Chapter of Unity and Perseverance No 580 was opened promptly at 6:30pm and the business of the chapter conducted. Ian Broomfield was accepted as a re-joining member and Mark Holloway was balloted for and accepted also as a joining member.
With much forward planning, the chapter has prepared for the succession of officers for the next five years by proclaiming a continuation in office of the three principles which ensures all future companions will progress through the main offices, each for their first time indicating a healthy and effective recruitment drive during recent times due to which there are currently two further master Masons awaiting their exaltation into the Chapter.
The business of the chapter being completed, the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, Mark Stirling and his team were admitted accompanied by the group chairman Graham Chambers, acting as chapter director of ceremonies, Rory Green then proclaimed the three Principals for the following year. This was followed by the presentation of the robe and sceptre address to the first principal Leon Teasdale, Leon is also very active companion within the Province of Cheshire in Chapter of Harmony No 4390, then thanked the companions and principals for all of their help and support during his previous year as first principal.
Rory then presented the robes and address to third principal John Mercer and also to the second principal Mike Dutton, who was, due to his very many frequent substitutions during demonstrations and practices, considered by the chapter to be possibly the most exalted, raised and sublime character in the group.
Following the reappointment of officers, Mark Stirling rose to bring the sincere greetings of Mark Matthews and went on to compliment the chapter on the quality of their ceremony and acknowledged the careful future planning and successful recruitment the chapter had exhibited. He hoped that they would continue in their noted successes and also the enjoyment of their convocations. In evidence of which he had the pleasant duty of presenting a Supreme Grand Chapter Certificate to companion Anthony Farrel, which was duly explained and then signed by Anthony.
Leon Teasdale then rose and present Mark Stirling with a series of charitable cheques to the total value equivalent to the chapters number 580. The recipients to benefit are; Tom Harrisson House in Anfield which supports veterans experiencing difficulties, The Liberty Centre Women’s Refuge, Macular Degeneration Ophthalmic Trust, The Motor Neurone Disease Association and Everton District’s Shrewsbury House Youth Counsel and Debating Society. Mark then thanked the companions of the chapter for their great generosity of the gifts in relation to the size of its membership
Companions, upon closing the chapter, then retired to the festive board where the usually high standard of food and service at The Ormskirk Hall was enjoyed. Toasts were offered and responded to which Mark rose and brought the sincere best wishes of Mark Matthews to the chapter. He then informed the companions of the availability of financial support which has been made available for any companion or brother finding themselves in financial or other difficulties during our currently challenging times for which Masonic Charitable Foundation had already put aside the necessary funds. He also emphasised and encouraged all companions to guide newly made master Masons towards the completion of their Masonic career by joining a chapter and also re-recruiting any former companions.
Leon then announced that the receipt of alms had totalled £57 and the festive board raffle had produced £120. The janitor’s toast was then given and the companions continued in their lively conversation until they had all dispersed by 9:30pm.