The Royal Arch.

THE ROYAL ARCH .

THE LILY CHAPTER OF RICHMOND , No . 820 . A convocation of this excellent Chapter was held at the New Masonic Hall , recently built in connection with the Greyhound Hotel , Richmond ,

on Wednesday the 30 th nit ., E . Comp . Joshua Nunn , Grand Director of Ceremonies and P . Z ., presided as M . E . Z ., and was supported by Comps . I . Cockburn ,

P . Z . as H . ; W . V . Cooper , J . ; T . Carless , S . E . ; H . G . Lake , P . Z . ; T . Giles , Treas . ; W . Maun , ( Z , 186 ) P . S . ; H . Johnson , G . T . Noyce , Porter , Fenner , Fincb , Koch , Miller , Collett , Kennedy , & c , and by the following visitors , Comps . Wm . Ough , ( G . Purst . of G . Lodge ) , P . Z . 749 ; Henry Potter , P . Z ., 19 ; R Wentworth Little , M . E . Z ., 177 , and

P . Z ., 975 ; H . Colliugs , 507 ; W . Johnson , 749 ; T . Potter , 749 ; W . J . Crossfield , 715 . TheChapteibaving been duly opened and the Companions admitted , the minutes were read , and the elections of the various officers for the ensuing year were then , proceeded with , and resulted unanimously as follows

Comps . I . Nunn , P . Z . as M . E . Z . ; W . V . Cooper , H . ; T . Carless , J . ; T . Giles , Treasurer ; W . Mann , S . E . ; W . Collett , S . N . ; H . Johnson , P . S . ; J . Gilbert , Janitor . Comps . H . Johnson , Pinch , and Porter , were chosen as Auditors , and a P . Z . ' s jewel was unanimously voted to Comp . T . Mason the

retiring Z . The chapter was then closed with the usual formalities and the companions adjourned to the new and spacious Dining Hall , which adjoins the Masonic Hall , where a banquet , garnished with all the delicacies of the season , and served in the truly regal style

which distinguishes Comp . Noyce ' s hotel arrangements , awaited tlie members ofthe chapter and their visitors . The cloth having been removed , Comp . Nunn , who presided , gave "The Queen and 14 . A . Masonry , " and " The Grand Z ., the Earl of Zetland , " toasts which were received with all the honors .

Comp . COCKBURN , P . Z ., then proposed the Earl de Grey and ltipon , Grand IL , the Rev . John Huyshe , Grand J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , observing that the duty had devolved upon him inasmuch as tho presiding Z ., Comp . Nunn , had recently been created a Grand Officer , and as this was his first appearance

in the chapter since that event , he ( Comp . Cockburn ) was sure the Companions desired to render honor where honor was strictly due . He congratulated the Lily Chapter upon owning such a member as Comp . Nunn , who he trusted would , live long to enjoy the high position to which he had attained .

The toast was drunk with great applause . The Acting M . E . Z ., in responding , acknowledged lhe assistance he had received throughout his Masonic career from the members of the various Lodges and Chapters with which he wascoiinectcd , without which he should not have obtained the high positions to which

the Earl of Zcthind had been pleased to appoint him , and in conclusion Comp . Nunn expressed his readiness at all times to assist his brother Masons in any and every capacity in which he might he placed . The " Health of the Visitors , " was then given from the chair in felicitous language , and the toast was

coupled with the name of Comp . R . Wentworth Little . The toast was exceedingly well received , anil Comp . Little , in returning thanks , observed that , although the only actual First Principal present , he could not arrogate to himself the privilege of acknowledging , on the part of the visitors , the kind reception of the

toast , but he was sure he might speak for all in testifying to tho unbounded hospitality they had experienced . For himself , he was never better pleased than to he amongst the " Companions of the Lilv ;" the name itself was one of good omen , and as the lily was the acknowledged symbol of purity , so might its spotless hue be illustrated in the moral truth and

purity of our lives and actions . Comp . Little concluded b y ottering his congratulations to the presiding M . E . Z . on his attainment of Grand Chapter honours " which were a fitting complement to those which Comp . Nunn had achieved in the Craft . Comp . OUGH ( Grand Pursuivant ) said , after Comp .

Littles remarks , he had little to say , but he must express his great gratification at the progress of the Lily Chapter , and he felt convinced th . it under such a M . E . Z . as Comp . Nunn , assisted hy such efficient officers Comps . Cooper , Carless . and Mann , the Chapter would during the ensuing year even exceed its usual

prosperity . Comp . 11 . Potter , P . Z ., followed in a humorous speech premising by pathetically lamenting that the wind had been taken out of his sails h y the previous speakers , hut evincing his determination to say a word two of acknowled

or gement as a token of gratitude for the magnificent reception extended to the visitors . The health of the M . E Z . Comp . Mason , who was unavoidably absent , was then heartil y given by the presiding officer , and most cordiall y received . Comp . CocKimitN , P . Z . responded for thel ' . Z . ' s . and

The Royal Arch.

observed that all the principals were most anxious to promote , the welfare of the Chapter . The health of the popular Treasurer , Comp . Giles , was the next toast , and was drunk with manifestations of approval , eliciting a handsome response from -the worthy Companion . ¦ .

Comps . COOPER and CARLESS , H . and J . elect returned thanks for the principal officers , and Comp . MANN , P . S ., in reply to the eulogistic mention of his qualities , expressed his acknowledgments and promised his best endeavours for the future . The Janitor ' s toast concluded the most enjoyable

meeting , which was agreeably diversified with songs by several Companions . All who wish a pleasant day's outing with the best of good cheer are reminded that the " Strawberry season'' has set in with its usual severity , at Comp . Noyce ' s famous hostelry , the Greyhound , Richmond .

Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

WINCHESTER . —Mark Masters' Lodge of Economy , No . 52 . —A regular meeting of this lodge took place on Friday evening , June 24 , when the following brethren were present : — -Bros . Sheppard , W . M . ; Warner , D . C ., as S . W . ; Oakstat , J . W ; Penton ,

as M . O . ; Whale , S . O . ; Wooldridge , as J . O . ; Sherry , Sec ., asS . D . ; Lumsden , J . D . ; Priddis , l . G . ; Bishop , Doswell , and Pottle , Tyler ; Bros . J . R . Stebbing , W . M . 63 , Grand Treasurer , and Alfred Rolls , Sec ., 63 . The minutes of tho last lodge were read and confirmed . None of the candidates for

advancementbeingpresent , the brethren worked theceremony , with the exception of the lecture , for the purpose of instruction , Bro . Bishop acting as candidate . The brethren then discussed the bye-laws , which were adopted , after one or two alterations were made , and ordered to be printed . The W . M ., read an

application he had received from the Grand Secretary , Bro . Binckes , asking for a Steward from this lodge as a representative at the first Charity Festival to be held in July in support of the Benevolent Fund appertaining to the Urand Lodge of Mark Masters . It was proposed by Bro . Sherry , and seconded by Bro . Whale , " That the W . M . Bro . Sheppard , be

requested to actras steward from this lodge at the said Festival , moderate expenses necessary to be borne by the lodge . " This proposition was put to the brethren and carried unanimously . Bro . Sheppard having kindly assented thereto , solicited the bivthren to support him individually on the occasion . The lodge was then closed iu form with solemn prayer at 10 o ' clock .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Freemasons Of Worcestershire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF FREEMASONS OF WORCESTERSHIRE .

The annual meeting of the Providcial Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Worcestershire was held in the Town-hall , Stourport , on Tuesday , the Right Worshipful Pro vinci 1 Grand Master , Albert Hudson Royds , Ksq ., and supported by a number of Provincial Grand Officers and Brethren .

The Provincial Grand Lodge having been opened at high noon in due form , and the usual ordinary preliminary business disposed of , the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . W . Bristow , P . P . S . G . W ., read the report of the " Masonic Window Committee , " which was t . o the cfl ' eet that the Dean and Chapter of Worcester Cathedral had , since the last

meeting ofthe Provincial Grand Lodge , approved of the design submitted to tliem for the large window at the north end of the transept in Worcester Cathedral , proposed to be tilled with stained glass at a cose of A ' 050 , by the Provincial Grand Lodge , which window would be ready to be fixed by the end of the present month , and if the Dean and Chapter approved , would he in its place in time for the approaching Music . il Festival .

The Lodge expressed a strong des re that the window should be fixed before the ensuing Festival . The R . W . Prov . G . M . appointed the lbllowing brethren provincial grand officers for the ensuing year , viz .: —Dep . Prov . ( Ul ., liro . J . Barber ; Prov . S . G . W ., Bro . W . Holland : Prov . J . G . W ., Bro . 15 . Brooks ;

Prov . Grand Treasurer , Pro . W . Masefield ; Prov . Grand Registrar , Bro . S . Baldwin ; Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . W . Bristow ; Pro . Senior G . Deacon , Bro . A . T . Hancocks ; Prov . . Junior ( J . Deacon , Bro . G . Baldwin ; Prov . G . Snpt . of Works , Bro . W . II . Westwood ; Prov . G . Dir . of Ceremonies , Bro . F .

Godson ; Prov . Assistant ditto , Bro . L . II . lvendnck ; Prov . (! . Sword Bearer , Bro . A . J . Hancocks ; Prov . Grand Organist , Bro . T . Tronian ; Prov . Grand Pursuivant , Bro . F . Turner . Tho P . G . M . then closed his Provincial Grand

Lodge , and the brethren , to the number of about 101 ) , walked in procession , to the parish church ot St . Michael , where an eloquent sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . W . S . Newton , A . P . G . C . After tbe service a collection was made for

charitable purposes . The brethren re-formed in procession and walked to the Swan Hotel , where they partook of a banquet under the presidency ofthe R . W . Prov . Grand Master .

The Annual Communication Of The Grand Lodge Of New York.

THE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK .

The most Worshi p ful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York commenced its annual communication on Tuesday , the 1 st June , at Apollo Hall , Broadway . Present M . W . James Gibson , of Salem , Grand Master ; R . W . John H . Anthon , Deputy Grand Master , and all the Grand

officers , and District Deputy Grand Masters . After the Grand Lodge had been opened in due form the Grand Master's address wa > £ ^ xt in order . It is very lengthy , able , and full 6 i interesting matter ; a business document of great interest to the Craft at large , as the following brief summary of it

will show : — Brethren of the M . W . Grand Lodge of the State of New York , —In conformity with an ancient custom in our Israel , and ordained as a requirement by our Constitution , we have assembled in the ei g hty-sixth Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge , to consider of

the past and provide for the future . Let us be reverently thankful to the Giver of all good , that we are enabled to assemble in peace , love , and unity , with none to molest us or make us afraid , and thus to open and hold our convocation , with public notice , in open day , without the previous consent , and without the

fear of any power , potentate , orsovereignty whatever , foreign or domestic , temporal or spiritual . That though a Pope and a Cardinal , a Synod and a Presbytery , have alike cursed and anathematized us , " we still five , " and that by our fruits shall we be finally judged ; and not by these tribunals of the earth ,

earthy , but by the hig h and holy One that nihabiteth eternity , whose justice , though we may and ought to fear , is yet tempered with mercy , which is everlasting , and by his love , which never failcth . . . . First in importance , and among the first in time , of difficult questions presented to me for examination and

decision , after the closing of the annual communication of the Grand Lodge , was that as to the policy to be pursued in granting dispensations for opening new lodges . No one who has carefully observed the signs of the present , indicating difficulties and dangers to the fraternity in the future , can have failed to be satisfied

that the rapid multiplication of lodges is one of the greatest perils that Masonry , from its almost certain consequences , has to fear . It necessarily invites a great rush at the threshold , which the new lodge has neither the experience nor the nerve to resist . The knowledge they have not , for that is only obtained by

age and observation ; the nerve they rarely or never exercise , as they are compelled to meet large expenses necessarily arising from the opening of a new lodge , the construction or fitting up a hall , the procuring the insignia awl tbe jewels , ( lie payment of tho Grand Lodge fee , and the thousand other items , often grossly

extravagant , but thought to be necessary , to enable them to compete successfully with the established lodges in their vic ' uv ' ty . The new lodge is desirous of a large roll , of an elegant hall , of a full treasury , and is too forgetful that these good things , in themselves , may be obtained at the loss of the permanent welfare

and prosperity of the craft . By the gratification of these desires they are prevented from exercising that just discrimination and careful scrutiny as to petitioners for the degrees , absolutely essential to the securing of suitable material for the Masonic temple , proposed to he constructed by the new lodge . The certain

result is sure to follow , and the temple under con- * strnction is erected with rough stones , and put together with uiitempered mortar , the true work of Masonry lost sight of or neglected , and that temple which , had it been erected of good materials and in a proper manner , would have stood as an enduring

monument of the faithful labors of its founders , is soon , levelled with the dust of the earth , and the " place which once knew it shall know it no more for ever . " There have already many such lodges been organized , worked in this manner , and they are struggling for life , or have died ; enough to show plainly how

dangerous is the path we have trodden ; enough standing as gravestones of Masonry—monuments marking the sloughs into which the craft have fallen from the errors of the past . In addition to these considerations , there is no necessity for so many new lodges . One of the chief arguments urged to me , in many cases , for

dispensation was , that those who applied had now to go over five or ten miles to reach their lodge . If new lodges are instituted in the rest of this jurisdiction , as thickly as proposed by many of the petitions I have received , wo should have in the State over two thousand lodges . No such number , nor anything like it ,

can , with the slightest regard to the true interests of the institution , be established . " In the days of prosperity let us consider . " It is the day of danger , for it is not in numbers that our true strength lies , but in the principles ofthe fraternity , thoroughly learned , and faithfully practised by the brethren . Masonry

cannot be brought to every man ' s door , for with lavishncss follows satiety ; and that which is obtained with ease , and got without cost or labor , is soon deemed of little value . Its cheapness makes it to be despised . . . . The invasions b y lodges , in this State , of the territorial and material jurisdictions of