David Bridge is a member of Makefield Lodge No 2155 in the Wigan and Leigh Group, he is a past master of Makefield Lodge and his ultimate quest was to join the Royal Arch, in this case Makerfield Chapter 2155, he had his regalia several months before being exalted. David, in his Craft lodge has worked very hard to learn and take part in many ceremonies. He has worked in the hospitality industry for many years and to his credit has mastered many disciplines in his profession. He always has a brilliant sense of humour that is perfect for being a companion in the Royal Arch and an excellent Mason.
The three principals were; Ian Boardman first principle, David Gordon-Williams second principle and John Thompson third principle. The readings from the scriptures were given by Steve Foster in a most excellent manner, the director of ceremonies was Anthony Roe. There were guests on the occasion with several new companions in the last year helping out as the chapter was short on numbers, initially due to various reasons and the time of year, so we appreciate as always visitors as we always try to return to their chapters wherever possible.
For this exaltation, David Banks, a new member of the chapter, had decided to have a go at learning quite possibly one of the most difficult pieces of ritual, that of the principal sojourner. When asked why he wanted to learn that piece of ritual he replied: “It’s one of the most meaningful parts of anything he had seen and heard”, and added that he would not take on any office in Caft Masonry and the Royal Arch unless he could commit himself to a position in that particular office.
The chapter was opened in a competent style, summons read and David brought into to the conclave in the chapter’s usual procedure, The ceremony went without a hitch as David and Ian performed the most commendable exchange of ritual ever expected in the shortest time available to them. The visitors commended on the companions of the chapter on their high standard of work, mostly done at home. The chapter was closed with a sigh of relief as the officers were determined to give David an experience he will remember for many years.
The social board went extremely well with a great catch up from the visiting companions that knew each other from various groups in the Province, everyone gave David the most warming of welcomes. The raffle was held for a large bottle of whisky and was won by Alan Slater, who promptly suggested to put the prize back for the next raffle in the chapter. The monies from the raffle did very well reaching £100. After the toast to the new companion, the DC sneaked quietly behind him and said it’s your turn to respond and say how wonderful everyone is. This obviously was part of the fun and antics of the evening which went down really well, in that it was a wonderful and happy end to the evening.