Royal Arch.

Covent Garden Chapter , No . 1614 . The installation meeting of this chapter was held at the Criterion , on the 24 th ult ., when Comps . Walter Hancock , M . li . Z . ; Samuel Hewett , H . ; and Charles O . Burgess , P . / ., as J ., presided . The other companions present were Comps . Frederick Kedge , P . Z ., Arthur L . Bullen , James D . Graham , Thomas Pect , Sydney Blum , N . Dukas , H . VV . Carter , James Rowe , James Woodward , and VV . E . Pannier . Visitors : Comps . Horace White , J . 1604 ; H . ' Massey , P . Z . 192 S ; and F . Foskett , N . S 8 y .

Bro . William C Tanner , 115 S , was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree , after which Comp . Samuel Hewett , P . / .., II ., and M . E . Z . elect , was installed by Comp . Hancock in the chair of M . li . Z . The 11 . elect was not present , and ComD . Arthur L . Bullen was installed as | . The other officers were Comps . John Coltart , P . Z ., Treas . ; Geo . Reynolds , P . Z ., S . E . ; Charles O . Burgess , P . Z ., S . N . ; James D . Graham , P . S .

John W . Elvin , ist A . S . ; John T . Blvth , 2 nd A . S . ; Frantz J . Hansen , Stwd . ; and Robert F . Potter . A vote of sympathy and condolence on the death of his son was unanimously carried to Comp . George Reynolds , P . Z . and S . E ., the mover being Comp . Burgess and the seconder Comp . Woodward , and the vote was ordered to be conveyed to Comp . George Reynolds .

This closed the chapter business , and it was followed by a choice banquet and the usual toasts . Comp . Walter Hancock , I . P . Z ., in proposing the toast of "The M . E . Z ., " said that the companions had had the benefit of seeing Comp . Hewett preside over the chapter in the first year of its existence . At that time they were a body of beautiful young baby companions and they liked to have a good old father who would take a great deal of

care of them . Bro . Hewett fostered them during their first year , and as a consequence they now welcomed him most cordially on coming to the chair again . When they looked round the table they could see they were all five years older , but the M . li . Z . looked as young that day as he was when he first took the chair . That only showed what they mig ht expect from him during the coming year—the same vigour in Freemasonry , the same cordiality among all the companions , and the same good working that they had in the first year of the chapter .

Comp . Samuel Hewett , M . E . Z ., in responding to the toast , which was most cordially drunk , said that the Past Principal had told the companions that although it was five or six years since he ( Comp . Hewett ) occupied the chair he looked no older now than he did then ; but he felt older , and when he looked round on the smiling faces before him it made him think of old times and caused him to feel young as he did before . He could only hope that in five , or 15 , or even 50 years he should have the p leasure of , not presiding , but being a member of the Covent Garden Chapter . Notwithstanding , this was the second time of his filling the office of M . E . Z . of the Covent Garden Chapter , he

believed that the responsibility of the office was more onerous each time . Thankful he was that it was a very prosperous chapter , although he missed some faces—dear old faces—and it seemed to cast a gloom over the meeting . The absence of those faces was caused not by the wish of those companions , but by circumstances over which they had no control . At the next meeting , however , it was to be hoped that the circumstances which had led to the absence would have scmewhat been mollified , and that the companions who wcre now absent would li 3 ve , in a measure , regained their joyous feelings and again enter into the happy family of which the Covent Garden Chapter was composed .

Comp . Hewett next proposed " The I . P . Z ., " a toast which he was sure the Covent Garden Chapter would receive with the utmost cordiality . He could not enhance the value of the toast by enlarging on the merits of Comp . Hancock , for the companions all knew what his work was , as they had had an opportunity of witnessing it the last 12 months . Comp . Hancock had added lustre to the office by setting an example for other companions to follow who were coming on to the chair . When be ( Comp . Hewett ) was again going up to the chair , he did not think he [ could be equal to Comp . Hancock .

Comp . Walter Hancock , LP . / .., in reply , said that the proposition and drinking of that toast was but a repetition of the kindness he had always received from every member of the chapter and of the two ledges fiom which the members of the chapter had been drawn . Following the remarks of the M . E . Z ., he hoped that seme 50 years hence he might see some other M . E . / . pieticing at the jubilee of the chapter . He could assure the companions that he had the welfare of the chapter at heart . When it was first proposed , Comp . George Reynolds ashed him to attend the meetings and sign the petition . At that time he did not think of joining the chapter , as he was well on in office

in Regularity , No . 91 , of which he was now First Principal ; but Comp . Reynolds said they must have him amongst them . He consequently had great pleasure in joining , and the result had been most agreeable to him . He might say of every one who had taken office in the chapter that he had done his woik well , and he hoped the coming officers would emulate them . Comp . Coltart had been a tower of strength , and had done his work well , and he much regretted his absence that evening , for it was a very great loss . The same might be said of Comp . George Reynolds , and the absence of those companions had certainly thrown a shadow over the assembly .

Comp . Tanner replied to the toast of " 'The Exaltce , " and Comps . White , Massey , and Lockett to that of " The Visitors . " Comp . Hewett , M . E . Z ., in proposi ng "Ihe P . Z . and Treasurer , John Coltart , and P . Z . and S . E . George Reynolds , '' said that unfortunately those companions were not able lobe present that evening . Ihe task of leplying to the toast would therefore devolve

on Past Principal Kedge , who was the only , but very worthy , representative . All the companions would regret the cause of the absence of their Treasurer and S . E . They all knew that those companions , although absent in body were present in spirit , and those companions , as well as Comps . Hancock and Kedge , were Past Principals , who could not be excelled for working by the companions of any chapter in 1-ondon .

Comp . Kedge , who responded , said that on behalf of the Treasurer and the S . E ., he had their authority for informing the companions that it was not possible for them to be present . Comp . Skinner also was not able to attend . For himself , he sincerely thanked the M . E . Z . for coupling his name with the loast , and he assured the companions that he had done all he could to render his duties satisfactorily . During his vear he had done all in his power to please the companions of the chapter , and he

felt that he was in a hieasure successful . He had always taken an interest in the welfare of the chapter , and he should continue to do so . In tome respt ; cts he differed from the companions as to what should be done , but he hoped that that difference would not make any alteration in the personal itspect thc- companions had for each other . Any difference as to the promotion of the companions he believed could he got over , and he could assure the companions that his sole object and aim was the welfare of the chapter as a chapter , and not the interests oi individuals .

Comp . Arthur L . Bullen , j ., replying to the toast of " Ihe Second and Third Principals , " said he was sorry Comp . I'oan , TL , was not present , because he took great interest both in Arch and in Craft Masonry . For himself , it was not necessary he should say anything . The companions knew that as long as he had been connected with that chapter he had endeavoured to do the duties that had lallen to his share , and as leng as

he should be connected with it he should endeavour to get a fair knowledge of the litual , so as to approach in some small degree to the excellent woiking the other officers had performed . The work that night had been exceedingly good ; he had never seen it done better ; and if the officers who were coming on did it as well , the success of the Covent Garden Chapter was assured .

Comp . Charles O . Burgess , P . Z ., S . N ., acknowledging the toast of " The Officers , " said he was only too happy to be piesent , for the officers ot the Covent Garden Chapter were all jolly gocd Masons , and men of maik , and connected with the Anglo-American Lodge and the Covent Garden Ledge . Tor this and oilier reasons , he was very glad to be a numbered this chapter . 'Ihe chapter had always been noted tor good working ; the working had ever beni tuptiior , r . r . 0 whither by Comp . Hancock , or by other

companions , it bad always been done in a way which was an example to companions who followed . ' 1 he curq . aivcns had been very much iiiiprcs-scd that evening with the way that Comp . Hancock performed the exaltation ccitiiiony , and it was a great pleasure to listen to it . His successor could doit equally well , as he' was a most admirable exponent of Royal Aich ritual . It was . thc tecum ! turn ; lie had occupied the chair , and he was worthy of the position , for he was able to do justice to it .

Comp . James D . Graham , P . S ., also icplie-d , and the Janitor ' s toast , given by Comp . Potter , closed the proceedings . Under the d . rection of Comp . Walter J . ' 1 hiussell , a most entertaining selection of music was performed by Miss Cassie Bruce , and Brts . Roland Henry , and G . H , Dawson . ¦

Royal Arch.

St . Pancras Chapter , No . 2271 , The satisfactory progress made by this chapter was fully evinced at the installa . lion meeting held at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on the ist inst .. when three brethren were exalted into Royal Arch Masonry , and the installation ceremonies were afterwards impressively rendered . The members in attendance included Comps . W . A . Scurrah , LP . / ., Vice-President Board of General Purposes ; H . Longman . M . E . Z . - Harry R . Graham , M . P ., H . ; A . H . Scurrah , S . E . ; W . M . Stiles , G . Treas . ; ][ Irvine , J . ; VV . H . Harrison , A . H . Cole , J . Jefferies , W . Spares , VV . H . Bailey , C . H . Matthews , and A . Bentley . Visitors : Comps . Ii . C . Atkinson , 19 S 7 ; J . f . Rowe , P . Z . ; and VV . VV . LeeM . E . Z . 1524 .

, The chapter was opened and the minutes confirmed , and Comp . W . Potter , 745 , was elected a joining member . The following brethren having been balloted for were impressively exalted by Comp . W . A . Scurrah , P . Z . —Bros . VV . H . Bailey , P . P . G . W . ; C . H . Matthews , 2271 ; and A . ' Bentley , W . M . 1 S 15 . The installations were then proceeded with , and Bro . Scurrah , P . Z ., installed the following Principals : Comps . H . R . Graham , M . P ., M . E . Z . ; J . Irvine , H . j and A . H . Scurrah , J . The M . E . Z . then presented P . Z . jewels to Comps . W . A . Scurrah , P . Z ., and Longman , I . P . Z ., and remarked that the former had done so much for Masonry generally and this chapter in

particular that the gift would decorate no other breast so well . Comps . Scurrah , P . Z ., and Longman , P . Z ., returned thanks . The officers elected for the year were invested : Comps . W . A . Scurrah , P . Z ., S . E . j H . Longman , P . Z ., Treas . j M . Powell , S . N . ; VV . H . Harrison , P . S . ; A . H . Cole , ist A . S . ; T . Jefferies , 2 nd A . S . ; Jonathan Mason , D . C . ; Joseph Mason , Stwd . ; VV . Sparks , Org . ; and Whiting , Janitor . Letters of regre t for non-attendance were announced from the Grand Scribe E . and others , and the chapter was closed . After an excellent banquet the usual toasts were given .

Comp . W . M . Stiles , G . Treas ., replying for "The Grand Officers , " said he could testify to the manner 'in which they worked in their respective offices , The _ Grand Scribe E ., who was the Consecrating Officer of this chapter , had taken a great interest in it , as he did in everything connected with the Order . As an honorary member of the chapter he ( Bro . Stiles ) was proud to be associated with it , because he had so many good frien'ds in it . 11 had afforded him great pleasure to see a brother exalted to the rank of companion ( Comp . Bailey ) who they sincerely hoped would follow him in the chair of Grand Treasurer . He hoped all the companions would work for Comp . Bailey as they did for him , and then they would have him in the proud position of Grand Treasurer in less than six months .

Comp . H . Longman , I . P . Z ., in proposing "The M . E . Z ., " said it needed no remarks from him to introduce the M . E . Z . to their notice , or to strengthen the esteem and affection they bore towards him . Comp . Graham was a P . M . in the Craft , and the longer they knew him the greater they esteemed him . They knew him also as a public man as well as a thoroughly good companion and brother , and it was the sincere wish of all present that he might be spared for many years to enioy their companionship . Comp . H . R . Graham , M . P ., M . E . Z ., said he found it an extremely difficult task to return adequate thanks for the most felicitous and too flattering terms in which his health

had been proposed by the 1 . P . Z . He had found it impossible to arrive earlier that evening , but he had invested his officers and been installed into the chair of M . E . Z . which he had previously filled in the Westminster and Keystone Chapter . The duties of M . E . Z . were not easy of fulfilment , but those who had listened to Comp . Scurrah must have experienced much pleasure , as it was one of the most solemn of the rituals of Masonry . He felt that as M . E . Z . he was supported by Principals and officers who would ably assist him , and however much his own shortcomings might leave something to be

desired , his kind friends would make his year one of pleasure . As the I . P . Z . had said , he was net there in a public capacity , but talking as a friend to friends . It therefore gave him great pleasure to be present , for he felt he was among friends who could forgive one ' s shortcomings , and extend a helpful hand to one in Masonry who had always received kindly consideration by those who occupied high positions in the Order , "The H . and J . " were next given in cordial terms by the M . E . Z ., who referred to Comp . Irvine ' s services to Masonry , and with respect to the J ., said that having inherited the name of Scurrah it was incumbent upon him to maintain it .

Comp . Irvine , P . Z ., H ., returned thanks , and referred to interesting Masonic experiences in India , alter which Comp . A . H . Scurrah , J ., replied . Comp . W . A . Scurrah , P . Z ., thanked the M . E . Z . for the permission given him to propose " The Exaltees . " He had known Comp . Bailey for some time , and had come to the conclusion that he was not only a gentleman in private life , but a thorough Mason in heart and practice . He was delighted to exalt him , and trusted he would belong to the chapter lor many years . He had known Comp . Matthews in the St . Pancras Lodge , and no worthier brother could be found . Comp . Bentley was the W . M . of the Penge

j Lodge , and in having such good candidates he ( Bro . Scurrah ) was on his mettle to do ustice to the ceremony . Comp . W . H . Bailey , in responding , said that if for a long time he had remained outside the pr rials of Royal Aich Masonry , it had been a source of great regret , and he was row gratified that he had entered through the St . Pancras Chapter . He happened to be a St . Pancras man , and hoped he should not prove unworthy . He had spent many happy years in Masonry , and had delightful reminiscences of 25 years in the

Cralt , I tit everything had been excelled by the charming ceremony , which had filled him with reverential admiration . The manner in which that ceremony was rendered by Comp . Scurrah had made an impression not likely to be cbliterated . With regard to a personal matter alluded to by Comp . Stiles , he could only say that he should feel very proud if the forecast was verified . Comps . Matthews and Bentley also responded .

"The Installing Principal and I . P . Z . " was next given by the M . E . Z ., who said that but for their exertions , and especially the former , it would be impossible for the chapter to be so highly spoken of . They all felt proud in having as the founder and first M . E . Z . one whose name would be handed down with such eclat as that of Comp . Scurrah . Comp . VV . A . Scurrah , P . Z ., retui ned sincere thanks . He had taken a deep interest in the lodge and chapter , and it was only his duty to do so . The late Sir R . Fowler was the first Master of the lodge and they all looked back upon his year with pleasure . lie ( Comp . Scurrah ) could also look back upon his year as the first M . E . Z .

of this chapter with great pleasure and rejoiced to see that in the course of two years so miny good Masons had joined them . Those companions would assist him in building up the chapter , and making it what it should be—an assembly of brethren who loved one another . He thanked the companions for the beautiful gift presented to him in the shape of a P . Z . ' s jewel . He always liked to give credit where credit was due , and he thought that Comp . George Kenning , who made the jewels , had produced a work ot art , a masterpiece of jewels , for everyone spoke in admiration of them . He should value the gift and think of their kindness in presenting it . If the companions were pl . ased wiih the ceremonies that day he was more than delighted and should always look upon it as a red letter day when he exalted three such companions .

Comp . Longman , I . P . Z ., also replied , after which other toasts were given before the Janitor ' s toast closed the proceedings . Comp . Sparks kindly presided at the pianoforte in an able manner .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Egerton of Tatton Lodge , No . 400 . A meeting of this lodge was held at Mark Masons' Hall , on Friday , the 25 th ult ., when there were present Bros . Henry Wright , VV . M . ; C . M . Jessop , J . W . ; Raymond Tucker , M . O . ; Harry S . Foster , M . P ., S . O . ; H . VV . Kiallmark , P . M ., Treas . j " . Danlord Thomas , Sec ; Win . Westcott , J . D . j Geo . P . Parker , I . G . J Belgrave Ninnis , P . M ., acting as S . W . ; and Lennox Browne , P . M . Bro . E . G . Younger was a visitor .

'I he lodge being opened , the minutes were read and confirmed , and the Secretary read out the names of brethren eligible for the offices of VV . M . and Treasurer . A balM having been taken Bros . A . VV . Peckham , S . W ., and H . W . Kiallmark , Treas ., were elected to the offices of W . M . and Treasurer . On show of hands Bio . E . J . Mills ' »« re-elected Tyler . Bros . Bradshaw and Westcott were appointed Auitors . Pursuant t

notice given , the lodge approved of the action of the Treasurer in paying five 8 . eaJ . support of the W . M . 's list as a Steward at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institutio for Boys in July last , the same being presided over by Bro . Lord Egerton of ' ?'? , ' Letters of apology were read from Bros . Baron de Bush and Peckham for unavoitlaD absence . There being no further business , the lodge was closed .