The chapter room at Cleveleys Masonic Hall was buzzing with excitement as the pre-ceremony photographs for the Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter No 3854 installation were being taken in front of the chairs of the three principals.
Immediately following this, the chapter was opened in fine form by first principal Mike Brown, supported by Jon Davies and Mark Mallinson in the second and third principal’s chairs respectively. The chapter business was efficiently worked through and the director of ceremonies, Eric Peat, retired from the chapter to meet the principal guest.
Representing the Grand Superintendent mark Matthews was Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Selley, accompanied by group chairman John Cross with grand and acting Provincial grand officers. A procession entered the chapter and the principal guest was introduced to the three principals. Following a welcome by Mike Brown, the ceremony of installation got underway.
At the end of the ceremony, Jon Davies had been successfully installed into the first principal’s chair, followed by Mark Mallinson in the second principal’s chair and John Laughton as third principal. John Cross brought greetings on behalf of Supreme Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping brought greetings on behalf of Provincial Grand Chapter. He thanked Shaun Haynes of Saturnian Chapter No 7563 for kindly being the organist and pianist for the evening. He also thanked the chapter for a generous donation of £250 to Blackpool Carers Centre, for which John is a trustee.
At the end of the ceremony, John Selley asked to speak with the newest members of the chapter and thanked them for their contributions to the work of the chapter.
A splendid festive board was enjoyed by all, with prawn cocktail and soup starters followed by beef cobbler or fish salad. Treacle tart and ice cream were the dessert that capped off a wonderful meal.
John Selley brought his own greetings to everyone and spoke with passion about the work of the Royal Arch and commended Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter companions for the success they are clearly having within the membership challenge. He congratulated all the chapter officers for an excellent ceremony.
Following the toast to the three principals given by immediate past first principal Mike Brown, a rendition of the Three Principals’ song was given by chapter member Roger Jones, ably accompanied by Shaun Haynes. A raffle for at least five prizes was a suitable finish to a wonderful evening of Royal Arch ritual.
Report and pictures by John Topping.