Masonic Charity Organisations

MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATIONS

IT ¦ will be observed with satisfaction , from a report in another column , that the brethren of North and East Yorkshire are at last bestirring themselves in the matter of affording organised support to onr Masonic Charities , and are thus casting in their lot with the other Provinces which

long outstripped them in the steady !) and substantial aid they have given to those deserving objects . These organisations have of late years so largely increased in number and influence that it really has come to be almost an anomaly to find a Province unprovided with some such

machinery for charitable purposes . In North and Bast Yorkshire , however , as we have frequently had reason to point out , comparatively little has been dono for the Charities , in spite of the fact that it comprises some important centres of wealth , including the ancient city of York , with all its

proud traditions and associations in the history of Freemasonry . However , we are very pleased to welcome the signs of improvement in this respect which aro apparent from the account forwarded to us of a meeting convened under the presidency of our venerable Bro . Dr . . T . Pearson

Bell , Deputy Prov . Grand Master , than whom we know few more ardent or intelligent supporters of the Craft . He was assisted on the occasion by many officers who are equally well known in the North and East Ridings , and we sincerely trust that the suggestions and resolutions brought

forward will be made to assume practical shape , and that we may see this Province taking its proper place alongside the other divisions of the premier county in their practical upholding of the beneficent objects of our Order . We had long been aware that Bro . Bell had been maturing

some kind of scheme by which to carry out the desire he has so often brought before the brethren in Hull and East Yorkshire ; and , although we have not yet heard the details of his project , we are perfectly certain that anything emanating from a mind so evenly balanced must , if

well backed up , be productive of the desired effect . We have at various times heard this laxity of spirit and energy made the subject of lamentation amongst the more prominent brethren in that part of the country , whose earnest appeals , however , have up to this time apparently

failed in kindling the fire oi charitable enthusiasm amongst the general body of the members . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , by his persistent and earnest solicitations in behalf of our Masonic Institutions , has often endeavoured to wipe from the Province the stigma that had so long

rested upon it . Who , amongst the brethren in that Province has not seen him wax eloquent upon the need for increased individual and systematic exertion in this important matter , as opposed to the occasional spasmodic efforts that were put forth ? We recollect that at various times

he has thrown out the suggestion of small and regular payments to be made either weekly or monthly , in preference to making large attempts at certain stated periods . But though this idea has been taken up by other Provinces , and has long been in active and useful operation , still we

had up to a very recent date to deplore the lethargy displayed by North and East Yorkshire , and the trifling addition which that Province has made to our charitable exchequer . It cannot be said that the shrewd and robust

Yorkshireman is , as a rule , ungenerous or close-fisted . The hardy northern race , though tinged at first with much that is clannish , relaxes into boundless hospitality and largeheartedness when occasion requires ; nor are there lacking amongst them men like Bros . Sissons , Thompson , [ and

Masonic Charity Organisations

others who fight manfully for the coveted appellation of " sturdy beggars " on behalf of the Masonic Charities . The reason , therefore , of the insignificant help really afforded by them in the aggregate during past years seems almost inexplicable , save and except perhaps , that it might be

accounted for by a want of system and organisation , such as the means are now being taken to institute . We sincerely trust the committee appointed will do their utmost to improve the position of the Province , and devise some means by which to rid their otherwise good name of the stain of indifference and want of active

interest in charitable objects which has so long rested upon it . We' cordially hold out the right hand of fellowship to our northern brethren in this new effort on their part , and express our unfeigned hope that this

may be a turning point in their history , so that in future , instead of having to call their attention to unpleasant facts and failings , we may be able to offer our hearty felicitations on such an awakening to Masonic responsibility as we and others have long desired to see .

Supreme Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons Of England.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF ENGLAND .

A QUARTERLY Convocation of the Snpremo Grand Chapter will be held at Freemasons' Hall , Loudon , W . C , on Wednesday , tho 7 th day of May , afc Seven o ' clock in the evening punctually . Business : —The Regulations for tho Government of the Supremo Grand Chapter during the time of public business , to be read .

The minutes of the last Quarterly Convocation to be read for confirmation . Installation of Principals , and Appointment and Investiture of Officers for the ensuing year .

After which the following Report of the Committee of General Purposes will be submitted . The Committee of General Purposes beg to Report thafc they have examined the Accounts from the 15 th January to the 15 th April 1879 , both inclusive , which they find to be as follows : —

£ s d ; £ s d Balance Grand Chapter 757 18 9 Disbursements during „ Unappropriated fche Quarter - - - 231 6 2 Account . 177 15 5 Balance 929 1 8 Subsequent Receipts - 399 9 3 „ in Unappropria . ted Account - 174 15 7

£ 1335 3 5 £ 1335 3 5 which Balances are in the Bank of England , Western Branch . The Committee havo likewise to report thafc they havo received the following Petitions : — 1 st . From Companions James Meacham Batham as Z ., He *"/ Charles Adolphns Wandram as H ., Frederick Irving de Lisle as J ., and twelve others for a Chapter to be attached to the Victoria Lodge

No . 1577 , Napier , to be called " The Victoria Chapter , and to meet at Napier , Wellington , North Island , New Zealand . 2 nd . From Companions Charles Thomas Pearce as Z ., John Peter as H ., John Kempthorne as J ., and seven others for a Chapter to bo attached to the Loyal Victoria Lodge No . 557 Callington , to be called " tho Valletort Chapter , " and to meet afc tho Masonic Hall , Callington .

in the County of Cornwall . 3 rd . From Companions Edward John Bradshaw Bnmstead as Z ., John Franks Chittenden as H ., William Youldon as J ., and seven others for a Chapter to be attached to the Wellington Lodge No . 548 , Deptford , tobe called " The Wellington Chapter , " and to meet at tho White Swan Hotel , Deptford , in the Connty of Kent .

4 th . From Companions Henry Thomas Wood as Z ., Charles Chester Cheston as H ., Peter Lund Simmonds as J ., and six others for a Chapter to be attached to the Marquis of Dalhousie Lodge No . 1159 , London , to be called " The Marquis of Dalhousie Chapter , " and to meet at No . 33 Golden-square , London . 5 th . From Companions William Henry Lee as Z ., George 'William Frederick Neville Green aa H ,, Thomas Charles Chapman as 3 ., and