For many lodges and chapters, the annual installation meeting is the one for which the most preparations are made to ensure that the ceremony and evening go as smoothly as possible. However, the best laid plans are made of ideas and intentions that seem flawless yet still unravel when reality intervenes. Such was the case for Chapter of Harmony No 220, when two of three principals were unable to attend.
There are always companions who will step up and assist their chapter, and on this occasion, it was no different. First principal Bernard Bailey was accompanied by Kevin Flynn and Kenneth Bradley, as second and third stand-in principals respectively, and welcomed all to the chapter and Garston Masonic Hall. The chapter was opened in fine form and a testament to the three principals who did so with confidence.
Chapter director of ceremonies Gary Mason, accompanied by assistant director of ceremonies Bob Rowland, retired from the chapter for a short period to allow for the formation of a procession. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Robb Fitzsimmons entered the chapter and announced that Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle stood without.
All stood as a procession conducted principal guest Andrew into the chapter, led by Provincial Grand Standard Bearer David Berrington, Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe Ezra Mick Southern, Mersey Valley Group Vice Chairman John Gibbon, grand officer Peter Williams, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Stewart Cranage. Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle was led into the chapter by Gary Mason and Bob Rowland. Having been formally welcomed to the chapter by first principal Bernard, all took their seats for the next part of the ceremony.
Director of Ceremonies Gary Mason presented John Parker to third principal Ken, the obligation of a third principal was orated well by John, and superbly conducted by Ken, following which, the scripture reading to a third principal given by chapter scribe Ezra John Murphy. In quick succession, Gary Mason, presented Alan McCluskey as second principal elect to Kevin Flynn, who taking a page out of third principal’s Ken’s book, also conducted the ceremony very well. Again, the scripture reading to a second principal was performed by John Murphy.
As explained earlier, as the first principal elect, Thomas Jones was unable to attend, first principal Bernard remained as first principal, with plans to install Thomas at the next available meeting. A Conclave of Installed Second Principals being declared, Alan McCluskey was installed as second principal by Bernard, whom we believe must have swallowed the Royal Arch ritual book as he was superb in the oration and installation of Alan into the second principal’s chair.
Then followed the installation of John Parker as third principal which again was conducted superbly, and John took his rightful place in the chapter as third principal. Having closed the Conclave of Installed Principals all other companions were admitted, and this was the cue for Eirwyn Jones to rise and deliver an excellent rendition of the purple robe address, followed by Derek Horrocks who delivered an equally impressive blue robe address.
Following the installation of chapter officers, and all the various roles and positions being filled, principal guest Andrew Whittle brought the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews, as well as his own congratulations to all three principals, including Eirwyn and Derek for their delivery of the robe addresses, as well as all of the other companions who had taken part.
First principal Bernard requested Andrew to please accept cheques in honour of the charities, and Andrew announced the fantastic donations of £150 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £150 to Garston Masonic Hall. Andrew thanked the companions of the chapter for these generous donations.
As installations ceremonies are thirsty work, after the first risings a procession was formed and distinguished guests retired, following which after all chapter business was concluded, all retired to the dining rooms at Garston Masonic Hall to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and reflect on an excellent ceremony and what can be achieved when duty calls.