The members and visitors of Architect Chapter No 1375 were delighted to receive John Hutton, Past Second Provincial Grand Principal as the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to their installation meeting which was held at the Urmston Masonic Hall.
John was accompanied by Trafford Group Vice Chairman Eddie Wilkinson and Acting Provincial Grand Stewards Darren Gregory and Derek Robinson together with other distinguished Provincial Grand Officers, group officers and visiting companions.
After opening the chapter in his own particular style, first principal Brian Hayes convened the business of the chapter to the point at which John Hutton, escorted by the acting Provincial grand officers entered into the chapter to be welcomed very warmly by all the companions.
The installation proceeded well, and the three principals were well guided by acting director of ceremonies David Durling and ably assisted by Brian Hayes. Sylvester During was installed as first principal, David Benson was installed as second principal and Charles Makinson as third principal. There then followed excellent robe addresses with the blue and scarlet addresses given by Brian and the purple address by Sylvester.
Once the chapter officers for the ensuing year were appointed and on completion of the ceremony, John Hutton rose to bring the greetings and good wishes for a prosperous, healthy and enjoyable year from the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews.
John said that if Mark had been present, he would have witnessed a most intriguing ceremony of installation and on his behalf, congratulated the director of ceremonies David and all those who took their part in the evening’s event, he also thanked all those who had taken office in the chapter.
First principal Sylvester then rose and thanked John for his exceedingly kind words and on behalf of the chapter presented him with a cheque which, with Sylvester’s permission, John read out, quipping that he wanted to be sure that the correct signature was in place! It transpired that the cheque was made out to the Trafford Group Food Bank Appeal for the sum of £250. John thanked the members, praising the very generous donation given the small size of the chapter.
At the first rising, John conveyed the greetings and good wishes on behalf of the Grand Officers saying that it had been an excellent ceremony and welcomed Sylvester once more into the chair as a first principal wishing him and the chapter, an enjoyable year to come.
After the convocation, a very friendly and cheerful festive board took place and to start with, Eddie rose to present John with the now traditional ‘Trafford Treats’, a bag of locally made produce including Eccles cakes and chocolates.
In response to the toast to grand officers, John offered his own congratulations to the companions, made reference to the chapter being 150 years old next year and that it was amongst the oldest still operating in the Province. John commented on how important it was to enjoy Masonry and went on to talk about recruitment and retention of members, with Supreme Grand Chapter being especially concerned about loss of Royal Arch members and how important it was not only to recruit new members but also to retain current ones.
John thanked the companions for the warm welcome they had extended to him and wished everyone present as very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and thus, the toasts of the evening having ended, a most enjoyable meeting was thus concluded.