A pleasant and somewhat unusual event took place at the convocation of Penwortham Chapter No 5874. The installation was to witness members of the same family becoming occupants of the three principal’s chairs.
Peter Booth, together with his son Ian and son-in-law, Mayur Jagatia, were looking forward to the occasion which should have taken place prior to the onset of the COVID pandemic but with the total lockdown of Masonic meetings, matters had to be put on hold until safer times.
When restrictions began to be relaxed and permission for Masonic meetings was once again given, plans and practices took place for the convocation and celebrations to take place on the usual autumn meeting date. However, fate intervened when Peter Booth became a victim of the dreaded COVID virus and was still having to self-isolate at the time the meeting was to have taken place.
This state of affairs caused a total re-think of the whole situation and after consultation with Provincial Office, it was agreed that the installation convocation could be re-convened to take place a week later, this being the only time all three principals elect could attend to be installed within the permitted period of deferment.
The knock-on effect of all this was that many of the companions who were able to attend on the original date were unable to attend on the revised date. This unfortunately resulted in a potential attendance of just 11 companions. However, it was agreed that the show must go on and with a little help from the guests attending, a meaningful and fulfilling ceremony was provided for the three principals elect.
The chapter was very honoured and delighted to have in attendance the Deputy Grand Superintendent Paul Renton, accompanied by Peter Allen, Chairman of the Chorley and Leyland Group. Both were able to reschedule their diaries allowing their attendance at the revised convocation date. Not only did they attend but they actively volunteered to be involved in the ceremony when, at the appropriate times, they occupied two of the principals’ chairs. They also gave two scripture readings for which the chapter members were very grateful and which certainly added to the enjoyment of the occasion.
In the end Peter Booth was successfully installed as first principal, with his son Ian successfully installed as second principal, and his son-in-law, Mayur, installed as third principal; a genuine family affair. At the completion of the ceremony Paul Renton, and Peter Allen, both stated how much they had enjoyed taking part in the ceremony and that although there were few in attendance, a very dignified and sincere ceremony had taken place – with a little help from the chapter’s friends.
The enjoyment of the event continued at the festive board where brevity was the order of the day and following a very enjoyable meal, an impromptu discussion took place on the Royal Arch and its future. In this Paul Renton gave an overview of developments that were taking place, which included seeking the views and opinions of the companions within the West Lancashire chapters.
It was unfortunate that there were not more companions present, however, this did not detract from what was a very pleasant and entertaining occasion.
