It has been a very busy year for Fylde Chapter No 2758. This North Fylde Group chapter has undertaken an exaltation ceremony at each of its four regular meetings during the past 12 months. In addition to this, they have welcomed six joining members. Fylde Chapter is certainly working hard to develop the United Grand Lodge of England’s membership strategy.
43 companions, including the Third Provincial Grand Principal, Reverend Canon John Hall and two of Chris Keogh’s brother-in-laws, filled the main chapter room at the Park Club, Cleveleys, for the convocation, to witness Chris Keogh being exalted into Fylde Chapter in extremely fine form. The team of officers for the evening, under new director of ceremonies Creag Williams, had worked very hard to practice and deliver a ceremony which can only be described as brilliant. The ceremony was well supported by guests with Adam Turner, Phil Bolton and Umesh Dholakia fulfilling the roles of principal sojourner, organist and janitor, respectively.
Following the ceremony, Reverend Canon John Hall praised the officers of the chapter for the excellent ritual and congratulated Adam Turner for his skill and ability in delivering the work of sojourner with so much feeling and dramatic performance. He also mentioned the excellent explanation of the signs so ably practised by chapter chaplain, Alan Fairhurst.
The festive board was efficiently led by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin. In his response to the toast to the Provincial officers, Canon John Hall spoke passionately about what Masonry, in his mind, is based upon and how members need to practice love for one another and look after each other.
The evening moved swiftly towards the most important toast of the evening, to the evening’s candidate for exaltation. The former Fylde Chapter director of ceremonies, John Lee, as Chris’ seconder, spoke with feeling and considerable pride for his friend Chris Keogh, outlining Chris’ commitment to Freemasonry, his work in lodge and the enthusiasm that Chris will bring to his membership of the Royal Arch. Chris Keogh thanked John for bringing him into Fylde Chapter and for speaking on behalf of his proposer, Tony Farrar, who was unable to be at the ceremony due to working away, out of the country. Chris spoke about his willingness to take part and become a key member of Fylde Chapter for many years to come.
Report and pictures by John Topping, Visiting Officer for Fylde Chapter with assistance from John Lee and Glen Jackson.