The members and visitors of Architect Chapter No 1375 were delighted to receive Stuart Crannage, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals as representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to their installation meeting which was held at the Urmston Masonic Hall.
Stuart was accompanied by Trafford Group Chairman, Patrick Walsh and vice chairman Colin Latimer, acting Provincial Grand Standard Bearer David Berrington and acting Provincial Grand Steward Shaun Brookhouse together with other distinguished Provincial grand officers, group officers and visiting companions.
After opening the Chapter in his own particular style, first principal Sylvester During convened the business of the chapter to the point at which Stuart, escorted by the acting officers entered into the mix to be welcomed very cheerfully by all in the chapter.
The Installation proceeded well, and the three principals were well guided by acting director of ceremonies David Durling. David Benson was Installed as first principal, Charles Makinson as second principal and Mohammed Yousef as third principal. Then followed excellent long versions of the robe addresses, all of which were impressively given by Sylvester.
Once the chapter officers for the ensuing year were appointed and on completion of the ceremony, Stuart rose to bring the greetings and good wishes for a prosperous, healthy and enjoyable year from the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews.
Stuart said that if Mark had been present, he would have witnessed a most intriguing ceremony of installation and on his behalf, congratulated the acting director of ceremonies, David and all those who took their part in the evening’s event, he also thanked all those who had taken office in the chapter.
First principal David then rose and thanked Stuart for his exceedingly kind words and on behalf of the chapter explained that at the last meeting, the chapter’s 150th anniversary, they had presented a cheque for £1,375 and hence no presentation would be made at this meeting. Stuart, who had been present at the previous meeting, then thanked the members praising the very generous donation given the small size of the chapter.
At the first rising, Stuart conveyed the greetings and good wishes on behalf of the grand officers, saying that it had been an excellent ceremony and welcomed David once more into the chair as a first principal wishing him, and the chapter, an enjoyable year to come.
After the convocation, a very friendly and cheerful festive board took place and to start with, Colin Latimer rose to present Stuart with the now traditional ‘Trafford treats’, a bag of locally made produce including Eccles cakes and chocolates. Wistfully, Stuart commented that his wife was not fond of Eccles cakes and thus he would have to eat them all!
In response to the toast to the grand officers, Stuart offered his own congratulations to the companions, made reference to the chapter being 150 years old and that it was amongst the oldest still operating in the Province. He also commented on how important it was to enjoy Masonry and went on to talk about recruitment and retention of members, with Supreme Grand Chapter being especially concerned about loss of Royal Arch members and how important it was not only to recruit new members but also to retain current ones.
Stuart thanked the chapter for the warm welcome they had extended to him and wished everyone present a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and thus, the toasts of the evening having ended, a most enjoyable meeting was thus concluded.