St John’s Chapter marked a truly historic milestone on Thursday 4 December 2025, celebrating two hundred years since its consecration on 4 May 1824. The evening was honoured by the presence of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for East Lancashire, Robert Frankel, together with a full Provincial Deputation. The celebration was further enriched by the attendance of Matthew Hampson, President of the Committee of General Purposes, who led a Deputation from Supreme Grand Chapter. Their presence added ceremony and dignity to a night filled with pride, history and companionship.
A History Spanning Two Centuries
The companions were treated to a fascinating oration that explored the Chapter’s long and eventful journey.
In 1819 the members of Saint John’s Lodge first attempted to form a Royal Arch Chapter, although progress was hindered by considerable disorganisation within Supreme Grand Chapter. In 1824, after matters in London had become better ordered, the petition was renewed and the consecration of St John’s Chapter finally took place.
Through the years the Chapter has met in several locations. These include the Bull’s Head and the Golden Lion in Eccels, the Rose and Crown in Pendleton, and in 1896 the move to 41 The Crescent, later known as Hemsley House. The decision to move away from Eccles reflected the challenging atmosphere created by the “Wakes”, which attracted activities such as cock fighting, bull and bear baiting and prize fighting.
The Chapter has survived extraordinary challenges, including two World Wars, periods of low attendance and even one meeting cancelled simply because the keys to the Chapter room had been misplaced. The Centenary celebrations were delayed when the records were believed lost, until the minute book was discovered in 1945 in a building in Liverpool that had been damaged during the war. Its survival confirmed that the Chapter had worked without interruption for more than one hundred years and allowed an application for a Centenary Charter to proceed.
In more recent times the Chapter proudly hosted the dedication of its renovated Chapter room, which has proved valuable to many smaller Chapters.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Bicentenary meeting also provided the perfect occasion to recognise dedicated service in the present day. During the evening the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was pleased to honour Ian Bronks, the Chapter’s Scribe Ezra, with a Provincial Promotion. This moment was warmly received by all companions present.
The celebration concluded at the social board where the atmosphere was lively and full of good cheer. Many companions enjoyed their first Christmas meal of the season and the room was filled with a genuine sense of pride in a Chapter that has flourished for two centuries.
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