A handful of grand officers at any ceremony is always a welcome sight, but to see twice that number is a rare occurrence indeed. Grange Chapter No 1715 was honoured to receive that accolade at its installation convocation.
The principal guest, Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield was accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, grand officers; Barry Fitzgerald, Christopher Band, Kenneth Crossley, Harold Saunders, Peter Schofield and Grand Superintendent of the Province of Cheshire David Dyson with Norman Thompson from the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland along with Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray, group secretary Tony Jackson and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Philip Renney were on hand to give assistance.
This glittering array of companions assembled on an afternoon of joy and good humour to see Bob McMillan, as installing first principal, install his son Scott as the first principal of the chapter. Scott would in turn install his uncle, Malcolm Long as his successor into the second principal’s chair and Malcom would then install Alan Telford as third principal.
During the regular business of the convocation, Bob gave a moving eulogy to Brian Ogden who was recently called to higher service.
The three principals elect were presented by director of ceremonies Nigel Higginson, third principal elect Alan Telford recited his obligation and the newest member of Grange Chapter, Tim Horsfall, read the passages of scripture. Second principal elect Malcom Long recited his obligation and Paul Hardy read the passages of scripture. Scott McMillan, first principal elect, recited his obligation and David Ozanne read the portions of scripture.
Both first and third principals elect had already been installed in their respective chairs, which left only second principal elect Malcolm to be installed. Installing first principal Bob McMillan gave the robe address to his son Scott, an opportunity for a father not to be missed. Scott was eager to invest his father Bob as the immediate past first principal, thanking him for all the work he has done for the chapter. Chris Band then gave the second principal’s robe address to Malcolm and David Ozanne gave the third principal’s robe address to Alan. Immediate past first principal Bob delivered the warrant into the safe keeping of Scott, along with the Book of Constitutions and the bye-laws of the chapter.
After the appointment and investment of the officers and upon the chapter reverting to the summons, Chris Butterfield rose to bring the greetings of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, congratulating everyone who had taken part in the ceremony and all those who had taken office. He singled out the three principals, Bob McMillan and director of ceremonies Nigel Higginson along with Stephen Benson for particular praise.
First principal Scott then handed him a list of donations of £300 each made on behalf of the Chapter to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and to St Maty’s Hospice where Brian Ogden had recently received care during his terminal illness. Chris thanked Scott and the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
Barry Fitzgerald brought the greetings of the grand officers, noting with a wry smile, the contributions made by way of the robe addresses delivered by ‘the three junior companions’. A raffle held at the very convivial festive board raised the sum of £210.
