A Busy and Well Attended Evening in Sidmouth
On Thursday 20th February the ME Grand Superintendent, with his Deputy and the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, were escorted by around 20 other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers into the 104th Installation meeting of Perseverance Chapter No 164. Despite the fact that all three Principals were being Inducted it was to be a very busy meeting and as the last few Companions eventually reached the dining area, after the meeting was completed, it was only a few minutes before everyone were called to table. However, once the visiting party was welcomed and seated in the Temple the opening address was given by E Comp Chris Taylor. This was followed by the Induction of E Comp Henry Jaggers as Z, E Comp David Wheaton as H and E Comp Chris Henley as J. The explanations of the robes were also given. They then Appointed and Invested their officers for the year. When completed, perpetual jewels were passed on to the new MEZ and IPZ with some of their history explained.
The members present then voted to approve the revised By-laws which are aligned to the previously circulated “Model By-Laws”. These will now progress to Province and Grand Chapter for final approval. Item 8 on the agenda was the presentation of a Grand Chapter Certificate to Companion Tony Whitehead, who had been Exalted into the Chapter at the last meeting in November 2024. An explanation of the significant parts of the certificate was given my E Comp Steve Joint. The picture shows Tony being congratulated on having joined Chapter by E Comp Chris Roach
Once the Scribe E had dealt with “any other business” the closing address was given by E Comp James Sentance.
The opportunity was taken to capture this picture of the Executive members with the new Chapter Principals.
At table an excellent three course meal was served with Roast Lamb as the main course. Speeches were delightfully brief amidst normal toasts being taken, though is could be said that the first “Fire” given had a slightly erratic start. It had been an excellent evening of ritual topped off with plenty of bonhomie. Goodbyes were exchanged with reminders that the next meeting in April should include an Exaltation. The following pictures give a flavour of the atmosphere at table.
Arthur W Rowe
PAGDC
