It seems that 1925 was a rather busy year. In that year, the statue of Eros was taken away from Piccadilly Circus in London so that the new underground station could be built, F Scott Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby book was published and Sheffield United beat Cardiff City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
In Barrow-in-Furness on 4 February 2025, under the authority of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England, Barrow Chapter No 3928 was formed. The chapter was consecrated on 19 May 1925 at the sadly missed Furness Abbey Hotel.
In the presence of Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and a full Provincial team at Fairfield Masonic Hall, Barrow, the chapter celebrated its centenary. Mark was accompanied by Second Provincial Grand Principal Andrew Whittle, Third Provincial Grand Principal Reverend Canon John Hall, Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield and Assistants to Provincial Grand Principals John Robbie Porter, Gary Rogerson and John Selley.
Also present were Past Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals David Grainger and Barrie Crossley along with the Past Grand Superintendent of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson with grand officers Rowly Saunders, Allan Jones, Frank Umbers, Peter Schofield and John Wrennall. Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Brian Griffiths and Furness and South Lakeland Group Vice Chairman Chris Gray, group officers Harry Chatfield and Tony Jackson were also there to add further splendour to the occasion.
The chapter was opened by first principal Tony Cassells, second principal Richard Wilcock and third principal David Ingham. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ian Halsall, then entered the chapter room and announced that Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews demanded admission, Mark processed into the chapter room accompanied by grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers. Provincial Grand Chapter was then opened in due and ancient form by Mark Matthews, who presided over a superbly dignified ceremony to celebrate the 100 years of Barrow Chapter. Third Provincial Grand Principal Reverend Canon John Hall gave a dignified and measured oration and re-dedicated the chapter.
In an unscripted and pleasant turn of events, David Ingham, past first principal of Barrow Chapter was placed before Mark Matthews and given a first appointment to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Sojourner, in recognition of his services to the chapter. David was extremely grateful and rendered almost speechless.
A collection in the chapter room raised the sum of £186.83 for Masonic charities and first principal Tony Cassells presented a cheque of £392.80 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity to Mark Matthews. Mark thanked Tony and the companions of the chapter for their generous donation to WLFC, ensuring Tony that it would be put to good use.
One sad notable absence throughout the day was Barrow Chapter’s Scribe Ezra John Quiggin, John was unable to be present following an accident at home. Gary Rogerson paid tribute to him and all the hard work that he had put into organising the day. Mark Matthews summed up the feelings of everyone present when he said it was so sad that John could not be present. John’s hard work was not in vain as everyone left with happy memories of a wonderful day and ceremony, sending best wishes to John for a speedy recovery from everyone at the chapter.