Rising Star Lodge

E Comp Matt Gibbs, PGStdB writes…

On Wednesday 12th February, Ingleby Chapter No 5067 met in Freemasons Hall where the Companions joined together to honour the founders of the Chapter by celebrating its 75^th anniversary.  The Companions were joined by many senior Masons to mark a triple celebration. 

Firstly, the Chapter marked being 75 years old in December 2024 and wanted to celebrate the dedication and commitment of the founders as well as the members who had gone before. Second, one of the members, E Comp Michael Singleton PGSoj, celebrated 50 years as a Royal Arch Mason and a member of Ingleby Chapter as well. The Past 2nd Grand Principal, ME Comp Russell Race, presented Michael with his 50 Year Long Service Certificate.  Not to be outdone, the Second Grand Principal, ME Comp Sir David Wootton, also then gave a presentation marking the 75th anniversary of the Chapter. 

If that wasn't enough (and thirdly), during the meeting, there was a double Exaltation ceremony in which Michael proved his continued dedication by acting as Principal Sojourner for the candidates.  One of the Candidates was Michael’s son – also called Michael. The second candidate was a neighbour of Michael Jnr, who was recently attracted back to Masonry after a break in attendance, largely by the two Michaels. Even more impressive, Michael Snr underwent a knee replacement operation just weeks before this meeting.

Ingleby Chapter is currently undergoing a resurgence having exalted two Companions in June 2024, two more in the recent February meeting, and with two more planned for the meeting in June 2025 (where Michael Snr has already volunteered to be PS!) as well as a joining Member.

After the meeting, the Companions joined together for an excellent drinks reception and dinner in the Vestibules of Grand Lodge. These are happy times for C5067, honouring the faith of the founders and looking ahead to the future.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 57 here.