Chapter of Justice No 6850 is a relatively young chapter having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. A quick perusal of the founding companions reveals a veritable list of distinguished companions, consisting of no less than two former Grand Superintendents and two former Deputy Grand Superintendents.
Companions and guests gathered at The Athenaeum Club, Church Alley, Liverpool for the installation ceremony of this fine chapter. The principal guest for the ceremony was David Potts as representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews
First principal John McGibbon, accompanied by stand-in second and third principals, Daniel and Stephen Senneck respectively, opened the chapter in fine form, under the watchful eye of director of ceremonies Andy Whittle. John then formally welcomed principal guest David Potts. David, who was accompanied by Matt Casson, Vice Chairman of the Gladstone Group, thanked John for his kind welcome.
In attendance were other distinguished guests, grand officers, David Anderton, Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group John Murphy and David Atkinson, Vice Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group.
Director of ceremonies, Andrew presented Kieran Senneck as third principal elect, Stephen Senneck then requested that Kieran complete his obligation which he recited perfectly. Andrew then presented Stephen Senneck as second principal elect to Daniel, as Stephen is a past principal of the chapter, it was requested that he re-affirm his obligation taken on a previous occasion.
Andrew then proclaimed John as first principal of Chapter of Justice. Having completed the proclamation, a conclave of installed second principals was declared and Stephen was then duly presented to Daniel. Having been so installed as second principal, the conclave was then closed.
Andrew then presented Kieran again and he was duly installed in solemn form into the chair of a third principal. All companions were then re-admitted and the three principals were declared by Andrew. This was the cue for first principal John to rise and deliver a superb rendition of ritual, giving the purple robe address to Stephen. Having completed that and with pause for breath, he then gave another superb rendition, this time of the blue robe address to Kieran. An impressive display of ritual prowess and a fitting tribute to the lineage of the chapter.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremony and investment of officers, David Potts rose and congratulated the three principals and indeed the companions for their hard work and commitment in delivering such an impressive ceremony, especially in the light of the two stand-in principals who at short notice had filled in.
A proposal for a new candidate soon followed and with chapter business concluded, all retired to the sumptuous dining rooms of the Athenaeum Club. The dining experience at the Athenaeum is an event in itself, and heartily recommended as one of many good reasons to visit this fine chapter, if not only for the veritable display of ritual, but the enjoyment and companionship of the festive board.
Principal guest David Potts delivered a fine speech at the festive board, which was heartfelt, sincere and humorous. As with all good things they must invariably come to an end, and so we look forward to another visit to the Chapter of Justice.
