Sincerity 261, November 2022 – The benefit of a rail strike!
Chapter of Sincerity 261 in Taunton exalted our newest candidate on Wednesday 9th November 2022. Bro Mike Norton of Portcullis Lodge No 2038 in Langport (the centre of the known Universe) was our candidate and participated in an exemplary manner all the way through. The benefit of the (called-off) rail strike? Well, MEGS Ray Guthrie was able to join us instead of attending SGC and the Somersetshire Chapter in London. As well as MEGS, we were very pleased to have E Comp Chris Summers (PGDC), E Comp Geoff Lester (Provincial 3rd Grand Principal), E Comp Charlie Barker (PGScE) and of course the star attraction – E Comp D John Bennett, a Past MEGS, as our stand-in Principal Sojourner for the evening!
After a moment of reflection upon the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, followed by a eulogy for a dear departed Companion, and then the investing of those Officers absent from the Installation Convocation, we moved to the main event – the exaltation of Bro Mike. He passed his examination by the PSoj with flying colours and was then guided around the Temple. The ceremony was well conducted by the Principals together with the PSoj and 1st Asst Soj – we are a Chapter who split that long part of the ritual into two. At the point of being invested, the pleasure was evident as now Companion Mike was decorated with his grandfather’s breast Jewel.
Moving onto the Festive Board, we unexpectedly entered into another famous “261 workings” as the Toast to the Exaltee came after his Response – best to draw a veil over how and why! At our Festive Board, E Comp Roger Bailey, our Charity Steward, reminded us of MEGS’ aim that Masonry should be a supporter of the Food Bank scheme, and let us know that he had established a collection point for food items in the lobby, and for cash in the dining room. During the dinner, over £100 made its way into the bucket for which we are grateful.
Finally, amongst our visitors at Festive Board, we were pleased to have Equipe Macon with us, some of Comp Mike’s mates from the Somerset Masonic Cycling Association.
A very happy occasion, all around.
