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Contents.
CONTENTS .
Supreme Grand ChPpter 187 Routers or MASONIC MEBIHWCraft Masonry i & S Instruction 190 ^ ar ^ . r . " ::::::::::::: """" : ™ $ Prorincial 'Sranii Chapter of Northumberland 191 School Festival 93
The Girls' - ' Anti-Masonic Papers 192 The Late Grand Tyler 19 a Services of the Grand Officers 19 a f-MRRESPONDENCE : —• Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 193 An Education Scheme 193 The Installation Engraving 194 To Entrlish Freemasons 194 Roval Masonic Ins'itntion for GirU 194
Royal Masonic tnstrtution lor Hoys 194 Provincial Grand Ma'k Lodge of Dorset r 94 Consecration of the Fidelis Lodge , No . I 0 S 9 194 Public Amusements 194 Bro . William Stephens' and Mrs . Stephens' Silver Wedding ... 195 Masonic Notes and Queries 19 S Freemasonry in India i 19 S What Good is Freemasonry ? 196 Masonic and General Tidings 196 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 196 Advertisements i ., ii ., rii ., iv ., v ., vi .
Supreme Grand Chapter.
SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .
The Quarterly Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasons of England was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall . Comps . S . Rawson presided asM . E . Z . ; Capt . Piatt as H . ; J . A . Rucker as J . John Hervey , S . E . ; Erasmus Wilson , S . N . ; Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , P . S . ; Rev . C . W . Arnold , 1 st A . S . ;
J . M . Case , as 2 nd A . S . ; E . S . Snell ; J . Lewis Thomas , Sword Bearer ; Francis Robinson , Rev . C . R . Davy , A . J . Duff Filer , H . J . P . Dumas , Joshua Nunn , Colonel Creaton , Robert Grey , C . A . Murton , James Glaisher , H . Muggeridge , E . J . Barron , H . G . Buss ; James Klench , P . Z . 53 8 ; Reginald Bird , P . Z . 357 ; Matthew Clark , P . Z . 255 ; Joseph Richard Dupere , Z . 72 ; F . Pendcred , II . 33 j
E . Letchworth , P . Z . 1237 ; J . P . Richards , Z . 975 ; Rev . R . P . Bent , J . 4 G 6 ; John Cox , II . 145 ; Henry Horton , N . 189 ; C . F . Hogard , P . Z . 142 ; Wm . Piatt , J . 8 ; J . Austin , Z . 753 ; John Chynovveth , Z . 33 ; Herbert Dicketts , P . Z . 145 ; H . Massey , P . Z . 619 ( Freemason ); W . H . Perryman , H . 1348 ; Henry Venn , H . 22 ; J . J . Berry , Z . 54 ; E . J . * B . Bumstead , P . Z . 79 ; S . W .
Lambert , J . 142 ; H . Crultenden , J . 74 ; T . Cubut , P . Z . 177 ; W . Stephens , P . Z . 862 , 874 ; T . Massa , J . 1296 ; H . Roberts , P . Z . 79 ; W . Dodd , P . Z . 1194 ; S . Mullens , P . Z . 753 ; H . C . Levandrr , Z . 142 ; G . Miller , P . Z . 300 ; J . Messent , Z . 8 ; J . E . Carpenter , P . Z . 1196 ; W . A . Barrett , H . 1537 ! H . Thompson , J . 619 ; and H . Sadler , H . 16 9 , were also present .
The minutes of the last Quarterl y Convocation having been read and confirmed , Comp . Hervey read the regulations for the government of the Supreme Grand Chapter during the time of public business . Comp . Hervey read letters from Comps . Lord De Tabley and Lucia , regretting their inability to attend Grand
Chapter , the former on account of business in Cheshire and the latter from indisposition . The next business being the installation of the Principals , Comp . Hervey said that H . U . H . the Prince of Wales , the Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley having been already installed , they did not require re-installation .
The following companions were then installed as Grand Officers for the current year : — Comp . John Hervey G . Scribe E . „ Ernst Emil Wcndt G . Scribe N . „ Lord Kensington , M . P . ... G . P . S . „ Reginald Bird G . 1 st A . S . „ George Mellor ... ... G . 2 nd A . S . „ Lieut .-Col . John Creaton , „ G . Treas .
„ ^ Tineas J . Mclntyre , Q . C . ... G . Reg . „ Horatio Lloyd ... ... G . Swd . B . „ Matthew Clark G . Std . B . „ Samuel Mullens G . Dir . of Ccrs .
Comp . S . Rawson then rose and said there was one other officer usually installed next , and he was sure it was with very great feelings of regret that they had seen the last of Comp . C . B . Payne , who had for so many years filled that office , which was that of Janitor to Grand Chapter , and Grand Tyler to Grand Lodge . The news of his demise he was
sure must be received with very great grief by every companion present . It was not now for him ( Comp . Rawson ) to appoint Comp . Payne's successor , but thinking that a record of the regret of Grand Chapter should be made at Comp . Payne's death , and the loss which they had all sustained b y his demise , he would propose that the regret ° f Grand Chapter be recorded on the minutes .
The motion was seconded by Comp . Piatt , and carried unanimousl y . Col . Creaton then said that before moving the reception of the report of the Committee of Grand Chapter he had to inform the companions that a mistake had been made in that report , in the insertion of paragraphs 8 and 9 , which * ere to the following effect : — " A letter dated 14 th March last , from Comp . the Hon . Henry Thoby Prinsep , Grand
"Upenntcndent of Bengal , was read , pointing out the very SKat inconveniences which arise from Superintendents not being able to issue provisional chatters pending the applications to Grand Chapter . The Committee being full y satisfied that the complaint is well grounded , beg to recommend that the Supreme Grand Chapter authorise the Most Excellent First Grand Principal to grant powers to such Superintendents as he may think fit to issue dispen
Supreme Grand Chapter.
sations for the meeting of chapters in cases of necessity , pending the application for charters to the Supreme Grand Chapter . " When this letter was read the Committee felt the force of the argument of Comp . Prinsep , and at once , without going into any details , desired to recommend to this Grand Chapter that that which Comp . Prinsep sought should be brought before Grand Chapter and granted , or
at all events proposed . The report was printed and . circulated before the Committee discovered that in 1 S 75 those powers were given to the Grand Z . Therefore those two paragraphs in the report would fall to the ground , and he might state that Comp . Sandeman , who took a great deal of interest in the revision of the laws , consulted with the
other companions with whom he was in connection on the Committee , and supported that law which gave what Comp . Prinsep asked for . As the Superintendents had the wished-for power already , the two paragraphs would fall to the ground . He would , therefore , move that , with the exception of those two paragraphs , the report be taken as read .
Comp . James Lewis Thomas seconded the motion , which was put and carried , and on the motion of Col . Creaton , seconded by Comp . James Lewis Thomas , was received and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Col . Creaton moved , and Comp . James Lewis Thomas seconded , the granting charters for the following chapters , for which petitions had been received : —
1 st . FronVComps . James Meacham Batham , as Z . ; Henry Chailes Adolphus Wandram , as H . ; Frederick Irving de Lisle , as J . ; and twelve others for a chapter to be attached to the Victoria Lodge , No . 1577 , Napier , to be called the Victoria Chapter , and to meet at Napier , Wellington , North Island , New Zealand . 2 nd . From Comps . Charles Thomas Pearcc , as Z . ; John
Peter , as H . ; John Kempthorne , as J . ; and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Loyal Victoria Lodge , No . 557 , Callinyton , to be called the Valletort Chapter , and to meet at the Masonic Hall , Callington , in the count ) of Cornwall . 3 rd . From Comps . Edward John Bradshaw Bumstead , as Z . ; John Franks Chittenden , as H . ; William Youldon ,
as J . ; and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Wellington Lodge , N « . 548 , Deptford , to be called the Wellington Chapter , and to meet at the White Swan Hotel , Deptford , in the county of Kent . 4 th . From Comps . Henry Thomas Wood , as Z . ; Charles Chester Cheston , as H . ; Peter Lund Simmonds , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Marquis of
Dalhousie Lodge , No . 1159 , 10 be called the Marquis of Dalhousie Chapter , and to meet at No . 33 , Golden-square , London . 5 th . From Comps . William Henry Lee , as Z . ; George William Frederick Neville Green , "as H . ; Thomas Charles Chapman , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Duke of Connaught Lodge , No . 1524 , Dalston , to be
called the Duke of Connaught Chapter , and to meet at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , in the City of London . Colonel Creaton said the Committee have also received a petition from Comps . William Alexander Barrett , as Z . j Charles Goolden , as H . ; Wilhelm Ganz , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Orpheus Lodge , No . 1706 , to be called the Orpheus Chapter , and to meet
at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , Loriilon . This petition is regular in form , but as the lodge has not yet been in existence for two years , the Committee , bearing their resolution in mind that three years should elapse before a charter to be attached to a lodge be granted , except in very exceptionable cises , cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be yet complied with .
Comp . Barrett said he should like to explain what he and the other companions , as signatories of the petition , and members of the Orpheus Lodge , considered to be exceptional circumstances in making their petition for this new chapter . It was true their lodge was not quite two years old , but they had eighty-five subscribing members , and among that eighty-five they had twenty Past Masters ,
so that there was no possibility of a failure of succession to the Three Chairs ; and they had a great number of brethren who were anxious to be exalted in that which they were taught to believe was the perfection of the Master Mason ' s Degree . For that reason it was that they had thought that theirs was an exceptional case , and he , therefore , before the recommendation of the Committee was
granted , appealed to Grand Chapter to allow the matter to be reconsidered and the petition granted . He , therefore , moved the granting of the petition . After a pause , Comp . Herbert Dicketts thought it was only fair to Comp . Barrett , who had stated his case fairly , that Grand Chapter should have the opportunity of recording their
opinion upon it , and it was with that view he would second the motion . Comp . E . J . Barron said there was nothing to distinguish this case from those cases which Grand Chapter had had before it on many previous orcasions . In fact , at the last meeting but one , they had even a stronger case in its exceptional incidents than that which Comp . Barrett had
just put before them , and the arguments there would equally apply to the present case . Many Past Masters and o ; hers would have to wait another year or two was all that could be said ; but if Grand Chapter laid down a rule , such as they had , it ought not on every occasion of some small trifling inconsiderable advantage to an individual member be set aside . If Grand Chapter did that it might just as well have no rule at all . As a supporter of the rules
of Grand Chapter he felt bound to speak against the proposition . Comp . E . S . Snell said there was the case of a theatrical lodge which met in the daytime , because its members could not meet in the evening , where the charter for a chapter was refused . Those circumstances were very exceptional , and he could not think that , Having refused that charter , they ought to grant it to others .
Supreme Grand Chapter.
Bro . James Glaisher said the rule had been laid down as an absolute rule , and followed implicitly . Occasionally reasons for breaking the rule bad been brought before the companions , but it was a difficult thing to break through a rule on some occasions , and cling to it on others . On the occasion of a lodge applying for a chapter , when the members of the lodge were travellers , he was in a
minority when he voted against it on the same principles as those enunciated by Comp . Barron . He should like it to be now settled for ever that no lodge could have a charter granted for a chapter unless the lodge had been three years in existence . The rule had been broken through , but he should like it not to be broken through in future . Comp . James Lewis Thomas thought each case should
be taken on its own merits , and no hard and fast line , such as that enunciated by Comp . Glaisher , laid down by Grand Chapter . The Committee of Grand Chapter most earnestly desired to look on every case in a fair and equitable way , and they had looked on this case as they had on others , and , therefore , they did not recommend Grand Chapter to grant a charter . If the Grand Chapter
Committee could have seen any exceptional circumstances in this case that they could have brought before Grand Chapter they would have done so , and as they had not discovered any such circumstances , he should certainly vote against the amendment . Comp . A . J . Duff Filer hoped Comp . Barrett would not for one moment consider that the Committee would not
recommend this petition to Grand Chapter for any ulterior object , or any reason than that of the rule laid down for Grand Chapter to follow . They had refrained from giving an opinion upon it , except that they could not recommend it , but they left in the hands of Grand Chapter , feeling
that they could not decide it themselves . If these rules laid down were not abided by , Grand Chapter might be considered as ignoring them altogether . Comp . S . Rawson said the companions had the motion before them . He would like , however , to draw attention to one or two of the remarks that had been made as to
the rule being a positive rule . It was not a rule of Grand Chapter at all ; it was merely a rule made by the Committee for the good of Royal Arch Masonry . Where Grand Chapter saw it was needful , or saw . the case was so exceptional that they could admit of a depatture from that regulation ( not a rule ) , Grand Chapter had power to do it , which they would not if there was a positive rule laid
down . He had heard a little about this case , and he thought it an exceptional case , and one fit to be considered by Grand Chapter . The proposed chapter was to be attached to a lodge which fiom its very name showed that music was one great feature . He believed the chapter was to be carried out on the same rules and regulations , and with the same ideas ; and therefore he thought when the
brethren applied for a chapter , when they had twenty Past Masters in it , and several Past Principals , they would be able to carry it on without pushing forward brethren not duly competent . He thi . ught this an exceptional case ; but it was only his private opinion , and he rose only to inform Grand Chapter that the rule referred to was not a rule of the Order , but merely a resedution passed by the
Committee of Grand Chapter some years ago , which it was always open to Grand Chapter not to abide by . Comp . Joshua Nunn begged to be allowed to ask a question . It was stated that at least twenty members'of the lodge were Past Masters , Were the whole of the twenty Royal Arch companions ? He was only asking this because he thought in putting the question of this
petition to Grand Chapter the companions ought to know the full extent of the question put before them , and whether there was really any matter given which would require additional consideration . If the twenty Past Masters were members of this Grand Chapter it would certainly make a very great difference . Comp . J . March Case would also like to ask how long
the lodge had been in existence . Comp . Joshua Nunn said a year and a half . Comp . H . G . Buss said since June , 1877 . Comp . Barrett , replying to Comp . Joshua Nunn , said that among the twenty Past Masters of the lodge five were honorary members , who were members of Grand Chapter anil present Grand Officers ; eight of the remaining fifteen were Royal Arch Masons . He thought that was quite
sufficient to show there were enough to carry on the chapter , because there were sufficient companions ready to go on and take the chairs even though they were not Past Principals . In the lodge they had Past Principals , including honorary members , nine or ten ; he was not quite certain which . Comp . S . Rawson then put the motion in favour of granting the chatter , when there appeared ten votes for it and twenty-four against it . The charter was , therefore ,
refused . Comp . Col . Creaton : The Committee beg further to slate that on the rst Nov ., 1 S 76 , a charter was granted to be attached to the Fitzalan Lodge , Nn . 1432 , Oswestry , which has not been taken up , and from information they had received they had reason to conclude that it never will be ' taken up . Under these circumstances the Committee
recommend that the charter be cancelled . Comp . Joshua Nunn seconded the recommendation , which was then put as a motion , and carried unanimously . The Committee of General Purposes for the year ensuing was nominated as follows : Comp . H . C . Levander , Z . 742 ; nominated by Comp .
Hogard . Comp . W . Stephens , P . Z . 8 G 2 j nominated by Comp . Thos . Cubitt . Comp . James Lewis Thomas , P . Z . 13 ; nominated by Comp , Col . Creaton . Comp . C . F . Hogard , P . Z . 141 ; nominated by Comp . Peter de Lande Long . Comp . Messent , P . Z . 8 ; nominated by Comp . Mullens ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
Supreme Grand ChPpter 187 Routers or MASONIC MEBIHWCraft Masonry i & S Instruction 190 ^ ar ^ . r . " ::::::::::::: """" : ™ $ Prorincial 'Sranii Chapter of Northumberland 191 School Festival 93
The Girls' - ' Anti-Masonic Papers 192 The Late Grand Tyler 19 a Services of the Grand Officers 19 a f-MRRESPONDENCE : —• Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 193 An Education Scheme 193 The Installation Engraving 194 To Entrlish Freemasons 194 Roval Masonic Ins'itntion for GirU 194
Royal Masonic tnstrtution lor Hoys 194 Provincial Grand Ma'k Lodge of Dorset r 94 Consecration of the Fidelis Lodge , No . I 0 S 9 194 Public Amusements 194 Bro . William Stephens' and Mrs . Stephens' Silver Wedding ... 195 Masonic Notes and Queries 19 S Freemasonry in India i 19 S What Good is Freemasonry ? 196 Masonic and General Tidings 196 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 196 Advertisements i ., ii ., rii ., iv ., v ., vi .
Supreme Grand Chapter.
SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .
The Quarterly Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasons of England was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall . Comps . S . Rawson presided asM . E . Z . ; Capt . Piatt as H . ; J . A . Rucker as J . John Hervey , S . E . ; Erasmus Wilson , S . N . ; Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , P . S . ; Rev . C . W . Arnold , 1 st A . S . ;
J . M . Case , as 2 nd A . S . ; E . S . Snell ; J . Lewis Thomas , Sword Bearer ; Francis Robinson , Rev . C . R . Davy , A . J . Duff Filer , H . J . P . Dumas , Joshua Nunn , Colonel Creaton , Robert Grey , C . A . Murton , James Glaisher , H . Muggeridge , E . J . Barron , H . G . Buss ; James Klench , P . Z . 53 8 ; Reginald Bird , P . Z . 357 ; Matthew Clark , P . Z . 255 ; Joseph Richard Dupere , Z . 72 ; F . Pendcred , II . 33 j
E . Letchworth , P . Z . 1237 ; J . P . Richards , Z . 975 ; Rev . R . P . Bent , J . 4 G 6 ; John Cox , II . 145 ; Henry Horton , N . 189 ; C . F . Hogard , P . Z . 142 ; Wm . Piatt , J . 8 ; J . Austin , Z . 753 ; John Chynovveth , Z . 33 ; Herbert Dicketts , P . Z . 145 ; H . Massey , P . Z . 619 ( Freemason ); W . H . Perryman , H . 1348 ; Henry Venn , H . 22 ; J . J . Berry , Z . 54 ; E . J . * B . Bumstead , P . Z . 79 ; S . W .
Lambert , J . 142 ; H . Crultenden , J . 74 ; T . Cubut , P . Z . 177 ; W . Stephens , P . Z . 862 , 874 ; T . Massa , J . 1296 ; H . Roberts , P . Z . 79 ; W . Dodd , P . Z . 1194 ; S . Mullens , P . Z . 753 ; H . C . Levandrr , Z . 142 ; G . Miller , P . Z . 300 ; J . Messent , Z . 8 ; J . E . Carpenter , P . Z . 1196 ; W . A . Barrett , H . 1537 ! H . Thompson , J . 619 ; and H . Sadler , H . 16 9 , were also present .
The minutes of the last Quarterl y Convocation having been read and confirmed , Comp . Hervey read the regulations for the government of the Supreme Grand Chapter during the time of public business . Comp . Hervey read letters from Comps . Lord De Tabley and Lucia , regretting their inability to attend Grand
Chapter , the former on account of business in Cheshire and the latter from indisposition . The next business being the installation of the Principals , Comp . Hervey said that H . U . H . the Prince of Wales , the Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley having been already installed , they did not require re-installation .
The following companions were then installed as Grand Officers for the current year : — Comp . John Hervey G . Scribe E . „ Ernst Emil Wcndt G . Scribe N . „ Lord Kensington , M . P . ... G . P . S . „ Reginald Bird G . 1 st A . S . „ George Mellor ... ... G . 2 nd A . S . „ Lieut .-Col . John Creaton , „ G . Treas .
„ ^ Tineas J . Mclntyre , Q . C . ... G . Reg . „ Horatio Lloyd ... ... G . Swd . B . „ Matthew Clark G . Std . B . „ Samuel Mullens G . Dir . of Ccrs .
Comp . S . Rawson then rose and said there was one other officer usually installed next , and he was sure it was with very great feelings of regret that they had seen the last of Comp . C . B . Payne , who had for so many years filled that office , which was that of Janitor to Grand Chapter , and Grand Tyler to Grand Lodge . The news of his demise he was
sure must be received with very great grief by every companion present . It was not now for him ( Comp . Rawson ) to appoint Comp . Payne's successor , but thinking that a record of the regret of Grand Chapter should be made at Comp . Payne's death , and the loss which they had all sustained b y his demise , he would propose that the regret ° f Grand Chapter be recorded on the minutes .
The motion was seconded by Comp . Piatt , and carried unanimousl y . Col . Creaton then said that before moving the reception of the report of the Committee of Grand Chapter he had to inform the companions that a mistake had been made in that report , in the insertion of paragraphs 8 and 9 , which * ere to the following effect : — " A letter dated 14 th March last , from Comp . the Hon . Henry Thoby Prinsep , Grand
"Upenntcndent of Bengal , was read , pointing out the very SKat inconveniences which arise from Superintendents not being able to issue provisional chatters pending the applications to Grand Chapter . The Committee being full y satisfied that the complaint is well grounded , beg to recommend that the Supreme Grand Chapter authorise the Most Excellent First Grand Principal to grant powers to such Superintendents as he may think fit to issue dispen
Supreme Grand Chapter.
sations for the meeting of chapters in cases of necessity , pending the application for charters to the Supreme Grand Chapter . " When this letter was read the Committee felt the force of the argument of Comp . Prinsep , and at once , without going into any details , desired to recommend to this Grand Chapter that that which Comp . Prinsep sought should be brought before Grand Chapter and granted , or
at all events proposed . The report was printed and . circulated before the Committee discovered that in 1 S 75 those powers were given to the Grand Z . Therefore those two paragraphs in the report would fall to the ground , and he might state that Comp . Sandeman , who took a great deal of interest in the revision of the laws , consulted with the
other companions with whom he was in connection on the Committee , and supported that law which gave what Comp . Prinsep asked for . As the Superintendents had the wished-for power already , the two paragraphs would fall to the ground . He would , therefore , move that , with the exception of those two paragraphs , the report be taken as read .
Comp . James Lewis Thomas seconded the motion , which was put and carried , and on the motion of Col . Creaton , seconded by Comp . James Lewis Thomas , was received and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Col . Creaton moved , and Comp . James Lewis Thomas seconded , the granting charters for the following chapters , for which petitions had been received : —
1 st . FronVComps . James Meacham Batham , as Z . ; Henry Chailes Adolphus Wandram , as H . ; Frederick Irving de Lisle , as J . ; and twelve others for a chapter to be attached to the Victoria Lodge , No . 1577 , Napier , to be called the Victoria Chapter , and to meet at Napier , Wellington , North Island , New Zealand . 2 nd . From Comps . Charles Thomas Pearcc , as Z . ; John
Peter , as H . ; John Kempthorne , as J . ; and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Loyal Victoria Lodge , No . 557 , Callinyton , to be called the Valletort Chapter , and to meet at the Masonic Hall , Callington , in the count ) of Cornwall . 3 rd . From Comps . Edward John Bradshaw Bumstead , as Z . ; John Franks Chittenden , as H . ; William Youldon ,
as J . ; and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Wellington Lodge , N « . 548 , Deptford , to be called the Wellington Chapter , and to meet at the White Swan Hotel , Deptford , in the county of Kent . 4 th . From Comps . Henry Thomas Wood , as Z . ; Charles Chester Cheston , as H . ; Peter Lund Simmonds , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Marquis of
Dalhousie Lodge , No . 1159 , 10 be called the Marquis of Dalhousie Chapter , and to meet at No . 33 , Golden-square , London . 5 th . From Comps . William Henry Lee , as Z . ; George William Frederick Neville Green , "as H . ; Thomas Charles Chapman , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Duke of Connaught Lodge , No . 1524 , Dalston , to be
called the Duke of Connaught Chapter , and to meet at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , in the City of London . Colonel Creaton said the Committee have also received a petition from Comps . William Alexander Barrett , as Z . j Charles Goolden , as H . ; Wilhelm Ganz , as J . ; and six others for a chapter to be attached to the Orpheus Lodge , No . 1706 , to be called the Orpheus Chapter , and to meet
at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , Loriilon . This petition is regular in form , but as the lodge has not yet been in existence for two years , the Committee , bearing their resolution in mind that three years should elapse before a charter to be attached to a lodge be granted , except in very exceptionable cises , cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be yet complied with .
Comp . Barrett said he should like to explain what he and the other companions , as signatories of the petition , and members of the Orpheus Lodge , considered to be exceptional circumstances in making their petition for this new chapter . It was true their lodge was not quite two years old , but they had eighty-five subscribing members , and among that eighty-five they had twenty Past Masters ,
so that there was no possibility of a failure of succession to the Three Chairs ; and they had a great number of brethren who were anxious to be exalted in that which they were taught to believe was the perfection of the Master Mason ' s Degree . For that reason it was that they had thought that theirs was an exceptional case , and he , therefore , before the recommendation of the Committee was
granted , appealed to Grand Chapter to allow the matter to be reconsidered and the petition granted . He , therefore , moved the granting of the petition . After a pause , Comp . Herbert Dicketts thought it was only fair to Comp . Barrett , who had stated his case fairly , that Grand Chapter should have the opportunity of recording their
opinion upon it , and it was with that view he would second the motion . Comp . E . J . Barron said there was nothing to distinguish this case from those cases which Grand Chapter had had before it on many previous orcasions . In fact , at the last meeting but one , they had even a stronger case in its exceptional incidents than that which Comp . Barrett had
just put before them , and the arguments there would equally apply to the present case . Many Past Masters and o ; hers would have to wait another year or two was all that could be said ; but if Grand Chapter laid down a rule , such as they had , it ought not on every occasion of some small trifling inconsiderable advantage to an individual member be set aside . If Grand Chapter did that it might just as well have no rule at all . As a supporter of the rules
of Grand Chapter he felt bound to speak against the proposition . Comp . E . S . Snell said there was the case of a theatrical lodge which met in the daytime , because its members could not meet in the evening , where the charter for a chapter was refused . Those circumstances were very exceptional , and he could not think that , Having refused that charter , they ought to grant it to others .
Supreme Grand Chapter.
Bro . James Glaisher said the rule had been laid down as an absolute rule , and followed implicitly . Occasionally reasons for breaking the rule bad been brought before the companions , but it was a difficult thing to break through a rule on some occasions , and cling to it on others . On the occasion of a lodge applying for a chapter , when the members of the lodge were travellers , he was in a
minority when he voted against it on the same principles as those enunciated by Comp . Barron . He should like it to be now settled for ever that no lodge could have a charter granted for a chapter unless the lodge had been three years in existence . The rule had been broken through , but he should like it not to be broken through in future . Comp . James Lewis Thomas thought each case should
be taken on its own merits , and no hard and fast line , such as that enunciated by Comp . Glaisher , laid down by Grand Chapter . The Committee of Grand Chapter most earnestly desired to look on every case in a fair and equitable way , and they had looked on this case as they had on others , and , therefore , they did not recommend Grand Chapter to grant a charter . If the Grand Chapter
Committee could have seen any exceptional circumstances in this case that they could have brought before Grand Chapter they would have done so , and as they had not discovered any such circumstances , he should certainly vote against the amendment . Comp . A . J . Duff Filer hoped Comp . Barrett would not for one moment consider that the Committee would not
recommend this petition to Grand Chapter for any ulterior object , or any reason than that of the rule laid down for Grand Chapter to follow . They had refrained from giving an opinion upon it , except that they could not recommend it , but they left in the hands of Grand Chapter , feeling
that they could not decide it themselves . If these rules laid down were not abided by , Grand Chapter might be considered as ignoring them altogether . Comp . S . Rawson said the companions had the motion before them . He would like , however , to draw attention to one or two of the remarks that had been made as to
the rule being a positive rule . It was not a rule of Grand Chapter at all ; it was merely a rule made by the Committee for the good of Royal Arch Masonry . Where Grand Chapter saw it was needful , or saw . the case was so exceptional that they could admit of a depatture from that regulation ( not a rule ) , Grand Chapter had power to do it , which they would not if there was a positive rule laid
down . He had heard a little about this case , and he thought it an exceptional case , and one fit to be considered by Grand Chapter . The proposed chapter was to be attached to a lodge which fiom its very name showed that music was one great feature . He believed the chapter was to be carried out on the same rules and regulations , and with the same ideas ; and therefore he thought when the
brethren applied for a chapter , when they had twenty Past Masters in it , and several Past Principals , they would be able to carry it on without pushing forward brethren not duly competent . He thi . ught this an exceptional case ; but it was only his private opinion , and he rose only to inform Grand Chapter that the rule referred to was not a rule of the Order , but merely a resedution passed by the
Committee of Grand Chapter some years ago , which it was always open to Grand Chapter not to abide by . Comp . Joshua Nunn begged to be allowed to ask a question . It was stated that at least twenty members'of the lodge were Past Masters , Were the whole of the twenty Royal Arch companions ? He was only asking this because he thought in putting the question of this
petition to Grand Chapter the companions ought to know the full extent of the question put before them , and whether there was really any matter given which would require additional consideration . If the twenty Past Masters were members of this Grand Chapter it would certainly make a very great difference . Comp . J . March Case would also like to ask how long
the lodge had been in existence . Comp . Joshua Nunn said a year and a half . Comp . H . G . Buss said since June , 1877 . Comp . Barrett , replying to Comp . Joshua Nunn , said that among the twenty Past Masters of the lodge five were honorary members , who were members of Grand Chapter anil present Grand Officers ; eight of the remaining fifteen were Royal Arch Masons . He thought that was quite
sufficient to show there were enough to carry on the chapter , because there were sufficient companions ready to go on and take the chairs even though they were not Past Principals . In the lodge they had Past Principals , including honorary members , nine or ten ; he was not quite certain which . Comp . S . Rawson then put the motion in favour of granting the chatter , when there appeared ten votes for it and twenty-four against it . The charter was , therefore ,
refused . Comp . Col . Creaton : The Committee beg further to slate that on the rst Nov ., 1 S 76 , a charter was granted to be attached to the Fitzalan Lodge , Nn . 1432 , Oswestry , which has not been taken up , and from information they had received they had reason to conclude that it never will be ' taken up . Under these circumstances the Committee
recommend that the charter be cancelled . Comp . Joshua Nunn seconded the recommendation , which was then put as a motion , and carried unanimously . The Committee of General Purposes for the year ensuing was nominated as follows : Comp . H . C . Levander , Z . 742 ; nominated by Comp .
Hogard . Comp . W . Stephens , P . Z . 8 G 2 j nominated by Comp . Thos . Cubitt . Comp . James Lewis Thomas , P . Z . 13 ; nominated by Comp , Col . Creaton . Comp . C . F . Hogard , P . Z . 141 ; nominated by Comp . Peter de Lande Long . Comp . Messent , P . Z . 8 ; nominated by Comp . Mullens ,