The bitter cold of the evening outside of Litherland Masonic Hall was in total contrast to the warmth of welcome that visitors received from the companions of Fermor Hesketh Chapter No 1350 in the robing rooms and the bar prior to the convocation. Fermor Hesketh Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in West Lancashire, with its warrant dated 2 February 1881.
The installation convocation of Fermor Hesketh Chapter was opened in due form by the three principals: Alan Parkinson as first principal, Sidney Browne as second principal and Simon Gray as third principal, assisted by director of ceremonies David Sullivan and officers of the chapter.
Once the general business of the chapter had been dispensed with, the director of ceremonies retired to form the procession. The chapter was honoured by the presence of grand officer, Barry Dickinson, the representative of Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. He was accompanied by Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Dunn, vice-chairman Malcolm Sandywell and by two acting Provincial grand officers, Provincial First Assistant Sojourner Andrew Baxendale and Provincial Grand Steward Stephen Oliver.
Barry was then warmly welcomed into the chapter by Alan. The next business was to proclaim the first principal, Alan and to install the third principal elect, Colin Shannon. Chapter scribe Ezra, Russell Skidmore, proclaimed Alan as first principal for the ensuing year and Simon Gray installed Colin into the third principal’s chair. Alan then requested that scribe Nehemiah admit all remaining companions and David Sullivan declared the first and third principals duly installed. The officers of the chapter for the ensuing year were then invested.
The first principal robe address was delivered by David Maher and the third principal robe address was delivered by Simon Gray. The address to the officers of the chapter was then delivered by Roy Smith, after which Barry rose to address the companions of the chapter.
Once the director of ceremonies had informed the first principal that the ceremony of installation had concluded, Barry rose and congratulated the first and third principals on behalf of the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews. He then rose and wished the new principals and all the companions of Fermor Hesketh Chapter the very best of health and hoped that they enjoy their year in this fine chapter. Barry was then presented with the chapter’s charity donations, which totalled £300, which Barry said was an impressive amount for a small chapter. The donations were, £100 to Zoe’s Place, £100 to Friends of Tithebarn and £100 to Litherland Masonic Hall.
Alms were then taken, totalling £50. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies assembled the procession to recess out of the chapter room, led by the acting Provincial grand officers followed by the group chairman and Barry Dickinson.
The chapter installation convocation was then closed following the completion of the remaining risings. The companions retired to the bar and then to the festive board, where they enjoyed a delicious meal of soup, followed by roast turkey and ham and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies.
