On a sunny spring evening, Royal Arch Masons met at Ormskirk Masonic Hall for the installation convocation of Ormskirk Priory Chapter No 4007, which was consecrated on 10 November 1943. The convocation was opened in due form by the three principals; Paul Dooley as first principal, Paul Robinson as second principal and acting as third principal, visitor Mike Fox, expertly assisted by director of ceremonies Andrew Clarke and the officers and companions of the chapter.
The companions in the temple then stood to honour Bill Martin, who has gone to the Grand Chapter above. The three principals then balloted for a joining member, Gordon Johnson, who was welcomed into the chapter. After which the director of ceremonies Andrew Clarke retired to form the procession. Andrew returned and announced that the chapter was honoured by the presence of grand officer Roy Pine, the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Mark was accompanied by fellow grand officer Graham Chambers, Malcolm Sandywell, the Vice Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group and by two acting officers, Dave Berrington, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer and Provincial Grand Steward, Stephen Oliver. Roy was then warmly welcomed into the chapter by the three principals and the ceremony of installation began.
Mike then installed Gavin Daw into the third principal’s chair. Chris Cullen then took the second principal’s chair. The first principal then thanked all of the officers and companions of the chapter for their help and support during his year as first principal. Paul then expertly installed Paul Robinson into the first principal’s chair. The readings and prayers for the principals were read by Anthony Daw. Scribe Nehemiah, John Wootton, admitted all remaining companions and the principals were then declared to be installed by Andrew, who then delivered the warrant of the chapter into the first principal’s keeping and presented him with the book of constitutions and the bye-laws of the chapter.
The first principal’s robe address was delivered by Andrew Clarke and the third principal’s robe address was delivered by Paul Dooley. After the officers of the chapter had been invested and the director of ceremonies had informed the first principal that the ceremony of installation had concluded, Roy Pine rose and congratulated the principals on behalf of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. He wished the new principals and all the companions of Ormskirk Priory Chapter the very best of luck for the coming season. He congratulated the past first principal Paul Dooley and Andrew, the director of ceremonies.
Roy was then presented with the chapter’s charity donations, which totalled £300, which Roy thanked the chapter for on behalf of the charities. The donations were, £100 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £100 to Ormskirk Masonic Hall and £100 to Queens Court Hospice. Alms were then taken, totalling £89 and Roy then presented two Royal Arch certificates, one to Robert Williams and one to Robert Morris.
After the first rising, the director of ceremonies assembled the procession to recess out of the chapter room, led by the acting Provincial grand officers, followed by the group vice chairman Malcolm Sandywell, Roy Pyne and Graham Chambers. The chapter installation convocation was then closed following the completion of the remaining risings. The companions retired to the bar and then to the festive board, where they enjoyed a delicious meal and held a raffle which raised £115.
