Consecration Of The Stanmore Chapter, No. 1549.

here with the Romans , under their renowned chief Cassibellaunus , a proof of which exists in the obelisk near the Common , and " every spot in or near the Common seems to attest—as has been said by Aliss Phillimorc—to thc truth of this early stage of English history . " The country itself is as charming as can be , and the air the best of inland air in England . I have the authority of the best ^ doctors on this point , and one of them is here this evening—our worthy

Comp . Dr . Wilson lies—and from another whom I hope tu see here soon as our Treasurer—dear old Dr . Rogers—our brother and Treasurer of the Abercorn Lodge . While gazing with delig ht on the magnificent panorama on all sides of Stanmore , the health y breezes and tonic properties of the air which you feel give unmistakable evidence that you are on high ground , 500 feet above sea level . Bentley Priory , so well known as the residence of the Alarquis of

Abercorn , the Oucen Adelaide , and lately of Sir John Kclk , is now to bc soTd , and bids fair to be the site of modern villas , with a railway near , giving place to modern ideas , and our tremendous increase of population . The celebrated Dukeof Buckingham and Chandos held his brilliant court at Cannons , close by , and not far from here the immortal Handel composed "The Jlarmonious Blacksmith" and other divine melodies . The Abercorn Hotel , where we now

are , and have just consecrated our Royal Arch Chapter , had the honourof being the meeting placcof the Prince Regent , the Emperor of Russia , and the King of Prussia , with Louis the iSth at the conclusion of the old French war . Indeed , Stanmore is full oi interest , and to me especially , for my earliest associations are here , and I went to school close by . But it is more so now , from the proud position in which you have this day installed me , as the First Principal of the

Stanmore Chapter . The M . E . Z . next proposed " The Health of the H . and J . " Comp . H . LOVEGROVE replied , and said he could not , as thc AI . E . Z . had done , given narrative ofthe archaeological and antiquarian objects of the locality derived from early reminiscences , for he had only been there once before . On that occasion he saw Comp . Veal , who suggested that if it

were possible he would like to get up a chapter . He ( Comp . Lovegrove ) consented to be a founder , and it gave him great pleasure to bc so , as be was an enthusiastic Mason . He thought Royal Arch Alasonry was the finest , and when he was P . S ., he thought no office was so great . It was then his intention quietly to go to the J . chair . He considered Comp . Tidcombe was an admirable man to put in the Z . chair , although he went there from plain companion to M . E . Z . He ( Comp . Lovegrove ) intended to go

to the chair by degrees . Those who took the chair should be able to do the work , and he ( Comp . Lovegrove ) was learning the several rituals . He came to Stanmore a comparative stranger , but from those he saw around him now he was not a stranger . Comp . Lovegrove then praised the excellent work they had seen that day performed by Comps . Levander , Terry , Dubois , and Buss , and enumerated nearly every companion at the table as belonging to a body of first-class Alasons .

Comp . Buss , in place of 11 ., also replied , and said he was sure all the companions would feel deeply for Comp . W . Stephens in the great affliction he had recently undergone . He spoke of Comp . VV . Stephens as a splendid worker in Craft and Arch Alasonry , who was always ready to assist whenever Alasonic work had to be performed . Thc AI . E . Z . next gave "The Health of the Visitors , " coupling with the toast the names of Dr . Wilson lies and

Nissen , the latter of whom , he said , went 1500 miles to take his three Degrees in Alasonry . Dr . lues , in reply , stated that , believing the Royal Arch to be an essential addition to Craft Alasonry , he could not hut be rejoiced to see a new chapter established . He was delighted to see the ceremony of the day performed so perfectly and without any hitch by such distinguished Alasons as had presided . The chapter was to be congratulated , as

was also the AI . E . Z . on the distinguished position be had been placed in . He was sure Comp . Tidcombe would work hard to perform his duties during his year of office to promote the interests of the chapter , lie ventured to prophesy a great career for this chapter , and if they would only adopt the advice of Comp . Levander not to endeavour to increase their number so much as to get good members , the chapter would proper .

Comp . NISSEN also replied , and said it was perfectly true that when in India he travelled nearly 500 miles to take each Degree in Bombay . Comp . J AMES TERRY responded for "The Charities , " and said that he expected that his Institution would he at the bottom of the list of subscriptions this year . He had been already topped by the Girls' School , and believed that to-morrow the Girls' School would bc found tohave received

less support this year than the Boys . He wished to see every Alason subscribing a small amount to the different Charities , and not , as it was now , the bulk of the support coming from the same brethren year after year . He added that it was not thc subscribers whose widows and children came for relief , but the widows and children of those who had never given

anything . Comp . II . A . DUBOIS said that with reference to the purchase of Lyncombc House , which was completed on Alonday , there would bc a meeting of the Committee next Alonday to take into consideration the alterations necessary for the reception of twenty-five additional girls into the Girls' School . The Janitor ' s toast was then given , and thc companions shortly afterwards separated .

I he Court of the Goldsmiths' Company have voted the sum of £ 50 . to the building fund of the Convalescent Home for poor Children , St . Leonards-on-Sea . I 3 ro . E . Clarke , Q . C , who sal for Southwark during the few closing weeks of the last Parliament , is the candidate for Plymouth , in succession to Sir IC . Bates .

Constitutions of the Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Alasons , containing the Charges , Regulations , E . A . Song , Sec . A copy should be in the possession of every brother . It may be obtained for 2 s . at the office of the Freemason , or will be sent post-free to any part of the United Kingdom on receipt of twent y-five penny stamps . Address , Publisher , 19 S , Fleet-street , —[ ADVT . I

Old Matured Wines ami Spirits . — ] . I- ; . SIIAXII S ; Co ., Wine Merchants ( Experts and Vnlncrs ) , 2 , ' Albert Mansions , Victoriar eel , London , S . VV . Price lists on applications . —[ ADVT . ]

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft $ faS 0 iirg . WEST KENT LODGE ( No 1297 ) . — Last Saturday , June 26 th , will be a memorable occasion in thc annals of this lodge , for in response to the many suggestions of the brethren , the VV . AI . readily acquiesced in admitting ladies to the banquet . Thc ordinary meeting took place as usual at the Crystal Palace , when tlie lodge was duly and punctually opened by the VV . AI ., Bro . Robt . H . Crowden , there being also present Bros . Woodrow , Sec ; Kent ,

S . W . ; Gardner , f . W . ; I hos . Pernn , S . D . ; Montague Vizitelli , J . D . ; ' Basil Cooke , I . G . ; Beckett , Tyler ; Rosenthal , Hon . Chap . ; Jas . Orange , Org . ; Crump and Crowden , Stewards ; Philps , Lomas , Archer , Johnson , Jenkins , Hicks , Crouch , P . AI . ; and Albin , P . M . Visitors Bros . Le Quesne , P . AI ; A . Rosenthal , S . W . ; IC . Healey , P . Chatterton , and Rogers . After the reading of the minutes , which were duly

confirmed , the W . AL proceeded , after examination , to pass Bro . Stephen Johnson . Air . Alexander Joseph Bellis , having been balloted for and approved , was then initiated into the secrets and mysteries of thc Order . At the closing of the lodge the brethren then retired to the banqueting room , where they were joined by the following ladies : Airs . Robt . H . Crowden , Airs . Garrod , Airs . Crouch , Miss Woodrow , Mrs . Kent , Airs . Perrin ,

Airs . Vizitelli , Airs . James Crowden , Airs . Philps , Mrs . Lomas , Airs . Archer , Airs . Lc Quesne , Aliss Rogers , Aliss Fullwood , and others . The banquet , to which forty-five sat down , was served in the usual satisfactory style by Bros . Bertram and Roberts , and was thoroughly appreciated . The usual loyal and patriotictoasts having been given , "Thc Health of the W . AL " was proposed in felicitous terms by Bro . Crouch , P . AL , and

in reply the VV . AI ., in thanking the brethren for their uniform kindness to him , hoped to be able to record this meeting as the most happy and enjoyable during his years of office ; for how could it be otherwise , when surrounded by so many " fair friends in so many fair forms , " sonic of whom had closer tics than even Alasonry can give . He hoped that thc innovation was thoroughly approved by the brethren , and that the example would be followed by his successors , to the satisfaction of the ladies . After a song

admirably rendered by Aliss Woodrow , the VV . AI . proceeded to propose "The Health of the Initiate , " Bro . Bellis , as follows : Brethren , another star has been added to our Masonic firmament this evening , in that we have initiated a gentleman into the secrets and myst . _ r . es of our Order , who we trust will in due time shed light and lustre to all within his sphere , lt has given me much pleasure to introduce him to this particular lodge , and I trust the interesting

ceremony through which he has this day passed will have a lively and lasting impression on his mind ; and I would remind him , as I have ventured to remind those other brethren whom I have had the privilege of initiating , of the happy and beneficial effects of our Ancient Institution , an Institution which is one of the greatest in the world , one which is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue , one which not only teaches us our duty to our neighbour

but also the highest doctrines , one which embraces all the cardinal virtues , anil points out to us that straight and untlevinting line of conduct , laitl down for our pursuit through life in the volume of the Sacred Law . Such are the grand principles of Freemasonry , and I trust our initiate will be fully imbued with these principles , and have indelibly imprinted on his heart the sacred dictates of truth , honour , and virtue . If he and we all were more assiduously to

carry out these sacred dictates in our every day life , wc should then not only be good Alasons but better men , and confer a boon and benefit on society at large . I hope the initiate will never regret the step he has this day taken , and , as years roll on , he will look back on this occasion as one of the most eventful in his life . After a lively recitation from Bro . Vizitelli , the initiate , Bro . Bellis , expressed his sincere pleasure in becominga member of that lodge , and , although

his tongue was to an extent tied , from the fact of his being so short a time amongst the brethren , and the fact also of ladies being present , yet he wished to say that the ceremony through which he had passed had left a pleasing and remarkable effect on his mind , and he thanked the VV . AI . and thc brethren for so warmly receiving him and passing him through his first duties . The W . AI . proposed "The Health of thc Lady and Brother Visitors , " remarking that

ladies for the first time gracing the banquet by their presence could not hut fix this occasion as a most eventful one , and he would have the ladies to understand that the banquet formed a very small part of their Alasonic proceedings , for itwaswithinthesacred portalsof thelodge , where no lady was allowed to enter , that the secrets and mysteries and privileges of the Order were enjoyed ; anil yet , to show that Alasons were not so selfish as some might suppose , he would inform

them that there it was that they thought of the poor orphans and destitute , and provided comfort for the indigent old brethren and their wives in their latter years . The Royal Alasonic Institutions for Boys and Girls and the Benevolent Institution were thc consequence of the promptings of Alasonic hearts , and these great charitable Institutions were solely maintained by the liberality of the brethren at large . He bade them , one antl all , a hearty welcome , and hoped ,

should they be again invited , they would grace with their presence the hospitable board of the West Kent Lodge . Bro . Chatterton , in replying , expressed the pleasure it had been for him to have been present at this banquet , for he quite approved of the idea , so well carried out in every particular by the VV . M ., of admitting ladies occasionally to the banquets . He had never witnessed it before in England , but be had had considerable experience in Normandy and

other parts of France ; and he stated there it was a usual custom to invite the ladies , and they always looked forward to it . He then complimented the VV . AI . on the excellent manner in which the ceremonies were performed , and , although they were a little different to what he had been accustomed to , yet , as a Preceptor to two or three English and French lodges of instruction , he quite approved of the variations and differences in the ritual , and considered lhat

if the ceremonies were always carried out as he had witnessed that day it would be a matter of satisfaction to the Craft in general . Bros . Lc Quesne , Rosenthal , Healey , and Rogers also briefly returned thanks for the compliment paid them , and finite acquiesced in the remarks made by Bro . Chatterton . Bro . Vizitelli made a capital speech in return for the lady visitors . Thc Past Masters , Treasurer ( who was unavoidably absent through illness ) , Secretary , and the

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

officers were then toasted ; thanks being returned by Bros . Crouch , Allen , Woodrow , and Kent . Airs . Archer delighted the company with a song to her own accompaniment , and the W . M ., Bros . Rogers ^ Woodrow , and Chatterton added also greatly to the harmony and enjoyment of the evening . The Tyler's toast brought the banquet to a successful and happy finale . Coffee was served , and the brethren separated shortly after ten o'clock .

DUKE OF CORNWALL LODGE ( No . 1 S 39 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall on Saturday evening last , the 26 th ult . The occasion was necessitated by the fact that Bro . Bertie , who had been through his First and Second Degree , was leaving England for New Zealand , and it was desirable that he should bc passed to the Third Degree . There was a full

muster of all the officers of thc lodge and ot most of the members . The ceremony was performed in a most complete manner by the W . AL , J . VV . Brooke , who also gave in a highly impressive way a Lecture on the Tracing Board , to the great gratification of the members present . VVe are glad to "" know " that this young lodge continues to advance , there being two new members balloted for and admitted on

Saturday evening . After the forma ! business had been transacted the members adjourned to a banquet , served in most excellent style , to which ample justice was done , and the remainder of the evening was spent in social harmony . The toasts were given and received with effect , particularly thc one wishing God-speed to the newly-raised Bro . Bertie on his long voyage , which was replied to in suitable terms .

WHITEHAVEN . —Sun , Square , and Compasses Lodge ( No . 119 ) . —This old lodge celebrated its hundred and twelfth anniversary on Friday , the 25 th ult , in the Freemasons' Hall , College-street . There was a good attendance of the members , including Bros . J . Milligan , W . AL ; VV . II . Atkinson , S . VV . and VV . AI . elect ; ' ] . VV . Miles , J . VV . ; VV . B . Gibson , P . AL , Treas , P . G .

Sec ; G . VV . Kenworthy , P . AL , P . G . Treas . ; John Barr , P . AL , P . P . G . S . D . ; E . Tvson . P . M ., P . G . Steward ; G . Dalrymple , VV . AI . 16 O 0 ; VV . Bewlay , Sec . ; VV . Jackson , S . D . ; J . Cooper , Org . ' , P . P . G . Org ., and many others . The visitors likewise mustered in strong force , there being present from the sister Whitehaven lodge . No . S 72 : Bros . F . Hodgson , VV . M . ; J . AI . Salisbury , P . AL and Tyler ,

P . P . G . Tyler ( who kindly officiated in the absence , through severe illness , of Bro . Geo . Fitzgerald ); and others . From Union Lodge , No . 310 , Carlisle : Bro . J . Slack , P . AL , P . P . G . J . D . From Lodgeof Perseverance , No . 371 , Maryport : ' Bros . G . W . Thompson , W . AL ; and J . II . Banks , S . VV . From the Sun and Sector Lodge , No . < jf > 2 , Workington : Bros . VV . Jackson , J . VV . ; jas . Thompson , Sec ;

and S . B . Roxby . From Skiddaw Lodge , No . 1002 , Cockermouth : Bros . T . Bird , VV . AI . ; and VV . F . Lamonby , P . AL , P . P . G . Reg . ( Freemason ) . From Kenlis Lodge , No . 12 G 7 , Egremont : Bros . A . Whittle , Sec ; Towerson , Src . From Curwen Lodge , No . 1400 , Harrington : Bros . H . Hartley , VV . AI . ; VV . Carlyle , P . AL , P . G . ' Stwd . ; and T . Dixon , P . AL , Sec . From Arlecdon Lodge , No . 1660 ,

Frizington : Bro . VV . Alartin , P . M . From Lodge St . John and St . Paul , No . 3 . ( 9 , Alalia : Bro . T . Steele . The lodge having been opened , the Treasurer and Tyler were unanimously re-elected , after which the statcment _ of accounts was read and adopted . The W . AL then , following up the very laudable practice initiated by his predecessor , Bro . IC . Tyson , installed Bro . Atkinson in the chair in a

faultless manner , so much so as to receive well-merited congratulations from the whole of the Board . The curious warrant of the lodge , dated 17 6 S , and signed by the Hon . Thos . Matthews , then Grand Alaster of the " Ancients , " having been entrusted to the care of the newly-installed Alaster , the ollieers were invested as follows : Bros . | . Alilligan , I . P . M . ; VV . Bewlav , S . VV . ; VV . Jackson , J . VV . ;

VV . B . Gibson , P . AL , Treas . ; | . Casson , Sec ; AI . Golightly , S . D . ; C . AIossop , J . D . ; J . Cooper , Org . ; VV . S . Newman , D . C ; R . Aloore , I . G . ; J . MacArthur and VV . II . kayson , Stewards ; and G . Fitzgerald , Tyler ( by proxy ) . The addresses to the W . AL , Wardens , and brethren of Lodge ntj were respectively delivered by the following Past Alasters : Bros . Kenworthy , Barr , and

Gibson . After a running fire of " 11 early good wishes , " the lodge was closed . Adjourning to the banqueting hall , a first-class dinner was partaken of , and the customary toast list was gone through , interspersed with some excellent music , under the direction of Bro . Cooper , not to omit "Tamo' Shanter , " recited by Bro . Dalrymple .

BURNLEY . —Silent Temple Lodge ( No . 126 ) . —The installation meeting of this ancient lodge was held at the Exchange Ilotel , on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult . Present : Bros . John Bollard , Installing Officer ; IC . Diggle , P . AL , P . A . G . D . C . ; Richard Nelson , P . AL ; R . VV . Waterson , P . M . ; B . Whitaker , W . AL elect ; Geo . Oldman , S . D ., Alexander WeirJ . D . ; J . Sharrucks , I . G . ; G . Robinson ,

, William Wilson , J . Harrison , T . S . Ralcliffe , William Richmond , John ' Wright , Thomas Holland , VV . AI . 1504 ; J . Pollard , P . AL ; John Brown , Organist ; J . Fodcn , and " Charles O'AIaliey . Visitors : Bros . II . Smith , William Alossou , P . AL , P . P . G . S . B . W . L . 10 G 4 ; L . II . Brown , 10 ( 14 ; William Gregory , 10 ( 14 ; Dr . Morris , 11 G ; and James Hacking , 1504 . The lodge was opened by Bro . R .

Waterson , P . M ., in due form and with solemn prayer ; the minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed ; the Auditors handed in their report , which was passed ; the election of Treasurer was then made ; and the lodge was opened in the Second Degree . The chair was then taken b y the Installing Officer , to whom was presented the W . AI . elect for installation . This part of the ceremony being

concluded , the lodge was opened in the Third Degree . A |[ brethren below the rank of Installed Alaster retired , when a Board of Installed Alasters was opened and theW . M . elect duly placed in the chair of K . S . Having been proclaimed , saluted , and greeted , he then invested Bro . John Bollard as I . P . AI . The Board of Installed Masters was closed , the brethren were admitted , and the VV . M .

saluted , proclaimed , and greeted in the east , west , and south . The newly-installed Alaster then invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . George Oldman , S . VV . ; Alexander Weir , J . VV . ; William Wilson , Treasurer ; R . VV . Waterson , P . AL , Secretary ; IC . Diggle , P . AL , D . C . ; J . Sharrock , S . D . ; T . S . Ratcliffe , J . D . ; William Richmond , Organist ; John Foden , I . G . ; William T . Read , Steward ; Charles P . O'Mallcy , Steward ; and George Robinson , Tyler , The