Three for the price of one at Westhoughton
16 May 2024
 
Not even typically torrential Lancashire weather could prevent a host of Red Cross Knights from descending on Brookfield for the final team visit of the masonic year, this time to Westhoughton Conclave 254. The team were out in full force, though a number had jobs to do in the Conclave that evening. We almost had to proceed without the principal guest, Intendent-General Graham Williams who endured cancelled trains, delayed flights and an incident on the M6 to make it to the Conclave on time. A story worthy of Hollywood, surely!
It may look like organised chaos, but everyone was ready to spring into action
After the Intendent-General and his team had processed into the Conclave under an Arch of Steel from the ever-steadfast Sepulchre Guard the illustriousness of the gathering must have been reaching critical mass, as there were not one, not two, but three Right Illustrious Knights in the room, with the Intendent-General accompanied by two of his predecessors, Kenneth Wilson Shaw KCC (IG 1999-2007) and Charles Peter Lockett (IG 2007-2013). Furthermore, it was clear that retirement had not reduced the zeal of these two very distinguished brethren for the Order, with both taking active roles in the proceedings, R.Ill.Kt Lockett as High Prelate and R.Ill.Kt. Shaw as Prefect.
 
After proper salutations had been accorded, the Most Puissant Sovereign Gary Fisher invited the Deputy Intendent-General, V.Ill.Kt. Mark Stephen Gregory, to occupy the Throne for the main business of the evening, the Installation of WBro. David Hargreaves as a Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine. The ceremony was carried out in as flawless a manner as you could expect from such distinguished and experienced masons, and I am sure the new Knight of our order will have been suitably impressed by the dignity and gravity of the proceedings. The Legend was delivered by Ill.Kt. Terry Bailey in his usual faultless manner.

After the Installation ceremony had been completed there was further important business to complete, with the Proclamation of P.Kt. Gary Fisher and P.Kt. Tom Crompton as Most Puissant Sovereign and Eminent Viceroy respectively for the ensuing year, which was met with acclaim by those assembled.
Brand new Worthy Knight David Hargreaves flanked by MPS Gary Fisher
and Viceroy Tom Crompton
Following the closure of the Conclave those assembled retired to a repast provided by the Brookfield caterers, which was well appreciated by all in attendance.
The Boss and the Deputy enjoying well-earned refreshment
In responding to the toast to his health the Intendent-General took the opportunity to thank the Divisional team for their support throughout the year. He also alluded to the continuing need to attract new Royal Arch Masons to our venerable order, revealing that new publicity materials were in the process of being produced and would be available soon. He also referred to a presentation on the Order given recently at Earl of Lathom Chapter in Chorley by P.Kt. Ray Thain, which had already borne fruit in the form of two new candidates for the coming year. Following the successful trial this presentation will be rolled out more widely in the coming season. He concluded by wishing all the Worthy Knight present a refreshing summer.
The Intendent-General expounds on the ‘fire’ of the Order
for the benefit of the new Knight
In responding to the toast to the Candidate, Worthy Knight David Hargreaves expressed his thanks to everyone who took part in the ceremony and provided an anecdote about the recruitment technique of the Deputy IG, which I am sure will have been educational (and possibly familiar) to all present!
 
With the season winding down it is tempting to relax and reflect on a job well done, however there are still Conclaves to attend, ritual to work and recruits to sign up before the summer recess. Let us all continue to enjoy our Red Cross Masonry and draw pleasure, wisdom and insight from the mysteries of our venerable Order.
The Sepulchre Guard – a fine body of men!
 
Words and pictures by your Red Cross Correspondent