On Saturday 18 th May 2024, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp James Sharpley with the Executive members of the Province, attended the amalgamation of Letchworth Garden City Chapter C5109 and the Cloisters Chapter C7100 at the Cloisters Masonic Centre, Letchworth Garden City. It was 15 years since the last amalgamation took place of Chapters in the Province and was a challenge to all those involved in its’ preparation and delivery.
Over recent years, the attendance at both Chapters’ regular and installation convocations had waned and so discussions ensued between the two for an amalgamation to make the unit a stronger and more vibrant Chapter going forward. The two Scribes, E Comp Len Seymour and E Comp Chris Reynalds were instrumental in driving this project forward and many discussions ensued with their respective Chapter Committees, before a combined Chapter Committee was convened to finalise the arrangements for the future of Cloisters Letchworth Garden City Chapter C5109.
The two Scribes, particularly E Comp Len Seymour had spent many hours in discussion with the Provincial Grand Scribe E, E Comp David Broomer who in turn had spent many hours in discussion with the Secretariat at Supreme Grand Chapter, over the amalgamation process and revision of the by-laws. As a result of all the dedicated hard work that had gone into the planning to ensure a smooth transition, the Amalgamation Charter was issued by Supreme Grand Chapter.
The Chapters were opened in due form at 10.30am and they conducted their respective final business transactions before the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E Comp James Sharpley, the Provincial Executive and Provincial Active Officers entered the Temple. The amalgamation opening hymn was sung before The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, in his initial address, stated the purpose of the meeting. Following the opening Prayer, the Provincial Grand Scribe E read the Certificate of Amalgamation after which, the Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp John Linley delivered an address relating to the histories of both Chapters. The ceremony continued with the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent finally presenting the Certificate of Amalgamation and effaced Charter to the Principals of the newly Amalgamated Chapter, Cloisters Letchworth Garden City C5109. The ceremony was concluded with the final prayer and the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent inviting the Officers of the Chapter to resume their respective Offices.
Following the Amalgamation ceremony, the Provincial Grand Mentor, E Comp Rod Kent delivered an excellent presentation of a Supreme Grand Chapter Certificate to Comp John Prendergast. In the third rising, the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp David Hampton made mention of all the hard work the two Scribes had put into amalgamation particularly, E Comp Len Seymour. The Companions gave a rapturous round of applause in recognition of their services.
There were 42 Companions in attendance, including 15 from the Province, with the final membership of the newly amalgamated Chapter now standing at 64 Companions. Following the meeting, a celebratory festive board with good banter, camaraderie and companionship was enjoyed by all those present.