There was a very relaxed atmosphere and a distinct sense of fun throughout the evening at Thornton Chapter No 8008, which was consecrated on 23 September 1971. All of the companions who arrived at Litherland Masonic Hall were warmly welcomed by the companions of the chapter.
The acting director of ceremonies, Graham Chambers, asked the companions to be upstanding to receive the three principals. The convocation was opened in due form by the three principals; Stephen Dunn as first principal, Jason Hengler as second principal and John Roxburgh as third principal, ably assisted by Graham and the officers and companions of the chapter. After the minutes had been confirmed, the companions balloted successfully for a joining member, Patrick Keane.
The director of ceremonies then sought permission to retire to form the procession. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons entered the temple and announced that Second Provincial Grand Principal, Andrew Whittle, was without and demanded admission. Andrew was accompanied into the temple by grand officer Ian Gee, Ormskirk and Bootle Group Vice-Chairman Malcolm Sandywell supported by four acting Provincial grand officers, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Richard Alty, and Provincial Grand Stewards, Barry Corcoran, David Clifford Rigby and Stephen Oliver.
Andrew was then warmly welcomed into the chapter by the three principals. Stephen Dunn offered Andrew the sceptre of the chapter, which Andrew declined. For the installation of the three principals, Stephen Oliver occupied the third principals chair and Roger Holt occupied the second principals chair. Stephen Oliver then installed John Roxburgh into the third principals chair, Roger Holt installed Graham Scott into the second principals chair and Stephen Dunn installed Jason Hengler into the first principals chair. The readings and prayers for the principals were read by grand officer, Roy Pyne. Scribe Nehemiah, Ken Rose, admitted all remaining companions and the principals were then declared to be installed by Graham Chambers. Stephen Dunn then delivered the warrant of the chapter into the first principals keeping and presented him with the Book of Constitutions of the Order and Thornton Chapter by-laws.
The first, second and third principals robe addresses were most impressively presented by Roy. After the officers of the chapter had been invested and Stephen Dunn had informed the first principal that the ceremony of installation had concluded, Andrew rose and congratulated the principals on behalf of Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. He wished the three principals a wonderful year and good health. Andrew was then presented with the chapters charity donations, which totalled £1100, which Andrew thanked the chapter for on behalf of the recipients of the donations. The donations were; £200 to West Lancs Masonic Freemasons’ Charity, £200 to the chapter widows, £100 to Jospice, £100 to Bootle Christmas Fayre, £100 to Food Bank, £100 to Bootle widows, £100 to FROTH, £100 to Litherland Masonic Hall and £100 to Litherland Youth Centre.
After the first rising, the director of ceremonies assembled the procession to recess out of the chapter room, led by the acting Provincial grand officers, followed by the group vice chairman, Ian and Andrew.
The chapter installation convocation was then closed following the completion of the remaining risings. The companions retired to the bar and then to the festive board, where they enjoyed a delicious meal of goats cheese and caramelised red onion tartlet, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings and jam roly poly and custard.
Once all the toasts and formalities were done, there came the moment the companions had all been waiting for, the Thornton Chapter Rock Band led by Ian Gee on guitar, Stephen Dunn and Stephen Oliver on not so electric guitars and Len Hudson, With Roy Pyne and Ken Granby leading vocalists. As the installation song went on it was clear that many companions had torn up their napkins to use as ear plug to protect their ear drums and on completion of the song they got a standing ovation, with many laughing and crying.