The members and visitors of Swinton Chapter No 6100 were honoured to receive Second Provincial Grand Principal Michael Threlfall, to their rather special meeting, held at Swinton Masonic Hall.
Michael was accompanied at the convocation by Malcolm Alexander and John Murphy, both Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principles and other grand, acting Provincial grand officers, Provincial grand officers and distinguished visitors, with all being under the watchful eye of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons.
The initial part of the convocation was to be a demonstration by the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516, entitled ‘See Who Seeks Admission’, explaining that the Royal Arch in fact, predated the Craft and who the senior officers in a chapter represented and whom those original people being represented were.
The convocation then continued with first principal Mal Walters opening the chapter in memoriam, following the death of Swinton Chapter’s scribe Ezra, Roy Heneage. Mal then welcomed Michael and all the other grand officers and somewhat hopefully offered Michael the first principal’s sceptre, which Michael politely declined, so, overcoming his disappointment, Mal then efficiently dealt with the business of the chapter.
Before closing proceedings, second principal Alan Taylor informed the chapter that this was to be his final meeting with the chapter as he was returning to Australia in the new year on a permanent basis. He wished everyone well and thanked all for their help and enthusiasm over the recent years and offered accommodation to all who would like to visit his chapter, Victoria Chapter in Western Australia!
On completion of the convocation, Michael rose and brought the greetings and good wishes of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and congratulated the demonstration team and Swinton Chapter for staging the meeting in such fine style!
A very friendly and good-humoured festive board continued into the evening where, in his response to the Grand Principals, Michael once more congratulated all concerned in the meeting and recommended the promotion of the Royal Arch to all whom the gathered companions might feel it would suit.
Following on from this, Trafford Group Chairman Patrick Walsh rose, added his congratulations to those of Michael and then presented the now customary bag of local produce (Eccles cakes and chocolate), fondly known as ‘Trafford Treats’ to the grand officer’s even reserving one for Swinton Chapter member and grand officer John Hutton’s cousin, Michael Wilson who had travelled all the way from Anglesey, North Wales for the evening!
The toasts of the evening having ended, and the festivities being suitably concluded, a most enjoyable, entertaining and instructive meeting was brought to a thoroughly satisfactory conclusion.