The members and visitors of Architect Chapter No 1375 were delighted to receive representative of the Grand Superintendent Mike Adams to their installation meeting which was held at the Urmston Masonic Hall.
Mike was accompanied by fellow grand officers Brian Hayes and South Eastern Group Deputy Chairman Nigel Paton together with other distinguished Provincial grand officers, group officers and visiting companions.
After opening the chapter in his own inimitable style, first principal Shaun Brookhouse convened the business of the chapter at which point Mike, along with the other grand officers, entered the chapter to be welcomed very warmly by Shaun.
The installation proceeded well, although new second principle to be, Chris Knowles, was unable to be present and David Durling stood in for him during the ceremony. The three principals were well guided by director of ceremonies Gareth Jones.
Andrew Makin was Installed as first principal with Sylvester During being installed as third principal, there then followed excellent robe addresses given by Shaun Brookhouse to Andrew and then Andrew gave the robe address to Sylvester the third principal.
The chapter officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and on completion of the ceremony, Mike rose to bring the greetings and good wishes for a prosperous, healthy and enjoyable year from the new Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews.
Mike said that if Mark had been present, he would have witnessed a most intriguing ceremony of installation and on his behalf, congratulated the director of ceremonies Gareth Jones and all those who took their part in the evening’s event, he also thanked all those who had taken office in the chapter.
First principal Andrew then rose and thanked Mike for his very kind words and on behalf of the chapter presented Mike with a cheque which with Andrew’s permission, he read out the contents of which was made out to the WLFC for the sum of £200. Mike thanked the members praising the very generous donation given the small size of the chapter.
At the first rising, Brian Hayes conveyed the greetings and good wishes on behalf of the grand officers saying that it had been an excellent ceremony and welcomed Andrew once more into the chair as a first principal wishing him, and the chapter, an enjoyable year to come.
After the convocation, a very friendly and buoyant festive board took place and in response to the toast to the grand officers, Mike offered his own congratulations to the companions, made reference to the age of the chapter, (being 147 years old), and that it was amongst the oldest still operating in the province. Mike went on to talk about recruitment and retention of members, being especially concerned about the loss of Royal Arch members and how important it was not only to recruit new members but also to retain current ones.
Mike thanked the chapter for the welcome they had extended to him and to the group chairman for giving him the opportunity to represent and thus, the toasts of the evening having ended, a most enjoyable meeting was thus concluded.