Once again, the Egyptian Room at Hope Street Masonic Hall Liverpool was utilised for the ceremony of the installation of the principals for Liverpool Epworth Chapter No 5381, with the colourful room being further enhanced by the presence of the chapter’s purple and yellow banner. The chapter was honoured for the ceremony and festive board by the presence of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Prior to the chapter opening, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Halsall ensured that companions were aware and confident in the procedures and protocols for the procession of the principal guests. The chapter was under the care of its own director of ceremonies Geoff Green, as well as Ian who both kept the 40 plus companions under control.
The chapter was opened promptly by Stuart Kidd, Edward O’Hare and David Hillman, the first, second and third principals, respectively. Ian Halsall then announced the arrival of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews who was welcomed by the principals of the chapter.
Mark was ceremonially admitted accompanied by Ian Sanderson Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and other grand and Provincial grand officers; Dave Johnson the Liverpool Group Chairman, Sam Robinson, Tom McLaughlin, Geoff Green, Mike Fox, Jorge Perez and Paul Brunskill.
Stuart offered the sceptre of the chapter to Mark, which was considered but returned with thanks to Stuart for the purposes of the ceremony. Each elected principal having taken their obligations was presented by Geoff and installed in their chair. Geoff Green had the pleasure of proclaiming Stuart Kidd as the first principal for another year.
Edward installed David Hillman into the chair of the second principal, with Gordon McConnell installing Joseph Paros into the third principal’s chair. Neil Francis gave the robe and sceptre address to the first principal, with Edward addressing the second principal. Dave Brufell gave the address to the third principal. The appointment and investiture of the officers of the chapter then took place.
The companions of the chapter were then addressed by Mark who thanked and congratulated the principals for the ceremony and thanked individually each of the companions who had given principal addresses. Charity donations were made for; Claire House £200, Liverpool Women Hospital £200 and £100 to the Liverpool Masonic Hall building fund. A total of £500, which was thankfully receive, the charities donations being recognised as a generous amount from a small chapter.
After closing the chapter, the companions retired for the festive board, at which there was a response from Mark Matthews to his toast to his health. Mark again thanked the chapter for the ceremony and their donations and again congratulated those who had taken part. A toast was made to the three principals, before the chapter festivities were closed.
