It was all change at Ormskirk Priory Chapter No 4007 where the first and second principals Dean Scrutton and John Wooton who had both served two years in office. The chapter was opened in due form at six o’clock and following the ordinary business of the chapter the director of ceremonies Andrew Clarke then retired to form a procession.
The procession then entered the chapter with Jonathon Heaton, the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, who was accompanied by the chairman and vice chairman of the Bootle and Ormskirk Group, Graham Chambers and Stephen Dunn. Upon entry Jonathon thanked Dean for his and the chapters forthcoming hospitality.
Following the customary greetings, the installation proceeded with Lee Birchall being presented to third principal Paul Robinson, he then recited his obligation at the pedestal and was later placed into the third principal’s chair. Following the installation of the three principles, the officers of the chapter were appointed
Jonathon then rose to bring the very best wishes of the Grand Superintendent to the new principals and appointees of the chapter. He went on to congratulate the continuing director of ceremonies on his organisation of the ceremony and noted that the newer companions of the chapter were making observable progress through the various offices of the chapter.
Prior to his sitting, the newly installed first principal, Paul Dooley, rose to present Jonathon with four £150 cheques, to a total value of £600, for; the WLFC, Tithebarn Nursing Home, Ormskirk Masonic Hall and The Brain Charity. Jonathon remarked that this was a considerable amount for such a small chapter to raise which would certainly be appreciated and make a difference to the eventual recipients.
Alms were then collected to the value of £71, following which the Provincial representative, grand and Provincial grand officers, guests and stewards regressed from the chapter. Following the completion of the normal business of the chapter, it was closed and all made there way to the festive board.
In response to Paul Dooley’s toast, Jonathon replied by congratulating Andrew Clarke, the director of ceremonies, and also the companions of the chapter, on the quality of the ceremony which was well directed and prepared. He cited the two years in office for the first and second principles as a sure sign of commitment and it showed the progressions being made by the newer members since the new third principal Lee Birchall is also an active member of the light blues club.
Jonathon went on to invite all present to join him at Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool on the 9 May. Finally, he mentioned and gave thanks to Graham Chambers as the longest serving group chairman in the region and who is to retire after the Provincial meeting, with the current vice chairman Stephen Dunn taking over as chairman filling Graham’s shoes.
The raffle was then drawn which raised £105 for future charity giving. Following the raffle, flowers were presented to Jonathon and Graham for their wives. Assistant director of ceremonies Colin Higginson then gave the final toast of the evening, the janitors toast, and with the evening drawing to a close all gradually departed in harmony and peace.
