Companions of Abercromby Chapter No 3699 held their installation convocation in the beautiful Egyptian Suite at Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool. The companions were delighted and honoured to receive Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield at the ceremony.
Chris was accompanied by David Johnson, Liverpool Group Chairman and Ian Sanderson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principles. Overseeing the ceremony of installation was Provincial Deputy Grand Director of ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons who did an excellent job of organising the proceedings on the night.
Bob Paterson was installed as first principal; Alan Ray was installed as second principal and Russell Mundy was installed as third principal. The ritual was delivered with due reverence and solemnity whilst at the same time retaining an element of humour and bonhomie. It is obvious that the companions know their ritual and enjoy performing it very much indeed.
Bob Paterson appointed and invested his officers, welcoming a new joining member, David Briscoe, before investing him as a steward. After delivery of the robe addresses, Chris Butterfield rose to bring the congratulations and gratitude of the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews, to the three principals. Bob Paterson responded by thanking Chris for taking the time to attend the meeting and hoped that he had enjoyed this evening’s ceremony.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent was then presented with three cheques, the first for £150 for the benefit of the Friends of Tithebarn, the second for £150 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and a third donation of £150 to Liverpool Masonic Hall Building Hall Fund. A total of £450 which is an outstanding achievement.
Chris was delighted to receive such a generous donation to charity and congratulated the companions for their sterling work. He assured everybody that the donations were gratefully received and would be faithfully applied.
Upon the closing of the convocation, the companions retired to a sumptuous Christmas festive board where yet again the food was excellent. Chris talked about the Pathway process for recruitment and retention, and in particular membership in Royal Arch and the need to take care of those companions who are not able to make convocations for whatever reason. It is vital to maintain contact with those who may unknowingly be in need.
The laughter and banter around the room proved that the companions in Abercromby Chapter enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry. Bob Paterson stated that he was looking forward to exalting new candidates during his to his year as first principal.
