The companions of Chapter of Friendship No 241 were pleased to have the presence of Andy Whittle, Second Provincial Grand Principal at their recent proclamation ceremony. This was a special evening for Andy as he was attending his mother chapter following his elevation. The three principals of the chapter, first principal John Reynolds, second principal John Marsden and third principal Stan Dawkins, had kindly agreed to stay in office to allow a steady progression of companions through the offices of the chapter.
Proclamation ceremonies can be bland affairs, but what could the chapter do to enhance the evening? Well, how about a double exaltation. It was one of those occasions when everything fell into place, the visit of Andy Whittle, two candidates to exalt and of course, the proclamation.
After the chapter was opened. Robb Fitzsimmons, Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies announced the entry of Andy Whittle, Ian Sanderson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, the Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson and Derek Parkinson, a Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, and acting Provincial grand officer David Barrington. It was a particularly special evening for Derek Parkinson as his son; Matthew was one of the two candidates.
John Reynolds and his fellow principals gave a warm welcome to Andy Whittle and as it was his right, John Reynolds offered his sceptre to him. Andy replied with a smile that he would be happy to accept it for the proclamation ceremony, but he would rather return it to safe hands to conduct the exaltation ceremony.
John Reynolds congratulated Alan Ledger on his forthcoming appointment as the Craft Senior Grand Warden of the Province, and added that as the current Provincial Senior Grand Warden, he was pleased to hand over that role to a fellow member of the chapter. John also congratulated other members of the chapter who will receive promotions in May.
The two candidates, Matt Parkinson and Jun Ranario were exalted in an excellent ceremony which everyone enjoyed in the most colourful and unique Royal Arch temple in the Province, the Egyptian Room in the Liverpool Masonic Hall.
The proclamation ceremony was concluded and John Reynolds presented Andy Whittle with chapter donations to the following charities and good causes; West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £170, Walton Hospital Centre Charity £150, Liverpool Masonic Hall £100, Liverpool Group Foodbank Appeal £100 and ‘Ahead of the Game Foundation’ £71. Andy thanked the companions for their very generous donations and added that it was a fantastic achievement for a small, yet growing chapter.
The companions retired to the festive board where the proceedings were under the expert guidance of the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons. It was an admirable meal consisting of chicken liver parfait, chicken supreme and a large serving of sticky toffee pudding and custard. Toasts were made and in his reply to the health of the grand officers, Andy thanked the companions for the warmth of the welcome on his return to the chapter and spoke about charities and the need to recruit new members to the Royal Arch. He commented that his own chapter was making good progress in this area.
The raffle was conducted by Neil Francis who managed to squeeze £110 from the members for Masonic charities and good causes. Alan Ledger proposed a toast to the health to the chapter’s latest exaltees, Matt Parkinson and Jun Ranario, and he added that it was a particular pleasure for him as he had known Matt for many years.
The janitor’s toast ended an excellent evening of ritual and conviviality which the companions, and especially Matt and Jun, will remember for years to come.
Report by Neil Francis.