An installation meeting of any chapter is always a cause for celebration, especially when it concerns the installation of a new first principal. Companions of Sefton Chapter No 680 who meet at the Artists Club, Liverpool, welcomed everyone. The opening of the meeting was tinged with some sadness, following the sad passing of John Ryan who had taken up the position of third principal at the previous installation meeting.
The three principals, Phil Marshall, Mark Coleman and Ian Elsby, as first, second and third (stand-in) principal, opened the convocation in solemn from. Scribe Ezra Patrick Kent read a moving eulogy to John, and all present agreed with the sentiment that John had been a very worthy Mason, and his passing was a loss not only to the chapters and lodges that John had been a member of, but also to Freemasonry in general.
Having read the necessary dispensations due to a change of date of the meeting, the next order of business was to ballot for and if successful admit a joining member. The ballot proved unanimous and John Warren was admitted as a new joining member, and it was particularly pleasing to see John return to the Royal Arch again as a companion of the chapter.
The chapter members then stood as a procession was announced and principal guest Sam Robinson, was led into the chapter by Provincial Grand Steward John Gibson, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Mike Fox, Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar and Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Sam Robinson. Sam was formally introduced to the three principals by chapter director of ceremonies Tim Burgess.
Having all been seated the main business of the evening began, the installation of the three principals for the ensuing year. First principal Phil Marshall requested Paul Shirley to occupy the chair of first principal. Rick Walker was presented to Ian Elsby as third principal elect and orated his obligation perfectly, with the scripture reading to a third principal read by Sam Robinson.
David Hawkes was then presented to Mark Crawford as second principal elect and as before the ceremony was conducted superbly, the scripture reading to a second principal was read by Paul Storrar. This was the cue for Ron Davis to take the chair of a second principal in readiness for the presentation of Mark, as first principal elect.
Mark was presented to Paul Shirley, who performed the installation of a first principal in a requisite manner and the scripture reading this time was read by Tim Burgess. In no time at all having been installed as first principal, Mark closed the conclave of installed first principals and David Hawkes was installed as second principal, and as before Rick Walker was then installed as third principal, with Ian Elsby performing the ceremony of a third principal is excellent fashion.
The principals in their rightful place and having been proclaimed to all companions, immediate past first principal Phil Marshall, delivered the scarlet robe address to first principal Mark, who promptly followed suit by delivering the purple robe address to David Hawkes and finally scribe Ezra, Patrick Kent, delivered the blue robe address to third principal Rick Walker. Excellent display of ritual by all involved and made for a thoroughly enjoyable installation ceremony.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremony, was the cue for principal guest Sam Robinson to bring the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews to not only the three principals but to all companions
Sam was then presented with a cheque to honour the charities, which he read out to all present, the fantastic sum of £250 to be donated to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Sam thanked the companions of the chapter for their generous donation.
The companions and visitors to Sefton Chapter retired to the Halliday Room to continue the celebration of Mark Crawford taking the chair as first principal and to toast his health over a sumptuous dinner and fine company.
