Consecration Of The Crusaders Chapter, No. 1677.

CONSECRATION OF THE CRUSADERS CHAPTER , No . 1677 .

The Crusaders Lodge , No . 1677 , which was consecrated about 20 years ago , and has since done excellent work in the Craft , has now the advantage of a Royal Arch chapter attached to it , which was consecrated at the

Holborn Restaurant , on Tuesday , the 27 th ult ., under very favourable auspices . The Consecrating Officer , Comp . E . Leichworth , F . S . A ., Grand Scribe E ., was- assisted by Comps . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., as H . ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , G . Supt . Bucks , as J . ; and Frank Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C .

The Principals designate and founders of the new chapter are Comps James Speller , P . P . A . G . Soj . Essex , P . Z . 1471 , M . E . Z . designate ; VV . E , Sutton , P . Z . 1471 , H . designate ; Reuben Loomes , M . E . Z . 1471 , J . designate ; J . H . Collingridge , Fredk . Hughes , Wm . Shurmur , P . P . G . J . Essex ; G . Glover , P . S . ; J . S . Collins , B . M . MDSS , A . Haynes , A . D . Jones , Dr . W . J . Hunter , Walter Tyler , A . W . Humphries , S . J . Fletcher , H . A Sheppard , and J . Mansell .

The visitors present included Comps . John Ramsay , P . Z . 214 ; Orlton Cooper , P . S . 1928 ; Capt . E . M . Money , Prov . G . H . Camb ., P . Z . 28 ; J . Osborn , P . Z . 1632 ; J . Blaker , 1068 ; J . H . Crichton , 1489 ; R . W . Huntley , 1489 ; H . Kemp , 862 ; R . Eddie , P . S . 25 ; C . Garton , P . S . 165 7

Ven . Rev . Archdeacon C . G . Dunbar , 2374 ; H . Sadler , G . Janitor ; G , F . Saunders , H . 156 7 ; J . A . Laing , 879 ; J . Mansell , P . S . , * S . C . Kaufman , M . E . Z . 17 G 6 ; Egbert Roberts , P . Z . 1623 ; Selwyn Davies , 1623 ; A . F . Lay , M . EZ . 1364 ; W . VV . Lee , l . P . Z . 1524 ; and others . After the opening of the chapter , a hymn was sung .

The CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL then addressing the companions on the nature of the meeting , said : It is unnecessary for me to take up your time with many words of my own on the present occasion . VVe are met for the purpose of constituting a new chapter , and of dedicating it to the service of the Most High . The chapter will be attached to a lodge—the

Crusaderswhich has been in existence about 20 years , and which was consecrated by Comp . James Terry , who at the present moment fills the chair of H . I can only express a hope that the chapter will be in every way worthy of the lodge with which it is connected , and that under the able rule of the Three Principals , who will guide it , it may have the greatest possible prosperity .

The consecration ceremony—which included an excellent oration by Comp . Rev . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG—was then proceeded with , " and tht new chapter was solemnly dedicated and constituted . The Principals designate were next inducted into their respective chairs , viz ., Comps . James Speller , P . Z ., M . E . Z . ; W . E . Sutton , P . Z ., H . ; and R . Loomes , M . E . Z . 1471 , J .

The usual elections having taken place , the following officers were invested , with the exception of Comps . Glover and Moss , who were unavoidably absent : Comps . J . H . Collingridge , S . E . ; F . Hughes , S . N . ; VV . Shurmur , acting : l . P . Z ., Treas . j G . Glover , P . S . ; G . S . Collins , 1 st A . S . ; B . M . Moss , 2 nd A . S . j A . Haynes , D . C . ; A . D . Jones , Stwd . ; and Ellis , Janitor .

On the proposition of Comp . VV . SHURMUR , Treas ., the sum of 10 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , to be p laced on the list of the M . E . Z . The companions already having subscribed 90 guineas , this further donation will complete the sum of 100 guineas . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Consecrating Principals , on the motion of the M . E . Z ., and they were unanimously elected honorary members .

The M . E . Z . also presented each with a founder ' s jewel , of handsome design , as a souvenir of the occasion . Comp . E . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ., on behalf of the companions associated with him , expressed their warmest thanks for the compliment paid them . It was an honour they highly prized to be elected honorary members , and they accepted it with a great deal of pleasure . They had also to return thanks for the jewel , which would be a charming souvenir of the interesting

occasion . Numerous propositions were received for exaltation , and letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from Comps . C . E . Keyser , C . Hudson , J . Willing , jun ., H . Sprake , and others . The chapter was then closed .

A choice banquet was served in the Qaeen s Salon , which reflected the highest credit on the establishment , and Messrs . Fradelle and Young , the eminent photographers of Regent-street , took a very successful photograph of the companions at the banquet table . The usual toast list was next proceeded with , " The Queen | and Royal Arch Masonry" being first given , "The Prince of Wales First Grand

Principal was next proposed by the M . E . Z ., who said they rejoiced in having so popular a Mason at their head . Daring the 12 years of his Royal Higbness ' s rule Masonry had made rapid strides . His Royal Highness also took great interest in other movements forthe benefit of the community at large , as evinced by his appeal for the hospitals , which proved him to possess the characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart—Charity .

The M . E Z . then incorporated the next two toasts and proposed " The Grand Officers and the Consecrating Principals , " and said heshould couple with it the names of Comps . J . S . Brownrigg and James Terry . They were all impressed in the chapter with the splendid rendering of the ritual by Comp . Letchworth , the Grand Scribe E ., who must have made a deep impression upon them all by the solemnity of the proceedings . They had also

been delighted to listen to the oration delivered by Comp . Rev . Brownrigg , who had had very short notice but who had gratified them b y his interesting allusions to the Crusaders . They were pleased to welcome Comp . Terry , as he consecrated the Crusaders Lodge about 20 years ago , and was the orig inator of its name . Ic had b = en a very prosperous lodge and he hoped they should have an equally successful chapter .

Comp . Rtv . J . S . BROWNRIGG , G . Supt . Bucks , said it was always a great pleasure to members of Grand Chapter to assist in consecrating s new Royal Arch chapter . There was a lime he could remember when , to all appearances , the Degree was languishing , and the reason was not far to seek . The \ oung Mason had so many other Orders competing for his

favour , lhat at the end of the year—or rather 14 months—he found himself exhausted in energy and cash . He was , therefore , glad to know that the s ' no ' tenirg of the time at which brethren were eligible for Royal Arch Masonry had been an improvement . As Grand Superintendent of a province , he found they now >; ot more recruits , and just those they wanted to see . It had bten a great pleasure to see lhat new chapter started with such excellent promise for the future .

Consecration Of The Crusaders Chapter, No. 1677.

Comp . J AMES TERRV , P . G . S . B ., said it had given him great pleasure to be present and take part in bringing this chapter into existence . He could remember before the lodge was founded that some of the brethren came to him to ask him a few questions . They suggested the name of St . John ' s , but he informed them tnere were already many lodges of that name . Having been told that thev would meet at St . John ' s Gate , Clerkenwell , he said at

once there could be but one name and that the Crusaders . Coming amongst so many old friends from Clerkenwell it was a great source of . pleasure to think the M . E Z . had thought fit to ask the G . S . E . to permit him to take part in the ceremony . He had had great p leasure in inducting the H . designate into the chair of the chapter which should become one of the best in London .

Comp . Rev . J . S BROWNRIGG , G . Supt . Bucks , said he had the privilege of proposing " The Health of the M . E . Z . " He regretted that Comp . Letchworth had been obliged to leave but they all knew there was a limit to the digestion even of a Grand Scribe E . They had evety confidence that under the rule of the M . E . Z . the chapter would flourish and prosper , and that in years to come when others succeeded they would look back with

pride to what Comp . Speller had made the chapter , with gratification that they were succeeding so distinguished a Mason . The first year was a difficult one , for the officers had to be wheeled into line , but it would not be so difficult in lhat chapter , as many had filled the chair before . He gave them ••Success to the Chapter , " coupling with it the nameof the First Principal . Comp . JAMES SPELLER , P . P . A . G . Soj . Essex , M . E Z ., thanked the proposer of the toast for the pleasant wishes expressed . He ( the M . E . Z . )

was something like the excellent Chaplain , who had given the " fire accompanying the toast with an electric stroke , for his reply would be equally short . He had taken some trouble in starting the chapter , and had not had time to prepare a suitable reply . It was now 16 years since he was initiated into the Crusaders Lodge , and having seen the light of Royal Arch Masonry , he thought it was time they had a chapter attached . He was pleased with the manner in which it had been started , and hoped it would progress in the future .

" The Second and Third Principals " was proposed by the M . E . Z ., who said he had been associated with Comps . Sutton , H ., and Loomes , J ., in the Islington Chapter , of which the former was a P . Z . and the latter the present M . E . Z ., and was sure they would all work hand in hand for the success of the Crusaders Chapter .

Comp . W . E . SUTTON , P . Z . 1471 , H ., said he was very proud of the position he occupied in the chapter , more especially as he was so closely connected with the M . E . Z . and J . They had occupied the same positions conjointly before , and he was sure that by their united efforts they could advance the interests of that chapter .

Comp . R . LOOMES , M . EZ . 147 1 , J ., said it also gave him great pleasure to be a founder of the chapter , and assist in the formation at the suggestion of the M . E . Z . He hoped to merit their confidence , and would use his best endeavours to look after the best interests and dignity of the chapter .

In giving "The Treasurer and Scribe E ., " the M . E . Z . alluded to the distinguished services of Comp . Shurmur in other lodges and chapters . Comp . Collingridge , the S . E ., was a Past Master of the Crusaders Lodge , and would add lustre to the new chapter . Comp . W . SHURMUR , P . Z ., Treas ., expressed his pleasure at being associated with the Three Principals , as it had been his privilege to install all three into their respective chairs in another chapter . He was proud of

having had something to do in making them such splendid examples of Royal Arch Masons . As Treasurer it had afforded him pleasure that his first duty was to propose that 10 guineas should be voted to the Benevolent Institution . That was a step in the right direction , and he hoped would be continued . They all knew that Comp . Speller had given the chapter great consideration , or he would not have had 90 guineas subscribedon his list . If he could be of any possible service to that chapter he was entirely theirs to command . Comp . J . H . COLLINGRIDGE , S . E ., also replied .

On behalf of " The Visitors ' •' Comp . Rev . Archdeacon DUNBAR said he was indebted on this occasion , as on many others , to the hospitality of Comp . Shurmur . It had given him great pleasure to meet so many friends . In the words of a song they had just heard he might say " I know not , I

care not what lodge it may bs . But I know I'm in excellent company . " The name of this I > dge brought out every idea of poetry and beauty . The holy city of Jerusalem had always been closely associated with the ceremonies of Freemasonry , so that they felt that the name of " Crusaders * was identified with their ideas of Jerusalem and Freemasonry .

Comps . RAMSAY , LAY , Capt . MONEY , and GARTON also responded . Comp . HUGHES answered for " The Officers , " and the Janitor ' s toast was afterwards given by Comp . ELLIS , Janitor . The consecration programme , menu , and words of the various musical items were bound up in a handsome volume , which should prove a permanent record of the interesting proceedings . Comp . Egbert Roberts , P . Z ., was assisted in the musical arrangements by Miss Amy Fletcher , Miss Helen Saunders , Mr . Fletcher , and Comps . Selwyn Davies and-Sidwell Jones .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Ranelagh Lodge , No . 834 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus , on the 13 th ultimo . Hro . Hans Scharien , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . E . Newland , I . P . M .: R . Phillips , S . W .. M . M . elect ; J . Banks , J . W . ; W . J . Coplestone , P . M ., Sec ; J . Worth , SI ) . ; E . D . Richards , J . D . ; H . Stokes , D . C . j E . Lucas , I . G . j II . I . Inderaick and G . E . White , Stwds , ; ' F . Craggs , P . M . ; A . Williams , P . M . ; F * . 1 . Oliver , P . M . ; II . Purdue , P . M . ; C . Barker , P . M . ; J . G . Doncaster , P . M .: II . F . Willinms , P . M . ; VV . W . Williams , P . M . ; A . J . Dilton , T . . H . Wilkins

King , A . King , H . W . Dyne , W . J . Bennett , W . G . Brown , C . Hucker , M . F . , G . F . Palmer , F . C . Webb , J . Seeker , F . Newman , G . N . Scott , F . J . Green , C . I . Chambers , S . Segar , P . M . Robeits , R . S . Cartwright , F . G . Cantrell , RGerbert , W . P . Williams , E . II . Grant , G . Leys , E . VV . Stringer , R . B . Allen , H . A . Redhous * -, W . Iredale , and G . Mallett , P . M . The visitors were Bros . W . Hide , W . M . 1275 ; R . Reid , J . W . 1275 ; R . Kilsey , W . M . 12 C 1 ,- T . T . Ponting , S . W . 2032 ; W . ( . Porter , PM . I 7 y 3 ; A . Ingleton , 1 G 25 ; H . Cammell , P . M . iy (/* i A . E . Hugh , P . M * . 179 ; W . Denshaw , P . M . 957 ; F . Clay , 13 S 1 ; J . W . Spedding , 73 'jJSCooper 144 ; G . C . HughesP . M . 957 and R . T . West , 1744 .

; . . , , ; After the formal opening of the lodge , and the confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting , the W . M ., Bro . Hans Scharien , raised Bros . Hucker and W . P . Williams to thc Third Degree , and afterwaids passed Bros . Scott , King , Cantrell , Green , and Brown to the Second Degree . On the motion ot the W . M ., a substantial sum was