Chapter of Faith No 484 was honoured and delighted to receive Second Provincial Grand Principal Michael Threlfall at their installation at Bryn Masonic Hall. Michael was accompanied by fellow grand officers; Malcolm Alexander Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and Jim Miller.
Also present supporting Michael were, acting Provincial grand officers Gary Smith, who was on duty as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ian Stirling (ProvGSN), Wigan Group Chairman John Selley (ProvGSwdB), Barry Dickinson (ProvGComms) Paul Hardman (ProvAGDC), Ian Tupling (ProvGStdB) and Mike Gray (ProvGStwd).
The chapter was opened for business with Martin Stewart as first principal, Stephen Hulse as second principal and Ian Green as third principal. Business having been completed; the distinguished guest was received by the principals. On entering the chapter, the Second Provincial Grand Principal was offered the sceptre by Martin which he received, only to quickly return it, explaining that from his own experience, he knew that the ritual at Chapter of Faith was quite a bit different than that he was familiar with, so he considered it was better back in the hands of Martin.
This in fact proved to be the case, as Martin went on to give a polished and dignified performance worthy of the praise he later received from the honoured guest, installing his successor, Stephen Hulse as first principal and Ian Green as second and Karl Greenall as third principal. The ritual used in Chapter of Faith is certainly different and involved a number of lengthy addresses which Martin delivered to perfection. Michael Threlfall, as expected, gave a faultless address to the companions of the chapter.
Once Stephen was safely installed and with officers duly appointed and invested, Michael stood to bring the greetings of the Provincial Grand Superintendent, who he said, would have been delighted to witness such a ceremony and particularly the work done by Martin in such fine fashion, making the decision to hand back the sceptre a wise one. Michael went on to thank new principals for taking office and congratulated them on their appointment, as well as all the companions who had taken part.
Stephen responded and was proud to present charitable donations totalling £658: £200 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, £200 to Papyrus UK. (Young Suicide Support), £200 to Ashton Masonic Properties and £58 paid to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, a remarkable amount for such a small Chapter. Michael thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donations.
A fine festive banquet followed, with the tables arranged in a traditional triangle format. At the appropriate time Michael Threlfall responded to the toast to Supreme Grand Chapter and acknowledged and thanked the grand and acting Provincial grand officers who had supported him. He congratulated all who had taken part and made special mention of the fine work of the installing first principal Martin Stewart, also congratulated the DC and ADC, Jim Miller and David Dugdale respectively, and all those who took part in the ceremony.
New first principal Stephen is delighted to take the first principles chair in Chapter of Faith and is looking forward to a busy yet enjoyable year. He is an experienced Mason, holding the rank of PPJGW, and is a great administrator and organiser. Stephen puts his administrative skills to good use as a member of three Craft lodges, Borough Lodge No 3996, Heber Lodge No 4388 and Ashlar Lodge No 5154 in which he serves as secretary, and from 2011 to 2023 he also served as secretary for Bryn Masonic Hall.
To witness a ceremony that is genuinely different and a pleasure to behold, consider a visit next year. You will be made most welcome.