Sefton Chapter No 680 is an old chapter and the companions are rightly proud of its history having been founded in 1867. As always, when browsing the names of the founding members and companions who have come before and graced the pages of the summons with their names having been installed as first principal, one often wonders, who were these names and their contributions to the continuity and history of the chapter and Freemasonry.
The very first principal, Edward Pierpoint in 1867/68, revealed an exciting search. It appeared he had been involved in the founding of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut and became Grand Master, however, a careful perusal of the relevant dates revealed that this was a doppelgänger named Pierpont Edwards and so that was quickly ruled out.
However, a perusal of the Masonic Illustrated periodical revealed another prospect in our historical search, Herbert F Burrows who was installed as first principal in 1896. Herbert appears to have been a member of another Gladstone Group lodge, Croxteth United Services Lodge No 786 in 1889. Having been appointed Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1897, he was joint secretary of the fund which erected a chapter house in memory of Lord Lathom in Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. This was consecrated in 1924 by King George V with stained glass windows depicting Solomon and Hiram, which is well worth a visit today.
Adding to the history of this fine chapter, were the three principals, Phillip Marshall, Dale Roberts and John Ryan, as first, second and third principals respectively, who welcomed the companions to the fine surroundings of the chapter room, in another impressive establishment, The Artists Club, Liverpool.
Under the watchful guidance of director of ceremonies, Tim Burgess, the chapter was opened in solemn form as befitting its history. Tim retired for a short period and on his return announced that Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Stuart Stirling, stood without. First principal Phil announced that the chapter would be honoured to receive him, Tim conducted Ian to Phil who warmly welcomed him to the chapter.
Tim, having proclaimed that first principal Phil and third principal John would retain their current responsibilities for the ensuring year, then presented second principal elect Mark Crawford, to second principal Dale Roberts. Dale performed the installation of a second principal superbly and Mark recited his obligation perfectly. Having opened a conclave of installed second principals, the scripture reading was recited by Ian Stirling. Dale then proceeded to install Mark into the chair of a second principal in impeccable form, following suit with a faultless oration of the purple robe address.
The investment of officers then ensued, and following the conclusion, principal guest Ian rose and gave the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, explaining that had he been present he would have enjoyed the ceremony. Phil then presented Ian with a cheque to honour the charities with a magnificent sum of £250 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ charity. Ian thanked Phil and the companions of the chapter for their generous donation.
Following the conclusion of the chapter business, the companions and visitors retired to the Halliday Room, where the current and past presidents of the Artist Cub portraits hang, to enjoy the festive board. Principal guest Ian, in response to the toast to his health, explained that this was his first visit to Sefton Chapter, and indeed the Gladstone Group, and that he had enjoyed the ceremony, thanking scribe Ezra Patrick Kent for his invaluable assistance, and congratulated the three principals and wished that they enjoy their year in office.
Dale Roberts then gave a toast to the health of second principal Mark Crawford, and in response, Mark thanked the companions for the trust they had shown in him as electing him as second principal, saying that he was humbled to serve the chapter in that office. The continuity proceeds and another page in the history of this chapter has been turned.
