The installation meeting of Chapter of Perseverance No 155 heralded a new change in the recent history of the chapter, with the installation of a new first principal. The previous principals, David Berrington and Peter Green having presided over the chapter for the last five years.
The three principals, Peter Green, Les Williams and Chris Farley, opened the chapter in fine form. On this occasion the chapter was pleased to welcome principal guest Samuel Robinson, who was announced by director of ceremonies David Atkinson and led into the chapter, by Provincial Grand Steward John Gibson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Mike Fox, Gladstone Group Secretary John Reynolds, grand officers Kevin Poynton, Colin Rowling, David Potts and David Hilliard.
Having formally welcomed Samuel to the chapter, the installation ceremony began. Presenting officer David Atkinson, presented Paul Harford for the benefit of installation into the third principal’s chair. Paul orated his obligation perfectly and was duly obligated as third principal elect, David Hilliard read the scripture reading for the installation of a third principal.
First principal Peter, requested Vic Charlesworth to occupy the chair of third principal, which he happily accepted. David Atkinson presented Chris Farley for the benefit of installation into the second principal’s chair. Chris was equally faultless in his obligation and the reading of scripture for the installation of a second principal was read by Vic Charlesworth.
Peter then requested Peter Roberts to occupy the chair of second principal, and it was now time for the installation of first principal elect Les Williams, having been collected by the presenting officer David Atkinson, Les was presented to Peter for the benefit of installation of a first principal. As Les has been installed as first principal on a previous occasion, he re-affirmed his obligation as first principal elect. The scripture reading was performed by Peter Roberts.
Having thanked all the officers of the chapter for their assistance over the last two years, Peter requested all those below the rank of an installed first principal to retire. A conclave of installed first principals being duly convened, Les was installed into the first principals chair in very fine form by Peter.
The conclave being duly closed, second principal elect Chris Farley was admitted and installed by Les Williams as his first act as new first principal. The conclave of second principals was closed and third principal elect Paul Harford was admitted and on this occasion was installed by Chris Farley. Once the conclave of their installed principals was closed all other companions were admitted and director of ceremonies, David Atkinson, proclaimed the installation of the three principals.
Treasurer Ken Alker rose and gave a wonderful rendition of the scarlet robe address, swiftly followed by Peter Roberts who gave the purple robe address, and completing the triad of excellent addresses, David Hillard gave the blue robe address. Very impressive and good to see that the chapter had shared the work of the installation ceremony throughout the chapter.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremony, principal guest Samuel Robinson rose and brought the congratulation of the Grand Superintendent, as well as his personal congratulations on an installation ceremony that was so well performed, the companions and guests agreeing with his comments by applauding the companions who had assisted in performing an excellent installation ceremony.
The chapter business having concluded and all retired to the Empire Suite, the celebration of the installation ceremony continued and with almost 30 companions and guests dining, a delightful dinner with pleasant company and camaraderie ensued. Principal guest Sam Robinson, remarking what a pleasure it had been to attend the chapter and that he had thoroughly enjoyed the evening along with everyone else who had the honour and privilege of attending.