The Egyptian Room at Hope Street Masonic Hall Liverpool was once again utilised to show off its full splendour for the ceremony, of the installation of the principals for Temperance Chapter No 2714. 16 companions attended the installation, which saw Tom Kelly installed for the first time as third principal, and a delightful progression for each of the other principals.
Companions of the chapter were honoured by the presence of the principal guest, Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Sam Robinson, as the representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, and Dave Johnson, the Liverpool Group Chairman being the group representative
The chapter being under the dignified control of the chapter director of ceremonies Karl Brennan, who at times had to deal with the competition between his wand and a banner. The chapter was opened by Ian Hayhurst, Jeff Whitehead and Jeff Hodge, the first, second and third principals respectively.
At the appropriate time, the principal guest Sam Robinson and Dave Johnson entered the chapter accompanied by Dave Berrington and Gordon McConnell. Sam and the honoured guests were welcomed by Ian, and Ian took the opportunity of also thanking all those in attendance, considering the atrocious weather that was and still was taking place.
Assisting the installation ceremony was Jim Molloy taking the chair of the third principal, and Ray Parr a visiting guest, taking the chair of the second principal. Tom Kelly, the third principal elect, was presented to the principals, by Karl and after taking his sincere obligation, awaited the chapter to be declared a Conclave of Installed Third Principals.
Firstly, the chapter was declared a Conclave of Installed First Principals, which saw Ian Hayhurst have the great pleasure of installing Jeff Whitehead into the first principals chair, a position that he had been installed in on previous occasions.
Next, the chapter was then declared a Conclave of Installed Second Principals and Jeff Whitehead took great please in installing Jeff Hodge into the second principals chair, again a position that he had been installed in on previous occasions.
And finally, the chapter was declared a Conclave of Installed Third Principals, and Jeff Hodge was extremely pleased to install Tom into the third principals chair for the first time. Each installing principal explained the position they had installed their successor in and explained the robe address for each respectively.
Both Jeffs having served in the principal’s positions previously, where delighted to see the third principal placed in his chair for the first time. The appointment and investiture of the officers of the chapter took place. The companions of the chapter were then addressed by Sam.
The ceremony of installation having been completed, Sam thanked the principals for the ceremony, which was executed in the highest traditions. Sam also brought the best wishes from the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews.
Cheques were presented by the chapter to Sam for the charities, £100 in total. £50 each to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, and the Masonic Hall Hope Street. The charity donations being recognised by Sam as a generous amount from a small chapter and he thanked the companions of the chapter for their generosity.
After closing the chapter, the companions retired for the festive board. Sam responded to the toast of grand officers, stating that the ceremony was a wonderful experience, and he had visited the chapter on a previous four occasions, the last being in 2017. Sam talked to the companions about the membership and the need to recruit more brethren into Royal Arch, and it being equally important that contact is made with those that are not regular attendees. Sam also thanked the Liverpool Group executive and Dave Johnson for the work within the group, and once again thanked the chapter for a warm welcome, and their hospitality.
The toast to the three principals was given by Ian Hayhurst who explained to the companions that the chapter does things correctly but in a nice way. He wished Tom a successful year and advised that he should try to visit as many chapters as possible. Ian thanked the DC Karl for his excellent work and especially thanked the two Jeffs for their installation which was completed with feeling.
The newly installed first principal Jeff Whitehead thanked Ian for his kind words, and stated how Ian, and everyone else in the chapter had done an excellent job over the previous 12 months.
Bob Gibson gave the toast to absent and seafaring companions, before Jim Molloy toasted the guests, with some thoughts for Jim going to ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’. The janitor’s toast was then given, after a wonderful evening, and ceremony.