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Claughton Royal Arch Chapter
has seen a great many changes since it's consecration, seventy five years
ago: both in terms of Freemasonary and social changes shaped by the outside
world. Some have been significant, whilst many others might rightly be
considered as inconsequential.
Six First Principals have governed the Chapter and through their good
offices, two of our Companions from the first quarter-century were promoted
to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Likewise, seven Grand Superintendents have presided over the Chapter and
during the second and third quarters, a total of four Companions were
honoured with the rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah.
It is true to say that many Companions have shown rare talent and ability.
Eight First Principals went on to complete a second term as leader of
the Chapter, at a later date. Only one was "lucky" enough to
stay on for a second term. Some have said, reportedly, that he was just
a glutton for punishment. Others , cynically, have suggested another affliction,
although looking at him across the Temple today, he appears to have fully
recovered.
One Companion, however, can be considered the unluckiest Principal ever.
En-route to his Installation into the Third Principal's Chair, he was
involved in a road traffic accident resulting in the almost total destruction
of his car, by fire, on the Runcorn -Widnes bridge. Imagine his horror,
when , two years later , on his way to his Installation into the Chair
of Zerubbabel, he crashed his car , in the Mersey Tunnel. Tenacity was
his middle name, obviously, because he went on to be elected and duly
served the office of Treasurer of the Chapter for a total of six years.
Although, numerically, membership has declined since the first heady days
after Consecration, it is fair to say that over the last twenty-five years,
very stable numbers have been achieved. What is encouraging, however,
is that the membership/attendance ratio has dramatically improved, by
approximately a half, to over sixty six percent and visitor numbers have
nearly doubled.
Similarly, the number of Exaltees has declined. Whilst their average age
has remained almost constant, there has been a rise, to over fifty-seven
percent, in the number who have gone on to attain the First Principal's
Chair.
Joining member numbers have remained stubbornly low and their average
age profile gives some cause for concern. However, it cannot be denied,
that whilst small in number, they have contributed well, by filling offices
and providing guidance aplenty at important times in the Chapter's
history.
Notwithstanding, all the above statistical "evidence", the Claughton
family has seen some eccentric, or even bizarre events which are worthy
of note.
The most serious disruption to Masonic regularity was of course the out-break
of hostilities in 1939. Emergency instructions were issued and on at least
two occasions, amended to suit the changing situation. It may be significant
to note that no repeal of these orders can be found in the Minutes- is
this the reason for the continued "secrecy", until this new
era of more enlightenment? The instruction to "carry gas-masks at
all times" issued in1939, may even have caused havoc at both Installations
and Exaltations. The Chapter, suffered the loss, through cancellation,
of only three meetings and a further three were reconvened on different
dates and/or at changed times. Pleasingly, the minutes of the time, show
that no Companion of this Chapter was killed or seriously injured as a
result of enemy action.
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