The arrival of light nights and warm evenings heralded the occasion of the installation meeting of Sefton Chapter No 680 at the Artists Club, Liverpool. For those who may not have had the pleasure of attending this fine and welcoming chapter, the walk up Eberle Street is an occasion in itself.
This unique street has been revamped with a paving and lighting scheme that pays homage to the mythical Emerald City of the Wizard of Oz, Yellow Brick Road and Judy Garland. The multi-coloured granite paving interspersed with bespoke ‘Artscape’ elements, depicting illustrations from the Wizard of Oz, including Dorothy’s slippers and Toto the dog!
Once inside the Artists Club, this private members’ club is a decadent building with many fine features and uniquely has a collection of portraits of all of its presidents since 1889 painted by a resident artist. The brethren, guests and visitors met in the Grundy Room, where over a welcoming gin and tonic, they were invited to assemble for the installation ceremony.
The three principals, first principal Andrew Thompson, second principal Philip Marshall, accompanied by guide dog Harvey, and third principal Dale Roberts, opened the chapter in fine form. The director of ceremonies Tim Burgess then retired and, having been re-admitted, announced that the principal guest, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ian Timothy Sanderson stood without.
Andrew, on behalf of the three principals, announced that he would be delighted to receive him and all present stood, whilst Ian, accompanied by Gladstone Group Chairman John James and Gladstone Group Vice Chairman Paul Storrar, led by Provincial Grand Steward Paul McLachlan, were welcomed into the chapter.
The three principals were proclaimed as remaining in their respective offices, and so third principal Dale rose and delivered a faultless scarlet robe address to first principal Andrew. Andrew then rose and gave a perfect purple robe address to second principal Phil. Listening very attentively was Harvey who, with wagging tail, showed his appreciation. Finally, it was Phil’s turn to deliver the blue robe address to Dale, which again was a perfect oration.
The business of the chapter then turned to the investment of officers of the chapter, and in a surprise move, guide dog Harvey was also collared with the sash of a Royal Arch Mason, and perhaps for the first time becoming a ‘fourth’ principal – not even Toto can claim that honour; Harvey again wagging his tail very attentively and positively delighted.
Ian then rose and, addressing the three principals and Harvey, gave his congratulations to the chapter and wished all gathered well in their coming year, and of course to enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry. Andrew then presented Ian with cheques for charity. Ian thanked the chapter for its generosity with a total of £250 raised, split equally between the Ukraine Appeal and the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
The chapter business was concluded and then closed in due form, all retired to the fine surroundings of the Halliday Room for the festive board, and to continue the celebration of an excellent installation ceremony.
