To say that John Wrennall is a busy Freemason may be considered by some to be an understatement. John is one of those rare brethren whose offices and duties cross Provincial borders. He is the Southern Area Lead and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in our neighbouring Province of Cumberland and Westmorland.
At the 2025 installation convocation of Thurston Chapter No 2525 and in the company of 40 companions and three grand officers, Rowley Saunders, Chris Band, and David Grainger, John Wrennall installed his successor, fellow grand officer, Alan Jones, in a very capable and dignified manner. This is the fourth time Alan has taken on the office of first principal, and as was mentioned both in chapter and at the festive banquet afterwards, the intervals have been reducing, and he hoped it would not be a permanent appointment.
Also, present was principal guest and representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Barrie Crossley. Barrie was accompanied by Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals David Grainger, in his capacity as first principal of Dalton-in-Furness Chapter No 6828 and Chairman of the Furness and South Lakeland Group Chris Gray.
The three principals opened the chapter in due and ancient form. Upon entering the chapter with his escort, Barrie was warmly greeted in welcome by first principal John, and he responded in like manner, adding his eager anticipation of an evening of ritual that he was sure would be up to the usual Thurston Chapter standard. It must be stated that Barrie was not disappointed.
First principal John thanked the companions for their hard work during the last 12 months and expressed his hope that the ensuing year would be just as productive and equally well supported by the companions. Thanks were also expressed to Phil Preston, the retiring second principal, for having stood in to allow time for the chapter officer progression to adjust.
The three principals elect, Alan Jones, Gary Mansfield, and Martin Rigby, were presented and duly received the benefit of installation from their predecessors. Scribe Ezra Harry Kilgour read the requirements for the candidates for the chairs of the three principals.
Each of the principals’ elect was then installed by his predecessor with dignity, sincerity and great humility. The readings from the scriptures were given by companions Terry Nealons, Walt Nayman and Tony Taylor in a most excellent manner. The warrant was delivered into the keeping of the first principal and his co-principals by immediate past first principal John. The robe addresses followed, given by John Wrennall to the first principal, Alan Jones to the second principal and Gary Mansfield to the third principal, all in perfect fashion. Terry Ridal gave the address to the three principals and the address to the sojourners was given by Harry Kilgour, and that to the companions of the chapter by Barry Hadley.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Barrie Crossley rose to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, congratulating all three principals as well as the immediate past first principal John and Phil Preston. Director of Ceremonies Barry Hadley and scribe Ezra Harry were also singled out for effusive praise and thanks.
At this point in the proceedings, first principal Alan should have handed over an envelope, noting a donation of £500 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity by Thurston Chapter, but it was sadly absent. Barrie was assured that the donation had definitely been made, for which he thanked the companions.
At the first rising, scribe Ezra Harry noted that the chapter was in receipt of a Grand Chapter certificate from Supreme Grand Chapter, which was then presented to Walt Nayman by first principal Alan in due form. At the festive banquet, the raffle raised £220 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities.
