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Article SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. ← Page 2 of 2 Article SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSETSHIRE. Page 1 of 3 →
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Supreme Grand Chapter.
The recommendation wis adopted , as were also the recommendations for the removal of the Gilbert Greenall Chapter and for erasing the New Forest Chapter . With respect to the last recommendation in the report , Comp . ROBERT GREY said the Committee of General Purposes had had many expressions of opinion from companions throughout the whole of England , unanimously
agreeing that the lapse of time of twelve calendar lmnths before the taking of the Master Mason ' s Degree , and being exalted to the R . A ., had been productive of great harm to R . A . Masonry . Young Misons who joined thc Craft and took their three Degrees regularly with four weeks' interval , which th » y wcre told was not a separate Degree but merely a completion of the Third Degree , had to wait twelve months before getting it . Now , in
that time they had an opportunity of joining many other branches of Masonry , and it was probable that they did not advance to the Royal Arch at the expiration of the twelve months , as they had joined the other Degrees . Whilst the Third Degree was fresh in their memory , and they were passing on from the same Degree to thc completion of it , it was much more likely that they would join the ranks of other Degrees and go elsewhere . The
Committee , feeling that that was also the opinion of so many companions , unanimously thought that it was right to bring it before Grand Chapter with the view of making an alteration which was named in the recommendation , viz ., that Rule 73 should be altered and Rule 74 expunged . Rule 73 said " No Mason shall be exalted to this Supreme Degree unless he has been a Master Mason for 12 calendar months at least , of which satisfactory proofs
shall be given except as provided by the following rule . " Then the following Rule 74 said . " Grand Superintendents of Districts may grant a dispensation in cases of emergency for the exaltation of a brother to the Royal Arch at a period of four weeks from the period of his receiving the Degree of a Master Mason . " He would therefore move that instead of "twelve months " the words " four weeks" be inserted in Rule 73 . Naturally that would
cause Rule 74 . to become useless , and he would move that that be expunged . Comp . HENRY GARROD seconded . This was a matter he had for many years thought of . The time that a Master Mason had to wait before he was entitled to take the Royal A rch Degree had been too long , and the many companions he had spoken to all agreed that the time should be shortened , and if it were it would be for the benefit of the Royal Arch .
Comp . RICHARD EVE , P . G . T ., agreed that the alteration would be desirable , and would conduce to the benefit of the Royal Arch . Comp . GEORGE J . MCKAY felt that the proposition had been sprung upon the companions , and that it was premature . He could not say as the President had said that it would be approved by companions throughout all England . He had bcen in communication with several provinces and there
had not been a word spoken about it . He thought the provinces ought to have an opportunity of expressing an opinion . With respect to his own feelings in the matter , he was disposed to take a middle course , and make it three months . He thought this would be more dignified , and would act equally well with regard to the welfare and prosperity of this Degree which tl , A . I « , !! 1-rwl -. # ¦ I , nni 4 C llrlKl ( Ik
llll ^ J „ IJUdlL . Comp . C . N . MCINTYRE NORTH , M . E . Z . 1275 , thought it would be a most undesirable thing to alter thc rule as proposed . Rule 74 provided sufficient opportunity in case an emergency arose , and some brother who had distinguished himself by his zeal for thc Craft desired to bc exalted to thc Degree of Royal Arch Mason . ( Cries of " No , no , " and " That is abroad . " ) Rule 74 provided for that .
Comp . li . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ..- No , that is abroad , in the Colonies only . Comp . Col . TOWNLEY CALDWELL : It is not thc case in this country . Comp . C . N . MCINTYRE NORTH said with regard to this country , hc thought it was undesirable . By that innovation a man could bc made a Royal Arch Mason in three months , when hc had not had time or opportunity to make himself acquainted with the ritual of the Craft ; therefore he was
not a fit man to be exalted into the Royal Arch . Imagine a man being presented as having exercised himself in the capacity of a Master Mason for four weeks and upwards and been entrusted with a pass word leading to the Degree . He was convinced they were proposing to make an alteration which at last convocation they said should not be , and they placed themselves in this position of admitting an undisciplined lot of brethren to an
equality with enthusiastic members . It would not add to the dignity of the Order . He believed the M . E . Z . in this country had the power to grant his dispensation for anything . ( Cries of " No , no . " ) All that was necessary was to make the Rule 74 , which at present applied to the Colonies , apply to this country . If a brother had not the patience to wait 12 months for the Degree , he was not fit to belong to the Royal Arch .
Comp . the Kev . J . S . BROWNRIGG objected to its being said that this recommendation had been sprung upon Grand Chapter . Every Grand Officer had had a copy of the agenda paper . Comp . G . J . MCKAY said it was sent to the Prov . Grand Scribes E . Comp . the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG said every one who was entitled had it on the Thursday previously . It reached all of them in time , and it could
not bc said to be sprung upon them . They had to deal not with an ideal state of affairs , but with the real . His experience in the provinces was that Royal Arch Masonry was not nourishing . If they wanted proof , let them look around them . He would ask whether the assembly in Grand Chapter that night represented Royal Arch Masonry in England . He was quite
certain there would be a great revival of the Order if the time were shortened to four weeks . He did not think they were better Masons at the end of 12 months or three months . They must not judge of things as they wished them to be but as they wcre . From what he saw in the provinces thc Order was languishing , because men could not take the Degree when the fervour was on them , and they regretted they could not take it earlier .
Comp . the Rev . C . W . SI'U . VCER STANHOI'E said the matter had come upon him suddenly . If he had not seen Grand Scribe li . he would not have heard of it . No matter what the feeling of all the different provinces was , he thought the matter should be adjourned for three months , and that a Committee should be appointed to draw up a report upon it , and he would move accordingly .
Comp . Major RICHARDSON , M . E . Z . 2029 and 1929 , P . Z . 141 , seconded . He did not think there would be any gain to Royal Arch Masonry by the proposition of the Committee . There were things which might be to the advantage of it , but his experience was that young Masons wanted to rush on , and wished to get into the chair by being Masters of lodges . He thought it would be a great advantage if the IT . and J . chairs wcre per-
Supreme Grand Chapter.
missible to be filled by Wardens . The proposition before Grand Chapter was calculated to makethe Royal Arch too cheap . He had seen something of this in other Orders to which he belonged . It was not a gain , but quite the other way ; it made the thing too common , and he thought that would be the result in this Order . He was inclined to oppose the proposal on these grounds .
Comp . W . A . SCURRAH , Z . 2249 , said he had some little experience of Royal Arch Masonry , as he belonged to three chapters , two in London and one in the provinces . In two of those chapters he knew how difficult it was to get candidates . When Royal Arch Masonry was spoken of to Masons they said : " Well , about a month after I was made a Master Mason I took the Mark Degree , and then the Allied Degrees , and other Degrees , and I have been at some considerable expense in Masonry , and now
at twelve months I do not feel I can afford to go further into the Order . " Whereas if the rule was that they could be made Royal Arch Masons in four weeks after they were made Master Masons there would be a large number of candidates , and why should they be kept 12 months 1 They were told when they took the Royal Arch Degree that perhaps they imagined they had taken a fourth Degree in Freemasonry , but such was not the case , it was only the M . M . Degree completed ; and why , he
would again ask , should the Master Mason wait 12 months to have his Degree completed ? He had only to wait four weeks after taking the First Degree before he took the Second , and four weeks before he took the Master Mason ' s Degree . He was convinced if this alteration was made they would have a large number of candidates for Royal Arch Masonry and the Royal Arch would then be what it should be . He was sure all the companions if they seriously considered the matter would think this proposal was a wise one and should be carried out .
Comp . ROBERT GREY said he wished Grand Chapter distinctly to understand after what had fallen from the companions as to this notice being sprung upon Grand Chapter that such an idea was furthest from the thoughts of the Committee . They were perfectly indifferent whether that recommendation was carried that day or that day three months . Himself and his colleagues recommended it , and notice of the meeting of the Supreme
Grand Chapter was given to every one , with the exception of the companion from Cheshire ( the Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope ) , who said he had not had it . But it was , notwithstanding , given with the view of eliciting opinions , and they thought it could have brought them there to give vent to their feelings ; but distinctly the Committee had no feeling in the matter except what they considered would be for the good of Royal Arch Masonry .
Comp . CLEMENT GODSON , M . D ., Grand Sword Bearer , wished merely to say that if Grand Chapter adopted the principle proposed they would be following the working of Scotland . He was made a Master Mason in Aberdeen some years ago with several others , and they all proceeded to take the Royal Arch Degree . Every one did , naturally , and they found it worked admirably .
Comp . GEORGE J . McK . \ Yjsaid it was with profound regret he remembered he used the words " sprung upon them . " What hc wished to say was that they had not had sufficient notice . Comp . Col . TOWNLEY CALDWELL then read the motion and the amendment , and on putting thc amendment , 19 companions voted for it , - those against it were much more numerous . The original motion was then put and carried , and Grand Chapter was closed in ancient and solemn form .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorsetshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSETSHIRE .
A most successful meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodgeof Dorsetshire was held on thc 26 th ult . at the Masonic Hall , Weymouth , when the reports showed that the 13 lodges in the province were all in a state of activity , the working being in all respects good , and the efforts of the brethren on behalf of Masonic Charity highly creditable . The Prov . Grand Master having determined to hold the Prov . Grand Lodge at Weymouth this year ,
thc members ol the local lodge—the All Souls' Lodge , No . 170—determined that no effort should be spared to accord their brethren a hearty welcome , and render the proceedings in every way worthy of the occasion . For this purpose they elected as their W . M . a zealous and distinguished brother , well known and highly respected throughout the county—Bro . Herbert J . Groves , who in every way justified the confidence reposed in him . Supported
by a small Committee , every arrangement was made necessary to ensure a successful meeting , whilst the liberality of the W . M . at the banquet which followed conduced to a pleasant and enjoyable evening . The Masonic Hall , Weymouth , contains many features of interest , including the portrait of thc late Bro . William Williams , P . P . G . M . of Dorset , the Master ' s chair over a century old , and the walls exhibit a collection of interesting items .
The hall was filled with a large assembly of brethren , when Bro . Montague John Guest , P . G . M ., declared Provincial Grand Lodge duly opened . The roll of lodges was called , and all were found to be represented , after which the minutes were confirmed , and an eloquent lecture on the principles of the Order delivered by the P . G . CHAPLAIN , to whom a hearty vote of thanks was accorded .
Letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from several eminent brethren .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , in his annual address to the brethren , said it was his usual custom to offer a few words regarding the state of Freemasonry in the country at large , and their own county in particular . First , he would say hc was glad to see so good a meeting that day , and he thanked them very much ( or supporting him . Freemasonry , he thought , had never been in a more prosperous condition than it was at the present moment . In
the first place , it was a source of gratification that they had still at their head as Patron of the Order their noble Queen . But a short time ago they had to lament the loss of one of the prospective heirs to the throne in the death of the Duke of Clarence . It was now a source of great congratulation to them , as it was to her Majesty , that a younger grandson had filled the place , and had taken to himself a wife , and he hoped they might have children to continue the line of Sovereigns of this country . It was a source
of great comfort , and he thought they should present a vote of congratulation to H . R . H . thc Duke of York upon his marriage . They had still H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . Grand Master , this being the 19 th year he had held that distinguished position . Under his sway Masonry had flourished tremendously . It was difficult to enumerate or calculate the great strides Masonry had made , and thc work of Grand Lodge had increased to such an extent that in the report at thc last Quarterly Communication he noticed that three additional clerks were to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Supreme Grand Chapter.
The recommendation wis adopted , as were also the recommendations for the removal of the Gilbert Greenall Chapter and for erasing the New Forest Chapter . With respect to the last recommendation in the report , Comp . ROBERT GREY said the Committee of General Purposes had had many expressions of opinion from companions throughout the whole of England , unanimously
agreeing that the lapse of time of twelve calendar lmnths before the taking of the Master Mason ' s Degree , and being exalted to the R . A ., had been productive of great harm to R . A . Masonry . Young Misons who joined thc Craft and took their three Degrees regularly with four weeks' interval , which th » y wcre told was not a separate Degree but merely a completion of the Third Degree , had to wait twelve months before getting it . Now , in
that time they had an opportunity of joining many other branches of Masonry , and it was probable that they did not advance to the Royal Arch at the expiration of the twelve months , as they had joined the other Degrees . Whilst the Third Degree was fresh in their memory , and they were passing on from the same Degree to thc completion of it , it was much more likely that they would join the ranks of other Degrees and go elsewhere . The
Committee , feeling that that was also the opinion of so many companions , unanimously thought that it was right to bring it before Grand Chapter with the view of making an alteration which was named in the recommendation , viz ., that Rule 73 should be altered and Rule 74 expunged . Rule 73 said " No Mason shall be exalted to this Supreme Degree unless he has been a Master Mason for 12 calendar months at least , of which satisfactory proofs
shall be given except as provided by the following rule . " Then the following Rule 74 said . " Grand Superintendents of Districts may grant a dispensation in cases of emergency for the exaltation of a brother to the Royal Arch at a period of four weeks from the period of his receiving the Degree of a Master Mason . " He would therefore move that instead of "twelve months " the words " four weeks" be inserted in Rule 73 . Naturally that would
cause Rule 74 . to become useless , and he would move that that be expunged . Comp . HENRY GARROD seconded . This was a matter he had for many years thought of . The time that a Master Mason had to wait before he was entitled to take the Royal A rch Degree had been too long , and the many companions he had spoken to all agreed that the time should be shortened , and if it were it would be for the benefit of the Royal Arch .
Comp . RICHARD EVE , P . G . T ., agreed that the alteration would be desirable , and would conduce to the benefit of the Royal Arch . Comp . GEORGE J . MCKAY felt that the proposition had been sprung upon the companions , and that it was premature . He could not say as the President had said that it would be approved by companions throughout all England . He had bcen in communication with several provinces and there
had not been a word spoken about it . He thought the provinces ought to have an opportunity of expressing an opinion . With respect to his own feelings in the matter , he was disposed to take a middle course , and make it three months . He thought this would be more dignified , and would act equally well with regard to the welfare and prosperity of this Degree which tl , A . I « , !! 1-rwl -. # ¦ I , nni 4 C llrlKl ( Ik
llll ^ J „ IJUdlL . Comp . C . N . MCINTYRE NORTH , M . E . Z . 1275 , thought it would be a most undesirable thing to alter thc rule as proposed . Rule 74 provided sufficient opportunity in case an emergency arose , and some brother who had distinguished himself by his zeal for thc Craft desired to bc exalted to thc Degree of Royal Arch Mason . ( Cries of " No , no , " and " That is abroad . " ) Rule 74 provided for that .
Comp . li . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ..- No , that is abroad , in the Colonies only . Comp . Col . TOWNLEY CALDWELL : It is not thc case in this country . Comp . C . N . MCINTYRE NORTH said with regard to this country , hc thought it was undesirable . By that innovation a man could bc made a Royal Arch Mason in three months , when hc had not had time or opportunity to make himself acquainted with the ritual of the Craft ; therefore he was
not a fit man to be exalted into the Royal Arch . Imagine a man being presented as having exercised himself in the capacity of a Master Mason for four weeks and upwards and been entrusted with a pass word leading to the Degree . He was convinced they were proposing to make an alteration which at last convocation they said should not be , and they placed themselves in this position of admitting an undisciplined lot of brethren to an
equality with enthusiastic members . It would not add to the dignity of the Order . He believed the M . E . Z . in this country had the power to grant his dispensation for anything . ( Cries of " No , no . " ) All that was necessary was to make the Rule 74 , which at present applied to the Colonies , apply to this country . If a brother had not the patience to wait 12 months for the Degree , he was not fit to belong to the Royal Arch .
Comp . the Kev . J . S . BROWNRIGG objected to its being said that this recommendation had been sprung upon Grand Chapter . Every Grand Officer had had a copy of the agenda paper . Comp . G . J . MCKAY said it was sent to the Prov . Grand Scribes E . Comp . the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG said every one who was entitled had it on the Thursday previously . It reached all of them in time , and it could
not bc said to be sprung upon them . They had to deal not with an ideal state of affairs , but with the real . His experience in the provinces was that Royal Arch Masonry was not nourishing . If they wanted proof , let them look around them . He would ask whether the assembly in Grand Chapter that night represented Royal Arch Masonry in England . He was quite
certain there would be a great revival of the Order if the time were shortened to four weeks . He did not think they were better Masons at the end of 12 months or three months . They must not judge of things as they wished them to be but as they wcre . From what he saw in the provinces thc Order was languishing , because men could not take the Degree when the fervour was on them , and they regretted they could not take it earlier .
Comp . the Rev . C . W . SI'U . VCER STANHOI'E said the matter had come upon him suddenly . If he had not seen Grand Scribe li . he would not have heard of it . No matter what the feeling of all the different provinces was , he thought the matter should be adjourned for three months , and that a Committee should be appointed to draw up a report upon it , and he would move accordingly .
Comp . Major RICHARDSON , M . E . Z . 2029 and 1929 , P . Z . 141 , seconded . He did not think there would be any gain to Royal Arch Masonry by the proposition of the Committee . There were things which might be to the advantage of it , but his experience was that young Masons wanted to rush on , and wished to get into the chair by being Masters of lodges . He thought it would be a great advantage if the IT . and J . chairs wcre per-
Supreme Grand Chapter.
missible to be filled by Wardens . The proposition before Grand Chapter was calculated to makethe Royal Arch too cheap . He had seen something of this in other Orders to which he belonged . It was not a gain , but quite the other way ; it made the thing too common , and he thought that would be the result in this Order . He was inclined to oppose the proposal on these grounds .
Comp . W . A . SCURRAH , Z . 2249 , said he had some little experience of Royal Arch Masonry , as he belonged to three chapters , two in London and one in the provinces . In two of those chapters he knew how difficult it was to get candidates . When Royal Arch Masonry was spoken of to Masons they said : " Well , about a month after I was made a Master Mason I took the Mark Degree , and then the Allied Degrees , and other Degrees , and I have been at some considerable expense in Masonry , and now
at twelve months I do not feel I can afford to go further into the Order . " Whereas if the rule was that they could be made Royal Arch Masons in four weeks after they were made Master Masons there would be a large number of candidates , and why should they be kept 12 months 1 They were told when they took the Royal Arch Degree that perhaps they imagined they had taken a fourth Degree in Freemasonry , but such was not the case , it was only the M . M . Degree completed ; and why , he
would again ask , should the Master Mason wait 12 months to have his Degree completed ? He had only to wait four weeks after taking the First Degree before he took the Second , and four weeks before he took the Master Mason ' s Degree . He was convinced if this alteration was made they would have a large number of candidates for Royal Arch Masonry and the Royal Arch would then be what it should be . He was sure all the companions if they seriously considered the matter would think this proposal was a wise one and should be carried out .
Comp . ROBERT GREY said he wished Grand Chapter distinctly to understand after what had fallen from the companions as to this notice being sprung upon Grand Chapter that such an idea was furthest from the thoughts of the Committee . They were perfectly indifferent whether that recommendation was carried that day or that day three months . Himself and his colleagues recommended it , and notice of the meeting of the Supreme
Grand Chapter was given to every one , with the exception of the companion from Cheshire ( the Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope ) , who said he had not had it . But it was , notwithstanding , given with the view of eliciting opinions , and they thought it could have brought them there to give vent to their feelings ; but distinctly the Committee had no feeling in the matter except what they considered would be for the good of Royal Arch Masonry .
Comp . CLEMENT GODSON , M . D ., Grand Sword Bearer , wished merely to say that if Grand Chapter adopted the principle proposed they would be following the working of Scotland . He was made a Master Mason in Aberdeen some years ago with several others , and they all proceeded to take the Royal Arch Degree . Every one did , naturally , and they found it worked admirably .
Comp . GEORGE J . McK . \ Yjsaid it was with profound regret he remembered he used the words " sprung upon them . " What hc wished to say was that they had not had sufficient notice . Comp . Col . TOWNLEY CALDWELL then read the motion and the amendment , and on putting thc amendment , 19 companions voted for it , - those against it were much more numerous . The original motion was then put and carried , and Grand Chapter was closed in ancient and solemn form .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Dorsetshire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DORSETSHIRE .
A most successful meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodgeof Dorsetshire was held on thc 26 th ult . at the Masonic Hall , Weymouth , when the reports showed that the 13 lodges in the province were all in a state of activity , the working being in all respects good , and the efforts of the brethren on behalf of Masonic Charity highly creditable . The Prov . Grand Master having determined to hold the Prov . Grand Lodge at Weymouth this year ,
thc members ol the local lodge—the All Souls' Lodge , No . 170—determined that no effort should be spared to accord their brethren a hearty welcome , and render the proceedings in every way worthy of the occasion . For this purpose they elected as their W . M . a zealous and distinguished brother , well known and highly respected throughout the county—Bro . Herbert J . Groves , who in every way justified the confidence reposed in him . Supported
by a small Committee , every arrangement was made necessary to ensure a successful meeting , whilst the liberality of the W . M . at the banquet which followed conduced to a pleasant and enjoyable evening . The Masonic Hall , Weymouth , contains many features of interest , including the portrait of thc late Bro . William Williams , P . P . G . M . of Dorset , the Master ' s chair over a century old , and the walls exhibit a collection of interesting items .
The hall was filled with a large assembly of brethren , when Bro . Montague John Guest , P . G . M ., declared Provincial Grand Lodge duly opened . The roll of lodges was called , and all were found to be represented , after which the minutes were confirmed , and an eloquent lecture on the principles of the Order delivered by the P . G . CHAPLAIN , to whom a hearty vote of thanks was accorded .
Letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from several eminent brethren .
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , in his annual address to the brethren , said it was his usual custom to offer a few words regarding the state of Freemasonry in the country at large , and their own county in particular . First , he would say hc was glad to see so good a meeting that day , and he thanked them very much ( or supporting him . Freemasonry , he thought , had never been in a more prosperous condition than it was at the present moment . In
the first place , it was a source of gratification that they had still at their head as Patron of the Order their noble Queen . But a short time ago they had to lament the loss of one of the prospective heirs to the throne in the death of the Duke of Clarence . It was now a source of great congratulation to them , as it was to her Majesty , that a younger grandson had filled the place , and had taken to himself a wife , and he hoped they might have children to continue the line of Sovereigns of this country . It was a source
of great comfort , and he thought they should present a vote of congratulation to H . R . H . thc Duke of York upon his marriage . They had still H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . Grand Master , this being the 19 th year he had held that distinguished position . Under his sway Masonry had flourished tremendously . It was difficult to enumerate or calculate the great strides Masonry had made , and thc work of Grand Lodge had increased to such an extent that in the report at thc last Quarterly Communication he noticed that three additional clerks were to