EComp P Aspinall, PGStB, APGP, the Three Principals and Companion Kershaw
The hosted meeting of Abbey Chapter held on Thursday the 15th October 2015, saw the small but beautiful Lodge room at Whalley almost full to capacity with forty Companions signing the Janitors attendance book.
The MEZ, EComp Dennis Hesketh opened the Chapter and then welcomed EComp Paul Aspinall, PGStB, APGP. The MEZ expressed his regret that he couldn’t, on this occasion, offer the First Principals Sceptre to him. EComp Aspinall expressed his delight at being in attendance and that the chance of him accepting the kind offer of the First Principals Sceptre, had it been offered, were somewhat remote.
Following the preliminary business there came the main business of the evening which was to Exalt Bro Andrew Brett Kershaw.
As is usual at hosted meetings Companions from visiting Chapters, the following Companions assisted the MEZ:
| Haggai | EComp Keith Roberts, PGStB | Ashlar Chapter No 4858 |
| Joshua | EComp James Sutcliffe, PGStB | Abbey Chapter No 2529 |
| Scribe Ezra | Comp David Tyman | Abbey Chapter No 2529 |
| Scribe Nehemiah | EComp John Wilkinson | Cana Chapter No 116 |
| Principal Soj | EComp Philip Myers, PProvGSoj | Nativity Chapter No 126 |
| 1st Asst Soj | EComp Jeff Bradshaw, PProvGSN | Borough & Thursby Chapter No 1064 |
| 2nd Asst Soj | EComp Arthur Cassidy, PProvAGDC | Red Rose of Lancaster Chapter No 1504 |
| Janitor | EComp Robert Summers | Nelson Chapter No 2193 |
Bro Kershaw was entrusted, admitted and Exalted into Royal Arch Masonry in what, considering the variation in ritual usually used by the acting officers, was a splendid ceremony. Having been restored to his personal comforts Companion Kershaw was conducted to a seat in the Chapter. The MEZ then took the opportunity to thank all the acting Officers for their efforts which had contributed to such a wonderful ceremony.
EComp Aspinall was invited to present a Supreme Grand Chapter Certificate to Companion Graham Thornton. Given that EComp Aspinall had thirty seconds notice, he explained the significance of the certificate and the need to sign it, further expressing the hope that the full explanation of the certificate would, in due course, be given to Companion Thornton.
At the first and second risings EComp Aspinall gave greetings from Supreme Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Chapter respectively, echoing the sentiments of the MEZ regarding the quality of the ritual. He further expressed his opinion that it was due to the strength of membership of Royal Arch Masons in the Northern Area that made these occasions so enjoyable.
At the third and fourth risings greetings were given on behalf all the visitors, by EComp Trevor M Thomas, PProv1stAGSoj, District Officer Royal Arch for the Burnley and Pendle District, who having organised the event, thanked all who had taken part for their efforts in making this such a memorable occasion for Companion Kershaw.
EComp P Aspinall, PGStB, APGP, accompanied by a number of other members of the Chapter, including the Three Principals and EComp Trevor M Thomas, PProv1stAGSoj, DORA
The Chapter was then closed in due form and the Companions retired to the social board.
The social board room was almost at capacity with the Companions treated to a super repast of roast beef and all the trimmings followed by what is arguably the staple dessert in Freemasonry, sponge pudding and custard. The speeches were all well received with our newly Exalted Companion receiving the approbation of all present for his response to the toast to his health.
The Companions departed having enjoyed taking part in a rather special evening of Royal Arch Masonry.