwards for joining the Royal Arch, commenting on what a splendid exaltation it had been and in turn congratulated all companions who had taken part in the ceremony.
First principal Alan, then requested Mark to please accept donations to charity made on behalf of the chapter. Mark read those to the assembled companions, thanking the chapter for their generous donation of £100 to first principal Alan Routledge’s sponsored cycle ride across Ireland and £100 to Daddy’s with Angels.
After the first risings, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Halsall, called for Provincial Grand Stewards, Shaun Brookhouse and Barry Corcoran, Provincial Grand Standard Bearers, David Berrington and Alan Ledger, Provincial Grand Membership Officer, Kevin Byrne, Provincial Grand Registrar, John Gibson and Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah, John Topping to take post in the procession. Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson, Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Murphy, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Stewart Cranage, Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle and the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews then retired from the chapter.
After all chapter business had been duly completed, all the companions retired to the bar to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, and continue the celebration of the exaltation of Christopher Edwards. At dinner, Mark Matthews again congratulated the chapter on an excellent occasion, and in continuing the drive to increase membership of the fine order of the Royal Arch. He congratulated Christopher on the completion of his Masonic journey, which is only complete when joining the Royal Arch.
Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping gave a lovely toast to the chapter, commenting on how good the chapter exaltation had been and that Christopher had been treated to a first-class ceremony, and to continue to enjoy his Royal Arch Masonry. The last words should be left to Christopher, who in response to the toast to his health, thanked all those who had taken part and attended, and that he was looking forward to many years with the chapter and enjoying the order of the Royal Arch of which this day he had become a member.
