Companions at Rowley Chapter No 1051 assembled for their final installation convocation at Rowley Court, Lancaster, before returning the chapter warrant which is dated 3 February 1869. Paul Mason was installed as first principal while John Berry and Bill Byrne remained in post as second and third principals respectively.
Installing first principal Neil McGill opened the chapter and conducted the final chapter business after which guests were admitted, followed by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Gary Rogerson, who was accompanied by acting Provincial officers; Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons, Provincial Charity Steward Andy McClements, Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar Alistair Davidson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Neil Hartley, Provincial Grand Stewards Gordon Evans and Les Newlands together with the Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder and group secretary Lee Fisher.
The ceremony was conducted by director of ceremonies Adrian Gifford who presented the incoming first principal. Installing scribe Nehemiah was Jack Craig. There were no robe addresses. On completion of the installation ceremony first principal Paul Mason appointed and invested his officers. Alms were collected and Gary Rogerson was informed that the chapter books and bank account were in the process of being closed and clearance certificates issued to all members who were in good standing. Risings were conducted after which the chapter was closed for the final time.
At this point Gary Rogerson presented the chapter eulogy. “Companions, Today we gather to honour and reflect upon the proud heritage of Rowley Chapter No 1051, a chapter whose story is interwoven with dedication, perseverance, and brotherhood. The chapter proudly bears the name of the Reverend Rowley, Headmaster of Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Chaplain to Lancaster Castle Jail. His influence and integrity left such a mark upon his brethren that his likeness still watches over us today. An original oil painting, lovingly presented by his daughter, hangs in the committee room of Morecambe Masonic Hall, a fitting tribute to the man whose name this chapter carries.
The early companions of Rowley Chapter were drawn largely from Kendal Castle Chapter No 129, their fellowship strengthened through a close affinity between Lancaster’s Lodge of Fortitude No 281 and Union Lodge No 129 in Kendal. The Lodge of Fortitude had long assisted Union Lodge through difficult times, exemplifying that spirit of unity that lies at the very heart of our Order.
Among the founders stood Dr John Daniel Moore, MD, a man whose name is written with honour in the annals of Freemasonry in Lancaster. Formerly the scribe Ezra of Kendal Castle Chapter, he became the principal founder of Rowley Chapter, and later founded what is now Garnet Lodge. Born the son of a Leicester surgeon, Dr Moore came to Lancaster in 1866 to serve as a physician to a local hospital before establishing his private practice at 3 Queen Street. His devotion to his patients was matched only by his dedication to Freemasonry. When he passed in 1881, he was remembered as ‘outstanding in the cause of Freemasonry in the district and much venerated throughout the Masonic world’.
The consecration of Rowley Chapter took place on Monday, 15 March 1869, at the Masonic Rooms, Athenæum, St Leonard’s Gate, Lancaster, which is now the site of the Grand Theatre. The ceremony was conducted by Andrew Cook Mott, Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, assisted by companion Busher and companion Kearne. At the ceremony, Dr Moore, as scribe Ezra, expressed the wishes of the companions and recounted the actions they had taken to establish the new chapter. Yet the chapter’s birth was shadowed by sadness. The second principal elect, companion Henry Ball, met with a tragic accident, falling from his horse on Skerton Bridge and succumbing to his injuries, a loss keenly felt by all. His passing delayed the consecration, but not the determination of the brethren. Their resolve endured, strengthened by shared purpose and fraternal love.
To appreciate Rowley Chapter’s founding, we must look further back to the early days of chapter Masonry in Lancaster. The first Royal Arch chapter here was the Chapter of Universality, established in 1795 and attached to the Lodge of St John. Though that lodge ceased work in 1809, the chapter continued until 1819 and later resumed under the Lodge of Fortitude before ceasing again in 1844. For years afterward, chapter Masonry in Lancaster lay dormant. By the late 1860s, however, many companions resided within easy reach of Lancaster and felt the hardship of traveling long distances to attend meetings elsewhere. So, in April 1868, several devoted companions of the Royal Arch residing both in and near Lancaster resolved to establish a new chapter within their own town.
Their petition to the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra. was a heartfelt declaration of purpose; to ‘promote and diffuse the genuine principles of the Art’, to relieve the inconvenience of distance and to further the prosperity of Royal Arch Masonry. They requested authority to meet at the Masonic Rooms, Athenæum, Lancaster, on the third Monday of February, May, August and November. The petition bore the signatures and recommendations of three devoted companions: John Daniel Moore, MD, WM, Rowley Lodge, first principal. Henry Ball, PM, Rowley Lodge, second principal. William Henry Bagnall, WM, Lodge of Fortitude, third principal. Through their combined vision and perseverance, Rowley Chapter was born, a beacon of Royal Arch Masonry in Lancaster.
It is important to recall, too, that in those days, the Royal Arch was not yet formally part of the Craft. Before the Union of 1813, it existed as a separate body known as ‘The Grand and Royal Chapter’ recognised by the Ancients as the fourth degree in Freemasonry. The eventual union brought the Royal Arch under the wider Masonic banner, yet chapters continued to retain their own distinct identity and ceremonies.
Thus, Rowley Chapter stands as both a continuation of that proud tradition and a testament to the enduring strength of Masonic fellowship. Its foundation was laid in the dedication of men who sought light, knowledge, and brotherly unity, and who, through their steadfastness, gave Lancaster a chapter that has endured for over a century and a half. And now, companions, as we meet in fellowship at this final convocation of Rowley Chapter, we do so not in sorrow, but in gratitude and hope. For though the chapter closes its own volume in Masonic history, its light is not extinguished, it passes on.
In early 2026, Rowley Chapter will merge with its long-associated Chapter of Fortitude, with which they have shared close ties since the earliest days. Together, these two proud and historic chapters will form a new body, Lancaster City Chapter No 281, carrying forward the number of the Chapter of Fortitude, and continuing the legacy of both into a new era of Royal Arch Masonry in your city.
Just as your founders built upon the work of those who came before, so too shall City 0f Lancaster Chapter build upon the faith, fraternity, and labours of Rowley and Fortitude. The union of these chapters symbolises renewal, a re-affirmation that though names may change and chapters may close; the principles and spirit of our Order endure evermore. So let us not see this as an ending, but as a continuation, a bridge between the past and the future. The companions of Rowley Chapter have upheld for over 150 years the finest traditions of Masonry: unity, charity and truth. As we look forward to the consecration of City of Lancaster Chapter No 281, we carry with us their memory, their achievements and their light. May the name of Rowley Chapter forever be spoken with reverence and may its history inspire the companions who follow to labour with the same zeal, harmony and brotherly love that founded it, so many years ago.”
After Gary finished the reading of the eulogy, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons received the chapter warrant from scribe Ezra Daniel Crossley and presented it to first principal Paul Mason who then handed it to Gary for return to Provincial Grand Chapter. Group chairman Chris Larder then gave the Valedictory address after which acting Provincial officers were lined up in the south and the three principals, chapter officers and companions of the chapter lined up in the north for the final recession out of the temple.
A total of 23 companions dined at the festive board. Most of Rowley Chapter’s companions will be joining the new City of Lancaster Chapter No 281 in January 2026, formed out of Rowley Chapter No 1051 and the Chapter of Fortitude No 282.
