THE members of Granville Chapter No.3405 held their first meeting of 2022 at the Masonic Hall in Bude on Monday, January 24.

The chapter is attached to Granville Lodge and meets four times each year. The aims and objectives of the order are the same but the regalia worn by the members, known as companions, is different as are the ceremonies. As in all orders of Freemasonry charity is at the heart of the organisation.

The meeting was presided over by the first principal Derek Prousse who was assisted by the second principal-elect Mike Davison and third principal John Weller.

There were a number of items on the agenda to complete, the main one being to formally proclaim Mike Davison as second principal. He had been elected to the office at a previous meeting but was unable to attend the installation meeting in November. As he was continuing in office for another year there was a shortened version of the traditional ceremony and he was proclaimed as second principal by the director of ceremonies Peter Reeve. Other members were invested by the first principal in order to complete his team for the forthcoming year.

The members then received a talk from the treasurer, Arthur Barker, entitled ‘Masonic Fire’. This related to the ancient tradition of toasts during and after meals and dates back to the seventeen hundreds. Special firing glasses were struck on the tables to replicate the sound of gun fire. The tradition is no longer widely practiced in Cornish lodges and chapters but is still upheld in some other provinces.

Reports were received from the secretary, almoner and charity steward and the principals received greetings from members of other chapters.

After the formal meeting had closed the companions dined in the refectory where the traditional toasts were honoured and a raffle was held in aid various charities.

The next meeting of Granville Chapter will be held on Monday, March 28, in Bude.

For further information about Freemasonry in Cornwall phone 01872 276191 or email [email protected]