Masonic Notes And Queries.

the Degrees of the "Ancient and Accepted Rite , " ( Theistic , Philosophical , and Jewish , as well as Christian ) , but his many valuable works teem with evidence in disproof of the ridiculous and absurd statements as to his Pagan sympathies and practices . His correspondence with so many of us in this Country and Abroad alone give the lie to the accusations , which are as contemptible as they are unjust . He was a noble man , above expediency of any kind , and the soul of chivalry and honour , as thousands can testify who had the pleasure of his acquaintance or

friendship . To know him was to love him , for his ripescholarship , united with the simplicity of a child , the strength of a lion when opposing meanness or duplicity , and a never failing patience with the ignorance and weakness of many who profess to be teachers . Miss Lilian Pike , daughter of the esteemed General ( one of our departed heroes ) , in an article in the " Washington Post , " has written to refute the calumnies referred to by Bro . John Yarker , and which have been exploded by Mr . Waite . She says most truly— " The slander is so absurd and monstrous to all who knew

him , that it would be unnecessary to notice it if it were not that credulous persons who did not know him might believe that it had some foundation in fact . " Miss Pike denies that her father was in Charleston in April , 1 S 89 , when the meetings of the " Luciferians " were held , but in the City of Washington all that year , and she selects from his writings many passages which prove his belief

in God and his abhorence of any such doctrines as would be found in the teachings of a sect of " Devil Worshippers . " Personally , I affirm that from actual correspondence with me , and his action concerning the regretted action of the Grand Orient of France , respecting the omission of a belief in God as a condition of membership of the Craft , there was . never a firmer advocate of this distinctive and unalterable pre-requisite of our beloved Fraternity . W . J . HUGHAN .

Consecration Of The Alfred Wootton Chapter, No. 127.

CONSECRATION OF THE ALFRED WOOTTON CHAPTER , No . 127 .

The brethren of Margate are to be congratulated on possessing a Masonic Temple equal to any in the Province of Kent , and this possession has evidently stimulated them to further exertions in the work of Masonry . For some time past the Royal Arch Masons in the town have travelled to

Ramsgate to attend chapter meetings , but by the consecration of the Alfred Wootton Chapter on the 4 th inst ., at their own Masonic home , a new centre of activity has been opened in the Arch Degree , and will doubtless prove of great advantage to Margate brethren in particular , and the Province of Kent in general .

The interesting ceremony of consecration was performed by the G . H ., Comp . the Earl Amherst , G . Supt . Kent , assisted by Comps . J . S . Eastesi P . G . D ., Prov . G . H . ; Ben . Snell , Prov . G . J . ; Alfred Spencer , P . G . S . B . Prov . G . S . E . ; and H . Ward , P . A . G . S . B ., P . Prov . G . J . The founders of the new chapter , the large majority of whom were

present , are—Comps . Alfred Wootton , P . Z . 429 , P . P . G . J ., M . E . Z . ; F . Stanley , M . E . Z . 429 , H . ; Wm . H . Marcoolyn , P . Z . 429 , P . P . 2 nd Asst . G . Soj ., J . ; Wm . John Clarke , S . E . 429 , S . E . ; A . H . Hale , P . Z . 429 , Prov . A . G . D . C , S . N . ; Sam . Redgrave Wilson , P . S . 429 , Treas . ; Jas-Hosking , J . 429 , Org . ; Henry Wootton , P . Z . 429 , P . S . ; j . G . Henning , P . Z . 429 , P . P . G . S . B ., 1 st A . S . ; William E . Leman , 2 nd A . S . ; John Brighurst , 429 , D . C . ; John Moore , 429 , Stwd . ; the Rev . R . A . Fawsttti 429 ; and W . Oxtoby , 429 .

The large number of visitors present included—Comps . A . Saunders , P . P . G . J . ; H . M . Maugham , P . P . G . R . ; E . G . Waltken , P . P . A . G . S . i F . Hitchens , H . 829 j J . Plant , P . P . G . Org . ; A . Norris ; H . G . Sturgeon , P . P . G . D . C . ; E . Dixon , 429 ; H . Slade Wilson , M . E . Z . 1073 , P . G . S . ; W . F . Gadd , 429 ; H . E . Barlter , 429 ; G . Carterey , 859 ; J . F . Baker , M . E . Z .

2046 ; N . F . Merriman , 429 j G . J . Bussey , P . Z . 199 ; W . L . Seyfang , J . 2046 ; F . W . Wight , P . Z . 2046 ; R . J . Emmerson , P . P . G . P . ; W . O . Bennett , P . Z . 199 ; A . Morley , P . P . A . G . D . C . 1 W . K . Westropp , P . G . S . Kent ; C . R . Harris , P . S . 1273 ; L . Seager , P . Z . 1273 ; W . G . Howis , P . P . G . J . ; H . Morris , P . P . G . D . C . ;; H . Black ; F . W . Pointer , 429 ; C . Lond , P . S . 709 ; W . S . Whitaker , P . P . G . R . ; and others .

Prior to the consecration a luncheon was held at Lilley ' s Arcadian Hotel , Margate , at which the M . E . Z . designate , Comp . Alfred Wootton , presided , supported by the Grand Superintendent and many other Provincial Grand Officers and companions . A few toasts were afterwards honoured . "The Queen and Royal Arch Masonrv " and "H . R . H . the Prince of

Wales , G . Z ., " were heartily honoured . In proposing "The Pro G . Z ., G . H ., and other Grand Officers , " Comp . A . WOOTTON said that , as the time was short , he would also include the next toast—that of "The Grand Superintendent of Kent "—and was sure they would all drink it with heartiness . Speaking more particularly of Comp . Earl Amherst as Grand Superintendent , he could say that the

companions of Margate were well acquainted with him and also with his services to the Province of Kent and Masonry generally . Had it not been for the great exertions of their Grand Superintendent , Masonry in Kent would not have attained its great success . Comp . Earl AMHERST , G . H ., G . Supt ., said that , on behalf of himself and colleagues in Grand Chapter , he returned them sincere thanks for the

toast proposed . He thought that of the names included in the toast , the name of the Grand J ., Comp . Beach , should be prominently drunk , for he was always ready to fill up a vacancy caused by the abser . ce of those superior to him in rank , and Comp . Beach never felt so happy at Grand Lod ge or Grand Chapter as when thus occupied . He ( Earl Amherst ) was happy to come down to Margate on that ausoicious occasion . It was with

great pleasure he saw Royal Arch Masonry in the province progressing , and he hoped the new chapter would be a good centre for work in the future . He was certain that those who had applied for the warrant had the interest of the Order at heart , and would spare no effort to make the chapter a success . He congratulated them on the splendid sunshine that day after tne tempestuous weather that had prevailed , and hoped that it would be symbolical of the career of the chanter thev were about tn

mntprratcthat it would have many fine days and very few rainy ones . n « p * J' STANLEY , M . E . Z , 429 , briefly proposed " The Provincial Grand utticers , " remarking that they had the interest of the province at heart , and well and capably performed their work . C ° mP ; J . S . EASTES , P . G . D ., Prov . G . H ., in reply , said he need not th t grateful he was to be present , for abaut 12 months ago it was (¦ nought he was on the point of death , but through a merciful Providence he

Consecration Of The Alfred Wootton Chapter, No. 127.

was with them that day . Amongst the many congratulations and good wishes he received , he should never forget the great kindness he experienced from the brethren of the Union Lodge and lodges in the neighbourhood . He felt a deep interest in the proceedings of that day , and was delighted to see their splendid Masonic Hall , and congratulated them on the admirable manner in which Masonry was progressing . He was glad to see the good taste in

which everything was carried out in their new hall , and congratulated them on the fact that there was nothing very superior to it in thc Province of Kent . It must be gratif y ing to the Grand Superintendent and all companions to find such a beautiful room built for the service of Masonry for generations to come . From the numbers of the new chapter and the fact that there must

be many companions who would not care to go out to Ramsgate , the chapter was sure to be a success . In their new home he hoped they would carry out their duties to the great advantage of R . A . Masonry in the province , and render service to many Masons who were desirous of joining thc R . A , Degree .

Comp . BEN . I . SNELL , Prov . G . J ., also replied , expressing his pleasure at being present to assist in the consecration , and his hope that its name would be honoured amongst the chapters in the province . Comp . ALFRED SI ' ENCER , P . G . S . B ., Prov . G . S . E ., then gave the last toast , "Success and Prosperity to the Alfred Wootton Chapter , No . 127 . "

He said the Grand Superintendent was supported by many companions that day and as there were many brethren waiting to be exalted in the new chapter it would doubtless be successful in the future . He was sure the Grand Superintendent would have great pleasure in performing the ceremony , and he had , therefore , no hesitation in asking the companions present to drink the toast .

Comp . A . WOOTTON , P . Z . 41-9 , P . P . G . J ., M . E . Z . designate , returned thanks . He sincerely trusted the chapter would be a success , as the founders believed it would . There had been several who said they would join a chapter in Margate but would not go to Ramsgate . The companions then adjourned to the Masonic Temple ., where the ceremonies of consecration and installation were performed . After the formal opening of the chapter , the GRAND SurERiNTENUENi '

addressed the companions and said they were present , pursuant to a warrant granted by Grand Chapter , to consecrate a new chapter in the already flourishing Province of Kent . The occasion was one of peculiar interest to Royal Arch Masons and also to Masonry in the province . Many conditions and circumstances had to be considered before one in his position could recommend the granting of a new warrant . Time and place had to be

considered before he could conscientiously recommend it and he had made enquiries to know if the new chapter would have a future success without injuring others . The names of those at the head of the chapter showed that neither care nor experience would be wanting in seeing that the rites of the Order would be well performed . They must remember that although numbers were something , quality was of greaterjimportance , for they did not strive for great numbers , but excellence in those belonging to it . It was not

so much by numerical strength that the prosperity and welfare of the chapter would be ensured , but by the care exercised in the admission of brethren to their high Order . It was by that care that a prosperous future would be ensured for the new chapter . Into no better hands could a Grand Superintendent have the pleasure of handing over a new chapter , and therefore , with perfect confidence , he asked them to give their attention to the ceremony of consecration .

An eloquent oration was delivered by Comp . B . SNELL , Prov . G . J ., after which the Alfred Wootton Chapter was solemnly dedicated , constituted , and proclaimed , Comp . H . Ward acting as D . C . throughout the ceremonial .

The installations were next proceeded with , and the Principals designate were installed into their respective chairs by Comp . B . Snell , Prov . G . J . The founders enumerated above were then invested with the collars of their various offices . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Grand Superintendent tor his performance of the ceremony , and he was presented by the M . E . Z . with a founder ' s jewel in commemoration of the occasion .

Votes of thanks were also accorded Comps . Snell and Ward , and the Consecrating Officers were unanimously elected joining members . Numerous propositions for exaltation were received , and the chapter was closed . Comp . Plant , assisted by Comps . Dewhurst and Hoskins , contributed to the success of the meeting by the excellence of the musical arrangements .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Isaac Newton University Lodge , No . 859 . At the installation meeting of the above lodge at the Masonic Hall , Cim ' sridgc , oil the 27 th ultimo , Bro . T . B . Hope , B . A ., of Trinity Hall , P . G . Purst ., was installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , and the following officers were invested : Bros , the Rev . H . S . Cronin , M . A ., Trinity College , Prov . G . C , I . P . M . ; W . J . Fernie , Trinity Hill , P . P . G . Stwd ., S . W . ; I . Bland , B . A ., Caius College , P . P . G . S ., J . W . j the Rev . II . T . E . Barlow , M . A ., St . John ' s College , Chap .: W . G . Bell , M . A ., Trinity Hill ,

P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., Treas . ; the Rev . Dennis Hall , M . A ., Non-Coil ., P . M ., P . P . G . C , Sec . ; A . P . Higgins , LL . B ., Downing College , S . D . ; II . Pollard , B . A ., Clius , | . D . ; A . S . Bell , Trinity Hall , D . C . ; S . W . Burgess , Jesus College , l . G . ; A . W . Izird , Trinity College , Org . ; J . H . C . Dalton , M . A ., M . D ., Trinity College , C . O . Ii . Nicholson , P . G . Stwd ., G . T . Bullard Trinity Hall , the Hon . R . F . B . Wilbraham , Trinity College , W . Fletcher , B . A ., Trinity College , thc Rev . A . Brown , M . A ., Selwyn College , H . Higgins , B . A ., King ' s College , and H . G . Comber , B . A ., Pembroke College , Stwds . ; and C H . Ellis and G . Allen , 'Tylers .

Beadon Lodge , No . 619 . A meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , thc 21 st ult ., at the Holborn Restaurant , when there werc present Bros . Moss Chapman , W . M . ; J . C . Hiyes , P . M ., Treas . ; A . E . Austin , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Croft Wise , S . D . ; W . SUtter , J . D . ; M . G . Hall , I . C ; C A . Adams , Stwd . ; L . Faull , Org . ; Bowler , Tyler ; A W . Bulow , P . M . ; Charles Norrington , P . M . ; Charless MeierhofT , P . M . ; John W . Harrison , W . J . Greenaway , Charles Hunton , G . Perry , T . G . Murray , G . Campbell , 1 . R . Kent , E . E . Baggs , F . I . Rawle , C T . Turner , J . Chilcott , and R . Henchley .

Visitors : Bros . F . Sydney Smith , P . P . G . D C . Surrey ; J . II . Cureton , P . M ., SCL . 21 S 2 ; Harry H . Jones , P . M ., Treas . 15 SG ; Thus . Gething , S . D . iGt *;; 1 . Carpenter , D . C . i- ) 32 j E . W . Ellis , P . M . i ; . i . |; J . W . Avery , P . M . On ; J . \ Voodcn-k , J . W . 1 G 3 S ; J . Falconer , I . G . 3 ; A . J . Baksr , l . G . ?^ --- j ; P .. Evans , J ' OJ ; S . l . tvy , n ;"; and T . Levy , ii 7 S . _ Bro . Chas . Meierhoff having already tilled the chair of this lodge in iSSij , was once more called upon by the brethren by a unanimous vote at the election in August , to accept the honour a second time , and on the above date he was duly installed in a most able and impressive manner by Bro . jas . C Hayes , P . M . and Treas ., whose