Consecration Of The Ravensbourne Chapter, No. 1601.

H . ; and Comp . Charles William 'Thompson , J . 'The other oflicers were Comps . Magnus Ohren , P . Z . 3 ; and 452 , S . E , '; Charles Wilson Steel , io " y , S . N . ; W . Ackland , Scribe N . 63 , P . S . ; Alfred Layton , 279 and 452 , ist Assistant ; R . L . Sindall , 1293 , 2 nd Assistant ; Frederick Eachus Wilkinson , M . D ., 279 , Treas . ; ancl A . B . Church , Janitor . Comps . Shadwell Clerke , N . G . Philips , Rev . A . F . A .

Woodford , and R . H . Giddy were , on tlie proposition of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., elected honorary members of the chapter , and after a short discussion on some chapter business the companions closed down , and then proceeded to London , where they partook of a choice banquet at thc Guildhall Hotel . Here , as in chapter , a programme of music vvas beautifully performed by Comps . Thomas

Lawler , John Hodges , and F . H . Cozens , under the direction of Comp . Thomas Lavvler . The M . E . Z ., in proposing the toast of "The Queen and Ro 3 'aI Arch Masonry , " said that Her Majesty was revered as the head of the nation . They knew how much she was respected and loved by all with whom she came in contact . In Royal Arch Masonry the companions had a

home feeling , and they rejoiced to couple the two names of "The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry . " In giving the toast of "The Grand Z . of the Order , " the M . E . Z . said that he should with it combine those who were at the head of thc Degree , the Prince of Wales , the Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale ( who was about to bc created Earl of Lathom ) , and Lord de Tabley . Royal Arch Masons

recognised in these noblemen , with all humility , worthy heads of the Order . They knew them to be able and skilful in their work ; they knew them to be wise as rulers , kind and urbane as men , and generous as companions to all with whom they associated . Looking on them not only as citizens but companions of the Royal Arch , they acknowledged them as rulers , recognised their sway , and

drank heartily to their healths . Comp . S . RAWSON , in reply , said that seeing so many Grand Officers around him he had thought he was sheltered beneath their wings , and would not have had to reply to any toast . He had , however , come within the laws of seniority , and consequently was called upon to return thanks . He could not but feel proud to have his name associated

with the names of those who were in authority , and he might say of them that , without mentioning unduly a word in their praise , he believed each and all of them were anxious to do their duty , and that they had succeeded in a great measure in securing the confidence of the companions . As they had done in the past , so they would continue to do in the future . 'The M . E . Z . next gave "The Consecrating Officers . "

He said he had alluded to those who held the highest rank in the Craft , and he now asked the companions to drink a toast which came even nearer home to them than that which they had already received . That day , if he might use a simile which vvas called " home " in domestic life , a child had been born—a new chapter had been called into existence , and the officers , or physicians , who hacl presided

at the event deserved the smcerest thanks of those who were connected with it . Comps . Shadwell Clerke , Capt . Philips , the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , and Giddy were too well known in the Order to need any words of commendation from so humble an individual as he the ( M . E . Z . ) , and yet he could not but feel that it vvas an honour they conferred on that chapter by coming down amongst

thecompanions and acting as Consecrating Oflicers . 'Ihe Ravensbourne Lodge was a young lodge , and that it should give birth to the Ravensbourne Chapter might be a matter of surprise in natural history ; and yet when they saw who had been engaged in thus bringing into life this child they would be sure it started under good auspices . They could not have had more efficient oflicers to act in the

consecration , nor could they have had companions who would more kindly and thoroughly take an interest in the work which they undertook . It was pleasant for him to be present on this occasion , not only in the position which the companions had done him the honour to place him in , but also as being able to see the work which they had performed . It vvas not the first consecration of a chapter he

had attended , but he might say that , taking the surroundings , and the very able and efficient manner in which the work was done , as well as hearing the very able address of the Lotlge of Antiquity , the consecration of the Ravensbourne Chapter was strongly and peculiarly marked . Nor were they less indebted to Comp . Giddy , who so ably undertook the duties of Director of Ceremonies . All the

work was so ably done that comparisons of one part of it with another could not be made . No ceremony could have been more ably performed . Eloquence , they were told , was sometimes perfect silence , and if he had said not a word , his silence would have been eloquent in praise of those who had performed the ceremonies ; but he had felt that although his words were few they should be sincere ,

and in perfect sincerity he asked the companions to express their appreciation of the efforts of the Consecrating Oflicers that day by drinking most heartily to their health . Comp . SHADWELL CLERKE said , astlieseniorsurgeonot accoucheur on the occasion he thanked the companions on behalf of himself and his other medical friends for the very kind way in which the companions had acknowledged the

success of their clinical labours . They trusted that the child might do well , and would be an honour to its mother . It had been a great pleasure to the Consecrating Officers to have the opportunity of coming down and placing the copestone to so worthy a structure as the Ravensbourne Lodge . They hoped that the chapter would progress in the same satisfactory way as the lodge , and they had no doubt it

would do so . 'The Consecrating Oflicers had been very much struck that day with the completeness of all the arrangements , and especially with the charming building in which they were lucky enough to lind a place of meeting . They seemed there to have every comfort and convenience and elegance they possibly could have . He could not help feeling , as an unfortunate ratepayer in the

district , that he had in an infinitesimal degree contributed towards paying for it , and he could not think until he saw the building how it vvas that for the last few years thc rates had been so high . Now , however , he could see how it vvas . 'twas a great consolation to him to know that he had

even in a small way contributed to the comfort ancl convenience ofthe Ravensbourne Lodge and the Ravensbourne Chapter . After again expressing the thanks of the Consecrating Oflicers for the toast , Colonel Shadwell . ; Clerke concluded by proposing "'The 'Three Principals ' of the Ravensbourne Chapter . " He believed the Ravensbourne Chapter was very fortunate in having such companions to

Consecration Of The Ravensbourne Chapter, No. 1601.

preside over it . The two seniors were old Past Z . ' s , who hail clone their" dutyvvcli in former chapters several years ago . 'The Third Principal had for the first time that night ascended the Principal ' s chair , but he was already a P . M . of tlie Ravensbourne Lodge , ancl would bring all thc traditions of the lodge to bear on the work of the chapter . They were most fortunate in having such good and worthy companions in the chairs , but , at the same time , he must

congratulate the Principals oil their being nominated by the goodwill of the founders for such high and distinguished offices . The M . E . Z ., in reply , briefly thanked the companions , and deputed to the Rev . W . Taylor Jones and Comp . Thompson the duty of further reply . 'The Rev . W . TAYLOR J ONES said when be looked back to the four years that had elapsed since he had thc honour

of presiding over the first banquet of the Ravensbourne Lodge lie could hardly realise that , at the earliest opportunity , they had assembled together for thc purpose of celebrating the establishment of a chapter . Four years ago he had the privilege of being the first Master of the Ravensbourne Lodge , and it was a very proud moment when he saw brethren and companions inaugurating a fresh movement and an onward movement in Masonry . Although

their numbers were now few he had not the slightest doubt they would soon be large , because the members of the Ravensbourne Lodge were all young Masons , who had not yet had the opportunity of unsheathing their swords and being ready for the combat , and they were only waiting for tlie chapter to be established for them to join the Royal Arch , and go upwards and onwards to do their duty as Freemasons , as members of that old privileged body . In

conclusion , he . gave the credit of suggesting the establishment of the Ravensbourne Lodge to Comp . Thompson . Comp . C . W . THOMPSON , J ., in his reply , said all the companions of this chapter were well known to each other , and were not strangers . Whatever little credit might be due to him for having in something like a moment of inspiration suggested the Ravensbourne Lodge , nothing would have come of that thought but for the very

hearty co-operation and support of Comp . Taylor Jones and Comp . Lemon , who had declined to take any offices in the lodge , which were thoroughly open to him , but contented himself with the very arduous but somewhat thankless oflice of Treasurer , which he had held ever since the lodge was established . 'The fact that he took that office , and refused to take any other , induced the brethren to consider whether , when the time came to

establish the chapter , they could not prevail on him to fill thc first chair . 'The lodge and the chapter he believed would be for many years to come thoroughly representative institutions of the district in which they were founded . 'The warrant for the lodge vvas granted dn the distinct and specific understanding that it vvas to be a local lodge absolutely , and the chapter was also understood to be entirely local . Both would be exceedingly useful in promotingthe cause of

Freemasonry in the district , in which the majority of the companions resided . The building in which they were held vvas not erected with any view to Masonic purposes , and though it was built for other purposes , he hoped it would be instrumental in promoting Masonic principles in the neighbourhood . Comp . Shadwell Clerke had spoken about having himself contributed towards defraying the expenses of the building , but he ( Comp . 'Thompson ) must observe

that if Col . Clerke vvas fortunate enough to be in such a position as to be rated at £ 1000 his proportion of the expenses of building the offices of the Board of Works never could amount to more than four shillings and two pence in thc course of the year , so that there vvas no very material increase in his rates on account of the building in which the chapter had been consecrated . When the Board got possession of the building some of them thought that the

principal room looked very much like a good lodge room , and they made it a lodge room ; they then thought it would be a good room for a chapter , and they supplemented the lodge with a chapter ; and , thanks to their good friends and kind Installing Oflicers that night , they hoped the chapter would become a success as well as thc lodge . He hoped the memory of those who had so kindly assisted that evening would go down among the companions ofthe Ravensbourne

Chapter , and that they might thank them in years to come for having helped it into existence . Comp . THOMAS FENN , in responding to the toast of "'The Visitors , " said : 1 perceive I represent a very large constituency—in fact , 1 think I may say , like someone else , perhaps , that 1 stand the representative of a startling and unexpected majority . Still , I feel that I cannot fail in expressing the sentiments of all my constituents when 1 say

how united vve all are , or ought to be , at present at the inauguration of your chapter to-day . 'The beautiful building , your handsome furniture , the oration , the ceremony itself , the energy of those who conducted it , must have impressed not only all your visitors , but even yourselves ; and the manner in which you have entertained us at the table this evening 1 think is a gratifying proof that the social aspect of Freemasonry will never be lost sight of in the

Ravensbourne Chapter , a circumstance which cannot be only satisfying to your visitors this evening , but to yourselves . We hope to be present on some other occasion . While thanking you on behalf of the visitors for the compliment you have paid us , and for the hospitality you have shown us , let me in filename of the visitors wish you all the success and prosperity which your own hearts can desire , and which the successful inauguration of thc chapter this day

foreshadows . The M . E . Z . next gave " The 'Treasurer and Scribe E ., " and regretted that Dr . Wilkinson had not been able to be present . Comp . MAONUSOJIRKN responded , anil Comp . Ackland replied for the toast of "The P . S . and the other Oflicers of the Chapter , " after which the Janitor ' s toast vvas given by Comp . A . B . Church , and the companions brought to a close a most interesting and pleasant evenin " .

1-IIH . I . IIWAV ' S Pll . r . s . ire lite medicine most in repute for curing tlie multifarious maladies vvhicli attack humanity , when wet and cold weather gives place to more genial temperatures . In short , these Pills allord relief , if they fail of being an absolute remedy irr all the disturbances of circulation , digestion , ami * nervous encrgv , which at times oppress a vast portion of the population . Under

the wholesome , purifying , anil strengthening powers exerted by these excellent Pills , the tongue becomes clean , the appetite improves , digestion is quickened , and assimilation rendered perfect . Holloway's medicine possesses the highly estimable property of cleansing the whole mass of blood , which , in its renovated condition , carries purity , strength , and vigour to every tissue of the body . —[ ADVT , ]

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The General Committee of this Institution met on Thursday last at Freemasons' Hall , Col . Creaton , G . Treasurer , in the chair . There were also present Bros , E . Letchworth , E . Spooner , Edw . B . Grabham , James Peters , H . A . Dubois , R . B . Webster , H . M . Levy , J . J . Caney , F . Adlard , Louis

Hirsch , C . H . Webb , Frank Richardson , Thomas Cubitt , W . Bailey , H . Higgins , T . Y . Strachan , Thomas F . Peacock , W . F . C . Moutrie , Fredk . Binckes , Peter de Lande Long , F . R . W . Hedges ( Secretary ) , and H . Massey ( FrccmasonJ . The following brethren were nominated for the House and Audit Committee to bc elected at next meeting of the

General Committee . For thc House Committec , I 3 ros . M . A . Dubois , W . Hope , M . D ., C . Hammerton , E . Letchworth , P . de Lande Long , E . Mather , J . Nunn , Colonel Peters , Frank Richardson , J . A . Ruckcr , Griffiths Smith , A . H . Tattershall , j . Bellerby , E . Bowyer , T . W . C Bush , E . Cox , T . Cubitt , R . R . Davis , J . A . Farnfield , W . StephensE . TerryC . H .

, , Webb , J . H . Southwood , C . G . Hill , and T . F . Peacock . I'or the Audit Committee , Bros . W . Bailey , J . G . Chancellor , J . Cutbush , H . Dicketts , T . Kingston , H . C . Levander , W . Roebuck , H . Venn , R . B . Webster , R . Berridge , and H . M . Levy . Bros . J . G . Stevens , W . F . C Moutrie , Charles Lacy , George Brown , and Louis Hirsch were chosen Scrutineers

of votes for that election . Bro . Griffiths Smith ' s motion that the salary of the junior clerk in the office bc increased from £ 60 to £ 70 a year vvas brought forward by Bro . T . F . Peacock , in Bro . Griffiths Smith ' s absence , and carried . One petition was received , and the candidate was placed on the list for election . 'The Committee then adjourned .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

Thc following is a list of the pupils who received prizes at the Stewards' visit to thc Institution on the 19 th ult .: Helena Meacock , the gold medal for proficiency , given annually by Bro . William Paas , with £ 5 given annually by Bro . William Winn .

Ethel Ida Margaret Seaton , thc silvcr medal for good conduct , given annually by the institution , with £ 5 given annuall y by Bro . William Winn . Harriet Cartwright , Florence C . Faithfull , Edith A . Wilson , Fanny Ashby , Edwina R . Jones , and Alice M . Newboult , each a sixth of £ 5 , for proficiency , given annually by Bro . William Winn .

Prizes given annually by the Institution . Passing Senior Cambridge Examination : Frances E . Gardner . Passing in Honours Cambridge Examination : Helena Meacock . Passing Cambridge Examination : Harriett Cartwright , Florence C . Faithfull , Edith A . Wilson , Fanny Ashby , Edwina R . Jones , and Alice M . Newboult . Needlework : Maria English and Sarah 'Thwaites . Machine Work : Florence Redford and

Florence Forster . General Usefulness : Lucinda Broadbent and Laura Moore . Order and Attention : Laura Stransom and Evelina Hill ( among the little Girls ) . Class IL—Mary Louis Bowler , ' General Proficiency ; Maud Ada Jay , Perseverance ; Elizabeth Owens , Perseverance ; Ellen Lucy Morgan , General Improvement . Class III . —Kathleen Collins , General Proficiency ; Isabella Douglas , Perseverance ; Jessie Langley , Neatness .

Class IV . —Alice W . Cecil , General Proficiency ; Ada I anare , Perseverance ; Family Priestley , Perseverance . ' Class V . —Rosa Hughes , Improvement ; Eveline Pelham , Industry ; Cecily Jardine , Industry . Class VI . —Edith Garnett , Industry . By Bro . Joshua Nunn , for Fancy Work : Edith A . Wilson .

By Bro . the Rev . P . II . E . Brette , D . D ., for French : Helena Alcacock . By Mrs . Crick , for Recitation : Alice A . Wiseman , Ada II . Blase , and Alice G . Pike . By Bro . John M . Clabon , for Good Conduct : Fanny Ashby , Mary E . Sharp , and Louisa M . 'Taylor . By Bro . Collard Moutrie , for Music : Margaret W . Allison

. B y Mrs . Hirsch , for Music : Mabel Bingham . Thc St . James " Yate ' s Memorial Prize" ( per St . lames' Lodge , No . 4 S 2 ) , for Proficiency in Domestic Duties ( Cookery ) : Lucinda Broadbent . From the Supreme Grand Council of thc 33 rd degree , for Good Conduct : Ethel Ida Margaret Seaton . . uy H ™ . John Faulkner , for Music : Maud Harriet

Bursey . ; By Bro . Charles White , for Drawing : Octavia Helen Wheeler and Lilian M . Mills . By Mrs . Edgar Bowyer , for Needlework : Catherine I . Douglas . J The" Wentworth Little Memorial Prize , " for Music : Ethel Hinson , Lily Bellamy , and Louisa Christina Gates . 'Ihe "John Boyd Memorial Prize , " for Drawing : Catherine J . Scurr , Agnes Adah Nash , and Annie M . Hartness . __ By Bro . James Blylhe , for Calisthenics and Deportment : Fanny Gertrude Osborne .

M Sonic Presentation.

M SONIC PRESENTATION .

At the closing meeting for the present session of tho Royal Gloucester Lodge of fnstruction , held at the Masonic Hall , Albion-place , Southampton , on Monday evening , the 26 th ult ., Bro . R . Sharpe , P . M . 130 , the W . M . for the month , was presented with an address , expressive of the respect and esteem in which he is held by the members ,

of their thanks for his past services , and of their regret that a pressure of business engagements had compelled him to resign the offices of Secretary and Treasurer , which he had held for some seventeen-and-a-half years , and in the discharge of the duties of which he had done so much to promote the prosperity of the lodge and to forward the interests of Freemasonry . Thc presentation vvas made in the presence of a numerous attendance , which includecj