It must be readily conceded that when the knock announcing the arrival of the principal guest is heard in any chapter or lodge, there is always a certain buzz of excitement among those assembled. When the principal guest is none other than Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, that buzz reaches a completely different pitch, maybe even a crescendo.
Dalton-in-Furness Chapter No 6828 was delighted to welcome Mark Matthews as its principal guest at the installation ceremony and to hear and feel that buzz. Mark was in similarly elevated company. He was accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals David Grainger, Past Grand Superintendent of the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson. Grand officers Rowley Saunders, Peter Schofield, Alan Jones and John Quiggin. All under the watchful eye of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald.
Also in attendance were a good contingent of acting Provincial grand officers including; Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andy McClements, Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar Alastair Davidson, Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer John Pitches and Provincial Grand Stewards Gordon Evans and Shaun Brookhouse. Also present, were Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray, vice-chairman Harry Chatfield and secretary Tony Jackson. Howard Linaker acted as director of music to the delight of all present. Some 60 companions were present in total.
The three principals, Morton Richardson, David Baker and Keith Templeton entered the chapter and opened the convocation in due and ancient form. The business was dispatched with minimal fuss and director of ceremonies Paul Johnson and assistant director of ceremonies retired for a short time.
Barry Fitzgerald entered and informed the convocation that the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews stood without and demanded admission. Morton Richardson signified that the chapter would be pleased and honoured to receive him. Mark Matthews entered with his retinue of grand and acting Provincial grand officers and having been offered the first principal’s sceptre and politely but firmly having declined it, Mark announced how delighted he was to be in attendance and wished good luck to all those taking part.
The ceremony commenced with the three principals elect being obligated and first principal elect, David Baker knelt before the chair he was to occupy, and attended to the reading of the portions of scripture selected for his installation as first principal. David Granger occupied the chair of second principal in the chapter for the ceremony.
Installing first principal Morton Richardson declared a Conclave of Installed First Principals open, David Baker was then installed in a delightful manner. The Conclave of Installed First Principals was closed and all companions were then re-admitted. As both Steve Murray and Ian Hallatt were already in possession of the passwords, Steve was directed to advance before the second principal’s chair and was invested with the robe and collar and presented with his sceptre. Morton then directed Ian Hallatt to advance to the third principal’s chair, Ian was then invested with the robe and collar and presented with the sceptre of his chair.
Director of ceremonies Paul Johnson proclaimed David Baker, Steve Murray and Ian Hallatt as the three principals of Dalton-in-Furness Chapter. Immediate past first principal Morton Richardson gave the red robe address and entrusted David Baker with the chapter’s charter; he also presented him with the Book of Constitutions and a copy of the chapter by-laws.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremony Mark Matthews rose to congratulate the three principals, the installing principals and director of ceremonies team, dubbing them ‘the engine room’. He expressed his delight at the attendance, wishing the chapter and everyone present a busy year, a happy year and above all, a healthy year to enjoy their Freemasonry. Mark was presented with cheques by David Baker for the benefit of West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £250 and for Dalton-in-Furness leisure centre for £500. Mark thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
The chapter then honoured the charities. Following the closure of the chapter, the companions retired to the festive board. The raffle achieved the magnificent sum of £460 at the festive banquet, which carried on long after some companions had left for home.
