Consecration Of The Chaucer Chapter, No. 1540.

CONSECRATION OF THE CHAUCER CHAPTER , No . 1540 .

The consecration of a new chapter attached to the Chaucer Lodge , No . 1540 , took place on Friday , June 28 , at the Bridge House Hotel , Southwark , in the presence of a number of well-known Arch Masons , amongst whom were Comps . John Hervey , P . Z ., Grand Scribe E . ;

the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . Z . ; J . Levander , P . Z . ; J . Terry , P . Z . ; James Willing , P . Z . 1000 and 1507 ; G . Brown , P . Z . 169 ; Gallant , 813 ; Barrett , 188 ; Harmsworth , Richard Giddy , 1574 ; Batchelor , 325 ; H . Thompson , 619 ( Freemason ) , and others . Comps . J . Hervey was the Consecrating Officer , and occupied the chair of M . E . Z . ; Levander , H . ; and the Rev .

A . Woodford , J . ; J . Terry , Director of Ceremonies . The chapter having been opened and the companions admitted , Comp . Hervey then addressed them , and remarked that it was three years ago that very day since he consecrated the Chaucer Lodge , when he vvas assisted by the reverend brother who then stood beside him , and he could readily

understand as far as possiblity went that the lodge would at some time add to it a chapter , and he was glad that Bro . Woodford was there that night to assist him in consecrating a new chapter to be attached to the Chaucer Lodge . Since the lodge was established three years ago it had progressed in a manner that reflected honour upon those by whom it had been established , and was a credit to the Craft in general .

He remarked that new chapters were not so frequently called into existence as new lodges , nor were such large numbers enlisted into them as lodges , for somehow 01 other chapters did not command the same love for them as ledges . It might he that as there were three degrees in the Craft , there vvas something in each to be learnt , but in the Royal Arch , as all the ceremonies were gone through

in one night , there was nothing in the future to excite the curiosity of the candidate or induce him to follow up the science with that love and affection that existed in Craft lodges . Still the Royal Arch Degree was one of great importance and interest to all who wished to become acquainted with the true principles of Freemasonry . As to whether it was a new or an old degree it was not his wish

or intention to inquire , but he would say that it most fully and properly completed the Master Mason ' s Degree , and under those circumstances Royal Arch Masonry bore a most distinguished position in regard to Masonry in general , and all who followed its workings would admit that it possessed the highest claims . He Imped that all who became candidates for admission to that chapter would bc

happy , and that the result of their inquiries would be gratifying to themselves , and that the more they studied its details they would find Royal Arch Masonry more pleasing to them than if they bad confined their studies to Craft Masonry alone . Iu conclusion he expressed a hope that the chapter would achieve the same success in Freemasonry as the Chaucer Lodge had done in the Craft .

After some formal proceedings had been gone through , Comp . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford then delivered the following oration : — M . E . Companions , and V . W . Presiding Officer—When , in common with yourself , 1 was invited hy our esteemed and mutual friend , Comp . Sabine , to attend the consecration of the Chaucer Chapter and personally to deliver the

oration , I felt that I hael no alternative but to comply with his most courteous and fraternal request . Indeed , the grounds he gave for his flattering invitation were simply irresistible , inasmuch as they carried me back to the time when you and I , sir , in connection with our late lamented Bro . Little , were privileged to assist in the consecration of the Chaucer lodge , three years ago to-day . And when , then ,

under the auspices of that " Good Lodge , " and of a most historic name , I was invited to aid in completing the edifice , of which on a former occasion wc feebly but honestly endeavoured to lay a permanent foundation stone , 1 could only esteem it to bc both a privilege and a duty to associate myself once again with yourself , sir , in so proper and so Masonic a work . For , like many of us , I have

long felt , and felt strongly , that we have through various causes somewhat neglected the Royal Arch Grade , that fmost interesting portion of our venerable system , and I , or one , hail the appearance at length of a revived appreciation amongst us of its necessity , of its utility , and of its beauty . lam also one of those , M . E . sir , who think that all lodges ought to have a chapter in some way attached

to them , and that all Master Masons have a right , to ask to have every facility for exaltation in due time , after proper examination , and under befitting circumstances . Icongratulate , therefore , the members of the Chaucer Lodge that , imbued with the true teaching , as I venture to conceive , of our early English system , they have , at this early period nf their lodge existence , asked for and obtained a warrant ,

for the Chaucer Chapter . May all of prosperity attend it , and may its members ever bear in mind that with a completed scheme of Masonic arrangement anil ritual there is also expected of them a manly realisation both of the profession and practice of the articles of Masonry . Sir , 1 think that 1 cannot better occupy a few minutes to-day than by tracing out what I conceive to be a not unfitting

representation of the mystical teaching of our compact and completed system . I havepreviously ventured to touch upon the history of the Royal Arch Degree , I have also called attention to its practical message , and now I think I shall be warranted in making my oration turn on ils spiritual characteristics , on its more mystical doctrines . In a ^ I am about to say I , however , think it well to mention , b

y way of caution , that I am only putting forward my own humble individual explanation of what may and does admit , no doubt , of many like explanations , and I will add this , if you do not agree with all I say , ( which pet haps you will not ) , you must be good enough to put it down to the " individualism " ( to use a fine word ) , or tbe " idiosyncrasy " of the speaker alone . Within ratain fair

Consecration Of The Chaucer Chapter, No. 1540.

limits , we all have a right , it appears to me , to spiritualise the customary representation of our inner teaching . Freemasonry , then , M . E . sir , has often appeared to me , when looked at mystically and spiritually , in this wise , we are admitted into the First Degree just as all men are admitted into this world of ours , and we share in its trials and struggles , its joys and its sorrows , its cares , and its

crosses , and we are bidden to pursue our journey through the " strait gate , " and on the " narrow ways , " neither turning to the right hand nor turning to the left—but to march on , like brave soldiers , resolutely to our goal . The world is all before us , in its glorious lights , its gracious colours , its festive hours , its melodious songs , while , at the same time we are warned of the dark clouds which often lower ,

the blue sky which often fades away , the flowers which wither , and the songs which are hushed , whether we start in life hopeful and exulting , or pass through the riper hours of stalwart manhood , or reach at last the inevitable weakness of old age . The First Degree shows us the world , and greet us as mortal sojourners for a little season . In the Second Degree we are

told of that mental improvement and illumination which can only render us fit members for regularly organised society . Weare bidden to improve ourselves , educate ourselves , charm sameness with literature , dispel tedium with science , and we are warned , ( as honest old Feltham would put it ) , that to be " idle and ignorant are the worst characteristics for us all . " We learn the advantages of

refining studies and the soothing love of books , while the wondrous system of nature is unveiled before us in all its greatness , glory , marvel , grace . And then in the Third Degree we are thrown back upon ourselves . Man is a compound and most mysterious being , with a complex striving and a twofold existence , and though in the possession of an immortal soul , he is nevertheless mortal ,

most mortal . We are therefore warned how frail and short often are our earthly lives , how that we are here today and to-morrow gone—forgotten . Our place in the lodge knows us no more , and as the pcet has said with a touching irony , all that is sometimes left of the greatest , the fairest , the brightest , the proudest , the bravest , the wisest of us all is a " nameless stone . " Lord

Macaulay , in some beautiful lines , well known , probably , to many now present , thus sums up , in his wondrous happiness of expression , this mortal condition of affairs : " Then learn that all the griefs and joys Which now torment , and now beguile ,

Are children's hurts and children's toys , Scarce worthy of one better smile . There learn that pulpit , throne , and press , Sword , sceptre , lyre , alike are frail , That science is a blind man ' s guess , And history a nurse ' s tale .

There learn that glory and disgrace , Wisdom and lolly , pass away ; That truth hath its appointed place , That sorrow is but for a day . That all we love and all we hate , That all we hope , that all we fear , Each mood of minel , each turn of fate ,

Must end in dust and silence here . Yes , M . E . Sii , how very beautiful is that Third Degree of ours , which says to each of us , Gnothi Scauton , which reminds us one and all of our inevitable destiny , which bids us all realise , which we too often forget to do in the glare and greatness tf the world , that " Dust thou art , and unto dust thou shalt return . " Do what we will , we

cannot any of us put off that inevitable hour which comes to us all sooner or later , older or younger , and today as ever is it true for us all , as the famous poet Longfellow so well sings , that—Our hearts , though stout and brave , Still like muffled drums are beating Funeral marches to the grave .

But if faith and hope can pierce through the clouds which rest on the prospect of futurity in the Third Degree , in this Sublime Grade wc are reminded of the greatness and glory of the Eternal and Triune Jehovah , of the wondrous truth of a glad resurrection , and of the blessed reality of immortality , which awaits all faithful companions when the Most Excellent of All shall summon them from all

climes and resting places to form part of that Grand and Eternal Chapter , His own most Holy Convocation , which shall neither bc separated nor scattered , nor divided , nor dissolved any more . If man often unwillingly contemplates his own innate weakness , and transgressions , and mortality , and casts a sad and sorrowing look into the dim recesses of the grave , which hides from his tear-laden

eyes and aching heart all that he loves best on earth , he yet is , and can be cheered and consoled by that voice of religion , which , as in the Royal Arch Degree , surely bids him " lift up his eyes to the hillsfrom whence cometh his help , " and which whispers to him in the deadliest hour of mortal tribulation of a happier hour , of a brighter day , of a rejoicing reunion , when those who part on this side

the grave shall meet on the other . How great , then , how fascinating , and how consolingl ' ts the teaching of this goodly grade ; when the mind weary and troubled , and perplexed , looks on , often half doubting , from the many conflicts of earth , and is solaced , cheered , and encouraged by the knowledge , nay , the absolute certainty , that the " Lord God Omnipotent liveth , " that "justice and mercy

are the habitation of His seat , " that there is a future life , a blessed life for the " faithful and obedient " of the whole human race , and that " Verily there is a reward foi the righteous , doubtless there is a God that judgeth thi earth . " And in this way , I think , M . E . Sir , we mav

fairly arrive at the thoroughly religious character ane teaching of our well-known formularies , our cherished utterances , our exoteric symbols and our esoteric lore . Yes , M . E . Sir , let us dedicate this Chaucer Chapter to-day , full ) i

Consecration Of The Chaucer Chapter, No. 1540.

general accomplishment for us all one day , through God ' s grace and goodness , of the better , higher , and brighter promise of our eternal destiny . With the poet , let us say : Thou great Omnipotent , our hearts inspire With every virtuous , every good desire , Bring into order every failing thought , By reason balanced and experience taught .

Teach us in heart to feel another ' s woe , Nor e'er that generous sentiment forego , In that , the Royal Art its truth imparts A bond of union for genial hearts , And full of sympathy for human woe , Sighs with each sorrowing sufferers here below . In union with the world ' s Great Architect it strives

To throw glad hopes o ' er failing mortal lives , It bids the mind on glorious hopes depend , And fills the trusting soul with joys that never end . ( Applause ) . Several prayers having been offerred up and anthems sung , after the patriarchal benediction had been pronounced , the formal business of the consecration was brought to a

close by singing the National Antherr . The installation of the Principals was then proceeded with as follows : Comp . T . J . Sabine , P . Z . 73 , 811 , & c , as Z . ; J . Catley Mason , P . M . 1540 , H . ; Edward Spencer Stidolph , W . M . 1540 , J . The officers were then appointed , viz .: Comp . Walters , S . E . ; Wilkins , S . N . ; Hudson , P . S . ; Fair , ist A . S . ; Hatch , 2 nd A . S . ; Graham , D . C ;

Spaight , Janitor . The M . E . Z . said the first duty he had to perform was to propose a vote of thanks to the three companions who had performed the duty of consecration ; Comps . Hervey , Woodford , and ( Terry . Three years ago that very day Comps . Hervey and Woodford had consecrated the Chaucer Lodge , but circumstances had prevented one who

had assisted m that consecration being present , for he was now laid in his grave , and could not take his place in tlie work which they had completed that day . He ( the M . E . Z . ) could not allow the opportunity to pass without offering a few words of teverence and affection to the memory of their esteemed Comp . Little . Comp . Little attended the consecration of a chapter at Brighton ,

at which he ( the M . E . Z . ) was present ; and he should never forget the plain and practical oration which he delivered upon that occasion . It had sunk deep into his memory and he might say with the poet : — " Long , long , be my heart with such memories filled , Like the vase in which roses have once been distill'd , You may break , you may ruin the vase if you will ,

But the scent of the roses will hang round it still . " He then proposed " That the best thanks of the chapter be given to Comps . Hervey , Woodford , and Terry for the services they had rendered that day , and that they be elected honorary members of the chapter . " Comp . Wilkins , Scribe N ., seconded the motion , which

was put and carried unanimously . Comps . Hervey , Woodford , and Terry respectively returned thanks for the honour conferred upon them . Several propositions for exaltation in the chapter were then made , and the present members were appointed as a committee to prepare a code of bye-laws . The chapter was then closed in due form .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . WILLIAM WINCH . The severe loss which our brethren in the Isle of Thanet experienced on the 16 th of May , by the sudden death of Bro . Brasicr , of Margate , the esteemed Treasurer of the Union Lodge , No . 327 , has been soon followed by another irreparable loss in the death of Bro . William Winch , of St . Peter ' s , Thanet , last surviving son of Richard Winch ,

J . P ., late of Rochester , which sad event took place on the 15 th ult . Bro . Winch was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of Unions , No . 256 , on the 4 th January , 186 4 . Anxious to make himself proficient in working , he became a member of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and , having served several offices in the Lodge of Unions , we had hoped to have seen him occupy the chair , but he

was attacked by an illness which rendered it necessary that he should retire from active life in London , and on the 7 th-December , 1868 , upon taking up his residence at St . Peter ' s , he tendered his resignation , which was accepted with great regret . Bro . Winch carried his Masonic zeal into Thanet . He became a member of the Royal Navy and the Lewis Lodges , and passed through the chair of

both . Ho was also P . Z . of the chapter held at Ramsgate , His death will be severely felt by the lodge of instruction meeting at Broadstairs , of which he was the main stay , inculcating the working of the Emulation Lodge , with which he was so well acquainted . He attended a Masonic meeting at the Lord Nelson Inn , Broadstairs , on Thursday evening , in his usual health . Early on Friday morning he was seized with a fit of coughing , and fell into a

state of insensibility , which lasted till his death on Saturday . The remains of the deceased were followed to the parish church , in addition to the members of his family , by about fifty members of the Craft , some Foresters ( of which he was an honorary member ) , and a large number of the principal residents in the neighbourhood . The

service was chcral . The coffin was covered with some very beautiful wreaths of flowers . Bro . Winch was one who unostentatiously did good service to the Order , and whose death , at the comparatively early age of 45 , will leave a blank in the Craft , in his parish , in his family , and among his friends .

BRO . WILLIAM SMITH , C . E ., P . G . S . Bro . William Smith , C . E ., P . G . S ., P . M . and P . Z . 33 , late of Salisbury-street , Strand , Hied at Liverpool , to which town he some time tince removed , on the 28 th ult .