On Tuesday 12th January Chapter of Justice held its Installation meeting and E. Comp John Marson was installed as MEZ, E. Comp Rob Smallwood as H and E. Comp Paul Chaffe as J. It was last in 2009 that all three Principals were Tyrian masons, E. Comps Phil Houckham, Eric Boultbee, Richard Alton and Martin Ward having performed sterling work since then to prove non-Tyrians can fill the offices with aplomb!
The substitutes for the Inner Workings were no less than the Past Grand Superintendent Tom Briggs, the Grand Scribe N Graham Rudd and the Provincial Grand Master Stephen Varley. A talented team!
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was in attendance, together with E. Comp. Philip Bowler, the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, and a number of other Provincial Officers. The Charter of Confirmation, dated 1822, was presented to the MEZ by the Grand Superintendent, although the Chapter dates from 1789 and its first warrant (granted by Thomas Dunckerely) had to be surrendered to Supreme Grand Chapter in 1822 when the Charters of Confirmation were issued to existing chapters. Although the bicentenary is not due until 2022, Justice hopes to convince SGC that we have proof of continual working since 1815 and probably since 1789 – watch this space for an “earlier” bicentenary celebration!
