Garston Masonic Hall, Liverpool was the venue for the installation of the three principals in Chapter of Harmony No 220. The chapter was opened in due form by the three principals; first principal Alan McCluskey completed the domestic business of the chapter.
The chapter director of ceremonies Gary Mason announced Graham Williams, the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Accompanying Graham were; John Murphy Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, John Gibbon Mersey Valley Group Vice Chairman, acting Provincial grand officers and other distinguished companions. The companions were upstanding to receive them, and Graham Williams was formally welcomed by the three principals.
The installation began with Ray Cross being presented to the third principal Bob Rowlands. Ray ratified and confirmed his previous obligation after advancing to the pedestal, Ray then knelt before the third principal’s chair while a portion of scripture was read and then the prayer. Tom Jones was also presented to the second principal Bernard Bailey who also ratified and confirmed his previous obligation and received the portion of scripture and prayer. Bernard Bailey was presented to first principal Alan McCluskey who also ratified and confirmed his previous obligation, received a portion of scripture and prayer.
All three principals were installed into their respective chairs in fine form after saluting their sceptres. First principal Bernard Bailey, second principal Tom Jones and third principal Ray Cross.
Eirwyn Jones completed the three robe addresses in an exemplary manner then Graham Williams stood and addressed the companions of Chapter of Harmony. To complete the installation, Graham congratulated the three principles on their installation on behalf of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and Eirwyn Jones on the way he delivered the robe addresses.
The companions retired to a drink’s reception were Graham toasted the three principals and retired to the festive board of vegetable soup, braised steak, potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by apple pie and custard.
Graham. in response to the toast to his health said that before COVID Masons used to visit other lodges and chapters, this does not seem to happen now and is something that needs to be continued. He also mentioned the digital recruitment that London had introduced, which in St Helens had been a great success in recruiting into the Craft and then had joined the Royal Arch.
