As the coastal breezes blew across Cleveleys, 28 companions were gathering at the Park Club Masonic Hall for the third installation in the life of the amalgamated Tithebarn Fidelity Chapter No 8446 now one of seven Royal Arch chapters of the North Fylde Group.
The three principals; first principal Harry Davidson, second principal Tom Dunne and third principal Martin Dennison, managed the business element of the convocation with their usual skill and efficiency prior to the main item on the summons, to install Tom Dunne, Martin Dennison and Ken Greenwood as the three principals respectively.
At the appropriate moment, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin, entered the chapter room and announced that principal guest, Third Provincial Grand Principal, Rev John Hall, demanded admission. The procession comprised of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Robbie Porter and grand officer Keith Jackson along with acting Provincial grand officers which included Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping, Provincial Grand Sojourner Glen Jackson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Derek Lewthwaite, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Tony Blundell, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Mark Tomlinson and Provincial Grand Janitor Neil Higgins. Supported by North Fylde Group Vice Chairman. Tony Farrar.
First principal Harry welcomed Rev John Hall to the chapter and offered him his sceptre, John thanked him graciously, remarking that although he would have loved to accept and retain the sceptre, he felt it entirely appropriate for Harry to continue in possession of it on this occasion.
Harry Davidson invited John Robbie Porter to occupy the first principal’s chair which John Robbie kindly accepted. A delightful ceremony of installation was undertaken with scripture readings read by chapter mentor Peter Weller and two robe addresses were expertly presented by Clive Gitsham with the scarlet robe and Mel Ashe giving the blue robe address.
Immediately following the appointment and investiture of officers, the address to the companions of the chapter was ably given by Canon John Hall and the ceremony of installation was concluded. John Hall then rose to his feet and brought the congratulations and best wishes of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Canon John walked around the chapter room and congratulated every officer who had contributed towards the ceremony in some way. Harry Davidson presented a range of cheques totalling £500 to him, John thanked the chapter companions for the donations and gratefully accepting them on behalf of the charities.
The festive board was an excellent three course meal of green pea soup, roast beef dinner followed by a trifle dessert, along with the usual alternatives. Wine takings were swiftly undertaken and a raffle, managed expertly by charity steward Clive Gitsham, raised in excess of £120. The toasts were well delivered by the three principals with Rev John Hall responding to the toast to his health, congratulating everyone for their work in delivering an excellent ceremony and he thanked the chapter scribe Ezra, Peter Walker, for his help and guidance in the lead-up to the event.
John Robbie Porter proposed the toast to the three principals and first principal Tom Dunne suitably responded. Tom made a special presentation of a past first principal jewel to Harry Davidson and pinned it on to Harry’s jacket chest pocket. Harry was clearly delighted and honoured to receive the jewel, in recognition of his work during the previous year. The evening was brought to a close by the janitor’s toast, previous to which, Tom Dunne presented Canon John Hall with some beautiful flowers to take home to his wife.
