Consecration Of The St. Leonard Chapter, No. 1766.

companions was beyond all prai ? e . This was the fourth time it had been his privilege to attend the consecration of a Royal Arch Chapter , when the founders had conferred the great honour of appointing him the M . E . Z . designate . Of course , they knew that first impressions were lasting , and he should never forget the dignified manner in which the Grand Superintendent of Essex consecrated the Warner Chapter and

instal ' ed him as its First Principal . On the second rccasion he was installed in that chair by the present Grand Scribe E ., and the third time by his very esteemed and valued friend , the Grand Superintendent of Essex . On the present occasion it had been his great privilege to see the St . Leonard Chapter called into life and existence b y Comp . Richardson . He would not parap hrase ihe three poets , but he mu't sav that the abilities of the two

previous Installing Officers were contained in Comp . Richardson , who had made a very lasting impression upon their minds . They had the privilege of knowing that they commenced their chapter wilh the hearty good wishes of the Grand Chapter and the Consecrating Officers . Their sincere and earnest thanks were due to Corrp . Rev . J . S . B-ownrigg * for the admirable oration in which the principles and tenets of Royal Arch Masonry were brought before

them in a thoroughly exemplary manner . He understood this was the 20 Dth time lhat Comp . Richardson had officiated in consecrations and installations . Comp . F . RICHARDSON , G D . C , said the Consecrating Officers were flattered by the way in which their work had been referred to . He might say that tbis was not his maiden effort , because , two or three times before , under similar circumstances , in the lamented Col . Shadwell Gierke ' s time ,

he had endeavoured to do the duties . When he found he had such excellent Grand Officers as Comps . Hay . Brownrigg , and Keyser , he felt he should be able to carry through the work . He was also deepl y indebted to Comp . Matthews , who , at a moment ' s notice , agreed to do the duty of D . C , and put off a previous engagement . The duty of D . C . was of the utmost importance . It was an extremely pleasing task for Grand Officers to

take part in the consecration of a lodge or chapter , bringing some new body into existence . Like the birth of anew child , they liked in after years to watch how it prospered . Under the guidance of the M . E . Z ., he was satisfied this chapter would prosper and take a very high place upon the roll of chapters . He wished the founders the most hearty success , and if they might judge from the number of names proposed , there was no doubt

the wish would be fulfilled . He had to propose " The M . E ' / .., H . and J ;" It was a great honour to be selected by the suffrages of the members to be the first Principal designate , for a companion must be selected for some particular qualifications he possessed . That evening had been no exception to the rule , for as they had heard , this was not the first time Comp .

Shurmur had been placed in the position of M . E . Z . Comp . J . Stephens was occupying the post of H . temporarily , and was a very worthy substitute , and was known not only in lhat district but in the provinces , was doing good work and had passed many chairs . As regards the J ., there was no doubt he had been selected very judiciously for that position .

Comp . W . SHURMUR , M . E Z ., in reply , said his colleagues and himself were brimming over with gratitude and thanks , and would earnestly endeavour to prove themselves in some small degree worthy of the compliments paid them . They had had an ' excellent "kick off" ard several names had been proposed for exaltation , and he could say that the Degree would be conferred with that dignity it so thoroughly deserved . ' ¦ ' ¦ '" Comp . JAMES STEPHENS ,, P . Z ., acting H ., responding , said he had

thought long since that he was associated with a sufficient number of lodges and chapters , but when the M . E . Z . asked him to associate his name with that he felt it a honour to be associated with a name so respected , and especially in Essex , as that of Comp . Shurmur . That was the 21 st lodge or chapter to which he belonged , and he was proud to be received in a kind and affable manner . Comp . S . C . KAUFMAN , T „ also replied .

Comp . F . A . PHILBRICK , Q . C , G . Supt . Essex , acknowledged the toast of "The Visitors , " and sa ' -d the genial warmth of a Masonic meeiing could not have been better exemplified than on the occasion of that consecration . He could not but think that any brother who was raised to the Sublime Degree , and thoroughly understood the obligations devolving upon him , would find the true cope stone and crown of the Third Degree when he proceeded

to and entered upon the mysteries of the Royal Arch . Masonry in its higher development was legitimatel y attained by the Royal Arch . It was the legitimate ending of Masonry as countenanced and practised under the Grand Lodge of England . A consecration was always cer ain to be attended with many hopes—hopes which on that occasion the visitors were gUd to see would be carried out in the future . The chapter started under auspices trey were glad to see , and bade fair to have a career of success .

Comps . GEO . WHITE , P . Z . ; ARCHDEACON DUNBAR ; G . FAIRCHILD , 1 . ' / .. ; LEWIS LEVY , and CHURCH . P . Z ., also replied . For "The Officers , " Comps . J . SPELLER , S . N ., and J . BOULTON , P . Z ., Treas ., responded , after which the Janitor ' s toast closed the proceedings . Comp . J . F . Haskins , P . P . G . Org ., was assisted in the musical arrangements by Comps . J . Greenhill , Frost , and E . J . Bell .

Ladies' Night Of Lodge La Tolerance, No. 538.

LADIES' NIGHT OF LODGE LA TOLERANCE , No . 538 .

As foreshadowed on the day of his installation the W . M ., Bro . Walter Hooker , who by the way is also marking his year of ollice by acting as Steward tor one of the Charities , arranged on Monday Night , the 25 th ult ., a dance to the iiemoers

¦ ot the lodge and their friends , at the Cavendish Rooms , Mortimerstreet , W ., which had been generously placed at the disposal of the lodge by the » nncipal , Bro . E . Humphrey , who is a highly esteemed Past Master of the lodge . I he prevailing epidemic , though instrumental in preventing many from carrying out their intention to be present , did not militate adversel y to a sufficient extent ' 0 hinder the assemblage of a large company , and the beautiful rooms of this well-known home of terpsichorean art were throughout the evening filled to their "' II capacity , the pretty dresses of the fair danseuses and the colours of the regalia worn by the brethren ( for which a special dispensation was granted }

com"inert to secure a very charming effect . A first class band discoursed up to date ¦ ""¦ ""Jsic throughout the programme of no or more dances . The company , on arrival jv -ere received by the W . M ., Bro . Walter Hooker , and Mrs . Hooker , whilst the director of Ceremonies , Bro . J . W . Elvin , P . M ., and the Stewards , Bros . E , Humphrey , P . M . ; W . E . Willby , P . M . ; and I . I . Pittman . S . W .. each contributed

'neir efforts to the general wellare and enjoyment of the company , indeed , the acknowled ged success of the dance was due to that harmonious co-operation and Jisprit de Corps , " which is the characteristic of Freemasonry . Much regret was E'tat the absence , through illness , of Bro . W . G . Fenn , P . M ., P . P . G . D . S ., who

Ladies' Night Of Lodge La Tolerance, No. 538.

was , however , represented by a large body of relatives and friends . Bro . S . Edridge , the I . P . M ., was also absent through indisposition . A recherche supper was served in the interval to considerably above 100 guests , by Messrs . Buzzard , and was unanimously pronounced faultless . Speechmaking was conspicuous for its brevity , but the toasts of " The Queen , " " The Ladies , " and " The Visitors , " were duly honoured , Bro . PITTMAN , S . W ., replying very happily for the ladies .

The dancing saloon then again claimed its devotees , and the gathering broke up about four a . m ., under the unanimously expressed hope that this was but the precursor of similar annual assemblies . 1 Amongst those present not already mentioned were Bro . J . S . Lane Prior nnd friends ; T . Smale , P . M ., P . Z . 538 , and party ; T . A . Tidy , J . D ,, and party ; Harry Lee , J . Cummings , Mrs . Cummings and friends ; E . Harris , F . Jackson ,

and Mrs . J ackson ; Miss Smith , Bro . A . Schafer , Bro . A . Benerritz , wife arid friend ; Messrs . Ernest and Percy Willby ; Bro . Dr . Villaneuva , Bro . Major Thornhill ; Mrs . Smith , Miss Champion , Bro . George and Mrs . Ridout ; Bro . Wordsley ; Mrs . W . E . Willby , Bro . George Allen , Bro . R . and Mrs . Langton ; Bro . Geo . Whitaker , Mrs . and Miss Whitaker ; Mrs . J . H . Elvin , Dr . Simpson , Bros . Alfred Pusey Keith , Charles Everist , P . M ., Ison , and many others too numerous to mention individually .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Royal Athelstan Lodge ( No . 19 ) . —The installation meeting ( larjth year ) of this old lodge was held at the Cannon-street Hotel , on Thursday , the 14 th ult ., Bro . J . . H . Whadcoat , W . M ., in the chair . Bro . Milton Smith was duly installed Worshipful Master and invested his officers as follows : Bros . John Henry Whadcoat I . P . M . ; Edwin George Young , S . W . ; William Ferdinand Stauffer , J . W . ; Henry Glenn , P . M ., Treas . ; Charles B . Barnes , P . M ., Sec : George Risdon Carsberg , S . ' » . ; William Stacey , J . D . ; Money Marsland , l . G .,- Witham M , Bywater , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., D . C . ; William Pound , P . M ., Stwd . ; W . P . Campbell-Everden , Org . ; and G .

Gilbert ,. Tyler . Besides the above , the following brethren were present t Bros . Charles Tyler , P . M . ; James Dix , P . M . ; Daniel Nicholson . P . M . ; F . E . W . Collard , P . M , J George * Sneath , P . M . ; G . Hardman Hoyle , P . M . ; Arthur Wormull , P . M . ; Henry Poston , P . M . j A . Digby Green , P . M . ; J . P . Hinckel , Martin Pulvetnan , J . H . Merrett , Geo . Stevens , O . Marsland , M . Miroy , A . C . Bromley , W . E . Whadcoat , and T . E . Williams . The Grand Officers and visitors present included : Bros . Sir foseph Dimsdale , G . Treas . ; Reg . St . A . Roumieu , G . Supt . of Wks . ; C . F . " Hogard P . G . Std . Br . ; Alderman Vaughan Morgan , LP . M . 96 ; C . E . Birch , P . J . G . W . Herts ., P . P . J . G . W . Kent ; E . E . Cooper , P . M . S , P . G . S . ; H . M . Bates , P . M . 91 ,

P . G . S . ; A . J . Hollington , P . M . 58 , W . M . 2396 , P . G . S . ; W . W . Notting , W . M . 22 ; ] . B . Sorrell , P . M . and Treas . 1260 ; W . J . Longhurst , W . M . 227 ; E . W . Carter , ' P . M . S 5 S ; H . J . Tibhatt , LP . M . 2396 j W . H . Whadcoat , B . A ., LL . B ., 4 ; W . M . Morgan , 177 ; "J . Vezey Strong * , 153 S ; R . M . H . Griffiths , 1677 ; E . G . Banks , 19 S 7 ; E . -B . Lumley , 2323 ; Capt . W . R . Cato , Capt . J . P . Kennedy , and Capt . Harold , Woodcock , of 2470 ,-J and A . S . Johns , St . Nicholas Lodge , No . 321 , New York , U . S . A . The lodge was opened , and later on , on the arrival of the Grand Officers , they were

saluted with Masonic honours . The minutes of the last lodge meeting were read arid confirmed , and the audit report was . received and adopted . The W . M . then , in a most able manner initiated Messrs . Charles Smith and Charles Edmund Wells . Bro . George William Capel , member of Royal Lebanon Lodge . No . 493 , Sic , was elected a joining member . The installation of Bro . Milton Smith , W . M . elect , was then proceeded with , the ceremony being most impressively peiformed by Bro . W . M . Bywiter , P . G . S . B ., father of the lodge . The W . M . then invested his officers , after which , on

behalf of the lodge , he presented , the LP . M . with a Past Masters jewel together with a handsome illuminated address as a lasting recognition of the devoted attention he had paid to the work of the lodge during his year of office , and of his great liberality and energy in placing the Benevolent Fund of the lodge on a permanent basis . On rising for the second time , the Secretary announced the decease

of uro . Ramsay , much to the regret of the brethren . The business being ended the brethren adjourned to partake of a very excellent banquet , which being finished grace was sung and the toasts of the evening commenced , which were interspersed by'ome ' excellently rendered music under the direction of Brn . Dr . J . F . Haskins , P . P . G . Org . Essex , assisted by Miss Emily Divies , Miss Minnie Chamberlain , Bro . Butler , and Bro . Daniel Price .

The programme book was an elaborate production , and contained beautifully executed portraits of the Worshipful Master , Wardens , and Past Masters of the lodge . The W . M ., in proposing "TheQueen and the Craft , " said : OurbslovedSovereign could not be a Mason , but had evidenced her interest in Freemasonry by her patronage to its Charities , being Grand Patron of the Royal Masonic Institution for Bays , Chief Patroness of the Girls' Institution , and Vice-Patron of the Benevolent Institution for the Aced . Of the first-named , she has been Patron for over 40 years .

In proposing "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " the W . M . said In all ages monarchs have been promoters of Freemasonry , and have exchanged the sceptre for the trowel , but in Great Brita'n , sines the Grand Lodge in York was formed , and King Athelstan nearly 1003 years ago granted a charter to Freemasons , probably no Princeof the Royal blood had taken so much interest and done so much for the Craft as our present Prince of Wales , and his influence in high circles and his high position in tho Craft may probably have done much towards the peace and goodwill or nations .

The W . M ., in proposing "The Grand Officers , referred to them in the words of Milton as " Adorned with splendour , armed with power , " but said the power , import * ance , and authority they possessed was the result of centuries of intelligent industry and judgment , the faithful and careful discharge of which had built up an Ins'itution unique in its character and influence , with valuable principles handed down from time immemorial pure and unpolluted , that it was a hard-worked body , and deserved its honours . He finished with some complimentary remarks respecting the Grand Offi : ers present , saying

that the office of Grand Treasurer was always keenly competed for , and was will and honourably filled by Bro . Dimsdale . Bro . Roumieu held a post of responsibility , and worked hard on the Benevolent Board . Bro . Hogard was familiar with them all , and Bro . Bywater was a Grand Officer of Grand Officers , being the one Grand Sword Bearer who was chosen to carry the sword in front of the Prince of Wales at the Jubilee Festival out ot the 27 P . G . Sword Bearers appointed oti that occasion . Bro . Alderman Sir J . C . Dimsdale , Grand Treasurer , in response , said he felt it no

small honour to respond to the compliment paid to the Grand Officers of England . He recognised Grand Lodge as the mainspring of ihe Craft , which , during recent years , had made great strides , which he attributed to the fact that the Order was established on the solid rock—the Volume of the Sacred Law , Masons all striving to do their duty to the Great Architect of the Universe . They had had the chief work of the evening carried out b y a Grand Officer , which showed they were able to work . Bro . Roumieu , having also responded ,

The I . P . M . proposed the toast of " The W . M ., Bro . Milton Smith , " who , he said , was initiated in the lodge in 18 S 5 , and had that evening had the honour of electing as one of his officers the brother who had introduced him , Bro . Barnes , P . M ., their Secretary , to whom all the members were indebted for having introduced a member proved to have become a good Mason , and , as he had shown that night , one well capable of filling the chair with ability and honour . Bro . Milton Smith had worked well in the past , and that day he was reaping the reward he so well deserved .

In response to the toast of his health , the W . M . thanked the I . P . M . for his kind remarks and the brethren for their warm reception accorded to the toast . He was induced to join Masonry by the good impression he had of the Order conveyed to him from Ihe fact of finding so many of his friends , who were good hearted , just , and genial , were also Masons . Having been initiated into the Order , he found that true of tbe

Craft in general , and his lodge very much in particular . He had done his best in the lodge up to the p .-esent , and , if he had given satisfaction , would strive in the future to maintain the respect and satisfaction of the lodge . A peculiar personal coincidence in connection with the loJge was that he was born on the anniversary of the constitution of the lodge . He was married in the centenary year of the lodge , joined on his wife's anniversary , and was elected W . M . in his silver wedding year . " The Initiates " was proposed by Bro . Dan . Nicholson , P . M ., and responded to by the initiates .