Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The William Shurmur Lodge, No. 2374.
brother was like the Prince of Wales , one of the best and noblest of good fellows , and should it please the Great Architect to bless him with long life , would prove a typical representative of the " Fine Old English Gentleman . " There were many present that evening who would never forget the cheery and kindly welcome , and the unbounded hospitality with which they were entertained last year at Easton Lodge , and when their happiness was increased by the gracious presence of Lady Brooke . He asked the brethren to drink with all heartiness and cordiality , " Long Life and Health to the Provincial Grand Master and Lady Brooke . "
Bro . the Right Hon . LORD BROOKE , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master , in reply , said he must claim their indulgence on that occasion . It was , perhaps , unnecessary to ask the indulgence of the brethren of his province , but he knew there were a very large number of visitors who had come amongst them to see what Essex Freemasonry was worth . Accustomed as he was to address Essex brethren , and to receive their kind consideration , he
felt that he must ask for the indulgence , for any deficiency in the matter of speaking from those brethren who came from'that enormous Metropolis where they must hear words of deep import ably imparted every day . What could be more exciting or more stirring to a man than to be at a meeting of that kind—one of the largest at which he had ever presided in the Masonic world , and certainly the largest meeting at which he had ever been present at the consecration of a lodge .
It did the W . M . the greatest honour and the lodge the greatest honour , and it must be pleasant for Bro . Shurmur to feel he had so many Masonic friends ready to come and g ive their support on an important occasion of that kind . Freemasons were actuated , he was happy to say , by feelings which were perhaps hardly realised by any person outside that great body . They attended their meetings partly no doubt with pleasure and pleasant conviviality before them , but also with a strong
and earnest wish , soul stirring to the heartiest degree , to help their fellow countrymen and fellow Freemasons in whatever part of the world they may exist . What had taken such a hold in this [ country in the last few weeks but that book of General Booth ' s , and , whether right or wrong , the principles put forward had touched them most deeply , because it was undoubtedly the work and the words of a noble-hearted man , without any idea of political aggrandisement , without
confining himself to any one religious sect , but with the sole idea of benefiting his fellow countrymen . These were the principles which actuated all Freemasons , and which for many years past they had been striving to hold up high . Although he was a poor hand at learning the ritual by heart , yet he had learned by heart those truly Masonic principles , which he trusted to uphold to his dying day . He thanked all the brethren who had attended for the cordial reception given him .
¦ " The Deputy Prov . Grand Master and Prov . Grand Officers " was given by Bro . BROMHEAD , J . W ., who said he regarded it as an honour to be called upon to propose the health of Bro . Philbrick , whose name was well known throughout the length and breadth of Essex . The grandeur and impressiveness with which the Deputy Prov . Grand Master performed the ceremony of installation at the consecration of the Lennox Browne Lodge was still vivid in the recollections of many present . Bro . Philbrick was known in Essex as a brother in every sense of the
word , and , therefore , the toast would be received with all enthusiasm and reverence . Bro . J . M . SCARLETT , P . J . G . W ., thanked the J . W . for his kind reference to the services of the Prov . Grand Officers . The honour had been a great one to be associated with the work that night , more particularly as the W . M . was a brother with whom he had grown in Masonry , and whose footsteps he had followed for many years . The honour he had received in the province was a great one , and he hoped to do credit to it .
Bro . LENNOX BROWNE , P . P . G . W ., replied , and said that Bro . Scarlett had remarked that he had followed the W . M . in other lodges . He ( Bro . Browne ) had preceded Bro . Shurmur , and did not envy the man who followed him . He was proud to have received the Provincial purple , and was thankful . for all the kindness shown him in the province in which his father and mother and forefathers were born , and he therefore naturally associated himself with Essex .
In proposing The Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . Lord BROOKE , Prov . Grand Master , said he must apologise for speaking again . It reminded him of a song which was now sung at one of the London theatres— " Hush , here comes the bogie man , " for the man who was always speaking was a bogie man in his opinion . Perhaps it was not out of place for him to propose that toast , because he considered it the toast of the evening . It was the health of the W . M ., and the
William Shurmur Lodge . They had commenced their historical career and their life as a lodge in a most auspicious manner , and had a prosperity before them of a very brilliant kind . The new lodge was an important one , because although the youngest , it was not by any means the least . They had in the chair as the first W . M . one most thoroughly acquainted with all the work connected with Freemasonry . He had seldom seen the proceedings better conducted than they had been that evening ; the Worshipful Master ' s work was admirably done , and the
work of those who supported him was excellently carried out , even to the work of the Tyler , who must have had considerable difficulty during the various stages in properly tyling the lodge . As far as he could say they had spent a most pleasant evening , and he had seldom seen the duties of Stewards more efficientl y carried out . He congratulated Bro . Shurmur and the members of the lodge most heartily on the auspicious start made , and hoped that in the future the William Shurmur Lodge would prove one of the brightest jewels of Essex Freemasonry .
Bro . WM . SHURMUR , Prov . G . Treas ., W . M ., thanked the Prov . G . M . for the kindly and encouraging way in which he had proposed the toast of his health . He deemed it a very great honour to have a lodge named after himself , and that honour was increased when he was asked to become the first Worshipful Master of it . He should endeavour to prove himself worthy of having a lodge named after him . In his address to his officers what he said was in all sincerity , for there
were many who could occupy the position he held far better than he could , and he honestly believed that that lodge , for its working , would be second to none . That was his ambition , and he was sure all the officers would strongly endeavour to carry out that idea . He was proud of his officers , and hoped it was a proper pride . One great point he wished to introduce was to have ladies' banquets , and to allow them to take part in the festivities . The ladies during the last few years
had taken a different position to that formerly held , and he could not help thinking that , although Masons imagined they had great kindness at heart , yet they were somewhat selfish in sitting down to banquet when the only thing the ladies could do was to sit in a gallery and look on . He again thanked them for the great honour conferred upon him in naming the lodge after him , and also in appointing him as W . M ., and as their representative at the next Festival of
the Boys' School . He earnestly hoped the brethren would support him in the Charities , and he was pleased to announce that the total collected in the Charity box was ; £ n 13 s . 6 d . He thanked the brethren for placing 10 guineas on his list , and as the Provincial Grand Treasurer he hoped to have some little patronage . In conclusion , he again thanked them for the kindly proposition and reception of the toast .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in introducing the toast of " The Visitors , " said the founders had endeavoured to entertain them to the best of their ability . Fie deemed it an honour to have so many visitors , and hoped they would visit the lodge again . Bros . LENNOX BROWNE , P . P . G . W . ; GREENWOOD , Mayor of Sudbury ; Rev . Dr . DUNBAR , J . BUNKER , P . M . ; and BROOKMAN , replied ; and Bro . J . M . MCLEOD , Sec . R . M . I . B ., responded on behalf of " The Masonic Charities . "
"The Officers" having been given , the Tyler ' s toast closed a very successful gathering . The musical arrangements were in the hands of Bro . Prenton , and contributed materially to the enjoyment of the brethren .
Consecration Of The Emblematic Chapter, No. 1321.
CONSECRATION OF THE EMBLEMATIC CHAPTER , No . 1321 .
The newest addition to the roll of Royal Arch chapters , the Emblematic Chapter , No . 1321 , was consecrated on Monday evening , the 1 st inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly , by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E . In the performance of his duties Comp . Clerke was assisted by Comps . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Superintendent of Essex , acting as H . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . A . G . S ., as J . ; F . Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C , and Edward Terry . Past Grand Treas ., as S . N .
The other companions present were Comps . Joseph Henry Price , Robert George Cooper , Joseph Greenway , W . B . Fendick , E . L . Berry , Frederick T . Edgington , W . Kent , H . Esling , F . J . Potter , J . H . Evans , Albert Pearce , George Harlow , R . Pittam Stevens , J . Pearce , George Gardner , W . E . Chapman , H . Massey , John Purrott , H . Sadler , James S . Eastes , Alfreel Kenningham , F . Hilton , Frederick Bevan , Thomas Grummant , J . Terry , Mason , Frederick Kedge , Brindley ,
Charles H . Lawson , and Richard J . Laundy . The founders of the chapter were Comps . J . H . Price ; W . B . Fendick , P . Z . ; H . Esling ; F . T . Edgington , P . Z . ; R . G . Cooper , P . Z . ; F . J . Potter , J . Greenway , W . Kent , E . L . Berry , and J . Evans . After the chapter had been formally opened , Comp . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in commencing the proceedings , said the companions were met that day on a most
important and solemn occasion , one which he was sure must be of great interest to all lovers of Royal Arch Masonry . They were about that day to give effect to a charter which had been recently granted by Grand Chapter for the formation of a new Royal Arch chapter in London . Some years ago the Emblematic Lodge was founded in the London district , and it had worked with great success from then to the present time . The Royal Arch Masons who belonged to that lodge
were desirous now to add the cope-stone to that edifice by having a Royal Arch chapter attached to it , not only to enable the members to meet more often , but to extend Royal Arch Masonry among the brethren . The idea was well received b y Grand Chapter , and after due consideration the charter was granted , and that day the companions had come together to constitute and consecrate the new chapter . In doing so he was sure that all the companions would wish the same prosperity to the chapter as had attended the lodge to which it was attached .
The usual introductory ceremonies having been then observed , the following oration was delivered by the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG -.
The outward emblem—it seems a thing without life and without reality , and yet how often is it the means of teaching the deepest truths—inciting to the noblest deeds . Man ' s spiritual and intellectual being are ever influenced by what he sees . A simple emblem will often force home a doctrine , and inspire a courage when words of eloquence have failed . What are the colours of an English regiment ? Two small pieces of frayed and tarnished silk , and yet when English soldiers go into action , every man , from the colonel to the youngest
recruit , would rather die than lose cither the Queen ' s or the regimental colours . English history , from the earliest times down to yesterday , is full of the record of deeds of real chivalry done in defence of those colours . Why is this ? It is because they are emblematic of the honours of the English nation , and therefore they are a means to inspire courage and self-sacrifice . The intrinsic value of the Victoria Cross is about threepence , but it is valued more than many a jewelled decoration , because it is emblematic of the
approval of the Sovereign for gallant conduct before the enemy . And our Craft , like the world , has its emblems . Indeed , there is hardly any institution so rich in outward figures , which teach deep and hidden truths . Many regard these emblems as mere ornaments , to be multiplied indefinitely until in their profusion they become meaningless . It is not an uncommon thing to find brethren adorning their lodge or chapter rooms , and even their persons and their circulars , with decorations which mean little and teach less . Real Masonic emblems are simple in character and real in their teaching , and ever in their
proper places and applied to their proper purposes . The beautiful ceremonies of this Degree explains fully what each of those emb ' ems is intended to teach . It rests with each companion as to whether that teaching bears fruit or not . Whether he exposes himself justly to the common taunt that in the chapter there are noble sentiments and high aims , but that all are stored away with the furniture , and not used in life ' s daily round , or whether he convinces the world of the value of our Order by exhibiting in the commonest as well as the highest duties of his life that he carries out what the emblematic teaching of our Order has impressed upon his mind .
The consecration ceremony was afterwards completed , the musical portion being rendered by Comps . F . Bevan , H . W . Schartau , and Kenningham , under the direction of Comp . Schartau . Comp . J . H . Price was installed as M . E . Z . ; Comp . W . BfFendick , P . Z ., as FI . ; and Comp . H . Esling , as J . Comp . R . G . Cooper , P . Z ., was elected and invested S . E ., and Comps . F . J . Potter , S . N . ; J . Greenway , P . S . ; W . Kent , ist A . S . ; E . L . Berry , 2 nd A . S . ; Evans , Steward ; Edgington , Org . ; and Austin Janitor .
The ordinary votes of thanks were then passed to the Consecrating Officers , with the honorary membership of the chapter , for their services , and Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE having acknowledged the compliment , a list of 16 brethren was read out , and then proposed and seconded , for exaltation at the next meeting , and the name of one joining member . The chapter was thereafter duly closed , and followed by a choice banquet . The usual toasts were afterwards proposed and honoured .
The toasts of "The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry" and "The M . E . Z ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " having been most heartily received , The M . E . Z . gave " The Grand H . and J . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupling with the toast the name of Comp . Philbrick . Comp . PHILBRICK , in reply , said that the Grand Officers had been privileged to be present that evening , and they felt that an accession had been made to the
number of the chapters on the roll of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England , which would , they trusted , prove a source of strength in the future . Although he would not mention the toast for which presently the Grand Scribe E . would return thanks , yet he might say that all the Grand Officers most sincerely wished the prosperity and success of this , the newest chapter on the roll of the chapters of England . The Grand Officers were glad to see the order of events . Comp . Price
had been good enough to say that if the companions did not know the Grand Officers they ought to know them . He might add that the duty the M . E . Z . had imparted to the companions was , when regarded from the view of the Grand Officers , a pleasure , and nothing gave them much greater pleasure than to see the progress of this Order , which he thought every true Mason regarded as the legitimate crown and end of Masonry ; it was , so to speak , the Masonic structure which was
commenced when men were made Masons , not complete until they had taken the Degree of the Holy Royal Arch . In that sense he was sure that the Order not only deserved well at their hands , but that it occupied the position of attracting to it all that was best , and those who desired progress from the lower to the higher Degrees of Freemasonry . The companions of this Supreme Degree were , in a peculiar sense those to whom the mysteries of Masonry , once being known , felt that they
were not complete until they had succeeded to the crown of the edifice , the Royal Arch . Lately in the province of which he had the honour to be Superintendent , he was present at the consecration of a chapter , and he then said that the best and most enterprising of those who joined the Order felt there was a responsibility in it which belonged to those who assumed higher duties , and for whom the greater honour devolved , That those duties would be well discharged , and that the hig her
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The William Shurmur Lodge, No. 2374.
brother was like the Prince of Wales , one of the best and noblest of good fellows , and should it please the Great Architect to bless him with long life , would prove a typical representative of the " Fine Old English Gentleman . " There were many present that evening who would never forget the cheery and kindly welcome , and the unbounded hospitality with which they were entertained last year at Easton Lodge , and when their happiness was increased by the gracious presence of Lady Brooke . He asked the brethren to drink with all heartiness and cordiality , " Long Life and Health to the Provincial Grand Master and Lady Brooke . "
Bro . the Right Hon . LORD BROOKE , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master , in reply , said he must claim their indulgence on that occasion . It was , perhaps , unnecessary to ask the indulgence of the brethren of his province , but he knew there were a very large number of visitors who had come amongst them to see what Essex Freemasonry was worth . Accustomed as he was to address Essex brethren , and to receive their kind consideration , he
felt that he must ask for the indulgence , for any deficiency in the matter of speaking from those brethren who came from'that enormous Metropolis where they must hear words of deep import ably imparted every day . What could be more exciting or more stirring to a man than to be at a meeting of that kind—one of the largest at which he had ever presided in the Masonic world , and certainly the largest meeting at which he had ever been present at the consecration of a lodge .
It did the W . M . the greatest honour and the lodge the greatest honour , and it must be pleasant for Bro . Shurmur to feel he had so many Masonic friends ready to come and g ive their support on an important occasion of that kind . Freemasons were actuated , he was happy to say , by feelings which were perhaps hardly realised by any person outside that great body . They attended their meetings partly no doubt with pleasure and pleasant conviviality before them , but also with a strong
and earnest wish , soul stirring to the heartiest degree , to help their fellow countrymen and fellow Freemasons in whatever part of the world they may exist . What had taken such a hold in this [ country in the last few weeks but that book of General Booth ' s , and , whether right or wrong , the principles put forward had touched them most deeply , because it was undoubtedly the work and the words of a noble-hearted man , without any idea of political aggrandisement , without
confining himself to any one religious sect , but with the sole idea of benefiting his fellow countrymen . These were the principles which actuated all Freemasons , and which for many years past they had been striving to hold up high . Although he was a poor hand at learning the ritual by heart , yet he had learned by heart those truly Masonic principles , which he trusted to uphold to his dying day . He thanked all the brethren who had attended for the cordial reception given him .
¦ " The Deputy Prov . Grand Master and Prov . Grand Officers " was given by Bro . BROMHEAD , J . W ., who said he regarded it as an honour to be called upon to propose the health of Bro . Philbrick , whose name was well known throughout the length and breadth of Essex . The grandeur and impressiveness with which the Deputy Prov . Grand Master performed the ceremony of installation at the consecration of the Lennox Browne Lodge was still vivid in the recollections of many present . Bro . Philbrick was known in Essex as a brother in every sense of the
word , and , therefore , the toast would be received with all enthusiasm and reverence . Bro . J . M . SCARLETT , P . J . G . W ., thanked the J . W . for his kind reference to the services of the Prov . Grand Officers . The honour had been a great one to be associated with the work that night , more particularly as the W . M . was a brother with whom he had grown in Masonry , and whose footsteps he had followed for many years . The honour he had received in the province was a great one , and he hoped to do credit to it .
Bro . LENNOX BROWNE , P . P . G . W ., replied , and said that Bro . Scarlett had remarked that he had followed the W . M . in other lodges . He ( Bro . Browne ) had preceded Bro . Shurmur , and did not envy the man who followed him . He was proud to have received the Provincial purple , and was thankful . for all the kindness shown him in the province in which his father and mother and forefathers were born , and he therefore naturally associated himself with Essex .
In proposing The Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . Lord BROOKE , Prov . Grand Master , said he must apologise for speaking again . It reminded him of a song which was now sung at one of the London theatres— " Hush , here comes the bogie man , " for the man who was always speaking was a bogie man in his opinion . Perhaps it was not out of place for him to propose that toast , because he considered it the toast of the evening . It was the health of the W . M ., and the
William Shurmur Lodge . They had commenced their historical career and their life as a lodge in a most auspicious manner , and had a prosperity before them of a very brilliant kind . The new lodge was an important one , because although the youngest , it was not by any means the least . They had in the chair as the first W . M . one most thoroughly acquainted with all the work connected with Freemasonry . He had seldom seen the proceedings better conducted than they had been that evening ; the Worshipful Master ' s work was admirably done , and the
work of those who supported him was excellently carried out , even to the work of the Tyler , who must have had considerable difficulty during the various stages in properly tyling the lodge . As far as he could say they had spent a most pleasant evening , and he had seldom seen the duties of Stewards more efficientl y carried out . He congratulated Bro . Shurmur and the members of the lodge most heartily on the auspicious start made , and hoped that in the future the William Shurmur Lodge would prove one of the brightest jewels of Essex Freemasonry .
Bro . WM . SHURMUR , Prov . G . Treas ., W . M ., thanked the Prov . G . M . for the kindly and encouraging way in which he had proposed the toast of his health . He deemed it a very great honour to have a lodge named after himself , and that honour was increased when he was asked to become the first Worshipful Master of it . He should endeavour to prove himself worthy of having a lodge named after him . In his address to his officers what he said was in all sincerity , for there
were many who could occupy the position he held far better than he could , and he honestly believed that that lodge , for its working , would be second to none . That was his ambition , and he was sure all the officers would strongly endeavour to carry out that idea . He was proud of his officers , and hoped it was a proper pride . One great point he wished to introduce was to have ladies' banquets , and to allow them to take part in the festivities . The ladies during the last few years
had taken a different position to that formerly held , and he could not help thinking that , although Masons imagined they had great kindness at heart , yet they were somewhat selfish in sitting down to banquet when the only thing the ladies could do was to sit in a gallery and look on . He again thanked them for the great honour conferred upon him in naming the lodge after him , and also in appointing him as W . M ., and as their representative at the next Festival of
the Boys' School . He earnestly hoped the brethren would support him in the Charities , and he was pleased to announce that the total collected in the Charity box was ; £ n 13 s . 6 d . He thanked the brethren for placing 10 guineas on his list , and as the Provincial Grand Treasurer he hoped to have some little patronage . In conclusion , he again thanked them for the kindly proposition and reception of the toast .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in introducing the toast of " The Visitors , " said the founders had endeavoured to entertain them to the best of their ability . Fie deemed it an honour to have so many visitors , and hoped they would visit the lodge again . Bros . LENNOX BROWNE , P . P . G . W . ; GREENWOOD , Mayor of Sudbury ; Rev . Dr . DUNBAR , J . BUNKER , P . M . ; and BROOKMAN , replied ; and Bro . J . M . MCLEOD , Sec . R . M . I . B ., responded on behalf of " The Masonic Charities . "
"The Officers" having been given , the Tyler ' s toast closed a very successful gathering . The musical arrangements were in the hands of Bro . Prenton , and contributed materially to the enjoyment of the brethren .
Consecration Of The Emblematic Chapter, No. 1321.
CONSECRATION OF THE EMBLEMATIC CHAPTER , No . 1321 .
The newest addition to the roll of Royal Arch chapters , the Emblematic Chapter , No . 1321 , was consecrated on Monday evening , the 1 st inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly , by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E . In the performance of his duties Comp . Clerke was assisted by Comps . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Superintendent of Essex , acting as H . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . A . G . S ., as J . ; F . Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C , and Edward Terry . Past Grand Treas ., as S . N .
The other companions present were Comps . Joseph Henry Price , Robert George Cooper , Joseph Greenway , W . B . Fendick , E . L . Berry , Frederick T . Edgington , W . Kent , H . Esling , F . J . Potter , J . H . Evans , Albert Pearce , George Harlow , R . Pittam Stevens , J . Pearce , George Gardner , W . E . Chapman , H . Massey , John Purrott , H . Sadler , James S . Eastes , Alfreel Kenningham , F . Hilton , Frederick Bevan , Thomas Grummant , J . Terry , Mason , Frederick Kedge , Brindley ,
Charles H . Lawson , and Richard J . Laundy . The founders of the chapter were Comps . J . H . Price ; W . B . Fendick , P . Z . ; H . Esling ; F . T . Edgington , P . Z . ; R . G . Cooper , P . Z . ; F . J . Potter , J . Greenway , W . Kent , E . L . Berry , and J . Evans . After the chapter had been formally opened , Comp . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in commencing the proceedings , said the companions were met that day on a most
important and solemn occasion , one which he was sure must be of great interest to all lovers of Royal Arch Masonry . They were about that day to give effect to a charter which had been recently granted by Grand Chapter for the formation of a new Royal Arch chapter in London . Some years ago the Emblematic Lodge was founded in the London district , and it had worked with great success from then to the present time . The Royal Arch Masons who belonged to that lodge
were desirous now to add the cope-stone to that edifice by having a Royal Arch chapter attached to it , not only to enable the members to meet more often , but to extend Royal Arch Masonry among the brethren . The idea was well received b y Grand Chapter , and after due consideration the charter was granted , and that day the companions had come together to constitute and consecrate the new chapter . In doing so he was sure that all the companions would wish the same prosperity to the chapter as had attended the lodge to which it was attached .
The usual introductory ceremonies having been then observed , the following oration was delivered by the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG -.
The outward emblem—it seems a thing without life and without reality , and yet how often is it the means of teaching the deepest truths—inciting to the noblest deeds . Man ' s spiritual and intellectual being are ever influenced by what he sees . A simple emblem will often force home a doctrine , and inspire a courage when words of eloquence have failed . What are the colours of an English regiment ? Two small pieces of frayed and tarnished silk , and yet when English soldiers go into action , every man , from the colonel to the youngest
recruit , would rather die than lose cither the Queen ' s or the regimental colours . English history , from the earliest times down to yesterday , is full of the record of deeds of real chivalry done in defence of those colours . Why is this ? It is because they are emblematic of the honours of the English nation , and therefore they are a means to inspire courage and self-sacrifice . The intrinsic value of the Victoria Cross is about threepence , but it is valued more than many a jewelled decoration , because it is emblematic of the
approval of the Sovereign for gallant conduct before the enemy . And our Craft , like the world , has its emblems . Indeed , there is hardly any institution so rich in outward figures , which teach deep and hidden truths . Many regard these emblems as mere ornaments , to be multiplied indefinitely until in their profusion they become meaningless . It is not an uncommon thing to find brethren adorning their lodge or chapter rooms , and even their persons and their circulars , with decorations which mean little and teach less . Real Masonic emblems are simple in character and real in their teaching , and ever in their
proper places and applied to their proper purposes . The beautiful ceremonies of this Degree explains fully what each of those emb ' ems is intended to teach . It rests with each companion as to whether that teaching bears fruit or not . Whether he exposes himself justly to the common taunt that in the chapter there are noble sentiments and high aims , but that all are stored away with the furniture , and not used in life ' s daily round , or whether he convinces the world of the value of our Order by exhibiting in the commonest as well as the highest duties of his life that he carries out what the emblematic teaching of our Order has impressed upon his mind .
The consecration ceremony was afterwards completed , the musical portion being rendered by Comps . F . Bevan , H . W . Schartau , and Kenningham , under the direction of Comp . Schartau . Comp . J . H . Price was installed as M . E . Z . ; Comp . W . BfFendick , P . Z ., as FI . ; and Comp . H . Esling , as J . Comp . R . G . Cooper , P . Z ., was elected and invested S . E ., and Comps . F . J . Potter , S . N . ; J . Greenway , P . S . ; W . Kent , ist A . S . ; E . L . Berry , 2 nd A . S . ; Evans , Steward ; Edgington , Org . ; and Austin Janitor .
The ordinary votes of thanks were then passed to the Consecrating Officers , with the honorary membership of the chapter , for their services , and Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE having acknowledged the compliment , a list of 16 brethren was read out , and then proposed and seconded , for exaltation at the next meeting , and the name of one joining member . The chapter was thereafter duly closed , and followed by a choice banquet . The usual toasts were afterwards proposed and honoured .
The toasts of "The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry" and "The M . E . Z ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " having been most heartily received , The M . E . Z . gave " The Grand H . and J . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupling with the toast the name of Comp . Philbrick . Comp . PHILBRICK , in reply , said that the Grand Officers had been privileged to be present that evening , and they felt that an accession had been made to the
number of the chapters on the roll of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England , which would , they trusted , prove a source of strength in the future . Although he would not mention the toast for which presently the Grand Scribe E . would return thanks , yet he might say that all the Grand Officers most sincerely wished the prosperity and success of this , the newest chapter on the roll of the chapters of England . The Grand Officers were glad to see the order of events . Comp . Price
had been good enough to say that if the companions did not know the Grand Officers they ought to know them . He might add that the duty the M . E . Z . had imparted to the companions was , when regarded from the view of the Grand Officers , a pleasure , and nothing gave them much greater pleasure than to see the progress of this Order , which he thought every true Mason regarded as the legitimate crown and end of Masonry ; it was , so to speak , the Masonic structure which was
commenced when men were made Masons , not complete until they had taken the Degree of the Holy Royal Arch . In that sense he was sure that the Order not only deserved well at their hands , but that it occupied the position of attracting to it all that was best , and those who desired progress from the lower to the higher Degrees of Freemasonry . The companions of this Supreme Degree were , in a peculiar sense those to whom the mysteries of Masonry , once being known , felt that they
were not complete until they had succeeded to the crown of the edifice , the Royal Arch . Lately in the province of which he had the honour to be Superintendent , he was present at the consecration of a chapter , and he then said that the best and most enterprising of those who joined the Order felt there was a responsibility in it which belonged to those who assumed higher duties , and for whom the greater honour devolved , That those duties would be well discharged , and that the hig her