The hands of time did turn back for the three principals of Sure and Stedfast Chapter of Temperance and Felicity No 9326, as they all remained in office for the ensuing year. Sure and Stedfast Chapter of Temperance and Felicity is part of the Kindred Lodges Association (KLA), lodges and chapters that have strong affiliation with uniformed youth associations.
For the ceremony, the Egyptian Room at Hope Street Masonic Hall in Liverpool was once again utilised showing off its full splendour for the ceremony. The chapter having been opened, and the usual business and minutes accepted, saw the announcement of the principal guests.
John Brufell the chapter immediate past first principal announced the arrival of David Johnson, the Liverpool Group Chairman and the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. David was accompanied by Alan Ledger and Gordon McConnell, Provincial Grand Standard Bearers, and Neil Francis the Vice Chairman of the Liverpool Group, being the group representative.
Christopher Brufell, the first principal, welcomed David to the chapter, with David apologising for the absence of Ian Sanderson, who was due to attend but unfortunately was now unable to attend, so was attending in his stead.
13 companions attended the installation, observing the principals take their proclamations for the ensuing year, Christopher Brufell remaining as first principal, Raymond Parkins remaining as second principal and Melvyn Hughes remaining as the third principal. The appointment and investiture of the officers of the chapter took place.
The ceremony of installation having been completed, David thanked the principals for the ceremony. David also brought the best wishes from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, and thanked the companions for once again taking office within the chapter.
John Brufell then gave a Masonic lecture based on the writing of Richard Sandbach, ‘Can Freemasonry Survive’, which was greatly received and appreciated by the companions present.
After closing the chapter, the companions retired for the festive board, consisting of roasted tomato and red pepper soup, beer battered haddock with chips and mushy peas accompanied by curry or gravy, followed by apple crumble and custard.
David Johnson responded to the toast to grand officers stating that the ceremony was a wonderful experience, and he was pleased to have had the opportunity to fulfil the role as the representative. He thanked John for the wonderful lecture he had given, and Dave Crowley for the proclamations he had made for each principal to agree. David thanked the acting officers, Alan and Gordon, for their work and hoped that they were having an enjoyable year.
David thanked Neil for his work within the group as the vice chairman, and Ray Parr as the publicity officer. He hoped that all companions were enjoying their Freemasonry and thanked them for their attendance, being pleased that the chapter were hoping for a new candidate.
The toast to the three principals was given by John who explained to the companions that although it was a small chapter he was still proud to see his son Christopher occupying the chair of first principal, and with his and the other principal’s leadership, the chapter is sure to grow. John also doubled up the toast to that of the guests, and hoped they had a pleasant meeting, and the companions had enjoyed their company.
Ray Parkins responded to the toast to the principal’s health, and thanked John for his kind proposal. The chapter then presented David Johnson with a donation for £100 to Liverpool Masonic Hall Fund, and £50 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. David thanked the chapter companions for their generous donations.
The janitor’s toast was given after a wonderful evening and ceremony. The evening was closed with the singing of the Boys Brigade Hymn.