It was definitely a classically dark, late autumn night outside, but far from that inside the incredible Masonic Rooms at Alderson House on the night of the 28th November with festive season lighting in abundance, and a fine decorated tree to greet the members and visitors within the hallway arriving for the St Barbara Chapter Installation meeting!

The warmth of greeting upon arrival didn’t stop there, it permeated right through into the Chapter Room with much chatter and friendly talk with the Companions until the ceremonial work began, but those moments of due solemnity were quickly followed by even more chatter which continued for the rest of the evening at the festive board.

A long-time friend of St Barbara, E Comp Nigel Hawkins, PGStB and a Past Provincial 2ndGPrincipal presided and he was accompanied by E Comp Mark Phillips, PGStB Acting as the 2ndPGP with E Comp Steve Price Acting as the 3rdPGP, all ably escorted by E Comp Richard Orme the PGADC, an incredible Provincial lineup for what was an excellent evening at Alderson House.   

E Comp Phil Thorns was inducted as MEZ, E Comp Alan Harwood, the ProvGJan was inducted into the chair of Haggai, and a brand-new Joshua, Comp Matt Johnson was installed. The Installing MEZ, E Comp Rob Wootton did a fine job as did the new MEZ when he invested the other officers of the Chapter. The Addresses to the Robes were performed to a high standard as were the Charges performed by the Acting Principals.

As if that was not enough, E Comp Nigel then took charge of presenting three Grand Chapter Certificates, a performance that was inimitable, and engaging for the recipients who only just a few months before had joined the Royal Arch; for each of them it was an incredible Masonic experience and one which they will for ever carry in their hearts with the warmth in which they were presented

From left to right; E Comps Mark Phillips, Alan Harwood, Nigel Hawkins, Phil Thorns, Steve Price and last but not least, Matt Johnson.

Photos by courtesy of Richard Orme.