At the installation meeting of St Michael’s Chapter No 5756 held at Park Hall Hotel Charnock Richard; the chapter companions were honoured by the presence of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Tony Hall as their principal guest. This was Tony’s first official visit to the group since his installation.
Pictured from left to right, are: Tony Hall, Stuart Cunningham, Brian Ball and Andrew Cunningham.
Tony was accompanied by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Philip Gunning (chapter member) and Frank Umbers Ormskirk and District Group Chairman. They were supported by acting officers Reynell Morris PrPGSoj, Richard Frazer-Bastable PrGStdB and Derek Midgley PrGStwd (chapter member).
The visitors were then treated to an exemplary installation ceremony with Stuart Cunningham installing his son Andrew as his successor as the third principal of the chapter. Brian Ball in turn installed Stuart as his successor as second principal with Robert Poole subsequently installing Brian as his successor as first principal.
All three principals were presented for installation by the chapter DC David Rawcliffe. The scripture readings were presented by Martin Howell, Andy Hayton and Robert Midgley respectively with all the associated prayers being delivered by the three principals. The scarlet, purple and blue robe addresses were given by Derek Midgley, Brian Kay and Stuart Cunningham respectively, all of whom made first-class presentations.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremony, Tony brought the greetings and congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison, commenting that had he been present he would have witnessed an excellent ceremony. On Tony’s behalf he congratulated Brian on attaining the first principal’s chair, wishing him well for his year in office. He went on to congratulate Robert Poole for his excellent work in installing his successor and in turn congratulated all those companions who had a part to play in the evening’s ceremony, in particular mentioning the DC David Rawcliffe and ADC Alan Burgess for their expert direction of the ceremony.
Brian, in reply, thanked Tony for his kind comments and presented him with two cheques; one to the value £200 in support of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and the second for £300, in support of the MCF 2021 Festival.
The proceedings in the chapter were brought to a close and everyone retired to the banqueting suite for an excellent festive board.
The three principals (centre) surrounded by distinguished guests.