From the start, it was evident that this would not be the usual chapter installation convocation. With over 150 years of refining its own style of ritual, Clifton Chapter No 703 evokes the workings of the early days of the development of Blackpool.
A town with a skyline that’s dramatically different from what we can see today. There was no Tower, Winter Gardens or trams on the promenade (which was just a basic road in 1872). The Pleasure Beach was yet to be an idea in William Bean’s mind, (a Freemason and member of South Shore Lodge No 4672). There were no illuminations and very little in the way of tourist attractions. Blackpool had yet to become a fully-fledged town with a mayor or town hall. The population was around 14,000 compared with approximately 142,000 today.
Clifton Chapter was consecrated in 1872 at the Clifton Arms and Pier Hotel situated in Talbot Square opposite the North Pier in Blackpool. This makes it the oldest Royal Arch chapter in the local area. It has an impressive history and an even more impressive list of past principals, comprising of many of the pioneers of early Blackpool. The chapter has elected companions of excellent standing to the office of first principal, and that tradition continues to this very day.
On a report, the director of ceremonies announced that Roger Perry, representing the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews, requested admission. Roger entered the chapter accompanied by the Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, grand officer and chapter member Ian Robertson, accompanied by acting Provincial grand officers David Edwards, Steve Willingham and Brian Horrocks. First Principal Jim Harper welcomed Roger and hoped he would have a most enjoyable afternoon.
For the purpose of the installation, Jim requested Dr Graham Hoadley to occupy the first principals chair and once the installing officers were correctly placed the ceremony commenced. Michael Wilkinson was presented to Martin Spencer and obligated as third principal of the chapter, Martin Spencer was presented to Chris Cash and obligated as second principal of the chapter and then Chris Cash was presented to Graham Hoadley and obligated as first principal of the chapter.
In a well-rehearsed ceremony, Chris Cash was installed as first principal, Martin Spencer as second principal and Michael Wilkinson as third principal. The three principals were installed and invested according to the ancient custom that is unique to Clifton Chapter. In an inspired choice, the readings of the Hebrew scriptures were eloquently recited by Jim Harper with his distinctive Scottish accent, which put a new interpretation on the religious phrase ‘speaking in tongues’.
The robe addresses were eloquently given by Martin Haines, Gary Harper and Stuart Williams. Martin Hains also presented the immediate past first principal jewel to Jim Harper and the address to the three principals was given by Roger Fish with the address to the companions of the chapter by Roger Perry.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Roger rose to bring greetings from the Grand Superintendent to the companions, congratulating Graham Hoadley and the officers of the chapter and thanking everyone for a very enjoyable afternoon. Chris had the very enjoyable task of presenting cheques to the value of £800 for deserving causes. Roger thanked Chris and the companions for their splendid donations. Ian Robertson responded on behalf of the grand officers stating how wonderful it was to hear and witness the Clifton Chapter ritual.
With the companions, ensconced in the Fylde Suite dining room, a fine banquet was enjoyed by all. Then, once all the toasts and protocol had been completed the director of ceremonies, Roger Fish, led the companions in a combined rendition of the Principal’s Song, valiantly accompanied by George Holden on the piano.
In all, an excellent evening was experienced by everyone present and they all retired to the bar, or to their homes, perfectly happy.