Companions of Chapter of Friendship No 241 held their annual installation meeting in the Egyptian Room at the Liverpool Masonic Hall. The principal guest was Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield and he was accompanied by Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson, Liverpool Group Scribe Ezra, Geoff Green, acting Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer Dave McKee and other distinguished guests.
In a faultless ceremony, John Reynolds was installed as the first principal of the chapter for the first time with John Marsden taking the second principal’s chair and Stan Dawkins the third principal’s chair. Unfortunately, the chapter director of ceremonies was absent due to illness, but Alan Ledger stepped in and managed the ceremony with great aplomb.
Following the installation ceremony, Chris Butterfield stood and offered the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to John Reynolds and his fellow principals for taking their respective offices. Chris also thanked Cliff Hughes as the installing principal for a first-class ceremony.
One of John’s first tasks as the first principal of the chapter was to hand to Chris Butterfield a list of donations made by the chapter to various charities. £500 to the Liverpool Group Blood Bike Appeal, £200 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £100 to the Liverpool Foodbank initiative. Chris thanked the chapter companions and said: “Considering the size of the chapter, it was a fantastic achievement to donate £800 to those charities.”
As the chapter name implies, the festive board was a very friendly and convivial affair. The companions met for an informal glass of wine or two prior to been seated. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons orchestrated the final part of the evening with professionalism and charm which really enhanced the proceedings.
All good things must come to an end and John Reynold gave Chris Butterfield a lovely orchid to be presented to his wife on his return home and Dave Johnson was presented with a bottle of wine. Both recipients thanked the three principals and the companions of Chapter of Friendship for their kind gifts and for an excellent and ‘friendly’ evening.
