Bryn Masonic Hall was the setting for a memorable evening as Ashton Trinity Chapter No 8821 welcomed Bro Paul Antony Park into Royal Arch Masonry through the ceremony of exaltation.
The evening brought together the traditions of the Royal Arch, the dedication of its members and a shared sense of friendship, making it an occasion that the newly exalted companion and those who supported him are likely to remember for a long time.
The chapter was opened promptly at 6.30pm by the three principals, Philip Barr, Christopher Williams and Phil Hughes. Before proceeding with the evening’s business, the companions stood in respectful silence to remember one of their much-loved and respected members, companion Antony Ernest Simms, who had sadly passed away. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The chapter was honoured by the presence of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Selley. The three principals expressed their appreciation for his attendance, recognising the time he had taken from his busy schedule to join them. They extended a warm welcome and hoped he would enjoy his visit to Ashton Trinity Chapter.
With the formalities completed, attention turned to the main event: the exaltation ceremony for Paul Antony Park. Under the direction of Phil Hughes, second assistant sojourner James Seddon, retired to entrust the candidate. With the necessary report received and scribe Nehemiah Alan Slater confirming that the candidate was ready, Paul was admitted and guided through the ceremony.
James Seddon led the first part, with Derek Burrel and Dave Makinson undertaking the second and third parts of the exaltation ceremony. The ceremony was conducted to a very high standard, reflecting the preparation, commitment and teamwork of everyone involved.
Following the completion of the ceremony, John Selley congratulated Paul on being exalted into Royal Arch Masonry. He praised the quality of the ceremony, commenting that Paul would have to go a long way to witness one better than the performance he had just seen.
John also paid particular tribute to director of ceremonies, Andy Dobie. The care and preparation that had gone into the evening were clear for all to see and Andy’s contribution helped ensure that Paul’s important milestone was marked with the dignity and excellence it deserved.
His praise was a fitting acknowledgement of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make such an occasion special for a new companion.
The formal proceedings gave way to a lively and enjoyable festive board, where smiles, laughter and good company reflected the success of the evening.
Following the toast to the newly exalted companion, Paul faced the moment familiar to many new members: the invitation to respond to the toast to his health. Taking his place to address his fellow companions, Paul spoke warmly about what Freemasonry meant to him.
Drawing on his military background, he explained that his years of service had brought him the unique bond of having brothers in arms. Through Freemasonry, he had discovered another family of brothers and his exaltation offered the opportunity to extend that family further by becoming part of the wider fellowship of Royal Arch companions. It was a heartfelt reflection on the importance of belonging, friendship and the bonds that bring people together.
Paul concluded by thanking David Ogden for inviting him to join Ashton Trinity Chapter. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who had played a part in making the ceremony such a memorable occasion, as well as the companions who had attended to support him as he took this next step in his journey through Freemasonry.
For Ashton Trinity Chapter, it was an evening that demonstrated the very best of companionship: a respectful remembrance of a valued member, an impressive display of ceremonial work and a warm welcome to someone beginning a new chapter in his life in Freemasonry.
For Paul, the evening marked more than the completion of a ceremony. It was another step in a journey that has already brought him a new family of friends and brothers, now extended through the fellowship of the Royal Arch.
Story by Paul Brunskill