The members of the Chapter of Rectitude No 502 had an enjoyable, albeit eventful, Installation Convocation at Rugby Masonic Hall on Thursday 17th February 2022, where they were joined by a Provincial Team of three and nine other visitors.
The first change arose when we received that telephone call which all Chapters dread i.e. The Presiding Officer, E. Comp Nigel J Hawkins, Third Provincial Grand Principal, telephoned shortly before the meeting was due to commence, to say that he had been taken ill on his way there and had to go back home.
After discussion with the acting Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals, E. Comp David R Graham, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, PGStB, and the Scribe Ezra of the Chapter of Rectitude, agreed to act as Presiding Officer, and what an excellent job he did too.
This meant that we had to find an acting Scribe Ezra, a role which E. Comp Denis R Biley, PPGSN, readily agreed to take on. He is a former Scribe Ezra of the Chapter, which was evident in how well he carried out those duties at such short notice.
The second change arose when we found ourselves without a Janitor at the last minute, resulting in the Chapter DC asking if any of the Companion’s present would help.
E Comp Christopher Hallam, PProvAGSoj of Composite Chapter No 5727, our Sister Chapter in Rugby, offered to do it without hesitation, as this is an office he often takes on.
The ceremony went smoothly after that, and the Principals Installed their successors well, despite their pre-meeting nerves.
They were assisted by the Provincial team which, in addition to E. Comp David Graham consisted of E. Comp J David Evans PAGSoj, acting as Second Provincial Grand Principal, E. Comp R Nigel Clemson ProvGStB, acting as Third Provincial Grand Principal and E. Comp James Freakley ProvDepGDC, who gave an excellent proclamation to the Provincial Grand Principal et al, before the Chapter was closed.
It is well known that things come in threes and the third change arose because E. Comp Nigel Hawkins was due to present a Grand Chapter Certificate to a recently exalted Companion and wasn’t there!
E. Comp David Graham overcame this situation by “pulling rank”, and delegated the task to E Comp J David Evans, who gave an interesting explanation of the Certificate, which was much appreciated by the Companions present, especially after such short notice.
The remainder of the Labour was dealt with efficiently and the Companions were called to refreshment in good time to enjoy a drink at the bar before an excellent meal at the Festive Board, which from the atmosphere and buzz in the room, seemed to be enjoyed by all.
We have an exaltation at our next Convocation, which is at 6.30pm on Thursday 21st April 2022, to which all visitors will be made welcome.
The Chapter Principals – E. Comps Kevin Goodwin, Richard Clews and John Illingworth
The Chapter Principals with the acting Provincial Grand Principals – E. Comps David R Graham, J David Evans and R Nigel Clemson
E. Comp Ivan Norris
