Companions witnessed a Banner Dedication Ceremony for the new banner of Corinthian Chapter No 2350 which was donated by the family of Chris Reeman in his memory. Chris was first principal of the chapter in 2012 and eventually became ProvGSN in Provincial Grand Chapter in 2020.
Before the ceremony started in the temple, Jacqui Reeman presented the banner to Eddie Atherton on behalf of the family and gave a very moving speech regarding the provision of the banner and the reasoning behind it, which didn’t leave many dry eyes!
Following this, all attendees made their way up stairs to the temple for the dedication ceremony. The principal Guest was the Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield, assisted by Second Provincial Grand Principal Mike Threlfall and Third Provincial Grand Principal David Barr.
Once the chapter was opened and the general business completed, the banner dedication got underway with the procession in of the grand principal’s, grand and acting provincial grand officers. The sceptre was offered to Chris Butterfield, which on this occasion he retained and proceeded to appoint Provincial grand officers to assist him.
With all officers in place, Chris gave an address to all present highlighting the use of banners through the ages, culminating in their significance in Craft and Royal Arch. The amount of information presented was both informative and very interesting, which was obviously enjoyed by all present judging by the attention everyone paid.
Following an anthem, the ProvDepGDC Ian Halsall was called upon to form a deputation to carry the banner into the conclave, accompanied by a processional hymn, which being effected, enabled the banner to be displayed to all the assembled companions.
The Clerk in Holy Orders recited a dedication prayer, and the banner was carried east, there to be delivered by the Deputy Grand Superintendent into the keeping of the first principal on behalf of the chapter. Once the banner was accepted and permission sought for it to be paced in it’s stand, the banner deputation resumed their seats.
Chris Butterfield invited the Clerk in Holy orders to deliver an oration which was undertaken in a very thought-provoking manner around the theme of ‘Lest We Forget’. A closing hymn was sung and the Clerk in Holy Orders gave a final benediction before the Deputy Grand Superintendent invited the first principal to re-occupy his rightful place within the chapter. Following a collection of alms, the Provincial team retired after the first rising, with the chapter then closed in the usual manner.
At the festive board downstairs, following a splendid meal, the toast to the Deputy Grand Superintendent was proposed by Malcolm Alexander. Chris duly responded and also proposed a toast to Corinthian Chapter, with a response from Paul Joynson the first principal. He then proposed the toast to the visitors which was responded to by the ProvGSN Ian Stirling.
The raffle raised in excess of £500 which was pledged to the family of John Mason for support following the tragic events within his family. All in all, it was a deeply moving and symbolic evening which left a lasting tribute to Chris Reeman within Corinthian Chapter for all future Royal Arch companions to admire.
