Saint John’s of Jerusalem Chapter No 203 were extremely happy to start the Royal Arch Chapter season for the Liverpool Group of Royal Arch Masons. 33 companions and guests gathered at the colourful Egyptian Suite at Hope Street Masonic Hall. The companions of Saint John’s of Jerusalem Chapter were pleased to have the presence of Sam Robinson as principal guest and representative of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews. Sam was accompanied by Vice Chairman of the Liverpool Group John Reynolds. Group chairman Neil Francis attended as a personal guest. Along with grand officer Stephen Walls, who is a companion of Saint John’s of Jerusalem Chapter.
The chapter was under the control of director of ceremonies Tommie Grimes, the principal guests having chosen to be present in the chapter from the start of the proceedings. Once the chapter had been opened, first principal Ray Parr and the other principals welcomed the guests and hoped they would have an enjoyable evening and festive board. Sam responded by saying he was looking forward to the ceremony and acknowledged his association with the chapter, with him being an honorary member.
The usual business of the chapter was dealt with and the minutes of the previous convocation were accepted; the principals rose and first principal Ray thanked the companions and officers of the chapter for their work during the past 12 months; the ceremony of the installation of the principals then took place.
Stephen Dovaston assisted the chapter in the absence of Steve Roberts, the third principal, by taking that seat for the proceedings. Stephen Roberts will be proclaimed as third principal at a future date, as he was remaining in that position. Stu Hyde assisted the chapter by taking the chair of scribe Nehemiah, allowing Stephen Cane to be presented by Tommie for the position of second principal.
Second principal Stephen Carroll then took the second principal elect through his re-affirming of his obligation, as he had previously held the position in another chapter. Stephen Walls then assisted the chapter by occupying the chair of the second principal before Stephen Carroll was presented to the first principal to take his obligation for that chair.
All companions below the rank of a first principal, excluding the first principal elect, retired from the chapter, and it was declared a convocation of first principals. Ray then proceeded in installing Stephen Carroll into the first principal’s chair. The chapter was then opened as a convocation of second principals before Stephen Carroll, the newly installed first principal, installed and presented Stephen Crane with his robe and sceptre, before he took his place in the second principal’s chair. Ray then gave the scarlet robe address to the newly installed first principal and after the investiture of the newly appointed officers, the ceremony was concluded.
The first principal then presented Sam with donations of £500 to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, a charity close to the chapter. £250 was also donated to the Wallasey District Council for Scouts to assist in sending three scouts on the World Jamboree camp, two companions from the chapter being involved as Scout leaders.
Sam thanked the chapter for their kind donations and the amount given. Sam then brought the greetings of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to the newly installed principals and to the chapter. Sam also personally congratulated the newly installed first and second principal and all those who had taken part in the ceremony.
The risings were dealt with and the chapter closed, before the companions moved to the the festive board where the companions were treated to a meal of prawn cocktail, steak and chips followed by sticky toffee pudding.
Sam responded to the toast to the health of the grand officers and talked about the strong link between lodge and chapter, encouraging companions to consider those within their lodges who are not yet members. Sam also mentioned the use of the UGLE Portal and future dates for the Provincial Ball and Provincial Grand Lodge. Sam thanked the secretary and director of ceremonies for their work and also once again the companions for the ceremony. Sam encouraged the companions within the chapter to keep up their enthusiasm and effort and to also to keep enjoying their Freemasonry.
The toast to the newly installed first principal Stephen Carroll was given by Ray, who ensured the companions that the chapter was in excellent hands, having a man such as Stephen in charge and they could look forward to an excellent year. Stephen thanked the companions and Ray for the toast, informing them that he was looking forward to a good year, with hopefully some new members.
A raffle was held that raised £150 for charity.