Companions from the Blackpool Group gathered with their guests for the installation convocation of the Blackpool Chapter of Fellowship No 7692. Once the chapter had been opened in due form by first principal John Turpin and the general business of the chapter had been concluded, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin announced that Deputy Provincial Grand Superintendent David Barr demanded admission. First principal John stated that the chapter would be delighted to receive him.
David Barr processed into the chapter room accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Robbie Porter, Grand officer and Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping, acting Provincial grand officers, John Pitches, Glen Jackson, Tony Blundell, and David Rigby.
After all were seated, the three principals, John Turpin, Brian Royle-Rimmer and Bob Sanderson, all rose to formally welcome David to the chapter and, as is his right, John offered David the first principal’s sceptre. David politely refused, stating that he had not attended practice meetings but was confident that the three principals were fully equipped to carry out their duties and that he was content to observe the proceedings from a comfortable chair. David then handed the sceptre back to John.
The three principals installed their successors according to ancient custom and traditions of the Blackpool Chapter of Fellowship: Brian Royle-Rimmer as first principal, Bob Sanderson as second principal and John Brumfield as third principal.
The scripture readings and prayers were all read most eloquently by Sir Peter Roscow. The purple robe address was also given by Sir Peter, the crimson robe address by Thomas Kenyon and the blue robe address by Roger Fish. The address to the three principals and the address to the officers were both delivered by Richard Gosling with the address to the companions of the chapter being given by David Barr.
Following the investment of chapter officers for the ensuing year, it was the turn of David Barr to rise and bring the congratulations of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, not only to the three principals but to the companions of the chapter who had also taken part in the ceremony.
First principal Brian Royle-Rimmer presented David with cheques to honour various charities, which were announced to the companions present: £525.31 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £110 to Alzheimer’s Society UK. The chapter also made a donation to the Blackpool Masonic Club from the general account. David thanked Brian and the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
With the business of the chapter having been concluded, first principal Brian returned to the business on the summons. After the first risings, John Robbie Porter responded on behalf of the grand officers, thanking the companions for a superb day, with a perfect ceremony. David Barr and grand officers retired accompanied by acting Provincial grand officers.
Following the remaining risings, the chapter was closed and all retired to enjoy a fine meal at the festive board. David Barr, in his response to the proposition of the toast to the grand officers, utilised the opportunity to convey his own congratulations to the three principals on attaining their respective chairs. He also congratulated the chapter companions and expressed a wish that everyone should continue to enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry.
John Topping responded to the toast to the Provincial grand officers by congratulating Richard Gosling on being promoted to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer along with Neil Higgins who was re-appointed Provincial Grand Janitor at Provincial Grand Chapter here in Blackpool.
John informed the companions that In his response to the toast to the recipients at Provincial Grand Chapter, he said that the Provincial grand officers will endeavour to work with and mentor the more recent and more junior companions in the chapters who may require support, guidance and inspiration. This can be achieved through observation and discussion with the, enabling them to remain interested and engaged with the extremely colourful ritual that is a feature of the Royal Arch.
John went on to say that he also spoke at Provincial Grand Chapter of everyone being on their own personal Masonic journey, trying to be ‘the best that can be’. John went on to say that he was sure the companions of the Blackpool Chapter of Fellowship are looking forward to growing the chapter and to watching the companions in succession move through the three principals chairs. The Provincial grand officers wish you all well as you move forward, onwards and upwards, ‘being the best you can be’.
John concluded his response by saying how enjoyable the music of Harry Waggett is and how beautifully he played the organ in the chapter room. Live music and harmony really does add that extra dimension to the ceremonies.
Immediate past first principal, John Turpin, expressed his honour at giving the toast to the three principals, saying that all three are new to their roles, none are past principals, as are the companions that will follow them and the chapter is in good health.
First principal Brian, in response to the toast to the three principals, informed the companions that his installation as first principal is the culmination of years of going through the offices of the chapter to achieve the ultimate accolade of first principal of this fine chapter. But it has not been a solitary journey; support and advice have always been available. Brian concluded his response by thanking everyone for attending and making this day so wonderful.
Harry Waggett sang the Three Principals Song unaccompanied and the evening ended with the janitor’s toast given by the chapter janitor Jim Finnegan.