Barrow Chapter No 3928 has turned the page on another year, with its installation ceremony at Barrow’s Fairfield Masonic Hall. In the company of 44 companions in total, the three principals, Tony Cassells, Mick Lacey and David Ingham entered the chapter and opened in due and ancient form. Among the regular business conducted was a ballot for a candidate for Royal Arch Masonry, which proved positive, so the chapter will enter its new season with work on the books.
Tony and Mick were to be proclaimed as first and second principals respectively, whilst David was to install his successor Mike Cosgrove into the third principal’s chair. Director of ceremonies Barry Hadley retired for a short time and upon his return informed the convocation that John Topping, the representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, stood without and sought admission. First principal Tony Cassells, replied that the chapter would be honoured and delighted to receive him.
Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping, entered with his escort of grand and acting Provincial grand officers, along with Vice-Chairman of the Furness and South Lakeland Group Harry Chatfield, and John was introduced to the three principals. Having taken his seat, John was greeted formally by Tony, Mick and David, Tony expressing the hope that John would enjoy his visit, John in turn affirmed his delight to be in attendance and his anticipation of an afternoon and evening of conviviality and enjoyment.
Grand officers present were Rowley Saunders, Alan Jones, the redoubtable John Quiggin, on duty as chapter scribe Ezra, and frequent visitor to the group, Past Grand Superintendent of the neighbouring Province of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson. Acting Provincial grand officers were Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar Alastair Davidson, and Provincial Grand Steward Gordon Evans.
Installing officers remained in place for the ceremony, (John Quiggin, Alan Everett as scribe Nehemiah, John Derbyshire as principal sojourner) and the companions assembled in the north. First principal Tony thanked them sincerely for their “sterling work’ over the last 12 months, with the hope that possibly even more work would be coming their way in the shape of yet another candidate and the companions reoccupied their seats.
Mike Cosgrove was presented to David Ingham, to receive at his hands the benefit of installation as third principal of the chapter. Scribe Ezra, John, read the necessary qualifications to which Mike gave his assent and was duly obligated. It was unusual to see the third principal taking the greater part of the work on the afternoon, but as the first and second principals were to be proclaimed for second terms, absolutely correct.
The installation ceremony proceeded in a most dignified and sincere manner. All those below the rank of installed third principal retired for a short time. David carried out his duties in a composed and confident manner, the perambulations were an exercise in precision timing and a delight to observe. John Quiggin fulfilled the spoken portion with his customary dignity and polish.
Companions were readmitted and the three principals were proclaimed by director of ceremonies Barry Hadley in an excellent manner. The charter and centenary charter of the chapter were confidently and competently presented, along with the Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Barrow Chapter by-laws, before going into the blue robe address to newly installed third principal Mike.
At the appointment and investiture of officers, David Dryden was appointed both treasurer and charity steward, as is tradition in Barrow Chapter, taking over from Bill Glassey, who has stepped down. His many years of unstinting service and diligence were gratefully remembered and noted.
John Topping rose to address the companions of the chapter, and having just retaken his seat, again rose, to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. John congratulated all who had taken part in the ceremony and he was presented with a note by Tony, detailing the chapter’s donations during the last year for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and the West Lancashire Clay Pigeon Shooting Society totalling over £600. John thanked Tony and the companions of the chapter for their generosity.
At the completion of all the chapter business, the three principals closed the chapter and all retired to the festive board. Alms totalling £100 were collected in the chapter and the raffle at the festive banquet amounted to a very creditable £275.
