The past 12 months have proved to be both fruitful and enjoyable for the members of Baldwin Chapter No 1398. In addition to the annual installation and business meetings the Dalton-in-Furness based chapter has witnessed a 50th celebration and four exaltation ceremonies.
As David Grainger, who was first principal at the time, explains: “We had several candidates awaiting exaltation, some of whom were good friends in their Craft lodge. Rather than spread the work out over a couple of years we decided to hold two extra convocations so that three of them would be able to join within a short time frame. This meant that they were able to commence their journeys and discover the Royal Arch alongside their contemporaries. They have enjoyed this approach and it seems to have worked well”.
The latest addition to the membership is Stewart Turnbull who was exalted in a ceremony led by first principal Mike Benson. That doyen of ritualists Brian Davey was on hand to deliver that part of the lecture relating to the signs.
Watching on with particular interest was Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson. On completion of his exaltation Stewart was welcomed and presented with some explanatory leaflets by Gary. The occasion was also witnessed by two of the newer companions, Allan Whittaker and Martin McFall, who were presented with their Supreme Grand Chapter certificates by Mike Benson.
Chapter scribe Ezra David Sear commented: “We have managed to keep costs to a minimum for the new members by re-cycling regalia that otherwise would have been kept in drawers for years before eventually finding its way to landfill. It’s a win/win situation as it saves money and avoids waste.” There is another exaltation planned for the next convocation of Baldwin Chapter.