Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool was the venue for the installation of the three principals of Saint John’s of Jerusalem Chapter No 203. The chapter was opened in due form by first principal Oliver Winder supported by his co-principals.
Following the domestic business of the chapter being completed, the three principals welcomed Ian Sanderson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who was accompanied in the chapter by Neil Francis the Liverpool Group Secretary and other distinguished companions.
The installation then got under way; Stephen Roberts was presented by Tom Grimes who agreed to reaffirm his previous obligation as third principal was duly obligated. Stephen Carrol was then presented and agreed to take a solemn obligation; he then knelt before the second principals chair to attend to some passages of scripture read by Tom Grimes. Ray Parr was then presented to Oliver Winder after agreeing to take a solemn obligation as first principal and was duly obligated, he then knelt before the first principals chair to attend to some portions of scripture read by Tom Grimes.
Oliver Winder then declared a duly constituted conclave of installed first principals and Ray Parr was then installed as first principal after giving the password and receiving the signs and words of his chair from Oliver. Ray Parr then declared a duly constituted conclave of second principals and Stephen Carroll was then installed as second principal after giving the password and receiving the signs and words of his chair. Ray Parr declared a duly constituted conclave of third principals and Stephen Roberts was then installed as third principal after giving the password receiving the signs and words of his chair.
Jorge Perez gave the robe address to the first principal Ray Parr, Tom Grimes then gave the robe address to the second principal Stephen Carroll, followed by Steve Callow, who gave the robe address to the third principal Stephen Roberts. Ian Sanderson brought the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to the three principals on their installation. Ian also brought his own personnel congratulation to the three principals and to those who took part in the installation ceremony.
Ray handed a cheque to Ian for the sum of £150 donation to the Merseyside Water Rescue. This charity is a local based search and rescue service, operating a rescue boat around the Liverpool docks and their aim is to preserve life in and around water, they also provide proactive water safety and prevention for those in need. They aim to be there in the vital minutes between a person accidently entering the water and the arrival of the emergency services. Loss of life is the greatest through cold water shock and drowning. They are the only dedicated safety boat on the Liverpool docks and was established in 2018. Ian thanked Ray and the chapter companions for their generous donation.
At the festive board in response to his toast, Ian Sanderson mentioned about the membership challenge attracting more people into Freemasonry, including friends and families. He also spoke about community engagement, which means engaging with communities with generous support which can be relayed to London. Ian then mentioned the new initiative ‘Building Together’, more information to follow in attracting members and the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity run by volunteers, they are ready to help anyone in need on a confidential basis. Ian then thanked the companions on an excellent installation ceremony.
