The Masonic Ceremony At Truro.

J . S . Rundle , W . AL ; R . Pearce , J . VV . ; J . Nettle , J . D . ; Thomas Baker , H . Elliott , 'T yler ; Thomas S . Blarney , and Rd . Courtenay . Eliot , No . 11 G 4 , St . German's : —Bros . J . B . Kerswill , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; N . Henwood , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . ; J . Cardcw , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . ; A . Glencross , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; J . P . Crcber , P . AI . ; VV . H . Mavnard , P . AI . ; F . S . Hawk ' e , P . M . ; H . Pole , P . M . ; VV . F . Creber , P . M .,

Sec ; S . . Johns , S . VV . ; Warrick , S . D . ; R . G . Betty , J . D . ; VV . Foreman , LG . ; Barrabatt , G . Bray , andj . Hawke , Tyler . Tregenna , No . 1272 , St . Ives : —Bros . T . H . Gibbons , VV . M . ; J . Alartin , S . VV . ; J . Richards , J . VV . ; J . C . Trcgear , S . D . ; G . Symons , J . D . ; S . T . Neall , LG . ; J . T . Short , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Wearne , P . AI ., Sec ; T . B . Williams , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; J Richards , P . M . ; R .

Banfield . W . K . Baker , G . T . Staff , E . Keskeys , T . Uron , J . P . Treworran , Tyler ; and John Richards , P . M . Fort , No . 152 S , Newquay : —Bros . VV . C . Michell , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; B . Wellington , P . AI . ; Martyn , VV . M . ; Kendall , LG . ; Rowe , S . D . ; Roberts , Lobb , Juliffe , Lewarne , Morrill , Alarshall , and Carne . Duke of Cornwall . No . 1529 , St . Columb : —Bros . C Hawke , W . AL ; VV . VV . Howard , S . VV . ; T . Crapp , S . D . ; E .

Grove , J . D .: J . Best , 'Treas . ; T . Gatley , Sec ; W . H . Cobledick , Stwd . ; J . James , D . C ; J . Coade , Tyler ; C H . Darks , J . Sleeper , J . Biddick , D " . Cock , F . C ; and G . Bray , LG . Mount Edgcumbe , No . 1544 , Camborne : —Bros . E . S . Angove , P . S . Stwd . ; VV . Rowe , jun ., I . P . AI . ; J . VV . Millyard , P . M . ; VV . Bailey , S . W . ; W . Vincent , J . ' W . ; E . B . Adams , S . D . ; J . Jackson , J . D . ; J . C . Burrow , Sec . ; E . Vine , Chap . ; J . AL Holman , I . G . ; R . Bate , A . J . Tangve ,

A . Jewell , J . Pendray , J . Oxbam , R . Rowe , J . Newland , A . Dunkin , J . AL Williams , VV . J . Hocking , VV . N . Trounson , 'Thomas Bartle , and John Nicholas . St . Petroc , No . 17 S 5 , Padstow : —Bros . VV . H . Martyn , W . AL ; W . H . Roberts , S . W . ; F . Bray , J . VV . ; J . F . Clemow , 'Treas . ; J . W . Pearse , S . D . ; J . Nicholls , J . D . ; C . Matthews , I . G . ; T . Wills , VV . H . Pope , J . A . Blarney , F . G . Harding , XV . II . Martyn , J . R . Beatt , J . R . Stribley , J . B . Williams , G . Nicholls , and M . Alacgregor , Tyler .

Consecration Of The Bedford Chapter, No. 157.

CONSECRATION OF THE BEDFORD CHAPTER , No . 157 .

This new chapter , the warrant for which was only granted by Grand Chapter on the 5 th Alay , was consecrated on the 27 th of the same month at Freemasons' Hall by E . Comps . James Terry , Z . 13 G 5 , P . Z . 174 , 228 , 975 , Prov . G . D . C . Herts , as Al . E . Z ; Samuel 'Turquand , Z . nm , as H . ;

and II . I ' .. I ' ranees , P . Z . and Prov . D . C . Surrey , as J . The following is thc complete list of the companions who attended : Comps . Charles Pulman , J . Pownceby , Henry Charles Stiper , John Soper , William Ansell , John Finch , Charles 'Thompson , T . B . Linscott , J . Terry , Z . 13 G 6 ; Samel Turquand , Z . 1339 ; Don M . Dewar , P . Z . 1194 ; Frederick Brown , J . 53 S ; Alfred J . Dottridge , Ezra ;

Hyde Pullen , P . G . D . C ; H . E . Frances , P . G . D . C . ; J . Brochett Sorrell , J . 17 G ; Bus / . ard , 22 ; George Read , P . Z . 19 ; F . Ernest Pocock , 14 S 9 ; Seymour Smith , 12 G 9 ; Alfred Kenningham , 19 ; Samuel Langdon , 53 S ; W . Vincent , 1 G 04 ; Frederick Walters , P . Z . 73 ; Thomas VV . Adams , G 23 ; Perceval A . Nairne , P . Z . 17 G ; F . G . Baker , P . Z . 753 ; S . S . Phillips , P . Z . 173 ; J . f . Briggs , J . 177 ; H . Sadler , ' / .. 1 G 9 and G . Janitor ; ' Thomas Cubitt , P . Z . 177 ; Thomas Poore , Z . 720 ; S . Miller , P . Z . ig ;

Peter Robinson , P . Z . 1 S 5 ; and H . Alassey , P . Z . G 19 ( Freemason ) . Comps . Seymour Smith and Alfred Kenningham performed the musical portion of the ceremony . After the chapter bad been formally opened and thc nature of the day ' s proceedings explained by Comp . Terry , he called upon Comp . Frances to deliver the oration .

Comp . H . E . F ' RANCES then rose and said : Worth y companions , it is usual on an occasion such as this ( the birth of a new lodge or chapter ) to say a few words concerning the purpose of our meeting , and to reiterate or explain the principles that should guide the members to a satisfactory continuance of the work , as much , wc are assured , depends on the right beginning of every new phase of a social

institution , the initiating ceremony being a potent feature in guiding and colouring all future deliberations . Let us then this evening approach with due thought , reverent minds , anel truthful action the purpose of our present solemnity ; not entering upon it lightly as a mere formality , nor unworthily as if it mattered little that which we do , but steadfastly and earnestly ; as to commence a work that should

bear good fruit , and remain a source of joy and thankfulness for future generations . The Order of Freemasonry has , we all admit , two grand motives for its existence anel extension—tbe glory of God and tlie welfare of man . These principles are taught in every sentence of our ritual , in every maxim or precept wc have adopted . While the Order cares not for the shade of religious belief held by

the aspirant to its mysteries , it insists , in unvarying and uncompromising terms , that be shall believe in the glorious Architect of Heaven and Earth , and , as a natural correlative , it teaches the sacred duties of friendship , fosters affection and intercourse among kindred minds , instructs a Mason also in the highest duties to his fellow men , and reminds him of the sacred obligation he is under and the

solemn reverence he must ever feel for his Divine Creator . Royal Arch Masonry is the outcome of higher development of thc Craft ; the subject of which it treats , thc result of its disquisitions , is that of the highest knowledge to which human nature can aspire—the knowledge of God . On our jewels are inscribed the Greek cure kamn , the Latin invencmus . We have found—what ? That a

worship of the high attributes of Deity , Wisdom , Power , and Love—an endeavour to comprehend them , however faintly , is worthy desire and proper employment for the noblest intellectof man . 'Too glorious is the sheen of that wisdom for human ken—too high to scale , and no plummet can sound its . unfathomable depths ; neither can the Omnipotent power be measured nor the mighty love be understood . 'The impossibility of a perfect comnrehension

of the Deity has ever induced mankind to invest Him with human attributes , and in a measure to localise the idea . Hence temples have been erected to His honour , and buildings for His worship arc formed . We commemorate tonight the building of the said temple by an ancient people —the Israelites . 'The three temples are graphically described in the Sacred Volume . All the skill and ingenuity ot the various periods were employed to make each a

Consecration Of The Bedford Chapter, No. 157.

fitting dwelling for the Most High , and though thc founders of each felt their unworthiness they reverently completed the task . Will God indeed dwell here ? said our G . K . S . Behold ! the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee , how much less this house which I have builded . Tbe three temples of our ancient brethren may be taken as types or symbols of the three mysteries treated of by Modern Freemasonry . In the first we have the inception of

an idea , thc birth or admission of the initiate , coming in the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge , bis steps guided by those who have obtained it . The second may symbolise theSecond Degree of Craft Masonry—thc mystery of death in thc Legend of Hiram , our G . M ., which no reflective mind will take in a literal sense ; we are taught tbat to the earnest worshipper of the Divine Architect , the diligent student of nature , the fearless follower of truth , is given a

knowledge that by facing the principles symbolised by the plum and level and the setting maul , death to him has no terror equal to the horror of falsehood or dishonour . In this the Supreme Degree , whose genuine secret is the eternal welfare of man , is the fitting symbol of the lost temple —yet , not built with hands , but eternal in the heavens . This Degree has no objects of mortality , no yawning sepulchre to appal . It deals only with the bright hereafter which it is

our endeavour to attain , our fervent hope and inalienable inheritance . Every implement in a Craft lodge is a symbol , and has its appropriate lesson , and in this Degree we also preserve the symbolic teaching , and all our implements likewise convey it . Thus the circle typifies the glorious Author of the Universe and His never-ending duration ; so it justly illustrates the endless power and extent of Divine knowledge . No imagination can define its Alpha or Omega ,

nor limit our capabilities of possessing it . Revealed to the earnest student step by step , the further he advances thc greater thc unfoldment , and the longest life spent in pursuit of knowledge will but find on the threshold of the hereafter its yet unmeasured depths , and the ever reasoning joy of them who tread them . As thc triangle is emblematic of the Omnipotent creative power , it also typifies the spiritual , mental , and physical wants of a man . The triple

tau , thc devices on each standard , thc tessalatcd floor , and every implement upon it have each a lesson to teach , and are worthy of thc careful study of every Royal Arch Mason , and a practice of the principles they convey must help us to erect a temple to the honour and glory of the Alost High . Companions , deep in our own hearts lie the materials with which each of us must erect this temple . Freemasonry affords us ample means to this effect—thc practice

of every moral , social virtue . In every one of our lodges in particular wc can exercise thc great virtue of brotherly love . There are aniong us those to be taught , to be sustained , to be mindful of , in time of aflliction , who should always command our love and kindly sympathy . Out of our own lodges , and in a more extensive sense , the great duty of charity is never to be lost sight of—there are the orphans to be protected and taught , the widow and the feeble to

support . Lile has no sadder spectacle than decrepid age , tottering , helpless and uncared for , to thc grave . Companions , let it be the aim and intention of all who begin this new chapter to resolve that they will do something more than wear tbe beautiful clothing which no more makes a Mason than wearing a sword makes a man a soldier , but will , as far as lies in their power , demonstrate to the world at large that thc word brother amongst Alasons

is something more than a name—that the great Masonic principles arc practised by the members , and that they practise charity , maintain harmony , and live in unity—that those who arc not Alasons may say , in the quaint language of our Alasonic psalm , " Behold how pleasant and joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity . " Comp . F ' rances was greeted with hearty cheers on resuming his seat .

The consecration of the chapter was then proceeded with , and the companions at the conclusion of the ceremony agreed that they had never seen it better performed , there having been not a single hitch or the least hesitation in any portion of it . The same may be said of the installation which followed , when Comp . Charles Pulman , P . M . 720 , was installed Al . E . Z . ; Comp . Samuel Pownceby , P . AI . 55 , H . j and Comp . Henry Charles Soper , P . M . 704 , J . The

other companions invested with the insignia of their respective offices were Comps . John Soper , S . E . ; Ansell , S . N . ; Finch , P . S . ; Thompson , ist A . S . ; and Linscott , 2 nd A . S . The Al . E . Z . proposed , and the H . seconded , a vote of thanks to Comp . Terry for consecrating the chapter , together with honorary membership of the chapter . The Al . E . Z . remarked tbat the perfect way in which the ceremonies had been performed merited the approbation of the

companions ; ancl Comp . POWNCEBY , while congratulating the chapter on being taken in hand by so experienced a companion as Comp . Terry , wished to mark his sense of the kindness of that companion by offering to take the Stewardship of the chapter for tbe next festival of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institution . Propositions for exaltation were then read , and , on the motion of Comp . POWNCEHY , 11 .. seconded by Comp . P . S .,

a vote of thanks was passed to the Wanderers' Chapter for the use of the furniture for thc ceremonies of the day . On the motion of Comp . Soi'ER , ] ., seconded by Comp . POWNCEBY , IL , a vote of thanks was also passed to Comps . Turquand and Frances for assisting at the ceremonies . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to a choice banquet at Freemasons' Tavern . When thc cloth had been cleared grace was sung , and the toasts

were proposed . After the toasts of "The Ouccn and Royal Arch Alasonry , " "The Prince of Wales , G . Z ., " and "The Earl of Carnarvon , " & c , Comp . HYDE PULLEN responded to this last toast , and expressed the pleasure he had had in assisting at the ceremony of the day as well as aiding the cause of Alasonry at anytime . Healso felt gratified at seeing the Al . E . Z . placed

in the chair , and thought it a distinction that companion ought to have had years ago . The performance of the ceremonies had given him much pleasure , and the chapter was to be congratulated on such an inauguration , lie predicted a successful future for thc Bedford Chapter . Comp . J AMES TERRY proposed "The M . E . Z . " He said he did so with great pleasure , because be was certain

that no companion would be solicited to occupy thc proud position of / .. of a new chapter unless he had thc esteem and regard of those with whom he had to work . A good selection had been made in the choice of Comp . Pulman , and that it would so be proved at the end of his year of office . Comp . Pulman was a hard-working and zealous Mason , to whom should , be egmmitted the charge of endea-

Consecration Of The Bedford Chapter, No. 157.

vouring to consolidate in the first year thc true interests and even the conflicting interests of those who were brought together to work as a whole during the year . The position of Z . of a chapter for its first year was of itself a very important one , because the companions were drawn from other chapters , and they had to be aggregated in a way in which they could work together . Comp . Pulman had this power in him , and his year of office would be a great successand

, he called upon the companions to wish bim that success in a bumper , and also success to the chapter . Comp . PULMAN in reply , said he was greatly concerned for the interests of Alasonry . Royal Arch Alasonry was said to be the climax of Freemasonry , and in placing himin the Al . E . Z . ' s chair of a new chapter they had gratified the strongest wish any Alason could have who bad the interests of Afasonry at heart . At the same time it was an awkward

position . They looked to him to bring the chapter to a good position . He would do the best he could in that direction . Their wish was his wish . But he would have desired that a brother of the Bedford Lodge had accepted his position . It was put to those brethren , but they declined . There was one sitting near bim ( Comp . Cubitt ) who certainly would have filled the chair better than he ( Comp . Pulman ) could hope to do . But , as he had said

before , as the companions had placed him in the chair , he would do his best for the chapter . With respect to Comp . Terry ' s toast of "Success to thc Bedford Chapter , " the way in which the companions had come forward that evening , and the support it had received from the Bedford Lodge , as well as the efforts made in Grand Scribe E . ' s office to expedite matters , were enough to justify the companions in anticipating success .

Comp . PULMAN proposed "The Consecrating Officers . " He did not think that any Mason could have performed the ceremony better than those companions . There was not a single hitch from beginning to end , and the Consecrating Officers bad met with the cordial satisfaction of the companions of the chapter . Comp . J AMES TERRY in replying , said it was a great pleasure to him to have officiated that day with Comps .

Turquand and Frances . The introduction into existence of a new chapter was a most important event , as it marked a new era in their Masonry , and scemeei to tell them they were getting older . He had now consecrated fifty-seven lodges , but he thought he could say that , thanks to the arrangements made , and to the assistance of thc musicians , everything had gone off well . As a Consecrating Officer he knew , and acknowledged , the great services of Comp .

Seymour Smith and his two friends . Before sitting down he wished to thank Comp . Pownceby for saying he would accept the Stewardshi p of this chapter for the next festival of tbe Benevolent Institution . It had been said that the Secretaries of the various Alasonic Institutions had no right to go about consecrating lodges and chapters , because they were wasting time which ought to be devoted to the duties of their offices . He thought that was a mistake , not because

he happened to be the Secretary of one of the Institutions , but because he knew that many hundreds of pounds were brought into the coffers of the three Institutions from the associations of the Secretaries with the consecrations of lodges and chapters . Thc little services they thus rendered were paid back in coin to the Institutions . He , therefore , ventured to think that the services of the officers of the Institutions , when they could be rendered , were not a

detriment to the offices they filled , but rather an advantage to the Institutions they had the honour to represent . So far , he had endeavoured to perform his duty , and Comp . Pownceby , who served as Steward last February , would again do so in February next . It was a very high compliment , and he ( Comp . Terry ) thanked him for it . He hoped the day never would arrive when it would become a popular feeling that the Secretaries of the Institutions were

to be confined to their offices merely , and be simply clerks . Comp . TURQUAND also expressed the great pleasure he had had in assisting at the consecration , although he felt he had not done much . He and the M . E . Z . had Known each other many years , and had been associated in another chapter . Consequently he felt great intercstin the proceedings of the day . He had done some little in his career in Alasonry , but he was always open to do all he could to

further its interests whether in the Craft or in the Arch . Comp . H . E . FRANCES , after apologising for not being able to make a speech , said that in the oration he delivered he was thoroughly conscientious . He never wrote or said what he did not mean . He had a conscience , and he believed in the existence of a Deity , and he had endeavoured that evening to show what he thought Masons ought to be . He had been very much shocked in his career in

Alasonry to find there were so many Masons , and yet so few . Those who supported the Institutions were but few . If all Alasons put Masonry in practice , there would be no elections to the Institutions . Everybody could do something . He was not a millionaire . He did not suppose he should ever see a £ 5 note , but he could and did help to induce others who could become Stewards to do so . We

had all got friends who would get something apiece . There were other duties in Alasonry besides wearing aprons and sitting down to dinner . Besides keeping the secrets of Alasonry there was the helping those who were in need , and if this was not done a Alason could not lay his head upon his pillow and say he had done his duty . He was sure the Bedford Chapter would advance the interests of M . isnnrv .

Comp . THOMAS CUBITT , in responding to the toast of " The Visitors , " said the Bedford Lodge had been in existence nearly 150 years , and he was very much surprised that it had not had a chapter connected with it before . The Bedford Chapter was bound to float , and he trusted it would exist as long as the lodge had existed . With such ofiicers as it had now it was bound to prosper . Personall y he must thank the founders for having given him the offer

of occupying the Z . ' s chair , but he was obliged to decline on account of his numerous Masonic engagements . The right man had been selected , and when he gave the word of command all would obey him . Comp . DONALD M . DEWAR also responded , and after repeating what had been said b y other companions in praise of the excellent arrangements of the day ,

congratulated the chapter on its successful inauguration . Knowing the earnestness and energy of thc Al . E . Z . as a Freemason he was perfectly certain the chapter would succeed . Comp . PULMAN , in proposing " 'The Health of the H . and J ., " said that Comps . Pownceby ' and Soper were staunch advocates of Masonry in every respect . With regard to the H . he would do everything to perform the duties of his offico officially , and the same might bo said