The Three Principals of Prince Alfred Chapter and the newly exalted Companion, (all seated) together with the Members of the East Lancs Royal Arch Presentation Team (all standing)
Prince Alfred Chapter No 1218 is based at Westholme, Mossley’s Masonic Hall, and thus falls within the Ashton & Mossley District of Southern Area. It was consecrated in 1955 and, with 23 members, is doing well for a Chapter in this day and age. So it was with a good deal of pleasure that EComp John Cavanagh, the leader of the East Lancashire Royal Arch Presentationn Team received a request for him and his members to carry out an Exaltation at this Chapter.
The brief was to exalt Brother Daniel Byrom, a 24 year old member of Mossley Lodge using the particular form of the ritual which was developed for the use of the team. This particular working presents how the regular ceremony can be divided up among several people which makes it more enjoyable, and a more flexible way of sharing the ceremony among more of a Chapter’s members.
After having seen the Chapter opened in an excellent manner by the three Principals, each office was then taken over by a member of the team who completed the whole ceremony. It was very pleasing to have EComp John Pearson, who is the APGM for Southern Area in another order of Freemasonry, as well as EComp Martin Roche, who is our Provincial Grand Scribe E, but who made it clear that on this evening he had come as a guest of the Chapter rather than in his official capacity. Still, when you are graced by two such senior Masons, it does add a little frisson to the proceedings.
Some of the members of Prince Alfred Chapter together with their principal guests on the evening
The Exaltation went well and all of the members of the Presentation Team played their part with good grace. After the ceremony was concluded, Daniel was welcomed into the Chapter by the MEZ, and congratulated by all of those present. EComp Roche spoke quite movingly about how much he had enjoyed the ceremony, and congratulated everyone on a job well done. After all, that is why the team take part in these various ceremonies. For the sheer joy of doing a good job, and for love of this wonderful Order.
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