A most excellent evening at Chapter of Harmony
At the meeting of Chapter of Harmony No 220 held at Garston Masonic Hall the companions, along with their guests gathered for the installation of popular Garston Group member Danny Wilson as their new first principal. The chapter was pleased and honoured to have the presence of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ian Cuerden as their principal guest for the evenings celebrations.
Pictured from left to right are Mark, Danny, Graham and Ian.
The convocation commenced with the three principals opening the chapter to conduct the routine business of the evening before the DC Gary Mason announced that Ian Cuerden was without and seeks admission. Ian was duly admitted accompanied by Garston Group Chairman John Murphy and grand officer Howard Griffiths.
Ian was welcomed into the chapter by first principal Ray Cross who extended the welcome to all the evening's guests. The installation ceremony was conducted in a seamless calm and sincere way by all those involved, a point Ian was to make mention of later in the proceedings.
With Danny now appointed he was joined by newly installed second and third principals Mark Mellor and Graham Beardsmore. The robe address to Danny was delivered by Derek Horrocks, with Wyn Jones delivering the robe addresses to both Mark and Graham. The address to the companions of the chapter was in the charge of Ian Cuerden, and in like manner to Derek and Wyn, his delivery was made with both warmth and expertise in equal measure. The scripture readings were in the very capable hands of group chairman John Murphy, group vice chairman Dave Atkinson and grand officer Howard Griffiths.
In appointing the remaining officers of the chapter for the ensuing year Danny had a personal word of thanks and congratulations for each and every appointee.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Ian stood to offer the congratulations of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison to the three principals, indeed, to all the officers and companions of the chapter. He also added the wish of Tony, that they continue to enjoy both their Royal Arch Freemasonry and good health. He went on to add that he had no doubt, that had he been present, Tony would have congratulated Ray and Gary for their work in making the evening such a success. In conclusion he congratulated all the companions who had received appointment or promotion at the Provincial Grand Chapter meeting.
In responding to Ian, Danny, on behalf of the chapter companions, presented three cheques with a combined value of £750 to Ian. £200 in support of West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity, £400 in support of the Masonic Charitable Foundation and £150 in support of Garston Masonic Hall. On behalf of those who would ultimately benefit from these donations Ian offered his sincere thanks to the companions for their generosity.
After honouring the charities, it was time for the principal guests to retire for the remaining business of the evening to be conducted, prior to the companions gathering to toast the three principals as is our West Lancashire custom.
With the companions gathered in the dining room and an enjoyable festive board having been enjoyed, Ian delivered a response to the toast to grand officers. He then took the opportunity to offer his own congratulations to all those who took part in the evening's ceremony and in particular to the DC Gary for his work.
To conclude the evening, it was announced that a very successful raffle had realised a further £150 for the charities.
Pictured from left to right back row, are: Gary Mason, Dave Atkinson, John Murphy and Howard Griffiths. Front row: Mark Mellor, Danny Wilson, Graham Beardsmore and Ian Cuerden.
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