Chapter of Friendship No 241 were pleased to invite and host an alternative presentation, given by the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516. The presentation was called; ‘See who seeks admission’.
The colourful Egyptian Rooms at Hope Street Liverpool, was the location for this wonderful and knowledgeable event. The representatives for the evening were already placed within the chapter room from the start, and the chapter was honoured by the presence of Chris Butterfield, Deputy Grand Superintendent, Andy Whittle Second Provincial Grand Principal and John Murphy Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
They were also accompanied by Rob Fitzsimmons Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, John James, Dave Johnson Liverpool Group Chairman, Bob Patterson vice chairman and Mike Fox acting Provincial Grand Standard Bearer. The Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire was under the guidance of their director of ceremonies Stephen Holcroft, with the narrators being Dave Atkinson and Bob Stafford, they were assisted by Roay Crowley, Paul Dooley, Geoff Waters, Dave Boyes, Phillip Powell and Kevin Byrne.
Stephen introduced himself to the companions present and gave an overview of the source for the presentation, acknowledging the work completed by East Lancashire Royal Arch Demonstration Team. The team then proceeded to deliver an interactive presentation by utilising the companions in office of Chapter of Friendship, giving a knowledgeable and historic account of the officers of the chapter. This included, scribe Nehemiah, scribe Ezra, the sojourners story, who were the second principal and the wise bodyguard, all being introduced and robed within each segment of the presentation.
With the historical chapter having been formed, the chapter was opened in the usual manner, with sceptres being presented as part of the presentation. Once opened and the business of the demonstration having been completed, the team lined up in the west and Stephen introduced each member. The principals of Chapter of Friendship, first principal John Reynolds, second principal John Marsden and third principal Stan Dawkins, then resumed control of the chapter.
John then thanked the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire team for their excellent and very informative presentation. Chrstopher was then formally welcomed to the chapter, and congratulations was also given to Andy Whittle on his role as the Second Provincial Grand principal. The usual chapter business was completed, under any other business, it was proposed and approved that Chris Butterfield should become an honorary member of the chapter. Having been approved, Chris thanked the chapter for their proposal and approval.
Rob then ceremonial announced the retirement from the chapter of the representatives before the chapter was closed. Companions were the treated to a wonderful festive board. The festive board received many thanks from the chapter, the representatives and the companions.
The toast to the Deputy Grand Superintendent was given by John Marsden, and in Chris’s response, he thanked the Provincial team for their most knowledgeable and interesting presentation, suggesting that perhaps the ‘Building of the temple’ presentation may he hosted in the future. Chris thanked the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons for his work and congratulated Andy on his promotion. Thanks, was also given to the Chapter of Friendship for the wonderful flowers that had been received by his wife.
The chapter festive board was closed with companions having been treated to a very informative and knowledgably presentation, and a wonderful festive board.
