The very first Southport Group Meeting of the new season was held at Southport Masonic Hall early in September, and what a wonderful evening it was! The year was kicked off in the traditional way with the installation meeting of North Meols Chapter No 5828.
North Meols Chapter is the largest chapter in the Southport Group with over 55 members, and indeed is among the largest in the Province. There were a mighty 53 Royal Arch Masons in attendance at this convocation alone.
The Principal Guest was Michael Raymond Threlfall, the Second Provincial Grand Principal, who had made a special effort to come down for the occasion. His attendance was complimented by the company of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, himself a proud member of the North Meols Chapter.
Accompanying Michael Threlfall were an extremely distinguished group of companions. Indeed, there was a total of eight grand officers present including the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Malcolm Alexander, Past Deputy Grand Superintendent Paul Renton and the Southport Group Chairman Phil Stock, who was awarded grand rank of PGStdB earlier this year. The entourage also included four acting Provincial grand officers making the most of their final days before the 2024 Provincial Grand Chapter convocation in Blackpool in September.
The business of the chapter was promptly conducted by the outgoing first principal Paul Carson. This included admission of one joining member and one rejoining member, adding to the chapters already impressive numbers. Following this John McGrady was installed into the chair of first principal in a sublime display of ceremony by Paul Carson. Paul Dwan was then installed as second principal and Kevin Ruane MBE as third principal.
The three outgoing principals gave the robe addresses with practised ease while the guests could only nod with approval at the exceptional ceremony on display. The addresses to the three principals, officers and chapter companions were then given confidently by Chris Hamilton PAtoProvGPs, Geoff Jackson and finally with aplomb by Michael Threlfall. The scriptures were read by two junior but up and coming members of the chapter, Paul Hanley and Michael Spiers.
The evening proceeded to the festive board, where the members and distinguished guest were treated to a scrumptious three course meal as the chef at the Masonic hall continues to excel himself. In the end the celebrations continued long into the evening as the dining room was filled with laughter and merriment.
North Meols Chapter has a busy year ahead, with six candidates already proposed for exaltation. Three double exaltation ceremonies are planned for this season to reduce the backlog of brethren wanting to join the Royal Arch. The future looks good in Southport for this vibrant chapter. This season is planned to be an exceptional one by any standards and there is still more to come.
