Whilst the cool wintry winds of February blew over the Fylde coast, 42 companions got themselves settled down in the chapter room of Cleveleys Masonic Hall to witness a first-class ceremony of exaltation, in the presence of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews accompanied by four grand officers and 10 acting Provincial grand officers.
They were all in attendance for two key reasons, firstly, to witness the entry into Royal Arch Masonry of the very popular and active light blue Mason, Chris Noden. Secondly, to support Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter No 3854 member John Topping, who this year is Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. At this regular meeting of the chapter, it was being visited by Mark as a kind gesture to John as he fulfils his acting Provincial role in this high office.
The chapter meeting was efficiently opened and the first principal’s sceptre was offered to Mark, who respectfully returned it. The business items on the summons were conscientiously led by first principal Jon Davies, stand-in second principal Alan Fairhurst and third principal John Laughton. At the end of the business, a ballot to accept and then exalt Chris Noden was successful. For the purposes of exaltation ceremony, first principal Jon invited assistant director of ceremonies Mark Tomlinson to conduct the exaltation ceremony. Mark was pleased to occupy the first principal’s chair.
A commendable ceremony then ensued with superb ritual delivered by all chapter officers, in particular, the work of Mark Tomlinson as first principal, John Liversidge as principal sojourner and Alan Fairhurst, who rounded the ceremony off with a faultless explanation of the signs. Mark Matthews rose and congratulated everyone on their work and welcomed Chris Noden to Royal Arch Masonry, wishing him many happy years in the chapter.
The festive board was a lively event with a simple but welcome two course winter menu of steak pie, chips, peas and gravy followed by apple pie and custard. The wine takings were expertly conducted by Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Halsall, supported by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin. A raffle raised the splendid sum of £255.
In his response to the toast to his health, Mark spoke of the membership challenge and how Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter was on the right track, bringing in new members and keeping them engaged and busy in the chapter room. He congratulated Chris Noden on being exalted in such fine form and praised the work of the three principals and the director of ceremonies, chapter stalwart Eric Peat, who was supported by assistant director of ceremonies Mark Tomlinson, who also multitasked during the evening as first principal.
Mark then spoke about the work of Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah John Topping. He thanked John for all his hard work and efforts in fulfilling this role as an acting Provincial grand officer and especially when representing the Grand Superintendent at chapter installations. He touched on the work that John has undertaken for many years in Provincial communications and how John successfully engages with local media to publicise and embed a community engagement profile of Freemasonry in the community. John was extremely moved by these kind and generous comments.
In his response to the toast to Provincial grand officers, John welcomed Chris Noden into Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter and wished him a long and happy membership, hoping that he will visit all the Fylde Coast chapters over the next few years as a keen member of our Fylde light blues.
John focused on the enormous amount of effort that has been given to the ritual and he said that it is clear that everyone involved with the ceremony had practised, rehearsed, delivered and performed to the very best of their individual abilities. He said that the collective thanks of all companions go to director of ceremonies Eric Peat and assistant director of ceremonies Mark Tomlinson for managing the ritual so very well across three practices and tonight’s ceremony itself and particularly to Mark Tomlinson for leading the exaltation part of the meeting so skilfully He also praised the work of John Liversidge and Alan Fairhurst. John also thanked the scribe Ezra and treasurer for all their patience and persistence.
Speaking directly to Mark Matthews, John stated that he was very grateful and honoured for his support at this meeting and that he was enormously enjoying the work as principal guest, representing Mark at installations. Visiting parts of the Province that someone would not normally get to, seeing such a wide variety of ritual types, delivering the address to the companions and being able to speak on Mark’s behalf about key subjects such as membership challenge and community engagement.
John thanked his fellow acting Provincial grand officers for their friendship and support during the year of office. He rounded off his response by presenting Mark with a small token of appreciation from himself and the companions of Thornton and Cleveleys Chapter.
Report by John Topping.