The members and visitors of Hesketh Chapter No 950 were delighted to have John Robbie Porter in his new role as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals attending their annual installation as the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews at Fleetwood Masonic Hall.
Accompanying John was Duncan Smith, Keith Jackson, Peter Greathead and North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross, along with acting Provincial grand officers; Glenn O’Brien, Steve Willingham and Gavin Egan.
The chapter was opened by Paul Smedley who stood into the first principal’s role since the sad loss of Brian Crawford earlier in 2023. Paul diligently moved though the business of the summons which saw the chapter’s numbers increase with two joining members Peter Dunn, the group publicity officer and Tom Egan.
Starting the installation of the new principals, Paul asked for the assistance of Dennis Smith, David Platt and David Martland to act as installing officers. In turn each of the new principals was installed which included Bob Boal as third principal. Bob, a new addition to the chapter having only joined the chapter at the previous meeting, was asked to step in to fill a gap in the chapter’s progression plans. Mark Spragg was installed as second principal and John England as first principal. All three companions were presented by the chapter’s DC Steve Mitchell and each of the new principals completed their obligations.
During the installation, scripture readings were offered by David Platt, Derek Williams and Kieron Griffiths. The scarlet robe address was delivered by Dennis Smith, the purple robe address was delivered by David Martland and Mike Brown completed the robe addresses by delivering the blue robe address.
To complete the installation, the address to the principals was given by the hard-working DC of the chapter Steve Mitchell. Duncan Smith delivered the address to the officers of the chapter and John Robbie Porter finished the addresses with the address to the companions of the chapter.
Once the installation of the officers had been completed and installation ceremony complete, John Robbie took to his feet to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
John England’s first pleasant duty was to present cheques to John Robbie which comprised of £200 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £100 to Trinity Hospice and £100 to Cancer Research. John Robbie thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations to the charities.
At the festive board, John Robbie took the opportunity to congratulate the newly installed principals and congratulate the companions who had taken part in making the ceremony such a success. In his response he spoke about the UGLE’s digital marketing scheme, the strong link between Craft and the Royal Arch and the Grand Superintendent’s initiative to increase the membership of the Royal Arch.
