The Chapter of Faith and Hope held its first full Installation for three years – the MEZ and 2nd Principal had been in office since pre-covid times. With several regular members not present (on other Masonic duties) the Chapter was pleased to have support from Acting Provincial Officers, and many guests from far and wide.
The evening was unusual in that E Comp John Hayward, who usually occupies the office of Scribe Ezra, but in his present role as Assistant to the Provincial Principals, entered as Presiding Officer, and was very grateful when E Comp Paul Wheeler offered to act as Scribe Ezra for the evening. The Presiding Officer was accompanied by E Comp Fred Ditchfield, acting 2nd Principal, and E Comp Paul Buck, Acting 3rd Principal. Escorting Director of Ceremonies was E Comp Mike Smith, who gave a splendid proclamation at the end of the regular business, covering no less than fourteen Companions who received an honourable mention. The Presiding Officer is still in disgrace for omitting to thank E Comp Mike Smith for his support, assistance and proclamation, in his response to toast five!
It was pleasing to hear that the Chapter has two candidates to be exalted this year, and is on the lookout for more as numbers have reduced over the last three years.
Our Chapter is somewhat unusual in that it attracts members from Lodges far and wide. The MEZ hails from the Lodge of Happiness, Haggai is from Machen Lodge and is a member of other Lodges, whilst Joshua is a former member of the Lodge of Peace & Unity, now sadly closed. If you would like to learn more about our Chapter, follow this link
A very enjoyable evening was the verdict of all concerned, and the future is looking promising for the Chapter.
Pictured below on the Installation evening are:
E Comp Chris Albion, H, E Comp Colin Bennett, MEZ and E Comp Bob Ballard, J.
The Provincial team with the Chapter team:
E Comp Fred Ditchfield, 2nd Provincial Principal, E Comp Chris Albion, H, E Comp John Hayward, Presiding Officer, E Comp Colin Bennett, MEZ, E Comp Paul Buck, 3rd Provincial Principal, E Comp Bob Ballard, J.
It was a great pleasure to have E Comp Peter Britton present – Peter is now an Honorary Member of the Chapter, has 57 years of Royal Arch service, and has served in five decades as First Principal. He is pictured below with the Provincial Team:
Finally, with thanks to all those who supported the Chapter and the Provincial Team, pictured are just a few of the visiting Companions present.
Thanks go to E Comp Mike Smith, who unfortunately was not in the photos, as he was behind the camera. Many thanks Mike for your camera expertise, and for looking after the proceedings throughout the evening, in conjunction with our resident Chapter Director of Ceremonies E Comp Mike Willetts.
John Hayward