Chapter of Faith No 484 was honoured and delighted to receive Second Provincial Grand Principal Peter Elmore at their installation at Bryn Masonic Hall. Peter was accompanied by fellow officers from Supreme Grand Chapter, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ian Cuerden and Chairman of the Wigan Group Malcolm Taylor. They were and supported by acting Provincial officers Paul Hesketh (who was on duty as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies), Bill Goulden, Arthur Robinson and Dave Case. Fellow acting officer, and local care officer, John Lomax was also present, but as a member and director of ceremonies of the chapter. John certainly needed his wits about him, as only two of the three Principals were to be installed. John Selley, who was due to occupy the second principal’s office, was unable to attend, so at the relevant time John Moorfield stepped in to assist in that role.
Pictured from left to right, are: ‘Stand in’ John Moorfield with new principals Dave Dugdale and Jim Thomason.
The chapter was opened for business with Jim Miller as first principal, David Dugdale as second principal, and Keith Lomax standing in as third principal. Business conducted, the distinguished guest was received by the principals. On entering the chapter, Peter was offered the sceptre by Jim, which he received, only to quickly return it, explaining that, even as an installed first principal in his own chapter, he had heard that the ritual at Chapter of Faith was quite a bit different than that he was familiar with, so he considered it was better back in the hands of Jim. This in fact proved to be the case, as Jim went on to give a polished and dignified performance worthy of the praise he later received from the honoured guest, installing his successor, Dave Dugdale as first principal and Jim Thomason as third principal.
The ritual used in Chapter of Faith is certainly different and involved a number of lengthy addresses which Jim delivered to perfection. Mark Holloway and Keith Lomax delivered the robe addresses to the two principals, whilst the readings were given by John Moorfield and Keith Ashcroft. Peter Elmore, as expected, gave a faultless address to the companions.
Pictured from left to right, are: Jim Miller, Peter Elmore, John Moorfield, Dave Dugdale, Jim Thomason, Ian Cuerden and Malcolm Taylor.
Once Dave was safely installed and the officers duly appointed and invested, Peter stood to bring the greetings of the Grand Superintendent, who he said, would have been delighted to witness such a ceremony, and particularly the work done by Jim Miller in such fine fashion, making the decision to hand back the sceptre a wise one. Peter went on to thank new first principal Dave Dugdale and third principal Jim Thomason for taking office and congratulated them on their appointment, as well as all the companions who had taken part. Dave responded and was proud to present charitable donations totalling £650: £500 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.
Dave Dugdale is an experienced Mason. He is a past master of Chivalry Lodge No 3974 which meets at Ormskirk, and currently holds the rank of PPrGStwd, but is due to be promoted to PPrSGD in May. He is also the group webmaster at Ormskirk. Dave lives in the Orrell area and works as an IT Director.
Pictured from left to right, are: John Lomax, Dave Case, Jim Miller, Peter Elmore, John Moorfield, Dave Dugdale, Jim Thomason, Ian Cuerden, Bill Goulden, Malcolm Taylor and Arthur Robinson.