The Masonic Hall at Prescot was the venue for the exaltation of Clifton John Williams, known as John by his friends, into Chapter of Lebanon No 86. The chapter was opened in due form at 6:35 by the three principals, first principal Neil Taylor, second principal Graham Barker and third principal Sandy Kean.
For the exaltation ceremony, the chapter was honoured by the presence of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Murphy, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle and Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson.
After the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed and duly signed a ballot then took place for two rejoining members, Harry Brookes and Michael Johnson. The ballot proved favourable and both were presented to the three principals who greeted them warmly and expressed their delight at their decision to return to the chapter.
A ballot was then taken for Clifton John Williams, this proved to be in favour and the ceremony could begin. Sandy Kean requested Peter Hornby, principal sojourner, to retire and entrust the candidate, this he did and the ceremony of exaltation could begin.
Janitor of the chapter Ted Webster, gave the appropriate knocks to announce that the candidate was properly prepared and ready to go. Scribe Nehemiah, David Mitton, reported to the principals and John was admitted. Principal sojourner Peter took charge and guided John through his exaltation with the skill and expertise that only comes with many years of dedication and practice.
The ceremony of exaltation was conducted by Sandy Kean, it was the first time that Sandy had performed an exaltation ceremony which he carried out in exemplary fashion to the acclaim of all the companion present.
John having been invested, rewarded, decorated and entrusted, Sandy requested Paul Brunskill to assist by demonstrating the five signs of Royal Arch Freemasonry, Paul was pleased to acquiesce to Sandy’s request. The ceremony of exaltation was overseen by director of ceremonies Ian Halsall in commendable manner as one would expect from a Provincial DC.
After the ceremony. new companion John Williams expressed his delight in becoming a companion of Royal Arch Freemasonry and thanked everyone for making his evening one that he will remember for years to come.
The festive board was a very lively affair where John expressed his thanks for the way that all the companions had welcomed him and made his night so memorable. Both Andrew Whittle and John Murphy congratulated John on taking the next step in his Masonic journey, Andrew and John came along to highlight the indissoluble link between Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry and hoped that this would encourage others to follow in John’s footsteps.