Consecration Of The Tennant Royal Arch Chapter, At Penarth, South Wales.

CONSECRATION OF THE TENNANT ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER , AT PENARTH , SOUTH WALES .

It will be in the recollection of our readers that a few months ago Col . Shadwell Clerke , G . S ., and several members of the Supreme Grand Council visited Cardiff , in order to take part in the installation of Bro . Marmaduke Tennan t as the first Grand Superintendent for the district of the Eastern Division of South VVales , in Royal Arch Freemasonry . And as the first

fruits of the formation of this Provincial Grand Chapter , Bro . Hugh D , Sandeman , P . G . Supt ., Col . Burney , and other distinguished Masons , a o-ain visited Cardiff , on Saturday , the 21 st ult ., to conduct the consecration 0 f the Tennant Royal Arch Chapter , at Penarth , and also the consecration 0 f a Rose Croix Chapter in Cardiff .

The ceremony of consecration of the Tennant Chapter was performed by Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , Past Grand Superintendent Bengal , assisted by Bros . Col . Burney , P . G . S . B ., as Grand Director of Ceremonies ; J . Hall , p ; G . H . ; S . Cooper , P . G . J . ; N . Whittington , P . G . S . E ., as acting G . S . E . ; and Rev . Dr . Walters , P . G . Chap ., who delivered the oration . The following oration was delivered by Comp . the Rev . Canon W ALTERS , D . D . ( Vicar of Llansamlet , Glamorganshire ) , M . E . Z . 237 , P . M . 1573 , and Prov . Grand Chaplain South Wales , Eastern Division : —

Most Excellent and Brother Companions , probably no Degree in Freemasonry is more popular at the present time than the Holy Royal Arch Masonry of Jerusalem . At all events , I believe it is second to no other , and I have to crave your indulgent attention while I endeavour to make a few general remarks on the subject of this Degree , appropriate to the occasion of our gathering here to-day . The first thing - which meets us on the very threshold of our opening remarks , is the object of this Degree . The principal object of the companions is evidently the recovery of the lost word . In the Third Craft

Degree , a word is temporarily substituted for it , until time or circumstances shall restore the genuine one ; and , therefore , the discovery of this lost word forms an important constituent in Craft Masonry , completing the series of teaching comprised in Freemasonry . It is . true that the building of the second temple forms no unimportant feature in this Degree , still , it is evident that the discovery of the lost word is its main purpose . Hence the Royal Arch Degree is uniformly looked upon as the summit and perfection of all Craft Masonry . The tone and character of this Degree is , in my opinion , one of a

genuine religious character . Were it not so , I should not be disposed to take the prominent part in it which I do . Nor does it in any way militate against the obligations of those who still preserve the ancient faith of Judaism . I belive that every truly liberal-minded man is able to give his cordial support to the peculiar symbolism of the Royal Arch Degree . Then there are two very important lessons which it teaches , and which may be taken as confirmatory of this opinion whicn I have advanced . Those lessons are —( 1 ) That man , by nature , is

the child of ignorance and of error , and ( 2 ) That he would ever have remained in that deplorable situation , under the darkness of the shadow of death , had it not pleased the Almighty to call him to light and immortality , by the revelation of His holy word and will . ° Such being the case , a good and true Freemason , searching honestly after truth , cannot well be an irreligious man . As Masons , we universally recognise the Fatherhood of God . In the very first article in our Book of Constitutions , under the heading " Concerning God and Religion , " we are distinctly and emphatically told that if a Freemason he will be id Atheist irreliious liber

" rightly understands the Art , never a stup , nor an g - tine ? " Masonry is not , I admit , in itself religious ; but what I contend for is this—that there is nothing in Masonry contrary to the teaching of the Volume of the Sacred Law , and the natural consequence of this is , that piety towards God and love to man constitute the two grand pillars of our Order . The spirit which pervades religion should be made to pervade Masonry in all its relations . The gentle influence of both , extending harmoniously together , will naturally cause the dark abodes of sorrowing humanity to wake

up into joy and singing . These are some of our high and distinguished privileges . Now it so happens that privileges always entail corresponding duties . Our duties in this relationship are to praise God ' s holy name , for that knowledge of himself which he has graciously vouchsafed to us , and also to walk worthy of that light which he has caused to shine around us . We cannot , of course , expect perfection here on earth . In every class , and in every community , there are some who are a disgrace to themselves and to all those with whom they are connected . It is not the fault of Masonry that there are

bad men to be found within its ranks , and it is a cause of deep regret to the Fraternity that there are unworthy companions and brethren who do not live up to the principles which they profess . Such men bring great reproach and dishonour on the Craft to which they professedly belong . But be it ours , both as Masons and companions , to show that we not only belong to Craft Masonry , but we are also better men ; that Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth are not merely words on our lips , or emblazoned on our banners , but that those words are carried out in life .

Profession without practice is of no avail , and the best champion of every institution is he who defends it with deeds and not with words . Let us , then , my companions , try to adorn the Fraternity to which we belong , by our mode of life and conduct . Let us give visible signs of the soundness of those principles which direct and govern us . I do not think it wise to argue with the uninstructed world , and the uninitiated about the excellency or otherwise , of our Orders . We cannot be too cautious and watchful in what we say and do . We should try to illustrate the true spirit of the Craft by our life and

conversation , rather than by explanation and argument . In conclusion , let me express the heartiest good wishes for the success and prosperity of your new chapter . May it become beautiful as the temple of Solomon , peaceful as the Ark , and sacred as its most Holy place , may your oblations of piety and praise be grateful as the incense , your love warm as its flame , and your charity diffusive as its fragrance . May your hearts be pure as its altar , and your conduct acceptable as its offering . May the exercise of your charity be constant as the returning wants of the distressed widow and the helpless

orphan . May the approbation of heaven be your encouragement , and the testimony of a good conscience your support . May you be endued with every good and perfect gift while travelling the thorny path of life , and finally may you be admitted within the heavenly temple to the full enjoyment of life eternal . We are all fast hastening over the tesselated pavement of this chequered state of existence . We are descending along 'he downward course of time—some go more smoothly than others , but none the less

surely . When we come to die may the door of the Grand Lodge of everlasting life be open to receive us . And for this end may our religious and Masonic course be steady , gradual , and measured , not irregular , uncertain , and unsuccessful . It is our duty and privilege to glorify the true and living God , most high in our bodies and in our spirits which are His , and so let our " light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our father which is-in heaven . "

The following companions were also present : Comps . M . Tennant , Cirand Supt . ; Sir G . Elliott , P . G . M . East Divison of South Wales ; S . G . Homfray , P . G . H . Monmouth , 471 ; Wm . Watkins , P . G . S . W ., 683 ; J- S . Hunter-Little , P . G . S . N . 818 ; J . C . Sladen , P . G . D . C , 237 ; Robt . Capper , J . 1323 ; George Thomas , M . E . Z . 36 ; S . Weichert , P . Z . 3 6 ; John Rogers , P . Z ., P . G . R ., 237 ; Chas . H . Olliver , jun ., P . P . G . P . S . ; George JonesP . A . D . C . 364 ; S . Coleman , W . M . 3 6 , P . S . ; F . P . Adey ,

, { "L 36 : H . N . Davies , P . G . R ., 36 ; W . D . John , R . Male , 36 ; S . Lewis , 36 ; W . G . Davies , P . G . A . S . ; E . Roberts , 364 , P . Z . ; Ernest br ant , P . S . 364 ; and others . After the conclusion of the consecration ceremony , Comp . Hugh Sandeman , P . G . S ., and the Grand Superientendent , Comp . Marmaduke Tennant , ''• stalled the three Principals , viz .: Comp . Jas . Hunnan , P . S . G . W ., P . Z .,

as M . E . Z . ; W . D . John , P . P . G . D . C , as H . ; and F . P . Adey , P . P . S . G . D ., P J- The M . E . Z . then invested his officers , viz .: Comps . Sidney k ° emanj W . M ., P . S . 36 , S . E . ; R . C . Roper , W . M . 1754 , N . ; T . H . Richer , J . W . 1754 , P . S . ; F . G . Hodges , S . W . 1754 , Treas . ; H . P . Roberts , A . S . ; A . H . Hallett , A . S . ; and Amos Jenkins , Janitor . Comp . ' " Olliver , P . G . O . Monmouth , kindly acted as Organist in an efficient manner .

Consecration Of The Tennant Royal Arch Chapter, At Penarth, South Wales.

The chapter starts under very favourable auspices , no less than 13 brethren being proposed for exaltation as well as ot joining members . The following honorary members were then made—Comps . Hugh Sandeman , P . G . Supt . ; Col . Burney , P . G . S . B . ; Marmaduke Tennant , Grand Supt . ; and Sir G . Elliot , P . G . M . After which the companions adjourned to Cardiff to open a Rose Croix Chapter named after Comp . J . C . Parkinson

, who has been recently appointed Inspector General of District . The consecration ceremony was then ably performed by Comp . Sandeman , assisted b y Comps . Col . Burney and Capt . Homfray . After the ceremony Comp . Jas . Hunnan , P . S . G . W . and M . E . Z ., was inducted into the chair of M . VV . S . The M . VV . S . then appointed his officers as follows ; Bros . S . Cooper , P . G . S . W , P . Z ., Prelate ; C . W . Page , S . W ., ist General ; VV . D .

John , P . M ., 2 nd General ; W . R . Parker , Treasurer ; Ivor J . Roberts , Recorder ; J . Taylor , Raphael ; E . W . Shackell , Grand Marshal ; S . Coleman , Herald ; J . Belcher , Capt . of the Guard . Seven brethren were also advanced to the 18 . The following were then made Hon . Members : Bros . Hugh Sandeman , Col . Burney , M . Tennant , and Sir George Elliot . S

In the evening the brethren met at the Royal Hotel , where Bros . James Hunnan , the M . E . Z . of the Tennant Chapter , and M . W . S . of the Parkinson Chapter , presided , supported by Bro . Hugh Sandeman , Col . Burney , Sir George Elliot , M . Tennant , G . Supt . ; Capt . Homfray , P . G . H . Mon .:

S . Cooper , P . G . J . ; Watkins , P . G . S . W . ; and others , when a very enjoyable evening was spent . The usual toasts were duly honoured , interspersed with harmony . Bro . Sir George Elliot kindly entertained the distinguished guests at his Aberavon residence , and left town in order to do so .

Grand Mark Lodge.

GRAND MARK LODGE .

The half-yearly Communication of Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown was held on Tuesday evening , at the Holborn Restaurant . Lord Egerton of Tatton , Deputy Grand Master , presided . The Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett occupied the S . W . chair , and Lord Saltoun held the chair of J . VV .

The other brethren present were—P , , V , ^ , ^ - £ each * M - * P - - ; Lord Egerton of Tatton , D . G . M ., as G . M . W . Kelly , Prov . G . M . Leicestershire , as D . G . M . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , Prov . G . M . Buckinghamshire ; Major J . W . Woodall , Prov . G . M . N . and E . Yorks ; J . Walker , M . A , Prov . G . M . Gloucestershire ; Sir C . B . Graves-Sawle , Bart , Prov . G . M . Cornwall ; Marquis of Hertford , P . G . M . Warwickshire ; Col . Aubrey SaundersP . P . G . M .

, Madras ; Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , as S . G . W . ; Lord Saltoun , l . G . W . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . W . ; F . Davison , P . G . W . ; W . J . Hughan , P . G . W . ; Col . A . Potter , C . B , G . M . O . ; G . . Galloway , S . G . O . ; George Kenning , J . G . O . ; Baron de Ferrieres , P . G . O . ; S . G . Kirchhoffer , P . G . O . ; R . J . Mure , P . G . O . ; T . Cubitt , P . G . O . ; Col . H . S . Burney , P . G . O . ; J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . O . ; W . Roebuck , P . G . O . ; O . H . Pearson , P . G . O . ; W . Adlard , P . G . O . ; R . Eve , P . G . O . ; Rev . T . CartwrightSmvth , D . U .. G . Chao .: Rev . R .

P . Bent , P . G . C ; Rev . T . W . Lemon , P . G . C . ; Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . C . ; James Moon , G . Treas . ; Frederick Binckes , G . Sec ; R . L . Loveland , D . P . G . M . Hants and Isle of Wight ; T . H . Smith , D . P . G . M . Warwickshire ; John E . Dawson , D . P . G . M . Hertfordshire ; T . Y . Strachan , D . P . G . M . Northumberland and Durham : N . Tracy , J . G . D . ; H . Ward , J . G . D . ; F . Crouch , J . G . D . ; A . Williams , P . G . D . ; G . Cooper , P . G . D . ; P . Wallis , P . G . D . ; T . J . Railing , P . G . D . ; F . H . Gottlieb , P . G . D . ; C . W . Radway , P . G . D . ; Dr . G . Mickley , P . G . D . ; CH . Driver , P . G . I

of Wks . ; Robt . Berridge , G . D . of C . ; G . P . Festa . A . G . D . C . ; H . George , P . A . G . D . C . ; C . Evans , G . Swd . B . ; T . Taylor , G . Std . B . ; W . Watkins , P . G . Std . B . ; B . R . Bryant , P . G . Std . B . ; Prof . H . R . Rose , G . Orr * . ; F . H . Cozens , P . G . Or < r W . Vincent , G . I . G . ; G . Graveley , P . G . I . G . ; J . H . Wynne , P . G . I . G . ; J . Pinder , G . A . I . G . ; R . Owen , Jas . Boulton , R . Glasspool , Jas . Terry , B . T . Fountaine , G . Edwards , and John Ramsey , G . Stewards ; C . F . Hogard , J . Manwaring , M . Mildred , G . W . P . Harris , D . P . Cama , J . Barker , F . W . Driver , J . Lane , H . Massey , and J . E . Anderson , P . G . Stewards ; and A . Walkley , G . Tyler .

After the formal opening of Grand Lodge , and the salute of Lord Egerton of Tatton , the minutes were read and confirmed . LORD EGERTON of Tatton then said the next duty he had to perform was to call the brethren ' s attention to a Communication from his Royal Highness the M . W . Grand Mark Master , in which his Royal Highness proposed to confer Past Grand Rank on distinguished brethren , he therefore begged to move that H . R . H . ' s proposition be accepted by Grand Mark Lodge ,

Bro . the Rev . 1 . CARTWRIGHT SMYTH , G . C , seconded the motion , which was then put and carried . LORD EGERTON of TATTON next said he had to acquaint Grand Lodge that he had received a communication from the Earl of Kintore stating that , in consequence of his brother ' s sudden death , he was prevented from being in London that day , having been obliged to go abroad , and he expressed his deep regret at being absent .

Bro . Lord EGERTON of TATTON then said the next business for Grand Lodge was to do that which he was sure the brethren would most cordially agree to—as every body of Englishmen had yet done—vote a congratulatory address to her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen on attaining the 50 th year of her reign . He was sure there was no body of men in England or the Dependencies of the British Empire who were more loyal

thai-Masons or than Mark Masons . Masons had in their body a living illustration of the wideness of her Majesty ' s rule—Masonry not only being extended in these islands , but in the Colonies and Dependencies of Great Britain . They most cordially congratulated the Queen on the 50 th year of her reign , and thanked the Great Overseer of the Universe for having preserved her Majesty so many years , and they trusted she might be spared

for many years to come lo continue the great blessings secured to us b y her long and prosperous reign . It would be presumptuous for him to say anything lurther in offering to the brethren this vote of congratulation to her Majesty , and he thought he should be best performing his duty by reading the address and proposing that it be properly engrossed and illuminated , and presented , he trusted , by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M , to her Majesty .

Bro . W . W . B . BEACH , M . P ., P . G . M , said he had the greatest pleasure in seconding the motion . He thought it was only right that this Grand Mark Lodge , as representing Mark Master Masons over England and also over so vast a portion of the globe , should take the initiatory step in congratulating her Majesty , and so giving effect to the feelings which they entertained in common with so many of her Majesty ' s subjects . The motion was carried with acclamation .

The following report of the General Board was taken as read , and ordered to be received and entered on the minutes : — REPORT OF THE GENERAL BOARD . During the six months ending 31 st March last , there have been issued : —Mark Certificates ; 566 ; total number registered , 22 , 793 . Warrants for new lodges , io , viz . ;—