Perseverance Chapter 455 Convocation – 29 February 2016
Leap Years come around once every four years, and on Leap Year Night, Monday 29 February, those present at Perseverance Chapter No 455, witnessed a convocation the like of which would surely not be seen again for at least another four years. The evening comprised firstly, of a wonderful exaltation ceremony in which Brother Mark Whitehead completed his journey through Pure Antient Freemasonry, then secondly by Comp Pat Montgomery being belatedly installed as MEZ. Present in an official capacity was the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams, accompanied by Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. E Comp John Payne. Also in attendance were the Deputy Grand Superintendent. E Comp Mike Coleman, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal. E Comp George Clayton, together with a good contingent of Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
The Exaltation. The Three Principals, E Comp Bob Watts, E Comp Brian Willis and E Comp Balbir Lotay led an excellent ceremony which saw several officers produce outstanding work. The Principal Sojourner, E Comp Tony Albrecht along with 1st Assistant Sojourner, Comp Malcolm Taylor-Griffiths together with 2nd Assistant Sojourner Comp Peter Robinson led Bro Whitehead through his exaltation ceremony in a most exemplary manner. The signs were then presented by E Comp William Caswell, followed by the Mystical Lecture, presented with great style and flair, by E Comp Mike Coleman, E Comp John Wills and E Comp Phil Litchfield.
Above our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams is pictured with the Principals of the Chapter
The Installation. It was so good to see that E Comp Pat Montgomery was now sufficiently well to be belatedly installed as MEZ following a sudden illness that had prevented him being able to attend his original planned installation in November 2015. Last year’s MEZ, E Comp Bob Watts, having extended his term of office for a few months, went on to install his successor, E Comp Pat, with great warmth and brilliance before finally being installed as IPZ. E Comp Tony Albrecht went on to do a terrific job of presenting the Robes and Sceptre to the newly installed MEZ in a most excellent fashion.
A thoroughly entertaining Festive Board followed which was enjoyed by all, and at which the MEGS E Comp Wayne Williams formally welcomed Perseverance Chapter’s newest Companion, now, Companion Mark Whitehead, into the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
Above: Our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp Wayne Williams talks with Comp Mark Whitehead, Perseverance Chapter's newest member
This Chapter really made the best use of the extra day in the month of February, so much so that we all need to make note of the next time that they will hold a meeting on 29 February ….. 2044!