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Royal Arch .

Rose Chapter , No . 1622 . The sixth installation meeting of this highly reputed South London chapter » as held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on Saturday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Comps . J . Loader , M . E . Z . ; Isaac Dunn , H ., M . E . Z . elect ; S . J . Derham , J ., H . elect ; Wm . Dawson , S . E ., J . elect ; T . Cass , S . N . ; G . H . Lewis , P . S . ; Geo . Thompson , 1 st A . S . ; F . E . Choveaux , Org . ; Jas . Barr , Stwd . ; Frank W . Williams , P . Z . ; J . H . Pullcn , P . Z . ; W . G . Kirby , Hy . Potter , W . E . Jeffery , W . J . Frampton , R . J . Sobel , and J . Whiteman , Janitor . The visitors were Comps .

Thos . Grummant , P . Z . and S . E . 1275 ; R . J . Vincent , P . Z . 1329 ; J . E . Cureton , P . Z . 21 S 2 ; Jas . Addington , P . Z . 1275 ; J . H . Witty , P . Z . 1275 ; H . T . Telling , M . E . Z . 2182 ; Robt . Elgar , 1329 ; G . Benedetti , P . Z . 1329 ; C . T . Hills , 1329 ; W . J . Towers , M . E . Z . 2191 ; and C . H . Stone , P . Z . 1275 and igoi . The minutes of the previous convocation were read , confirmed , and signed . A conclave of Installed First Principals was formed and Comp . Isaac Dunn was installed into the first chair by Comp . Thos . Grummant , P . Z . A conclave of Installed Second Principals was formed , and Comp . S . J . Derham was installed into the second chair by

Comp . C . H . Stone , P . Z . A conclave of Installed Third Principals was formed , and Comp . Wm . Dawson was installed into the third chair by Comp . Thos . Grummant , P . Z ., in a large conclave of 14 Installed Principals . The companions were re-admitted and the M . E . Z . invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Comps . J . T . Loader , I . P . Z . ; John Hooper , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Thompson , S . E . ; T . R . Cass , P . M ., S . N . ; Geo . H . Lewis , P . M ., P . S . ; ' W . E . Jeffery , tst A . S . ; W . G . Frampton , 2 nd A . S . ; F . W . Williams , P . Z ., D . C ; F . Choveaux , Org . ; Jas . Parr , Stwd . ; W . G . Kirby , Stwd . ; and J . Whiteman , Janitor . Comps . j . T . Loader and C . H . Stone acted

as D . Cs . A ballot was taken for Bros . Rudolf Joseph Geo . Sobel , and Jas . Fred . Wal . Morris which , proving unanimous , and Bro . Sobel being in attendance , he was exalted in an exemplary manner by the M . E . Z ., the lectures being rehearsed in such a manner as not to be excelled . The Auditors' report was received and adopted , which proved the chapter funds to be in a sound financial position . A notice of motion , presented by Comp . Frank Williams , P . Z ., was "That the M . E . Z . be presented with a P . Z . 's jewel on his retirement from the chair . " A proposition for exaltation was handed in from the M . E . Z . for exaltation at the next convocation , the candidate beinga local worthy brother clergyman .

The business of the convocation ended , the companions adjourned to an excellent banquet , supplied and supervised by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress . The cloth removed , the M . E . Z . presented the toast of "Her Majesty the Queen and Royal Arch Masonry" in words of IoyalJ affection , with the earnest hope that she may be spared and maintain her health and strength to discharge the most important duties of such a beneficent reign .

THE M . E . Z . The toast of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , G . Z ., " Comp . Dunn stated was indeed an honour to present , and specially of one so worthy . He had witnessed his Royal Highness ' s work in Craft Masonry , and was always struck with the earnestness shown in all his actions . He was making a good appeal during the present year to signalise it , and he had no doubt there would be a splendid response . His Royal Highness was , he believed , prcud in being the Grand Master and the Grand Z . ; and , at least , the brethren were indeed proud and highly honoured in having him in those positions . The toasts were responded to most loyally .

The M . E . Z . next presented the toast of " The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., and G . J ., " stating Ihry were excellent companions and splendid officers , as the P . Zs . in the chapter could testify . , , Comp . J . T . Loader , I . P . Z ., next rose , and announced that he had a most pleasing duty to peiform ; in fact , there was none greater in the chapter—that of proposing * ' The Health of the M . E . Z . " In him were summed up all the qualities of an excellent Mason , and he was a man of sterling worth . All agreed that the duties of M . E . Z . had

been carried out in a molt exemplary manner , and it was only characteristic of the M . E . Z ., for , from the time that he had been invested with the first collar , the duties appertaining thereto had been discharged most faithfully and well . He ( the I . P . Z . ) was very proud in giving the first office to the M . E . Z . when in the lodge , and he could say that from that time all had watched his assiduity , and now he had arrived at the exalted position , the climax of R . A . Masonry , all wished him a most successful and happy year of office . The toast was mest raplurously received .

The M . E . Z . in reply , tendered his heaity thanks to Ihe proposer , the I . P . Z ., and rxpresscd the great pleasure it gave him to be in so exalted a position , it was a great horxur . He had thcught that such a position as M . E . Z . was far above his capacity and tno great lor him ever to try to attain , but he found having advanced step by step that it was not too difficult . He hoped that the year would prove to be happy and prosperous and that good men and true , men of stability , would be introduced so that the Rose Chanter would mainlain its high excellence of membership and working . He most

cordially thanked the companions for such a recep ion . The toast of " The Co-Principals H . and J ., " was next presented , the M . E . Z . remarked that he was most fortunate in having such excellent workers . They had spent much time and labour to enable them to acquit themselves so admirably , and he would say that Comp . J ., although so young a brother , much less a R . A . Mason , was able to prompt the M . E . Z . It augured well for the Rose Chapter to see such worthy companions in the respective chairs . The toast was responded to most heartily . ]

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Comp . S . J . Dereham , H ., in reply , said he hardly deserved such kind remarks from the M . E . Z . He had certainly done his best , but felt rather nervous , it being the first time he had rehearsed the duties in a regular chapter . He apologised for any shortcomings , but he would do his very utmost to emulate such a worthy M . E . Z ., and if he succeeded in accomplishing his work , he hop 2 d it would be said of him when he should have left the chair , that he hai faithfully done his duty . Comp . Wm . Dawson , J ., most sincerely thanked the M . E . Z . for his kind expressions

towards him . He thoroughly reciprocated every word of Comp . H ., and if able to perform the duties as well should be deeply gratified . He should like to take the opportunity ot thanking the companions for so unanimously electing him to the proud position of J ., when he was some 6000 miles distant from them on business , but it showed their great kindness , and in return he would endeavour to do his utmost for the benefit and prestige of the Rose Chapter .

In proposing the toast of "The Exaltee , " the M . E . Z . stated it was one always most welcome to the chapter , specially when it was admitting a brother whom one was proud to introduce . He had paid rapt attention to the beautiful ceremony , and was in every way deserving of a hearty greeting . Certainly he -was a long way from office , but it was the desire of him ( the M . E . Z . ) that he should one day see him holding the position of First Principal of the Rose Chapter .

Comp . Sobel , in response , said he was pleased indeed to hear such flattering remarks of himself . He had been much struck with the beautiful ritual . He had been looking forward to his exaltation for six years , since his initiation ir . New York City . It had been the pleasure of anticipation , but now it was an accomplished fact that pleasure was greatly enhanced , considering the splendid ceremony he had witnessed , with its sublime teaching . His endeavour would be to learn and practise its precepts and prove liimself worthy . For such a kind reception he most cordially thanked the

companions . The M . E . Z . gave the toast of "The Visitors , " of whom there was a goodly array , in terms of hearty greeting , remarking they were all most worthy . He took the opportunity of thanking Comps . Grummant and Stone for their continued able assistance ( 0 the chapter in the installation ceremonies . In reply , Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z . 1275 , said he felt himself as a pioneer , being placed in the forefront to break the way for the very able companions who were to

respond to the toast . _ One very great feature in the chapter was that nearly all the officers were exaltees in the Rose Chapter , and from the manner they had discharged their respective duties it spoke volumes . They were all most regular attendants at the Star Chapter of Improvement , and in performing their duties so excellently they were only carrying out the traditions of the Rose Lodge , so well renowned for its excellent

working . Considering the young and able officers , the Rose Chapter had a splendid future and one that any chapter might be proud of . He was confident the M . E . Z ., who had presided in a most exemplary manner , would have the hearty support of the Past Principals and officers of the chapter . On behalf of the visitors , who had had an intellectual feast , and he most heartily thanked the companions , with the desire to again visit the chapter at no distant date .

Comp . Towers , M . E . Z . 2191 5 also expressed his great pleasure at visiting and seeing such excellent working , and meeting many dear old friends . The ceremonies had been performed most perfectly , and he congratulated the chapter upon such excellent workers . Comp . R . J . Vincent , P . Z . 1329 , also paid a very high compliment to the M . E . Z ., wHom he had witnessed in Craft Masonry , but never before in the chapter . He had been very much struck with the excellent working , specially that of the P . S ., the

rehearsing of which he had never heard more perfectly rendered . In fact the whole of the ceremonies reflected very great credit upon the officers . Comp . Telling , M . E . Z . 21 S 2 , likewise congratulated the M . E . Z . on his exalted position in such a chapter , and said on behalf of the rest of the visitors , one and all were very proud to be present . Comp . C . H . Stone , P . Z ., also very suitably replied . The M . E . Z ., in presenting the toast of " The Past Principals , " dilated upon their many virtues and the manner they had conducted the affairs of the chapter , and had brought it to such a state of excellence—Comp . Frank Williams , whose geniality and

kindness had endeared him to every member of the chapter ; Comp . Pullen , who had had an exceptional year of office ; and the Immediate Past Principal , Comp . J . Loader , who had worked exceedingly hard for the chapter since its inception . He ( the M . E . Z . ) had worked side by side with the I . P . Z . for many years , and could testify to his integrity and straightforwardness , in fact it was a pleasure to work with him , and to mark the appreciation of the companions on his retiring from the First Principal's chair , he would , on behalf of the Rose Chapter , present a handsome Past Principal ' s jewel as a mark of their love and esteem .

The inscription upon the jewel was a follows : " Presented to Companion John Thomas Loader by the Companions of the Rose Chapter for services rendered as M . E . Z . 1896 . 7 . " Comp . J . 1 ° . Loader most heartily thanked the M . E . Z . for his kind expressions , and the companions for so cordially receiving them . His career in Freemasonry had been one cf duty and pleasure . He was gratified to feel that what he had done in lodge an J chapter had met with their approval . It only proved if one set his heart and soul upon a certain object it wou'd almost invariably meet with success . He paid a very

high compliment to Comp . Kirby , the late treasurer , who was a founder , and had to retire on account of ill-health . They had been associated for many years , and were the best of friends . Likewise the M . E . Z . had the same excellent qualities , and no one could but be struck at his amiability and general bearing . He was deeply grateful to the companions for such a testimony of appreciation , and he trusted he should wear the splendid jewel so heartily accorded him , and his earnest desire was that he should retain that same estimation for years to come . Comps . Williams , P . Z ., and Pullen , P . Z ., also ably responded .

The M . E . Z . next gave the toast of "The Treasurer and S . E . " in terms of high eulogium . The worthy Treasurer , Comp . J . Hooper , was unavoidably absent through illness , and he had the sympathy of all the companions , but he was happy to say the funds were perfectly safe . The S . E ., Comp . G . Thompson , had taken a deep interest in the chapter , being one of the founders , and now had accepted the office of S . E . None could perform that duty better , for he had conducted the various offices he had filled most ably . 111 saiu 11 Jiuuu vi lilt

. icpiy , V . UU * . iiuiiipauii c was ( ; jjuaiuuu , anu nc nau always striven to perform his duties well . In that office it would be no exception , but he knew he had to follow two excellent companions who had filled the position before him . However , he would do his utmost to emulate them , and he hoped to obtain their approbation . In the toast of "The Officers" all received at the hands of the M . E . Z . individual praise for their efficient work , . which had been arquired through their regular attendance at the Star Chapter ot Improvement , under the able Preceptorship of Comp . T . Grummant , who was always most willing to assist any companion who presented himself . He would take the opportunity of announcing the annual supper at the Surrey Masonic Hall on

Wednesday , April 7 th , at 7 p . m ., Comp . Wm . Eckersall , M . E . Z . 1275 , presiding . He hoped that the companions would support so worthy a Chairman , and mark their appre ciation of the able instruction that had been imparted to them . Comps . T . R . Cass , S . N ., and G . II . Lewis most ably responded . The Janitor ' s toast closed a happy and eventful meeting . An excellent programme of music was arranged under the direction of Comp . F . E . Choveaux , ably assisted by Bro . T . W . Turner , Comp . S . J . Derham ( flautist ) , and Messrs . Sebastian King and Joseph Percival . Comp . Choveaux ably presided at the piano .

The Recent Festival Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE RECENT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The following sums have been received since our report of last week s—LONDON . Lodge t £ s . d . 140 Bro . Dr . W . C . S . Burney , new list ... ... 25 1 0 THE PROVINCES . HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT . 2203 Bro . Ernest Letchfield , additional ... ... 26 5 o ( raising his list to £ 57 15 s . )