Companions of Walton Chapter No 1086 held their annual installation ceremony at Woolton Golf Club. The three principals entered the chapter and opened proceedings in step with normal custom. The principals then extended a warm and friendly welcome to the companions, guests and new joining member David Moore.
Pictured from left to right, are: Barry Harnick, Paul McLachlan and George Strickland.
All the companions were then pleased to receive the principal guest, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Sam Robinson accompanied by grand officer John James, Vice Chairman of Gladstone Group, Woolton Group Chairman Andrew Whittle and acting Provincial grand officers Alan Jones and Doug Lace.
The three principles arose and extended a very warm welcome to Sam. The ceremony of installation commenced under the direction of the chapter DC Steven Lynch. John Sanjurgo was honoured to take the third principal’s chair, David Jones that of the second principal Alan Atkinson remained in the first principal’s chair.
The visitors witnessed an excellent ceremony with first principal Alan Atkinson installing Paul McLachlan as his successor, Barry Harnick was elevated to second principal and George Strickland was installed as the third principal. As none of the principals elect had held their impending offices before, they were installed in full form, after which they invested their officers for the coming year.
Charles Matthews (left) and Paul McLachlan.
The scripture readings for the principals were given by Charles Matthews third principal, second principal Andrew Whittle, and first principal Sam Robinson. The robe addresses were performed to a high standard by Steven Lynch scarlet, Paul McLachlan purple and Eric Palfreyman blue. Charles Matthews gave a flawless address to the three principals, Harold Thacker addressed the officers and Sam Robinson the companions of the chapter.
On the conclusion of the ceremony, Sam expressed the best wishes of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison to the three principals, he also congratulated all the companions that took part in the installation. Sam was then presented with a cheque for £150 on behalf of the chapter to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. The business of the chapter completed, the chapter was then closed and all retired to the festive board.
At the festive board, first principal Paul McLachlan had the pleasant task of presenting Charles Matthews with a bottle of his favourite tipple to celebrate his 50 years as a member of Walton Chapter, although Charles is now an honorary member. Charles was a joining member of Walton Chapter in September 1966.
Pictured from left to right, are: John James, Andrew Whittle, Barry Harnick, Paul McLachlan, George Strickland, Sam Robinson and Alan Jones.