Widnes Masonic Hall was the venue for the Red Triangle Chapter No 3874 installation convocation of the three principals. The chapter was opened in due form at 6pm by first principal Alan Routledge and the domestic business of the chapter was completed.
The director of ceremonies retired for a short time to join the procession. There was a knock on the door; director of ceremonies Ian McGovern was admitted and announced that Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson,representing the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, requested admission. David was accompanied by grand and acting Provincial grand officers and was welcomed to the chapter by first principal Alan Routledge.
The next business was to install the three principals, the first time all three have occupied their relevant chairs and are also all members of Adelphi Lodge No 6819. Director of ceremonies Ian McGovern guided the proceedings through the ceremony. Dave Douglas was installed into the first principal’s chair, Darren Fulton was installed into the second principal’s chair and Tom Smith was installed into the third principal’s chair. With the principals having taken their positions, appointment and investment of the officers for the ensuing year was carried out.
The robe addresses were given with sincerity by Les Cutting, who gave the red robe address, Ian McGovern gave the purple robe address and Mike Fox gave the blue robe address. The address to the companions was given by David Atkinson.
First principal Dave Douglas then presented David Atkinson with a list of donations that the chapter had made to various charities totalling £600. £200 each to West Lancs Freemasons Charity, Altzhiemer’s Society and Clatterbridge Cancer in memory of Doug Lace. David thanked the companions for the generous donations and stated that the recipients will never know where the money had come from but will be greatly appreciated.
The business of the evening being completed, it was time for companions to retire and partake of the festive board and great enjoyment was had by all.
At the festive board, David Atkinson thanked the companions for their hospitality and the acting Provincial officers who had attended, hoping they had enjoyed the ceremony. David then explained that he was expected to talk about a number of topics, the main features being the membership challenge and he spoke about the Mersey Valley Group holding a Super Saturday event for the Craft in November 2026 and the Royal Arch in December 2026 in the Province and asked members to try and encourage those not in the Royal Arch to join and those who are currently unattached to rejoin.
David reminded the companions of the work of the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and the availability of confidential counselling amongst other services. David also reminded the companions to continue the excellent community work that they are involved in.
Finally, David reminded the companions of a number of upcoming events, including Provincial Grand Chapter at Blackpool on 23 September 2026, where chapter member Mike Fox is to be appointed to the very high acting rank of Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. A great honour for Mike, the chapter and the group to celebrate. David also informed the companions of the bicentenary meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge to be held on 27 November 2026, also in Blackpool.