Consecration Of St. Thomas's Chapter, No.142.

CONSECRATION OF ST . THOMAS'S CHAPTER , NO . 142 .

The consecration of this new chapter took place on Wednesday , 25 th ult ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , hy Comp . John Hervey , Grand Secretary , assisted by Comps . Buss , Woodford , and Terry , and in the presence of a large assembly of companions , amon ? whom were Comps .

H . C . Levander , M . E . Z . ; G . A . Rooke , H . ; James W . Lambert , J . ; C . F . Hogard , S . E . ; F . W . Levander , P . S . ; F . J . Macaulay , 1 st . A . S . ; F . Statham Hohson , 2 nd A . S . ; H . A . Dubois , Treas . ; John Hervey , G . S . E . ; A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . P . S . ; H . G . Buss , G . Std . Br . ; J . Terry , Prov . G . D . C . Herts ; W . S . Moses ; George Powell , P . Z . ; 976 ; and George Motion . Yisitors : Comps . Col . Burdett ,

G . Supt . Middx . ; T . Fenn , P . G . S . B . ; P . De Lande Long , P . G . P . S . ; Hyde Pullen , P . G . D . C ; John Boyd , P . G . H . Middx . ; E . Kimber , Z . 28 ; VV . Smallpeice , Z . 2 r , * Rev . Dr . Brette , H . 1194 ; Charles Martin , J . 25 ; Jabez Hogg , P . Z . 1260 ; and George Kenning , P . Z . 192 . Musical companions : Comps . John Read , P . Z . 720 ; G . T . Carter , 145 ; J . Large , 771 ; and T . Distin , Crystal Palace .

Comp . Hervey opened the proceedings by expressing the pleasure he felt at being present on the occasion , assisted by his friends and companions , to consecrate a new chapter . He congratulated the companions on the progress of Royal Arch Masonry , and called attention to some statistics which would serve to show thc rapid extension of the Grade . From 184 : 5 to 18157 , 4 London Royal Arch

Chapters , and 70 provincial and colonial chapters were consecrated ; from 1858 10 * 1867 , 15 London , and 108 provincial chapters were consecrated , while , from 1868 to 1877 , 41 London chapters , and 192 provincial chapters were consecrated ; and , whereas , in 1845 , ' 4 6 , ' 47 , ' 48 , ' 49 , ' 50 , ' 51 , ' 52 , ' 53 , 60 provincial chapters , and 4 London chapters were consecrated . From 1869 to 1877 , 182 provincial

chapters , and 3 8 London chapters were consecrated . In former days there was rather a prejudice against multiplying chapters , but he was happy to remark , that for some time past , a steady increase in the applications for warrants for new chapters had set in , and which , he felt bound to say , he thought a good thing . ( Applause . ) The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with ,

and the following oration was delivered by Comp . Woodford , acting as J . M . E . Companion and Consecrating Officer : In acceding to the request of thc companions of this new chapter , about to be consecrated by you , to assist on this occasion , ( conveyed to mc by Comp . Hogard ) , I am glad not only to associate myself

with the pleasing duty of establishing another chapter , but above all , of humbly aiding yourself , whose unceasing devotion to thc interests and increase of Freemasonry is so great , and so manifest to all . It is , therefore , a peculiar pleasure to myself , ( as it is , I know , to all my reverend brethren ) , when assenting to the courteous invitation of our companions , we are enabled to offer you , Sir ,

any assistance in your arduous duties and responsible position . I , Sir , as you well know , am , like yourself , a great admirer of this Degree of Masonry , and rejoice to think that now , after a period of comparative neglect , our brethren arc at last sensible of its utility , its beauties , and its importance . Some foreign writers , as you are aware , have thrown , or attempted to throw discredit on the Royal Arch

Degree , and to deny its rightful position as the apex of our Masonic Pyramid . But we , in England , better instructed , and more practiral , less given up to sentimental theories , ( which generally lead people into mischief , like some of our more excitable neighbours ) , have wisely made it thc culmination of our system of grades and teaching , and have surrounded it with all those aesthetic

influences , which a touching ceremonial and a goodly symbolism , are calculated to bring to bear effectively on the minds of loyal and educated companions . Sir , as it has been well saitl by a Masonic writer , Mackey , "the Royal Arch is the eaprstonc of the Masonic edifice , " and is absolutely necessary to the perfection of the Master ' s Degree as a science of symbolism , " inasmuch

that the latter cannot be understood without the developcment of the former . They are the first and second volumes of a continuous history , ard the absence of either would mutilate thc work . " In other days , perhaps too much was said in praise of the Royal Arch Degree , in terms which some may consider hypcraolical and exaggerated , but wc shall not be doing wrong in treating it to-day ,

as the completion of our whole system , the pinnacle of the Masonic fabric , the key to the Masonic lore of Craft Masonry , and the embodiment , solo say , of the whole theory and practice of our Order . Webb calls it , like Dermott , " august , " " sublime , " " most mysterious , " and " more important than all that precedes it , " but without altogether endorsing this cncomiastical language , let us be content , as

I said before , with pointing out its beauty , its importance and its utility . Some wiiters like to compare the " weary sojourner" with the " penniless neophyte , " in search of the great temple of truth , and at last establishing the dwelling place of the Most High in his heart and mind . Others would say that in thc Royal Arch the " Candidate finds himself at thc acme of thc system . The veil is lifted

and he comprehends its ineffable beauties , " while nnr-thcr wiitcr , who , though curiously enough nn anti-Masonic writer , ( Stone ) , declares that" it is in tbe Hoyal Arch "Deg * ee where the full fruition of light and knowledge is to be only enjoyed , when the student , like another Prometheus can , as it were , steal sacred fire from the chariot ofthe Sun , In kindle

his genius , and hold converse face- to face with immortal truth herself in all her )) -. rfeclions and beauties . " I think , as I said before , M . E . Z ., without making too much of all this glowing eulogy , it may suffice us to say that we have in the Hoyal Arch Grade a very beautiful and effective ceremonial , a fitting conclusion of iur actual and symbolical journeying , a ceremonial , which , the more we un-

Consecration Of St. Thomas's Chapter, No.142.

derstand it , reveals fresh graces and abounds ir moral teaching , and personal application for us all alike . Time would fail me , antl the patience of my companions would be exhausted were I to-day to seek to give them a detailed explanation , either of the history , or symbolism , or ceremonial of the Royal Arch Grade . I will content myself , ( keeping to the mystical Triad ) , to touch

upon those lessons which arc impressed by our graceful ceremonial on all candidates for exaltation . They are —belief in God , Humility , and Perseverance . If at this period , unfortunately in other jurisdictions the very name of God is forbidden to be acknowledged , or , is about to be erased from ritual and circular , and all emblems and symbolism of belief in the Most High rigidly suppressed , we ,

in England , adhering to the teaching of cosmopolitan Freemasonry , and the customs of our fathers , and resolutely adhering to the " better way , " make belief in God the beginning and the ending of our whole Masonic teaching . Just as of old , thc humble aspirant avows his " trust in God , " so in this grade the acknowledgement of the Most High is the distinguishing character of all our work

and symbolism . It is that central Schechinah of sacred light , and wisdom , and truth , which seems to irradiate our whole Masonic teaching with the unchanging glory of God's own most Holy Name and Word . Lawrence , a modern American writer of some very interesting " Practical Masonic Lectures , " thus well expresses ( better than I can do ) thc position of the Royal

Arch in this respect . "The great lesson of life in this Degree isa nearer acquaintance with , and a better understanding of the attribute and character of God , the Great I Am , and of our relations to him , we are impressed with the importance of improving and enlarging that acquaintance and knowlege by the diligent study of " His Holy Word . " We are bidden to remember thc duty of prayer to Him ,

who alone hrareth prayer , and is still as of old to all who seek Him , " a very present help in trouble , " the " shadow of agrcat rock in this weary land . " And thus weare inspired with a reverence for that Great , Eternal , and Triune Jehovah , whose goodness abounds to all His creatures , and whose mercy , love , wisdom and power , arc strikingly elisplayed in all His works . It will then be seen what a

confirmation of the truly religious character of Masonry is set forth m the Royal Arch Degree . Some foolish people in these latter days , the Ultramontane assailants of Freemasonry , have declared Freemasonry to be an enemy to relig ion . We solemnly deny the charge . If , in other jurisdictions , the words and actions of perverse and infatuated men seem to be transforming the fair form of

Freemasonry into a hideous monster , surrounded by all the hateful emblems of revolution and impiety ; il others , dead to the voice of reason and conscience , degrade Masonry into thc contemptible character of a political faction , a secret and conspiring association , disobedient to law , and favourable to anarchy and convulsion , we declare that we , in England , utterly disavow such proclivities , that

we are still , as ever , believers , firm believers , in the Most High . As Jethro Inwood puts it , "the central point of thc innumerable lines , squares , and circles of Masonry is the love of God . On this one central point , Masonry builds her faith , from it she derives her hope of glory here and hereafter , and by it she squares her conduct in strict justice and universal charity . Despite some mistaken

actions of some portion of our Order , wc assert that wc arc loyal citizens , opponents of revolution and civil discord , and deeply sensible both of the enduring sanctities of religion , and thc solemn responsibilities and unchanging duties of patriotic , social , domestic , and individual life . Let us hear no more of the charge that Masonry is irreligious . No more religiously reverent seiciety exists on the face of

this wide world . If all were as religiously-minded as thc teaching of Masonry would urge its members to be , this world would be a great deal better than it is . As an eloquent American brother has said : — " Yes , Brethren ! the institution of Freemasonry is worth preserving and perpetuating . It is a house not made with hands . It is a blending of the spiritual of

another life with the realistic of this , ft is a temple which has its corner-stone and stable foundations in truth and charity ; it has its mystic crypts , its sacred fanes , and its towering Columns , while above bends its canopy , fretted with the tracery t > f Deity ' s hamf ! In the heart of eveiy true Mason this temple has its shrine , while its entire fabric is hallowed by God ' s word , and every part made strong

and lasting by the cement of brotherly love . Let us keep pure and htily this glorious structure , and wc may hope to walk by the beautiful river of life and enjoy for ever the beatitudes of the just . " We seek that City Grand , The House of Deity . By His Diviu ** Omniscience planned ,

Based through all depths by God ' s right hand , Reared to all height , whose pillars stand , Built for Eternity . " Humility is a lesson which , in these self-asserting days , may fairly be recommended to us all alike . We are all , Sir , apt to become in ourselves , through the frailty of mortality , egotistical , selfish , and

inconsiderate . In this Royal Arch Degree we are taught to be humble befi . re God , and humble with our brethren . VVe ate to seek to " honour all men " rightly and properly , and never to forget that while it is our duty to adhere to principle , at all hazards , and never _ to abandon the strait path of duty on any consideration , or for any bribe , we are always to be meek and self-restrained in our estimation of ourselves , our own

position , our claims < -r talent , and anxious to recognize merit and admire goutiness in others , in all persons , and under all circumstances . And , lastly , we are reminded of the duty of Perseverance . Li '; e the faithful Sojourners , we are to persevere in our labours until the end , working on faithfully in spite- of every obstacle . We are to be faithful in every good word and work . Just as did the patriotic

Consecration Of St. Thomas's Chapter, No.142.

Jews of old , so are we to labour to rebuild the walls of the Temple , thc temple of truth in our hearts , with our swords by our sides and our trowels in our hands . We arc never to weary , never to give up , never to sit down with lackadaisical lamentations by the way , but to work on until the Grand Master of us all calls us from toil to rest , from time to eternity . Such are some lessons among

many others which the beautiful ceremonial of the Royal Arch Degree teaches us all , and may they serve to adorn and illustrate the history of this new chapter in the whole of its future career . As Oliver well puts it , " with such a series of emblems as this Royal Arch Degree sets before us , it will be impossible , ( let us hope ) , to forget the moral which they are intended to convey to sojourners ,

and companions alike . For in this grade we find a completion of the lesson we were first taught at our admission into Masonry , and which has accompanied our onward course thus far . Reverence to God , love for man , kindness and assistance to our brethren , the cardinal virtues and the social duties , these are our teachings and these should be our practice . Yes , if we humbly seek to

practice all these goodly lessons and all these needful duties , in all fidelity and zeal , we shall be truly Royal Arch Masons , and by God ' s Great Mercy , may hope one day to ascend to an immortal inheritance into those heavenly mansions , veiled from mortal eye , in which the Great Jehovah presides over that Grand and Heavenly Chapter , where peace , order , harmony , and love eternally endure . Let us

then , companions of this new chapter , strive to keep close to the Centre of that Sacred Circle which encloses us all in its mystic harmony , so that , faithful sojourners , and loving companions , we may at last , our labours ended , our building consummated , hope to be admitted under the Royal Arch of the Divine Mercy , into the Holy presence of the King o : Kings , into those beatific mansions , made

without hands , eternal in thc Heavens . Let us all say —So mote it be I At the conclusion of the oration , thc remaining portion of the ceremonial was conducted by Comp . Hervey , with his accustomed skill and effect , and thc rendering of the consecration service seemed to produce considerable effect on the companions present .

Comp . Hervey proceeded to instal Comp . H . C . Levander , as M . E . Z ; Comp . Brooke , asH . ; and Comp . Lambert , as J . The election of the officers took place , when Comp . C . F . Hogard was elected E . ; Comp . Dubois , Treas . ; and Comp . F . C . Levander as P . Soj . The customary complimentary votes having been passed ,

and several candidates proposed for exaltation and joining companions , to be balloted for at the next meeting , The companions adjourned to banquet , which gave every satisfaction , and did great credit to the resources of the Cannon-street Hotel , under the able superintendence of Comp . E . H . Rand . After grace had been sung , the M . E . Z . proposed thc

usual R . A . toasts and then gave , in felicitous terms , "The Queen , " and , subsequently , " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " To the toast of " Lord Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , and the Present and Past Grantl Officers of the Grand Chapter , " Comp . Col . Burdett , Prov . Grand Supt . for Middlesex , replied . He said that he rejoiced on that

occasion to return thanks feir the Present and Past Grand Officers of the Grand Chapter , and hc was greatly pleased to be present 011 this most pleasant occasion . He heartily felicitated the companions on the day ' s proceedings , which lie had witnessed with much satisfaction , ar . d he had full confidence in the future of the St . Thomas ' s Chapter . He doubted not that the emulation arising from the

Masonic ability and knowledge possessed by those who were called up ; in to preside over the chapter , would induce the companions of this new chapter to render the chapter one of the most efficient in the Order . He offered his " Hearty Good Wishes . " ( Hear , hear . ) In reply to the toast of "The Consecrating Officers , " Comp . Hervey said , that often as he had addressed the

companions of the Order , he had never addressed them with feelings of greater pleasure . On the present occasion hc was most happy to be there , first , because he knew he was surroun ded by old friends , ( hear , hear ) , and secondly , because he was glad to think , that hc had been able , with the assistance of his friends , to consecrate the St . Thomas's Chapter . He was pleased to think that

Royal Arch Masonry was extending , antl he felt sure of this , that whatever happened elsewhere , there would be no fear of English Masons letting go thc principles of Masonry , ( hear , hear ) , those religious principles which , universal in their cosmopolitan character , belonged to the Order . Comp . Woodford , in his oration , had set before them certain truths , which all , he thought , would appreciate , and ,

for himself , he had never felt greater pleasure than in the ceremonies of the tlay , in which , assisted by Comps . Buss , and Woodford , and Terry , ns the Consecrating Officers , he had sought , and he hoped not in vain , to impress thc companions with the ceremonial of thc Royal Arch Degree . He was greatly pleased to instal Comp . Ixvander as First Principal , and he felt sure , from what hc knew

of thc two other Principals and the officers , that the St . Thomas ' s Chapter would do its work as well as St . Thomas ' s Lodge . He thanked the companions for thc hearty reception accorded to him , as well as for the honour offered to him and his coadjutors in electing them honorary members of the chapter , and he begged to offer in all sincerity , his warmest aspirations , alike for the

efficiency of the officers , and the success of St . Thomas ' s Chapter . ( Cheers . ) Comp . Hervey then proposed "The Health of M . E . Comp . Levander , and the Second and Third Principals , " in most graceful w-rds , to which Comp . Levander replied in a most effective speech , assuring the companions present that he hoped the St . Thomas ' s Chapter would become a credit to the Order . He greatly piaised the cere-