The exaltations of Sean Buckley and Joseph Butterworth took place at Prescot Masonic Hall. On the evening of the exaltations, Liverpool Dramatic Chapter No 1609 was promptly opened by first principal David Lyon, with the assistance of Colin Ball as second principal and John Hansen who took the chair of third principal for the ceremony.
After the minutes of the previous convocation were read and approved, the next item on the agenda was to ballot for David Seel as a joining member. The ballot proved favourable and David was admitted and presented to the three principals to be welcomed into the chapter.
David Lyon then asked the principal sojourner Stephen Buckley to retire and entrust the candidates for their exaltations. When he returned, the first candidate, Sean Buckley, was admitted. The ceremony was made even more special because Sean was guided around the temple by his father and principal sojourner Stephen Buckley, which he did with exceptional skill. The ceremony was conducted brilliantly by David Lyon, who was impeccable in his delivery.
After the first part of the ceremony was completed, Sean took a seat in the chapter as Joseph Butterworth entered. Sean then witnessed what he had gone through and was able to watch his father carry out the principal sojourner’s work. Joseph completed his first part, and both Joseph and Sean retired to complete the ceremony of exaltation together.
At the festive board, David Hickman the Royal Arch lead, welcomed Joseph and Sean and presented them with their welcome packs provided by the Mersey Valley Group. Both the newly exalted companions expressed their delight at joining such a fine chapter and looked forward to getting more involved once they have found their feet.
Liverpool Dramatic Chapter companions involved in the exaltations, and Don Fraser the director of ceremonies of the chapter, can rightly be proud of the exaltation ceremony they performed. It was said that both Joseph and Sean will be great assets to the chapter and if Sean is half as good as his dad, the future is looking bright for Liverpool Dramatic Chapter
