Consecration Of The Earl Of Lathom Chapter, No. 730, At Chorley.

Z . ; Robt . Irving , H . ; and J . M . Kerr , J . The following were invested officers , viz .: Comps . Bradshaw , S . E . ; Jackson , S . N . ; Sharpies , P . S . ; and Thos . Higson , Janitor ( pro . tem . ) . The musical part of the ceremony was ably rendered by Comps . Nicholls , Armstrong , and Byron , the latter

companion presiding at the harmonium . Comp . J . H . SILLITOE , with the permission of the M . E . Z ., proposed "That the best thanks of the promoters of the new chapter be tendered to

Comp . Alpass for the very able manner m which he had discharged his duties as Consecrating Officer . ; to Comp . Ackerley for his services as Installing Principal , and to the Musical Companions for their valuable assistance , as well as the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers for their attendance , and that their esteemed Prov ! Grand S . E ., Comp . Alpass , be elected an honorary member of the chapter . "

The proposition was seconded by the M . E . Z ., ahtl carried unanimously . After suitable acknowledgements and "hearty good wishes" had been expressed by the visitors the chapter was closed in due form . The whole of the companions were then invited by the newly-installed

M . E . Z . to partake of refreshments at the Cattle Market Hotel , to which place they hastily retreated through the drenching rain , where they found a most substantial banquet had been prepared by mine host , and to which due justice was done ; no doubt the inclemency of the weather gave a tone to the appetites of all .

The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured , after which , . Comp . ALPASS , in a very eloquent speech , proposed " The Chief of the new Chapter . " In doing so , he spoke of the long time he had been acquainted with Corpp . Forrester in the Craft and the admirable manner in which he had discharged his various duties , also Comps . Irving and Kerr , whom

he felt sure would ably assist Comp . Forrester in bringing the chapter to a very successful state , which , under their guidance , he had no doubt would soon be accomplished . He pointed out to them thai success , however , did not rest so much upon numerical strength , as upon the character of their members . He , therefore , strongly desired them not lo propose any brother for exaltation unless they felt sure that he would make a good

companion . The toast was heartily drunk and ably responded to . " The Healths of Comp . Ackerly , Installing Master , " "The Musical Companions , " and other toasts followed , interspersed with songs and

recitations . The proceedings having to be brought to an early close in consequence of visitors having to travel to Liverpool , Manchester , Bolton , Wigan , Southport , and elsewhere , but not one left without personally expressing their thanks to Comp . Forrester , whom it may be mentioned entertained the members of the chapter and their guests at his sole expense .

Consecration Of The Ancasta Chapter, No. 1461, At Woolston.

CONSECRATION OF THE ANCASTA CHAPTER , No . 1461 , AT WOOLSTON .

An especial meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was held last week at the Masonic Hall , Woolston , Southampton , on the occasion of the consecration of the above chapter . " The Clausentum Ledge of Craft Masons , to which the new chapter is attached , was consecrated nearly eleven years ago , but did not till

November last , owing to certain unforeseen difficulties , enter a home of its own , the handsome hall which is such a credit to the Masonic spirit of the district being then set apart by solemn ceremonial for the purposes of the lodge . It was felt by many that the time had then fairly arrived when a petition might be sent in lor a Royal Arch warrant , which in due course was granted by Grand Chapter . The name given is Ancasta , a Roman deity , whose name has been found inscribed on archa : ological relics at Clausentum .

The founders are M . E . Comps . Bowyer , P . Z . 359 , and G . J . Tilling , P . Z . 359 ; Comps . R . R . L . Rosoman , D . O . Hobbs , J . Methven , and A . J . Brown , of 359 ; C . J . Symonds , 130 ; and R . Bell and W . Horton , 394 . The consecration ceremony was performed by the M . E . Comp . VV . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Grand Superintendent of the province , with Comp . the Rev . G . N . Palmer , P . P . G . J ., acting as H ; the other principal chair being filled by M . E . Comp . G . F . Lancaster , P . G . J .

The attendance also included M . E . Comps . and Comps . J . Johns , P . Z ., P . G . Reg . ; R . VV . Bcale , H . 487 , P . G . D . C ; S . R . Everett , P . P . G . N ., P . Z . ; C . W . A . Jellicoe , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., acting S . E . ; H . C . Stone , P . P . G . R . ; Major Douglas , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . ; R . J . Rastrick , P . Z . ; W . Walters , Z . 130 ; W . Dart , Z . 804 ; J . Corner , P . Z . ; H . Coles , Z . 394 ;

G . Cross , Z . 359 ; W . Henry H . 359 ; H . Hacker , P . Z . 723 ; W . Marshallsey , S . E . ; H . Stone , P . Z . ; J . B . Thomas , P . Z . ; W . Williams ; Hy . Lashmore , A . S . 130 ; E . O . Longland , 359 ; T . J . Dacombe , 130 ; T . Dartnall , 394 ; R . Tilling ( London ); VV . Cantelo , 359 ; J . "Stevens , 359 ; H . G . V ' eatesExell , Biggs , W . Vare , and Harrington , J . S .

, The companions assembled at the hall at half-past two , and Prov . Grand Chapter having been opaned by the Consecrating Principal , the petition and charter were read by M . E . Comp . Jellicoe , and other details of the

ceremonial gone through . •In addressing the companions the GRAND SECRETARY referred to the satisfactory progress of Royal Arch Freemasonry in the province , and said he did not approve of the brethren of a newly-formed lodge making efforts . to found a chapter at a too early date , because it was probable that

companions of adequate knowledge would not be found to fill the chairs . Ihe Clausentum Lodge was formed over ten years ago , and he was glad to be now present at the consecration of the Ancasta Chapter , because he believed the success which had attended the lodge would , under the guidance of experienced Masons , be extended to the chapter .

The consecration then took place , the hymns being " Behold how pleasant and how good , " " Glory to God on High , " and " O Lord Most High , " the last-named immediately following the dedication prayer offered by the acting M . E . Comp . H . . _ The splendid service of consecration plate which is about to be presented to Prov . Grand Chapter by M . E . Comp . - Capt . Hooper , was used for the first time on this occasion .

Before closing the Grand Secretary took occasion to refer lo the absence through illness of M . E . Comp . VV . Hickman , H ., and expressed an earnest hope that he would soon be restored to his usual condition of health . Prov . Grand Chapter was then closed , and the Ancasta ^ Chapter was opened , the Grand Secretary installing as Principals M . E . Comps ' . VV . Bowyer , P . P . G . S . B ., as Z . ; G . ] . Tilling , P . P . G . A . S ., as H . ; and Comp . R . R . L . Rosoman , as J . ; the other officers appointed being Comps . D . O , Hobbs , P . S . ; J . Methven , S . E . ; A . J . Brown , S . N . ; R . Bell and C . J .

Consecration Of The Ancasta Chapter, No. 1461, At Woolston.

Symonds , A . S . ; , VV . Horton , Treas . ; Vare , Janilor ; and Henley , Asst-Janitor . Five candidates were afterwards proposed for exaltation . The M . E . C . Z . proposed a vote of thanks to the G . S . and other officers of Grand Chapter for their attendance , which was . seconded by M . E . C . H ., and carried , and the G . S . responding , said there would have been a larger attendance of Grand officers but for unavoidable causes . It would give him great pleasure to attend whenever possible , either the Clausentum Lodge or Ancasta Chapter .

At the subsequent banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Henley , M . E . C . Bowyer presiding , the usual Masonic toasts were given , the G . S . in response to the toast of his health , saying that the attacks made upon Freemasonry in certain quarters were , so far as English Masons were concerned , entirely uncalled for and unfounded , and' whilst in foreign countries the Masons were not scatliless , as they indulged in practices and

doctrine which we in England repudiated , yet some excuse was to be made for them owing to the difficulties placed in the way of a proper performance of their Masonic ritual and duties . He was happy at all times to do what he could to forward the interest of Royal Arch Freemasonry . M . E . C . Lancaster responded for the P . G . officers , and expressed his regret that the duty devolved upon him in consequence of the absence through indisposition of M . E . C . Hickman . S F

" I lie health of the Principals of the Ancasta Chapter" was given by G . S .-and M . E . C . ' s Bowyer , Tilling , and Rosoman replied . The other toasts included " the Principals of neighbouring Chapters , " acknowledged by M . E . C ' s Walters , G . Cross , and H . Coles . "The Visitors , " replied to by M . E . C . Thomas ; and the Officers of the newly constructed Chapter .

VVe may add that the ornaments , furniture and jewels , which were manufactured b y Bro . George Kenning , are of a very chaste and suitable character . -

History Of The Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

HISTORY OF THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

( Continued from page 314 ) . Such changes as followed the submission of Dr . Barry's report will be dealt with later on . The other . events of interest which occurred during the period now under consideration claim our more immediate attention . It has been shown that the new Building was erected to accommodate a hundred boys , but when last we had occasion to refer to the number of

children on the establishment , we found it was 70 , or precisely the numberat which it had been fixed in the first ins ' tance , so far back as 1821 , and again in 1841 , when the long period of depression which intervened between these two years had been overpassed . In April 1 S 65 , however , we find the number had been increased to So . - At the Quarterly Court in October , 1865 ,

the new School having in the interim been formally opened by the Deputy . Grand Master , a resolution was passed to the' effect that liberty should be given " to the House Committee at their discretion to increase the number to one hundred , " and exactly a year later the establishment was raised to the number prescribed in this resolution .

At the General Committee , "held in October 1868 , Bro . John Udall gave notice of a motion to the effect that the number of boys on the Establishment be increased by the election of five additional boys'in April , 18 GS , and five further additional boys in October , 1868 , making the total nuumberat the latter date one hundred and ten instead of one hundred as it is at

present . " 1 he motion , however , was withdrawn , but in January , 1869 , on the •motion of the same brother , it was resolved that the number should be increased to no , while in 1 S 72 a further increase was made of two additional boys in April , and three further additional boys in October of that year , making the total in charge , when Bro . Plucknett was elected Treasurer , 115 .

As regards the candidates that were to be admitted it was arranged that their ultimate acceptance should depend on their passing a slight examination in the most elementary subjects , reading being looked upon as indispensable . The wisdom of establishing such a rule will be universally admitted . Then in . 1866 " speech day" was instituted , the chair being taken by Lord de Tabley , P . G . M . Cheshire , in the first instance for the distribution of prizes ,

but the House Committee had resolved that a portion of the proceedings should partake of the character of a " Speech Day , " and the Head Master , in order to carry out the wishes of the Committee more effectually , was charged with the duty of preparing those boys who were to take part in the proceedings . On this occasion is included for the first time that singular prize which" the founder resolved should be awarded to the boy most

. popular among his schoolfellows , the latter being , indeed , the electors . This prize , as most brethren are aware , is now known as the Canonbury Gold Medal , and was instituted by the late Bro . Edward Cox , P . M . of the Canonbury Lodge , but in the year we speak of the prize consisted of books . The silver medal given by the Institution , which had been instituted many years previously , and awarded to the best writer , also figures amongst the special prizes presented by Lord de Tabley , but was awarded for good

conduct . We also find prominent among the donors of prizes one who is still fortunately preserved to us—Bro . W . Winn , another Past Master of the same Canonbury Lodge , and there were other special prizes , such as the gold medal for general proficiency , given by Bro . H . J . Thompson , a P . M . of the Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 , and the Maybury Prize of five guineas attached to the Silver Medal , given by the Maybury Lodge , No . 969 .

In respect of the changes that took place during- this period in the personnel of the Executive , they are no more than must be expected in the ordinary course of things , but such as did happen stand out more conspicuously perhaps , than they would otherwise have done , owing in the first instance to their paucity , and in the next to the prominence of the brethren whose part in the Government of the Institution was thus brought

to a close . Bro . B . Bond Cabbell , it will be remembered , was elected unanimously to the Treasurership in 1846 , and at the Quarterly Court in January , 1869 , the Secretary read a brief letter he had received from Bro . Cabbell , in which the latter announced that owing to his ill health he was unable to retain the office of Treasurer any longer . The resignation was of course accepted , a motion by Bro . John

Symonds , seconded by Bro . John Udall , being adopted to the effect that the Craft was desirous of recording " their best thanks to Bro . Benjamin Bond Cabbell for his long service in the office of Treasurer , for a period of 23 years , and in consideration of the same , and the great interest he has always taken in this Institution , requests that he will-permit his portrait to be placed in the School House as a record of their gratitude and esteem towards him . " ( To be continued . )