The companions of Chapter of Faith No 484 were honoured and delighted to receive William Smith, PGStdB, as the principal guest at their installation at Bryn Masonic Hall. Bill, as he is more familiarly known, was accompanied by fellow officer from Supreme Grand Chapter, Malcolm Taylor Chairman of Wigan Group and supported by acting Provincial grand officers including Provincial Grand Almoner Ernie Greenhalgh, Provincial Deputy Grand Scribe Ezra Aaron van Duyvenbode, Mike Cunliffe (PrGStdB) and Bob Duff (PrGStwd) together with group officers Geoffrey Porter and Chris Reeman.
Pictured from left to right, are: Jim Thomason, John Selley and Mike Grey.
David Dugdale as first principal, opened the chapter for business with John Selley as second principal, and Jim Thomason as third principal. After the normal business was conducted, the representative of the Grand Superintendent, Bill Smith was received warmly by the principals. Those familiar with the chapter will know that the ritual at Chapter of Faith is quite different from the installation ceremony that most are familiar with. David, ably supported by his co-principals, went on to give a polished and dignified performance, worthy of the praise he later received from the honoured guest, installing his successor John Selley as first principal and Jim Thomason as second principal, with new boy Mike Grey progressing to the third principal’s chair.
The ritual used in Chapter of Faith involves a number of lengthy addresses which were delivered, well assisted by Mark Holloway adding no less than six readings and Frank Cooke delivering the prayers, all under the watchful eye of DC John Lomax. John Moorfield delivered the robe address to John Selley, who in turn delivered the robe address to Jim Thomason, with Jim Thomason delivering the robe address to Mike Grey.
Pictured from left to right, are: Bill Smith, Jim Thomason, John Selley, Mike Grey, Dave Dugdale and Malcolm Taylor.
Once John was safely installed, he duly appointed and invested his officers. On investing long standing almoner Ted Pierce, Bill Smith stood to introduce Ernie Greenhalgh, explaining that much had changed in Royal Arch Masonry over the years, but particularly the almoner’s role, so it was a good idea for the Provincial Grand Almoner to remind everyone of the duties. Ernie then delivered a fine address and explanation to Ted and all assembled.
Once all the officers were invested, Bill was on his feet again, this time bringing the greetings of the Grand Superintendent, who he said, would have been delighted to witness such a ceremony and particularly the work done by David, but also to everyone who had taken part. He added that the Grand Superintendent may not have recognised the ritual that had taken place, but would have nonetheless been delighted and would have urged everyone to make the enjoyment of their Royal Arch Masonry a priority.
Pictured from left to right, are: Aaron van Duyvenbode, Ernie Greenhalgh, Bob Duff, Bill Smith, Jim Thomason, John Selley, Mike Grey, Dave Dugdale, Malcolm Taylor and Mike Cunliffe.
New first principal John is an experienced Mason and is currently group treasurer / assistant secretary and is due to take on the substantive role of Group Secretary in May. Chapter of Faith certainly have faith in their new leader.
The companions enjoy the meal at the festive board.
Congratulating everyone who had taken office, Bill reminded them of the historic nature of the chapter, having now been in existence for 84 years.
Bill receives flowers to take home to his wife.
He then spent some time thanking or congratulating companions: John for his forthcoming appointment to group secretary, Ted for his work as slmoner, Provincial Grand Almoner, Ernie Greenhalgh for his work “turning care upside down” to make it the envy of all the other Provinces, Mark Holloway for the hard work over six years as Provincial Publicity Officer, Arend Van Dyvenbode for his forthcoming grand rank appointment, Freddie Wright, George Scattats and Joe Williams for their support for the brethren and companions from the Isle of Man when they need to be treated by the NHS in Liverpool and many more of the companions present at the festive board…..
John responded and was proud to present charitable donations totalling £593.65 (including gift aid): £443.65 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £75 to Tithebarn and £75 to Eccleshome, a remarkable amount for such a small chapter. These donations to the Masonic residential homes have been a regular occurrence at Chapter of Faith for over 20 years.