Presentation of the Lennox Chapter Centenary Warrant by Ex Comp. Trevor Collinson, the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal to The Lennox Chapter First Principal Ex. Comp. Des McKenzie, accompanied by Ex. Companions Kingsley Verity, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Robert Riddell, Second Principal and Keith Duncanson, Third Principal

On the 26th March 2025 at its home in Richmond North Yorkshire, Lennox Chapter No 123 formally celebrated its 100th birthday. The Chapter was consecrated on 19th December 1924 by Lord Ronaldshay, the Grand Superindendent for Yorkshire North and East Ridings, but it was decided to formally mark this historic occasion at its regular meeting in March.

In terms of its history, on 30th November 1802 Grand Chapter minutes show that a petition for a Chapter of Lennox Lodge number 165 had been received and a Dispensation for the Chapter dispatched on 14th December. The Dispensation was received in Richmond but it appears that the Warrant, which was granted in 1803, failed to follow. In spite of protracted correspondence between Richmond and London the Warrant never arrived in the town. The Chapter appeared to meet but the only evidence of this is in the minutes of the Chapter of Vigilance in Darlington where the presence of visitors from the Chapter of Industry 121 in Richmond is recorded over a 14 year period. The final blow came on 26th December 1821 when Grand Chapter decided to erase the Chapter of Industry in Richmond. It is not known why this decision was taken or if any action was taken to save the Chapter. It is thought that the last meeting was held in 1827.

The Centenary meeting was supported by the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, Ex. Comp. Trevor Collinson, and a full Provincial Team, directed by Ex. Comp. Kingsley Verity as the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Provincial team added to the gravitas of the occasion and significantly contributed to the success of the evening. Ex. Comp. Trevor Collinson took the First Principal's sceptre and chair and introduced his considerable team, before returning the scepte to Ex. Comp. Des McKenzie. There were also two Supreme Grand Chapter officers in attendance in the persons of Excellent Companions Martin Eggermont and Mark Hall.

The Lennox Principals with the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and the full Provincial Grand Chapter Team

Notable highlights of the meeting included a presentation made by Ex. Comp. John Brigstock on the 100 year history of Lennox Chapter, which was well received, followed by a presentation of a specially commissioned centenary lapel pin badge to all the members of the Chapter by Ex.Comp. Collinson. The Ruler was kept busy as he then proceeded to award six companions of Lennox Chapter with their Supreme Grand Chapter Certificates.

Members of Lennox Chapter who received their Supreme Grand Chapter Certificates (Back row – left to right) Comps: Dizon, Parades, Wright, Lisle, Duncanson and Baldwin, accomanied by the Lennox Principals and the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal

The First Principal of Lennox Chapter made a formal presentation to Festival of the sum of £123, which was gratefully received by Ex. Comp. Collinson, Although a modest sum, it was a token in recognition of the Chapter’s number, but it was announced that the gift aid collection at festive board would also go to Festival. Ex. Comp. Eggermont as Chair of Festival also expressed his gratitude to the Chapter.

The festive board was held at the prestigious Kings Head Hotel in Richmond with over 50 companions in attendance, where the celebrations continued with the usual speeches and toasts. The food was exceptional and there was a real buzz in the room. The gift aid collection raised a further £400 for Festival, raising the total donation to £523. Ex. Comp. Eggermont expressed his thanks to the generosity of the Chapter. A further £325 was raised from the raffle towards the Chapter’s local charity giving work. The feedback received from those who attended, members, visitors and guests was that the whole evening was thoroughly enjoyable, and that Lennox Chapter had marked the occasion with great splendour. Ex. Comp. Des Mckenzie as First Principal closed the evening by thanking everyone for attending and for the parts played by various individuals in making the evening a great success.

The Provincial 3rd Grand Principal with the whole of Lennox Chapter in attendance at the meeting