At the installation meeting of Chapter of Concord No 343, companion Alan Whittle was installed in the third principal’s chair, Mike Armstrong progressed to the second principal’s chair and Ray Thompson was installed as first principal, all of them attaining their respective positions for the first time.
The principal guest on this occasion was Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ian Cuerden who was accompanied by Preston Group Chairman Steve Bolton; they were supported by acting Provincial grand officers, Alan Jones, Paul Astley and Gowan O’Hagan.
After welcoming Ian into the chapter, the first principal David Barlow, using his powers of delegation, invited Warren Matts to occupy his chair as first principal. The visitors witnessed an excellent ceremony with Mike Armstrong installing his successor Alan Whittle into the third principal’s chair. Ray Thompson, in turn, installing Mike as his successor as the second principal and Warren Matts installing Ray as the first principal. As none of the principals elect had held their impending offices before, they were all installed in full form with each principal reciting his own obligation.
The three principals were, in turn, presented for installation by the chapter DC, Bob Erett. The scripture readings for the third principal were given by Ian Grant, those for the second principal by David Barlow and those for the first principal by Bob Hampson. The associated prayers for all three principals were recited by the chapter reader Tony Shaw.
Pictured from left to right, are: Mike Armstrong, Ray Thompson and Alan Whittle.
Companions below the rank of an installed principal were invited to retire from the chapter for a short time. A conclave of installed first principals was declared, during which Ray was entrusted with the secrets of the first principal’s position and duly placed into his chair by Warren Matts. The conclave was then closed and remained open as a conclave of installed second principals. Second principal elect, Mike, was invited to return to the chapter to be entrusted with the secrets of the second principal’s position and duly placed into his chair by Ray. The conclave was closed and remained open as a conclave of installed third principals. Third principal elect, Alan, was invited to return to the chapter to be entrusted with the secrets of the third principal’s position and duly placed into his chair by Mike. The conclave was closed and all companions invited to return to the chapter. The three principals were declared as being in office by the chapter DC, Bob Erett.
The scarlet robe address was given by David Barlow, the purple robe address was given by Bob Erett and the blue robe address was given by Ian Grant. The address to the three principals was given by Warren Matts, all of whom gave commendable performances.
During the appointment and investiture of the chapter officers, the invested charity steward Warren Matts, was addressed by the Preston Group Charity Steward Vic Parker. The installation ceremony concluded with the address to the chapter companions given by the principal guest Ian Cuerden.
Ian went on to bring the congratulations and best wishes of the Grand Superintendent Anthony Harrison, in particular congratulating the retiring DC Bob Erett, for all his work over the 10 years he had held the office of DC that had culminated in the evening’s well worked ceremony. He went on to congratulate all those who had taken office and thanked David Barlow for all the work he had done during his year in office. He was pleased to have the company of three acting officers and concluded by asking them to rise and introduce themselves to the members.
The first principal thanked Ian for his generous comments on behalf of the Grand Superintendent before presenting Ian with a cheque from the chapter companions to the value £300 in support of the MCF 2021 Festival. The work in the chapter concluded with Brian Fox presenting David with the Percy Goldberg jewel as recognition of his time in the three principals’ chairs.
Ian (left) congratulates the three principals on attaining their respective chairs.
Later in the evening, in response to the toast to the grand officers, Ian brought his own congratulations to all those who had taken part in the ceremony, in particular congratulating those companions who had delivered the scripture readings and the robe addresses so eloquently. He thanked Bob Erett for his work in organising the day’s ceremony and for all he had done over the last 10 years as the chapter DC.
He continued by thanking the group chairman, Steve Bolton for his company and support and also the support of the three acting officers saying that the presence of acting officers adds so much to a chapter occasion. He mentioned the work of the Preston Group Publicity Officer Phil Cragg, thanking him for all the work he does attending both Craft as well as Royal Arch installations and celebrations and also for the many hours spent writing the articles for the group and Provincial websites.
He went on to thank the chapter companions for their very generous charitable donation made earlier, commenting that charitable giving generally comes from the Craft lodges; to receive donations from chapters is a bonus indeed.
He informed the companions of the Talking Heads presentation to be made at the November meeting of Festival Lodge No 8123 asking them to give it their full support by encouraging brethren in their own lodges who have not yet taken that important step, to attend what will be a relaxed introduction to the Royal Arch.
Noting that the chapter had two potential candidates in the offing, Ian encouraged the chapter to make good use of the enhanced ritual ceremony that has been amply demonstrated around the Province. He was sure sections of it could be adapted to fit in with the chapter’s current ritual to provide better understanding of the ceremony for the candidate.
Ian concluded his response by wishing the companions well for the recess, asking them not to forget the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity during the forthcoming MCF 2021 Festival.
Pictured from left to right, are: Paul Astley, Ian Cuerden, Mike Armstrong, Ray Thompson, Alan Whittle, Warren Matts and Alan Jones.