Consecration Of Two Royal Arch Chapters.

CONSECRATION OF TWO ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS .

n , Thursday , 23 rd ult ., there yvas a considerable asyblagc of companions for the purpose of witnessing and S . il- rnart in the Constitution and Consecration of two 1 ? al Arch Chapters , one being that of the Oundas , 1255 , 1 other the Devon Chapter , 11 , 35 , Newton Abbot-T | Rev . John Huyshe , the Grand Superintendent of the able lad to to be present and

p nvince , was , we were g see , " ke his P art rnost a ^' y ' n thc business of the day , which lie at all times conducts with great solemnity . Amongst , „ ther companions present yvere the folloyving : —L . P . Metham , P . H . G . ; J . Elliott , P . Z ., P . P . G . H . ; J . B . Gover , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S . ; P . B . Clemens , P . Z ., P . P . G . A . S . * ' Jul " 1 Du Pre > P-Z * 1 ° ' P-P-G . T . i John Pearse ,

Walter G . Rogers , P . G . S . E . ; H . W . Thomas , A . S . 70 ; Si ' muel Jew , P . Z ., P . P . G . Treas . ; T . W . Lemon , Scribe V 180 ' ; H . Miller , P . Z ., P . P . G ., 1 st S . B . * , W . Haml , lv , P . S . * , J . W . Keyworth , P . J . ; W . Elphinstone Stone , 106 Z ., P . P . G . R . ; William Haynes , , 00 , P-Z . ; Edwin J . Knight , Z . 202 , P . P . G .

SB . ; R- Hambly , 230 ; J . E . Curteis , P . Z . 189 , P . P . G . St . B . * , Wm . J oil , P . G . T . 230 ; R . H . Rae , P . P . G . T . 189 ; las . Page Phillips , Z ., P . G . S . 223 ; Joseph Matthews , PZ P . P . C . T . ; Lieut .-Col . Fitzgerald , lSy ; Captain Shanks , P . Z . 1205 , P . P . G . J . ; S . C . Gant , L . Webber , A Bodley , K . 112 , P . G . St . B . ; R . Blight , W . II . Triplet ! , C . Godtschalk , 159 , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . J . Ham ,

'I * C . Lcwarn , 11 . G . Beachey , 710 , P . Z . ; R . Bowden , P . Z . ; C . J . Harland , Z . ; W . T . Piltlitch , Z . 13 d ; J . H . Tonkin , J . ; W . D . Thomas , H . 159 ; R . B . Twose , P . G . D . C , H . 105 ; W . H . Michell , P . Z . 15 G , P . P . G . D . C ; Isaac Latimer , j . 189 ; G . H . Amery , J . M . Hifley , p . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; E . T . Tarratt , E . Aitkin Davies , P . Z ., P . P . G . Reg . ; R . P . Culley , Z . 70 ; A . J . Bishop , 106 * ,

T . S . Bayly , P . P . G . R ., J . Baxter , 954 , W . R . Gillman , H . ; John Rogers , P . Z . ; John Lynn , P . Z . ; G . Thorne , 70 ; P . L- Blanchard . The chapter was duly formed by the following companions taking their places : —The M . E . the Rev . John Huyshe , P . G . Superintendent L . P . Metham , H . ; Captain Keyworth , J . ; W . G . Rogers , S . E . ; Isaac

Latimer , as S . N . ; J . P . Phillips , P . S . ; li . J . Knight , as 1 st A . S . ; J . Brown , as 2 nd A . S . ; -Win . Joll , Grand Treasurer ; J . H . Miffley , Sword Bearer ; C . A . Godtschalk , 1 st Grand Std . Bearer ; G . B . Colston , 2 nd Grand Std . Bearer ; R . B . Twose , Granel Dir . of Cer . ; G . II . Emery , Grand Organist ; Alfred Bodley , Grand Banner Bearer ; John Rogers and Peter

Blanchard acting as Janitors . The chapter having been duly opened , the P . G . Scribe E . addressed the acting ' £ ,., and then read the tyvo warrants from the Grand Chapter , authorising the constitution and consecration of the Chapters Dundas and Devon . The officers of Dundas were present , and three Past Z . ' s —Comps . Bowden , Michelmore , and Elphinstone

Stonerepresented Devon Chapter . All thc ceremonies having been duly gone through , Comp . Metham , at the request of thc Prov . Grand Superintendent , delivered the following oration : — Most Excellent Sir and Companions , —With each recurring occasion I feel an increasing diffidence and difficulty in performing the task devolving on mc of

delivering the oration usual at the consecration of every Royal Arch Chapter . This difficulty does not arise from lack of interest or material , far from it , for no subject in Freemasonry is so rich in matter or so elevated in tone . The Hoyal Arch Degree is and riiust be the ne plus ultra of Freemasonry , the very climax ant ! capstone of the Order , fur it deals with a theme which is above all other themes

and which no other can approach , mu . h less surpass ; for however beautiful , hoyvever graceful , however useful other degrees may be , as spurs to zeal and incentives to imaginaiion , the Royal Arch Degree can know no peer . Masonry would be incomplete unless it led us by gradual steps to the contemplation of the Great Jehovah , the incomprehensible Alpha and Omega , yvho was and is to

come , the actual present , future , and all sufficient God , who alone has His being of and from Himself , and gives to all others their being ; who was , and is , and ' shall be the same from everlasting to everlasting , all creation dependent on His Almighty yvill . Therefore the more I reflect on the , to us , vital principles inculcated in thc solemn ceremony in which yve are about to engage , the more

anxious I am to approach it yvith the reverence it claims , and to enforce on all the companions of the Order the absolute necessity of regarding this august degree with the same amount of veneration . It is very easy , and it is very pleasant , to look back and draw the parallel , as Freemasonry does , between our actual every-day life and a true lasonic career . From our dependence on others , even for the

preservation of life itself , in the first portion of our existing , we have deduced the moral that it is our duty to " * ' Practise an abiding lesson of mutual dependence and equality . Passing onward in life we reached that I nod where opportunity yvas given us to practise these Itmciplcs ; the dignity , too , of labour and its usefulness ere as clearl shown as its necessity We taught

y . were si I t , ? K J * employ thc hours given to us , and to Conner them as precious talents to be used not only for our but " 1 n ( f and that of those wll ° are de P < lcnt up 0 " > ut also for the good of our fellow creatures and the glory <• -, „ rcator > > s the most grateful sacrifice and return wc can otter up for all the benefits conferred upon us when u "" "f'ves most needed assistance . To the man who , . - — — - —kvuwu WMUluui . 1 ., A . W LIIC 111 ( 111 W 1 IU

1 " vated his intellectual powers to the glory of God \ nw welfare of his fc ! 1 ° w creatures , who , while glorying m ,,, 1 anh °° < I and the meridian brightness of life , has modelled his life b y the sacred dictates of morality and 1 ' r ' warm noon glides easily and swiftly into the nio ^ f " and gath e " ng shades of evening , until the irZ , , f ? > wl-en , without a shock or a fear , he lays "own ms mortal part in the grave as in a bed , his last

Consecration Of Two Royal Arch Chapters.

look not turned back with vain regret to the scenes oijiis earthly life , bufforward and upward , with resignation to the Divine will , and yvith trusting confidence , to that bright morning star whose rising shall bring peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race . For Masonry , in this degree , points with no faltering finger to the future beyond the grave , when we shall come face to face

yvith the great I Am , who is the Eternal Ruler of the Universe , the elemental life , the primordial source of all its principles , the very spring and fountain of all its virtues ; He has , indeed , given us the earth yvith all its teeming plenty and beauty for our enjoyment and use during our brief existence here , but He has also told us , yvith no uncertain voice , that our life is but a pilgrimage and a period

of probation for admission into a nobler and eternal state hereafter . And this is why , as I pass from the contemplation of the things of this world to those of the world to come , from the weak and finite actions antl thoughts of time to the boundless prospects and harmonious laws of eternity ; troni dealing with my fellow men , yvho are fallible and corrupt as myself , to the study of the

attributes of the Supreme Being , yvho is all perfect , my ease vanishes , and I pause yvith awe in the presence of that dread name around which centre all the mysteries of this Supreme Degree . I entreat you , therefore , brethren and companions , to ponder deeply its meaning and mystery , and never to approach it yourselves , nor suffer others to approach it , in a spirit of indifference or irreverence . Remember always

that unless you adopt its solemn teaching the circle ol your Masonic duties is incomplete , and all your previous profession ^ and practice valueless , therefore . " Let all your lamps be bright , Gird up your loins as in His sight , And trim the golden flame , For awful is His name . "

The Royal Arch Degree stands , then , as a beacon , a pillar of light , to guide us through the wilderness of doubt and difficulty , by yvhich we are surrounded in our earthly pilgrimage , only leaving us when , having passed through the dark portals which divide life from death , we enter the promised land , those happy regions where the true secrets of Masonry shall be disclosed to the faithful and

obedient of the human race . T o gain this great end yve must during our earthly existence , yvith untiring zeal and unswerving faith , perform the task allotted to us while it is yet day . As trusty workmen and faithful companions , we must employ our working tools ; with the pickaxe we must clear away the ruins of a fallen nature , yvith the trowel wc must build up a fairer shrine for the reception

of truth and virtue , with the sword by our side yve must fight for the weak against the strong , for the good against thc evil , and for the true against the false ?; and with the shovel yve must bury the rubbish of the old Adam , so that our spirits may be purified to arise , when summoned by our tremendous but merciful judge , into a better and immortal life .

We should not read this degree rightly , however , if we did not recognise the bond of union it creates between our earthly duties and heavenly prospects . No rigid adherence to the rules of morality , no mere conscientious discharge of our obligations to ourselves , our families , or to the world at large , will ever raise us , unless they are sanctified by religion . But , on the other hand , the

constant and strict performance of our duties here is recognised most clearly , and enforced in thc most emphatic manner throughout the whole of this degree , and this finds utterance in the charge yvhich is , or ought to be , given in every chapter ; I know no yvords more fitting with which to close this address . Brethren and Companions : You arc about to quit this

sacred retreat of peace and friendship , and to mix again yvith the world . Amidst all its cares and employments forget not the duties which have been so frequently inculcated anil strongly recommended in this supreme convocation . Be ye , therefore , discreet , prudent , and temperate . Remember that around this altar ye have voluntarily and solemnly vowed to befriend and relieve with unhesitating

cordiality every brother who shall need your assistance , sympathy , or advice ; that you have promised to remind him in thc most gentle manner of his failings , and to aid in his reformation ; to defend and vindicate strenuously his chaiacter whenever wrongfully traduced , and to suggest the most candid , the most palliating , and the most favourable circumstances , even when he is justly liable to

blame and reprehension . Thus shall thc world see how Masons love one another . But , my brethren and companions , you are to extend the noble and generous sentiments yet further , let me impress upon your minds , and let it be instilled into your hearts that every human being has an undoubted claim to your kind offices , and while we more particularly recommend to your care the

household of the faithful , we strictly enjoin you to do good to all , and to carry comfort and consolation to every one of your fellow creatures in the hour of their need . Thus by diligence and fidelity in the discharge of your public and private duties , by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity , by constancy and sincerity in your friendships , by being uniformly kind , just , amiable , and virtuous in your

deportment , you may prove to the world the happy and beneficent effects which flow from our ancient and honourable institution . And let it not be said that you have laboured in vain or wasted your strength for nought , for your work is before the Lord and your recompense is with your God . Finally , brethren and companions , be all of one mind and live in peace with each other , and may the

God of Love and Mercy delight to dwell among you and bless you for evermore . So mote it be . At the close of this address there was considerable applause . The officers of thc new chapters were then duly presented to the acting Z ., and all the necessary forms for constituting the chapters having been concluded , the consecration commenced with an ode , beginning with " Let there be light I" th' Almighty spoke : which was followed by prayers , by pouring of corn , wine

Consecration Of Two Royal Arch Chapters.

and oil on the chapter , and the companions then chanted psalm exxii . Thc ceremonies were impressive , and the musical arrangements under Comp . Gant yvere admirable . The following are the oflicers of Dundas : —G . Godtschalk , Z . ; J . B . Gover , P . Z . ; J . J . Avery , H . ; H . W . Thomas , J . ; T . B . Harvey , Scribe E . ; W . Bell , Treas . ; W . II . Triplett , P . S . ; W . H . Ham , S . N . ; T . Smith , Janitor .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . SIR JOHN CORDY BURROWS . We regret to have to announce the death of Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrsws , Knight , yvhich occurred shortly before ten o'clock on Saturday morning at his residence in the old Steyne , Brighton , after a short but painful illness . He was son of Mr . Richard Burrows , by Elizabeth , daughter of Mr . James Cordy , of London , and was born in Ipswich in

1813 , and manied in 1842 , Jane , second daughter of Mr . Arthur Dendy , of Dorking , by whom he leaves an only son . Sir John received his medical education at Guy ' s and St . Thomas ' s Hospitals , became a member of the College of Surgeons in 1836 , and was elected a fellow in 185 2 . The deceased gentleman had practised as a surgeon in Brighton for many years , and was so much esteemed

and respected by the inhabitants that he was elected Mayor for the third time in r 871-2 . Sir John took a great interest in the municipal affairs of Brighton , and was in 1871 presented by his fellow townsmen with a testimonial , consisting of a silver model of the Victoria Drinking Fountain , yvhich he had been the means of erecting on the Steyne , accompanied by a silver tea and coffee service for Lady

Burrows , and a carriage and pair of horses for use in his profession . He yvas knighted by Her Majesty in 1873 . He was a fellow of the Geographical , the Zoological , and other learned societies , also consulting surgeon to the Brighton Hospital for Sick Children . Sir John was appointed Prov . Grand Mark Master for Sussex , June 23 rd , 1874 . He will be greatly missed by the poor of Brighton .

The Royal Oriental Order of Stkha ( Apes ) and the Sat B'Hai has just completed arrangements for holding a Grand Asayanna or assembly in the metropolis on the occasion of thc return of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales from India . We know , on authority , that

H . R . H . was graciously pleased to accept a blank Sasana or Mandate of the Order before his departure for the East . Several minor Asayani were held in Hampshire , Lancashire , and other provinces last year . — " London Provincial Illustrated Paper . " [ Wc do not profess to know what this Order can be . —ED . ]

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

For the Week ending Friday , April 7 , 1876 . Thc Editor will be glad to receive notice from Secretaries of Cralt Lodges , Royal Arch Chapters , Mark Lodges , Preceptories , Conclaves , < Sc , of any change in place or time of meeting .

SATURDAY , APRIL 1 . Gen . Com . Boys' School , at 4 . Lodge 142 , St . Thomas ' s , Terminus Hot ., Cannon-st . „ 1194 , Villiers , Grotto Hot ., Twickenham . „ 1559 , New Cross , New Cross Hall .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Lily , Greyhound , Richmond . Percy , 113 , Southgatc-rd ., N . Manchester , 179 , London-st ., Fitzroy-square . Star , Marquis of Granby , New Cross Road . Sinai Chapter , Union Tav ., Air-st ., Regent-st .

MONDAY , APRIL 3 . Lodge 12 . Fortitude & Old Cumberland , Ship & Turtle . „ 69 , Unity , London Tav ., Bishopsgate-st . „ 72 , Royal Jubilee , Anderton ' s Hot ., Fleet-st . „ 83 , United Lodge of Prudence , Albion Tav .

„ 144 , St . Luke ' s , M . H ., Basinghall-st . 11 1 & 8 , J ° PP i Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st . „ 256 , Unions , F . M . H . „ 1319 , Asaph , F . M . H . Chap . 28 , Old King ' s Arms , F . M . H .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Prince Leopold , Lord Stanley Tav ., Kingsland . Strong Man , Jerusalem Tav ., St . John ' s Gate . Sincerity , Railway Tav ., Fenchurch-st . Station . Camden , Stanhope Arms , Up . James-st ., Camclen To

Eastern , Royal Hot ., Mile-end-road . St . James ' s Union , Union Tav ., Air-st ., Regent-st . Wellington , White Swan , Deptford . West Kent , St . Saviour ' s College , Forest-hill . Perfect Ashlar , Victoria Tav ., Lower-rd ., Rotherhithe . Sydney , White Hart Ho ., Church-rd ., Upper Norwood .

TUESDAY , APRIL 4 . Colonial Board , at 3 . Lodge 7 , Royal York of Perseverance , F . M . H . „ 18 , Old Dundee , London Tav ., Bishopsgate-st . „ 101 , Temple , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st . „ 217 , Stability , Anderton ' s Hot ., F'leet-st . „ 765 , St . James ' s , Bridge House Hot .

„ 1259 , Duke of Edinburgh , Cp . of G . Hope Tav ., E . „ 1261 , Golden Rule , Regent M . H ., Regent-st . 1 , 1298 , Royal Standard , Wellington Club , N . „ 1381 , Kennington , Surrey Tav ., Kennington Oval . „ 1472 , Henley , Three Crowns , North Woolwich . „ 1549 , Abercorn , Abercorn Hot ., Gt . Stanmore . Chap . 145 , Prudent Brethren , F . M . H . „ 169 , Temperance , White Swan , Deptford .

LODGES or INSTRUCTION . Yarborough , Green Dragon , Stepney . Domatic , Surrey M . H ., Camberwell New-irad Faith , 2 , Westminster Chambers , Victoria-st . Prince Fredk . Wm ., Lord's Hot ., St . John's Wood ,