The first minute books of Walton Lodge No 1086 for the years 1865-1873 of the Ancient and Accepted Masons of England, are held in the Liverpool Record Office, in the impressive building of the Central Library and Archive in William Brown Street. The lodge subsequently amalgamating in 2005 with Lodge of Prudence No 2114 to become Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086.
A few short years later after the formation of the lodge, Walton Chapter No 1086 was consecrated in 1869, which back at the time appears to have held convocations in the Queen’s Arms, Kirkdale, Liverpool before relocating to Kirkdale Masonic Hall, which by 1878 had been repurposed as St Alphonsus, Roman Catholic Church until the 1930s when the church relocated. The Queens Arms Public House appeared to fare slightly better in the longevity stakes finally closing its doors in 2018.
With an unbroken history of continuous meetings from 1869 to the present day of 153 years later, the companions and guests were welcomed to Doe Park, Woolton Golf Club, which is now the permanent home of the chapter.
First principal Stephen Lynch, accompanied by Barry Thornley and Colin Graham as second and third principals respectively, opened the chapter in fine form assisted by the immediate past first principal Peter Casey. The business of the chapter this evening was a busy one, to admit a joining member and to install the three principals.
In welcoming principal guest David Atkinson, Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group, Stephen expressed a wish on behalf of all the companions, that David enjoys the evening and the festive board that was to follow.
The first order of business was to ballot for an honorary member, Harold Stainer Thacker, who had been first principal of the chapter in 1987, 2009 and 2012, a well-deserved honour which was passed unanimously. The second ballot was held, which if successful, was to admit a joining member. The ballot proving unanimous again, Paul McLachlan, director of ceremonies, conducted joining member Dr Paul Fryer to the three principals who congratulated Dr Fryer and welcomed him to the chapter. Dr Fryer explained that he was honoured and delighted to be accepted as a companion of the chapter and that he was looking forward to many happy years of Royal Arch Masonry with Walton Chapter.
David Rimmer presented Peter Casey as third principal elect, who was obligated with the prayers selected for the installation of a third principal read by George Strickland. David Rimmer presented Colin Graham as second principal elect, who again performed his obligation in fine form, with the prayers selected for the installation of a second principal read by David Atkinson. Finally, David again presented Barry Thornley as first principal elect, who in line with the other principals performed his obligation in fine form, with the prayers of a first principal being read by Chris Taplin.
The conclave of installed first principals was declared and Barry Thornley was installed as first principal in time honoured fashion, being very ably assisted by the immediate past principal Stephen Lynch. Stephen was excellent throughout the whole ceremony and had obviously worked very hard in learning the ritual, as had the other principals and companions who took part in the entire ceremony. Principal guest David Atkinson echoed the comments above and congratulated the three principals and Stephen, on an excellent installation ceremony.
First principal Barry then rose and presented David with a cheque on behalf of the companions for the charity, David explained for the benefit of all present that the very generous donation of the chapter for the magnificent sum of £200 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and thanked the companions for their generosity.
The chapter business being concluded the chapter was closed in solemn form and the companions and guests departed for the festive board. Walton Chapter is a happy chapter and the festive board was a fun occasion perpetuated by laughter and light conversation as the companions enjoyed a delightful, pea and ham soup, fish and chips, coffee and mints, to round off a very enjoyable evening of ritual and companionship.
