The companions of Chapter of Faith No 484 were honoured and delighted to receive Deputy Grand Superintendent Chris Butterfield at their installation held at Bryn Masonic Hall. Chris was accompanied by fellow grand officers; Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Colin Rowling and Chairman of the Wigan Group John Selley. They were and supported by acting Provincial grand officers Barry Fitzgerald (who was on duty as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies), Norman Pritchard and Frank Laird.
The installing first principal David Dugdale certainly needed his wits about him, as only two of the three principals were to be installed as Stephen Hulse, who was due to occupy the second principal’s office, was unable to attend as he was on an extended holiday in Australia. So, at the relevant time, Paul Liptrot stepped in to assist in that role.
With Stephen missing it left Martin Stewart with the task of installing Ian Green to the office of third principal after himself being installed as first principal of the chapter. The director of ceremonies of the chapter Jim Miller also had to be on his toes to ensure the ceremony was well delivered by all those who took part in it.
The chapter was opened for business with David Dugdale as first principal, Martin Stewart as second principal, and Keith Ashcroft standing in as third principal. Business conducted, the distinguished guest was received by the principals. On entering the chapter, Chris was offered the sceptre by David, which he received, only to quickly return it, explaining that he had heard that the ritual at Chapter of Faith was quite a bit different than that he was familiar with, so he considered it was better back in the hands of David. This in fact proved to be the case, as David went on to give a polished and dignified performance worthy of the praise he later received from the honoured guest, installing his successor Martin as first principal and Ian Green as third principal.
The ritual used in Chapter of Faith is certainly different and involved a number of lengthy addresses which David delivered to perfection. John Selley and Karl Greenall delivered the robe addresses to the two principals, whilst the readings were given by John Moorfield and Jim Miller. Colin Rowling gave the address to the companions of the chapter.
Paul Liptrot, Martin Stewart, Ian Green, Dave Dugdale, John Selley, Stephen Dutson and Barry Fitzgerald.
Once Martin and Ian were safely installed and the officers duly appointed and invested, Chris stood to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, who he said would have been delighted to witness such a ceremony and particularly the work done by David in such fine fashion, making the decision to hand back the sceptre a wise one.
Chris went on to thank the new first principal Martin Stewart and third principal Ian Green for taking office and congratulated them on their appointment, as well as all the companions who had taken part. Martin responded and was proud to present charitable donations totalling £400. £300 to The Brick Food Bank and £100 to The Friends of Tithebarn, a remarkable amount for such a small chapter. These donations to the Masonic residential home have been a regular occurrence at Chapter of Faith for over 25 years.
After the ceremony the companions enjoyed a wonderful meal and good companionship at the festive board.
