St. Dunstan's Royal Arch Chapter.

ST . DUNSTAN'S ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER .

At the consecration of the above chapte r the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford delivered the following oration : — M . E . Consecrating Officer , Comp . Principal H ., and rompaninns , —I have come here to-day in response to the urteous jn \ jtation of the companions of this new chapter ,

conveyed through acting Scribe Ezra , to deliver the customary oration , and the duty in such a case is rendered both a p leasure and a privilege , because associated , sir , vvith yourself , in the interesting and solemn ceremonial ol to-day , and because also , like yourself , as I know full well , I have a very great regard and reverence for the beautiful ritual of tbe Royal Aich Grade . In common with

yourself and many more , and among whom I may fitly mention our esteemed and valued Grand Ezra , Comp . "John Hervey , a name highly prixed among Royal Arch Masons , as well as by brethren of the Craft at large , I have seen with deep satisfaction the increase of Royal Arch chapters amongst us of recent years . To my mind , as I believe to the minds of many more , there is no portion of

our Masonic sjstem more simple-, and yet more beautiful in itself , more striking from its historidl and archaeological connection with the one true system of Masonry , and , above all , more definite , more sublime , more piactical , and more valuable in the teaching it sets forth , in the moral beauty , wisdom , and duty which it inculcates . Shall I be deemed an optimist or a visionary , sir , when I express

before you and this distinguished gathering to-day the hope and the anticipation that the time will come when all English lodges will have a Royal Arch chapter attached to them , as the rightful complement of all Masonic instruction , as the just , and befitting reward of all loyal Master Masons ? For let us ever bear in mind that , though severed in its arrangement , and distinct in its

nomenclature , and changed in its ceremonial from Craft Masonry , the Royal Arch is not really or truly a fourth grade , per se , but actually the destined consummation of thc labours , anxieties , and mysteiies of the Third Degree . As the apex of our Masonic pyramid , it serves , as it were , to connect , compact , cement the whole deftly united building , as resting on the broad foundation of Craft Masonry j

it soars toward Heaven on the sublime enunciation of the princip les and tenets unfolded in the picturesque ritual of Royal Arch Masonry . Let us , therefore , hail , sir , the expansion and developement of Royal Arch Masonry amongst us , and as the di-tinguishing characteristic of Anglican Masonry , in the exalted place it fills , and the prominent position it assumes j let us be proud of it , and seek to

diffuse its chapters and its ceremonial , its goodly tenets and its gracious declarations , its kindly sanctions , and its ennobling precepts far and wide . But as , sir , under your ableprr . idency weare about to consecrate a new chapter today , it seems alike reasonable and seasonable for the orator lo seek to convey to the companions some of the teaching , at any rate , of this exalted grade , both , as we say , t 3

improve the occasion and as a fitting commemoration of to-day ' s proceedings . It would be impossible , sir , as you well know , in one short oration , or many , to draw out the fulness of Royal Arch teaching , and I can but attempt in some poor feeble words of mine , shortly , with your kind concurrence , and subject to the friendly criticism of my hearers , to glance at a portion of the truths

conveyed to us , and preserved for us in this unrivalled portion of our mystic rites . There aie then , as it appears to me , and , as I think , sir , you will agree with me , three truths which are conspicuous in lhe special teaching of our Royal Arch ceremonial , and these are , reverence for God , obtdici . ee for authority , and love for the brotherhood . Is it wrong to say that the

famous triad " Fear God , Honour the King , Love thc Brotherhood , " is reproduced by " designed " or undesigned " coincidence " in the teaching of the Royal Arch ? Let us take these axioms seriatim , though necessarily as time unly permits very briefly , and we shall see that they constitute alike the strength and the reality , the glory and thc grace , the vitality and the use not only of Royal

Arch Masonry , but of all true Masonry in the world . ( Hear , hear . ) t . We are taught in the Royal Arch Grade not only , as in a former degree , to bend with resignation to the will of T . G . A . O . T . U ., to dedicate our hearts purified from every baneful and malignant passions , and fitted only for the reception of moral truth and virtue , as well to His glory

as the welfare of our fellow creatures , but even a little more than this , good and true and valuable as it is . In the Royal Arch grade we are bid remember that we are e * 'er before the knowledge , the wisdom , the moral control , the just judgment ot the Most Hig h—( hat His eternity , "is omniscience , His omnipotence , Mis supreme and soverei gn law , are alike our hope and safety , our

trust and our delight . Wc arc reminded that as His children , creatures , servants , and subjects , we are ever - 'itler His providential care , that " our times are in His hand , " that weare " not our own but His , " that thc acts uf our lives , the hopes of our hearts , and pUns and ex-I ' -rtations of to-day , the pathway of our feet , and the very existence of us all , he we who we may , high or humble ,

j "' ' not overlooked by Him , that it is our solemn duty , no ''ss than our happy privilege , to believe in His providence , to bow to His decrees , to accept His dispensations without a murmur , and to look up to Him confidingly iii every emergency of life , for strength , for comfort , for ' - ' i- and lor health , for support and tor safety . Now we

J-jJienv that it is just this good old teaching of Englisn : 'asonry which so displeases some modern teachers , and sonic new-fangled expositors of Masonic lore . They do Jiut like the idea of that reverent acknowledgment of •"• A . O . T . U ., of a personal and living God , the living teator , Benefactor , Guide , Sovereign , Saviour , Judge of Iat * -i which English Craft Masonry avows , and thc Royal

St. Dunstan's Royal Arch Chapter.

Arch so emphatically proclaims . They seek to evade thc recognition of Got ) , and to substitute for it either a specious "Nihilism , " which sweeps away the Get ! of our feorefathcrs , and substitutes iu His place an " Anima Mundi , " the oltl resource of infidelity , or they pompou .-. lv put forth

a blinding trust in humanity , our po . r humanity indeed ; or they set up tin * ' lnr . eprndert morality , " which really means no meeraUty cvactically ae ad , which leaves us without a pre .-cnt God or a future lile , which tgimrcs the moral responsibilities , and consequently ail mo rai dutv , and renders us blind votaries of chance or fate , like thc

motes in the sunbeam—atoms which to-day are ami tomorra w are gone , and forgotten for ever . Sir , you and 1 , with all now present , deploring the aberrations and erratic proceedings which mark some bodies of Masons to-day , will rejoice to think that we iu England uphold vvith unfaltering and unwavering faith the better teaching of our forefathers , and make the beginning and the end , the first

and the last , the foundation and the apex , the strength and the glory of English Masonry , Craft and Royal Arch , in no spirit of intolerance , but humble genuine piety , a reverent acknowledgment of God , over all Most High and most blessed for evermore . ( Applause . ) And , in the next place , marked is the teaching in this . degree in respect of obedience to supreme authority . As English

Freemasons , happily , we are taught from the very first never , under any citcumstances whatever , to forget , as loyal citizens , the allegiance due to the Sovereign of our native land , to avoid all plots and conspiracies against Government , and to be zealous fi lends to order and social stability , and hostile always to anarchy , agitation , confusion , and revolution I We , in this Royal Arch Grade , are

all enjoined to bear in mind , that while resistance to usurped authority sometimes becomes the duty of thc patriot citizen and Freemason , reverence for lawful authority is ever a solemn duty incumbent upon us all , be wc who we may , who profess to be members of our peaceful , philanthropic , legalized , and law-abiding Fraternity . One of the greatest charms of Freemasonry for us all , perhaps ,

to-day is its avoidance of , and distance from the petty tumults of sectional differences , the cries of controversy , and the existing and severing topics of political eiiscussion . Unfortunatel y for Freemasonry in some poitions of the Masonic world , these obvious truths and salient duties are forgotten , in the mistaken impetuosity of unwise teaching , and hence we can understand how too often

Freemasonry , through no fault of its own , has fallen ender proscription and suspicion , has even been for a time suppressed , has been treated as inimical to government and order , and antagonistic tu aulheirity ami law . Happily for us all in England , the loyally of Freemasons has ever been conspicuous and avowed , and as such duly recognized by that Royal and au-just Family which

Providence has placed in supreme authoiity ov-. r these united realms , and in times past , as to day , the happy connexion between the English Royal Family and English Freemasonry has been niaintaiticel in loyal fervour and attachment , unelimmed ar : d unchanging , alike for the strength and pride and welfare of our English Ctaft . Long m-iy it so continue , antl long may we , as Royal Arch

Masons , and intelligent and prudent citizens , while we advocate peaceful progress , liberty e-f conscience , and equal rights for all classes , never forget the reverence due t «| authority , and as patriots and Freemasons , for us the throne and institutions uf our country will always be a subject of paramount reverence and devotion . Faithful to our Gotl , our Sovereign , our country ,

and our laws , we shall rejoice in the success of our gallant soldiers and sailors abroad ; we shall carefully seek to help to maintain peace and prosperity , order and tranquillity at home . ( Applause . ) And , lastly , wc are reminded to lewe the brotherhood . Yes , sir , as companions of the Royal Arch Grade , we shall indeed feel proud of that golden chain ol fraternal sympathy which binds us so closely to our excellent

Order , and to one another hero below . It is that inner mystic circle of genuine faithful brotherhood whicli constitutes the excelling grace , and ought to be the unchanging glory of Freemasonry . It has sometimes occurred to me , that partly arising from our more limited numbers , there is amongst Royal Arch Masons a more close connection , a more intimate cohesion , than is sometimes found in Craft Masonry .

Sure I am , that numerous lodges do not constitute the strength or the happiness of Freemasonry , that they arc too often the cause of weakness , disunion , and discord , and that the more we know each other , the nv * re carefully we select our associates , the more calmly we strive to render Masonic fellowship and membership or special and personal privilege , not to be obtained too easily bv every

one , the greater chance there is , humanly speaking , both for the safe progress and happy permanency of Freemasonry . As Royal Arch Masons we are bidden to love thc brotherhood , and to prove our love , by our words without guile , and our acts guided by honour , sincerity , antl loyalty to onc another . To suppose or to believe for one moment that the profane vids

of slander , envy , backbiting , malice , the invidious scandal , or the lying accusation , the delamatit . n of a brother's character , could find their way into a Royal Arch chapter , would constitute an abject parody on all our eloquent professions , would rob Freemasonry of its good , and serve as the best ot weapons in the hands of our accusers and maligucrs . Therefore , let us assume , sir , if you please , to-day .

that in these peaceful abodes of fiie . itlship and mutual esteem and goodwill , we have shut out the harsher voices of an angry and vindictive world , ami that , bound to each other by the unbreakable drain of Iraternal concord and affection , we are brethren and companions in deed as wcli

as in word , in heart as well as in name . Sir , I fearf have almost exceeded the limits of your forbearance and my companions' patience , but there arc yet two words I wish to say . Though our love for the brotherhood is to be shown forth in all moral sincerity and energy , there is another proof of its reality which we can al : 0 evidence to our

St. Dunstan's Royal Arch Chapter.

brethren and the work ' .. Active , single-handed , and singlehearted charity is the distinguishing bad ^ e of Freemasons , and , on an occasion like this , I think it is always the orator ' s duty to remind the companions of a new chapter that the gnat Metropolitan Charities of our Order , which c . > nsiitute the- great priele of all Freemasons , claim from Roval Arch Masons as well as Craftsmen active

svmpathv and support . 1 need lianlly remind my hearers of that most suicesslul anniversary , at which you , sir , so properly reaped the return of arduous labours in an unexampled success for that excellent Institution—the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution—and in which all must feel th-. * deepest interest . But I may be permitted to mention that the Girls' School anniversary , close at hand ,

and that the Boys School anniversary at a later period , elemand the warm support of all who wish Masonic charity to be so gracefully exemplified and so practically carried out , as it is now is , in those really noble and invaluable Charities of Freemasonry in this great metropolis of ours . Sir , I have now done . Let us all unite in earnest aspirations for the future peace , prosperity , happiness , harmony ,

and progress of the St . Dunstan's Chapter . May it take a leading position amongst our many goodly chapters , and may it ever be distinguished by the zeal and devotedness of its members , their submission t ^ Masonic law and rule , their faithful adhesion to Grand Cnnpter , and their realizetiott of the great tenets of Royal Arch Masonry . Thus , sir , as trusty Royal Arch Masons , Ictus humbly endeavour

to discharge our temporal and pasbing duties with the zeal and fidelity incumbent upon us all , so that as we pass on peacefully and happily through these fleeting years of time , we yet may be permitted , in the good Providence of the Most High , to find that this oar sublunary state has been the poital to one which is alike enduring and eternal . ( Applause . )

Provincial Grand Chapter Of West Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

The annual meeting of this Provincial Grand Chapter took place at the picturesque village of Uppermill , Saddleworth , under the auspices of the Confidence Chapter , 337 , the Principals ol which opened a preliminary chapter , when about ninety companions from various parts of the province

assembled . M . K . Comp . Lieut .-Col . Sir Henry Edwards , Bart ., Provincial Grand Superintendent of West Yorkshire , and the officers of Provincial Grand Chapter having entered , the usual salutation was heartily accorded him , and , in reply . Sir Henry Edwards said that he had felt necessitated to call them together sooner than had been customary , in

consequence if his having to leave Yorkshire for London , and as this was his first oe * cupancy of the chair in opening Provincial Grantl Chapter since his installation as Provincial Grand Superintendent at Sheffield , 011 Wednesday , October 30 II 1 , 1878 , he had been desirous not to delegate the duties to another . Sir Henry added— "I may here observe that I have laid it down as an absolute rule never to recommend

an application for a new charter until the draft bye-laws have been submitted for approval , the form of tvhich , without undue interference , 1 should desire to follow . For instance , the first page lo contain the fountlers' names , dates of charter and consecration , index , tables of foes , and certificates ir . due order . The chief object is to bring all chapter bye-laws into harmony and almost uniformity , and I

am happy to learn from our Registrar that one half of the chapters have already revised their bye-laws in accordance with this excellent system . In the appointment of officers in Provincial Grand Chapter in this province it has been the custom , as you may be aware , to select but Past First Principals ; and at my installation it was my endeavour , as it shall be , to distribute the officers as widely as possible .

Our Registrar , who has so much to do in the revision of bye-laws , was induced to accept the office once more , and I hope it will be your pleasure to assist his endeavours in the matter of complete revision of bye-laws . On referring to the annual returns , I find we have on our rolls 884 Royal Arch Masons ; and of that number there are upwards of 2 ^ g Principals and Past Principals . It is with every

feeling of thankfulness 1 am thus able to speak of the prosperity of Koyal Arch Masonry in this great province of West Yorkshire ; and whilst weshould be grateful for the position we have already attained to , let us each and all endeavour faithfully to discharge our duty ; and may peace and happiness , health and prosperity , love and unity , ever attend us .

Excellent companions , I thank you for your kind attention , and , in conclusion , ask you to join with me in passing a cordial vote of thanks to our companions in this part of the province for entertaining us , and in wishing this chapter every possible measure of prosperity . " The officers were appointed as follows for the ensuing

year : — Comp . C . L . Mason , 204 Prov . G . H . „ J . D . Kay , 289 Prov . G . J . „ 1-1 . Smith , 302 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Rodtiiwig , 139 P / ov . G . S . N . „ J . F . Moss , 139 Prov . G . P . S . ,, E . Woodhouse , 521 Prov . G . A . P . S

„ J . Beanland , 600 Prov . G . A . P . S . ,, J . Fisher , ( ii ( reelected ) ... Prov . G . Treas . „ W . B . Altliisiiii , 154 Prov . G . Reg . „ Peiwolny , 304 Prov . G . Swd . B , „ Kendall , 1283 Prov . G . Std . B . ., J . R . Dorr , 275 Prov . G . D . C .

„ VV . Glover , 2 K 9 Prov . G . Org . „ Schofield , 290 ; Slack , 495 ; A . " ^ „ _ . . Roberts , 61 ; and France , 208 J lr 0 V- U * J > CW ( JS * ,, J . Lee ... ... Prov . G . Janitor . After other routine business , au invitation for the next meeting to be held in Leeds was accepted , after which the companions partook of an excellent repast .