Sure and Stedfast Chapter of Temperance and Felicity No 9326 has held its 2023 installation ceremony at Liverpool Masonic Hall. It was, as to be expected, a warm and heartfelt meeting and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
The representative of the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews was Andy Barton Chairman of Warrington Group accompanied by fellow grand officer Stephen Walls with Liverpool Group Secretary Neil Francis. The ceremony of installation was performed effortlessly and ran like clockwork following the guidelines laid down for posterity by the much-lamented director of ceremonies James (Jim) Kontzle.
Joe Edwards installed his successor John Bruffell as first principal, who then installed his son Christopher as second principal, with Ray Parkins installed as third principal. The other officers being Syd Needham as scribe Nehemiah, Dave Crowley as scribe Ezra, Graham Edwards as treasurer, Joe Edwards as principal sojourner with Mike Worthington and Mark Rawsthorn as assistant sojourners and Geoff Cuthill as janitor.
Following the installation, the festive board was again very similar to the meeting beforehand, one of pure enjoyment with all being relaxed in company they knew so well. The meal reflected the chapter, consisting of traditional good honest wholesome fayre, starting with a pea and ham soup, fish, chips and peas served with bread and butter and a mild curry sauce, or tartare if preferred. The dessert was sponge pudding with hot custard.
As stated, the evening was very amicable and Andy Barton explained what was happening within Royal Arch and the pleasing response already received to the survey that had been sent to all companions. It was heartening to see so many taking part positively. Sadly, the evening drew to a close and the janitor gave the final toast of the evening.
Andy ran an informal and rather innovative question and answer session at the festive board which was extremely well received by all. After the toasts and responses, the evening drew to a close with Geoff Cuthill delivering the traditional janitor’s toast.