Chapter of Honour No.526
THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHAPTER
The initial meeting to discuss the possible formation of a new Chapter was held at the Masonic Club, Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, on Monday 15th March 1948.
14 Companions were present with E.Comp. W.M. Iliff in the chair.
It was decided to invite prospective founders to a meeting on 2nd April 1948, when a firm decision would be taken whether to proceed with the formation of a new Chapter. It was agreed that founders were not to be confined to members of the Lodge of Honour No.526.
13 Companions were present on 2nd April 1948 when the following decisions were taken:
| 1. | The Chapter would be named 'Honour Chapter'. |
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| 5. | Principles Designate: | E.Comp. G.F. Mortimer | M.E.Z. |
| E.Comp. S.W. Hughes | H. | ||
| E.Comp. C.R.J. Pugh | J. |
Companion F.H. Champ volunteered to be Scribe E.
A third meeting of Founders was held on 28th September 1948. They were advised that a petition had been sent to the Provincial G.S.E. together with clearance certificates. The Province asked for extra information concerning the desirability of forming the Chapter.
On 4th August a letter was sent by the Provincial G.S.E. confirming acceptance of the petition by Supreme Grand Chapter with a proviso that its name was altered to 'Chapter of Honour'. A copy of model Bye-Laws was enclosed. On 24th September the Grand Superintendent agreed to the consecration being held on Wednesday 9th February 1949. The names of 18 Founders and their respective Offices were confirmed. Comp. T. Bennett was nominated as Janitor.
The fourth meeting of the Founders was held on 28th October. It was agreed that the annual Installation meeting would be held in March. Comp. Champ reported that St. Peter's Chapter No.419 and Victoria Chapter No.2848 had agreed to the use of their regalia. Draft Bye-Laws were approved.
At a fifth meeting on 30th November various administrative matters were discussed.
At the sixth and final meeting arrangements for the Consecration were discussed. A rehearsal was fixed for 31st January. Amendments to the Bye-Laws were approved. It was agreed that Bros. R.M. Iliff and R.V.B. Hughes should be the first exaltees.
THE CONSECRATION
The Chapter was consecrated on Wednesday 9th February 1949 at the Masonic Temple, Darlington Street, Wolverhampton at 3.00 pm.
The Consecrating Officer was E.Comp. The Rev. Preb. A.T.S. Talbot, MA, RD, Grand Superintendent. He was assisted by:
| E.Comp. A.P. Tiley, P.G.St.B. ............................ | 2nd Prov. Grand Principal |
| E.Comp. A.H. Mould ............................................ | 3rd Prov. Grand Principal |
| E.Comp. S.G. Wheway, P.G.St.B. .................... | Prov. G.S.E. |
| E.Comp. S.N. Jagger .......................................... | Prov. G.S.N. |
| E.Comp. H. Wilson Keys, M.C., P.A.G.D.C. .... | Prov. G.D.C. |
6 other Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter were present, including M.E. Comp. S.S. Somers, Grand Superintendent Worcestershire, M.E. Comp. E.P. Everest, Grand Superintendent Shropshire, and E.Comp. R.B. Mummery, P.A.G.Soj.. In addition there were 12 Officers of Provincial Grand Chapter, 16 of the 18 founders and 44 visitors.
The Consecration ceremony then took place.
The Charity Collection at the Festive Board raised the sum of £11.13.6d.
(Extracted from 'The Chapter of Honour No.526 - the First 50 years', compiled by E.Comp. P. Hughes, P.A.G.Soj.)