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  • May 12, 1877
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  • CONSECRATION OF THE CHAPTER OF FELICITY, No. 58.
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Original Correspondence.

Association , in their report , rendered at a public meeting held in July last , were enabled to point to many and very decided proofs of the prevalence of a more enlightened opinion among the supporters of Voting Charities , showing that they were beginning to recognise the evils which had grown up around the present mode of admission to the benefits of these institutions .

Recent changes in the direction recommended by tht Committee were cited in proof of tangible progress in no less than ten metropolitan charities , and the cordial support of a considerable number of subscribers to the Voting Charities was attested by the fact that upwards of 4 000 members have joined this association—nearly all being subscribers to such institutions—no less than 1200 having

added their names duringf the preceding year . The Committee further had the satisfaction of seeing their exer . tions emphatically approved , on public occasions , by many of the most enlightened men of the day ; notably by Mr . Gladstone at the Mansion House ; Lord Wharncliffe at the annual meeting of the Albert Asylum for Idiots and Imbeciles at Lancaster : by Lord Aberdare at

the last public meeting of the association ; by letter from Lord Overstone , Lord Shaftesbury , Sir Sydney Waterlow , the Bishops of London and Peterborough , the Dean of Westminster , Miss Florence Nightingale , and a large number of distinguished persons well known for their philanthropic labours . These have , one and all , borne the same undeviating testimony in favour of the efforts of

this association , and atrainst the evils of the voting system . The main object of the association is to abolish the great abuses which have gradually overgrown the voting system , such as—The absence of comparative selection ; Trafficking in votes ; Canvassing by applicants , either personally , or by card

or circular ; Public polling days . The Committee venture to offer the following suggestions , as calculated to correct existing evils arising from admission to charities by the votes of the whole body of subscribers : — 1 st . Thc circumstances of the candidates recommended

by the subenbers should be investigated by the Committee , both as to their positive eligibility and relative urgency , special reference being had to the consideration whether the candidates have claims for support on friends or relatives prior to those upon public charity . 2 nd . Those candidates who are proved by investigation

to be eligible should be arranged according to the strength and urgency of their claims , such moderate number only being included in the list as would be likely to be elected within a reasonable time . 3 rd . Lists so prepared should be sent to the subscribers , and be returned by them to the Committee , with marks againt thc n-imrs of thc candidates for whom they

vote . The lists should then be handed to the scrutineers , and the result should be made known by public advertisement ; thus abolishing public polling days . 4 th . Trafficking in votes , and the use of canvassing cards and circulars , should be prohibited under pain of forfeiture of the candidate ' s claim .

It is fuither suggested that committees of charitable institutions should intimate on their voting papers that subscribers who have no means of ascertaining the comparative merits of the candidates , or who , for any other reason , decline to exercise their privilege of voting , should sign and send their proxies to the committees to be distributed amongst the poorest and most deserving .

One important function of the association , already employed with success , is to prevent , in the case cf new charities , the introduction of thc present system of election , or at least of its admitted abuses . And the Committee may here mention that " the managing boJy of the Rai - way Servants Orphanage having unreservedly adopted the suggestions of the Charity Voting Reform Association ,

have reported that their first election was carried on with perfect satisfaction to their subscribers , and without a penny of expense to any applicant . " To release hundreds of poor toiling widows and ether applicants from cruel and unnecessary labour in canvassing , as well as from heavy and useless expenditure of time and money ; to spare poor maimed and crippled in .

valids a weary and painful hunt for hospital and other letters * , to discourage that systematic and shameless habit of begging , which is the fruitful source ( f pauperism , begging-letter writing , ancl imposture ; to cover rather than coarsely expose the domestic woes and wants of our less fortunate neighbours by not compelling them to parage their sorrows in thousands of printed cards and circulars ;

to try and ensure a measure of attention and justice to the candidates and their comparative claims , rather than to foster a desire to " oblige friends" or gamble in votes ; in fine , to help the most helpless and befriend the most friendless , are objects worth earnestly contending for , even against the most formidable opposition ; objects which , in the opinion of the association , appeal not merely to the

sense of justice and fair play of Englishmen , but to the hearts and the tent ' erest sympathies of a Christian and humane people . That the Committee arc justified in thus speaking of the work of the association is well expressed in the words of one of the Vice-Presidents , a most munificent subscriber to all the great charities , and formerly a large and

influential employer of labour . He writes : — " If my poor name will be of any use as a Vice-President to your very valuable society , pray use it , for I firmly believe when you succeed , as I hope you will , you will moie benefit the impoverished , respectable , suffering classes , than any of the societie-s I have the privilege of supporting . " Their conviction remains unshaken as to the great hardship , injustice , and waste of money which are perpetually

Original Correspondence.

recurring owing to a faulty system of election . In the words of Mr . Gladstone , at the Mansion House , theyemphatically claim to " belong to that section of the community who believe that the system of election for charities , with the expensive operations it entails , is a most ingeniously constructed machine for intercepting on its way to

other benevolent ends a large portion of the alms of the community . " Let me add that there are few , if any , associations ( except Masonry itself ) , that can point to men of such varied opinions in politics and religion banded together for a common object .

In addition to those named in an extract already quoted I may mention as members and Vice-Presidents the Dukes of Northumberland and Westminster , Lord Derby and the Marquis of Salisbury , Lord Shaftesbury and Lord Grey , Earl Percy and Lord Ebury , Lord Overstone and Mr . Plimsoll , Sir Charles Trevelyan and Lord Chelmsford , Mr . W .

H . Smith and Mr . Pease , Lord Lichfield and Canon Miller , Sir Rutherford Alcock and Bro . Thomas Brassey , M . P ., and a host of others , including Lord Justice James , Mr . Russell Gurney , Recorder of London , Bishops of London , Winchester , anu Manchester , & c . You have , dear sir and brother , ably contended that Freemasonry is not a mere

benefit society , and that its three great charities ought not to be based on this idea , and this is in perfect keeping with the spirit of Masonry and of the expressed prefession we make on entering thc Order . It is obvious that the principles and practice I now advocate set in strongly in the

same direction , and may I hope commend themselves favourably to you and to a large majority of our brethren . I am , dear Sir and Brother , fraternally yours , R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C . 14 a , Clement ' s Inn .

MASONIC HISTORY . Dear Bro . Kenning , I have seen in your last Freemason an address of our worthy Bro . Rogers , Acting D . P . G . M . in Devonshire , which , in these critical times , appears to e ' emand a few queries from one who , like myself , have been for some

years carefully verifying all the facts of our Masonic history . I confine myself , however , to-day to three queries , which , I trust , our good brother will kindly answer . 1 . Bro . Rogers sb-. tcs , that in 1610 and 1625 " Freemasonry was denounced hy thc Roman Catholics especially . " But I know r f no earlier Roman Catholic

attack than tbe Bull of Clement , 1738 . Where , then , did this condemnation take place ? 2 . Bro . Rogers states , that " among the Persians Alexander the Great discovered books which took it , ( Freemasonry ) , back to ages long before even paper-making was invented—some 3000 years ago . " To what transaction does Bro . Rogers allude S

3 . Bro . Rogers states , " they also found allusions to Freemasonry in the Book of Exodus , as well as in other sacred writings of the Bible . " What are these ? Now , I ask these questions in no captious spirit . I agree with Bro . Rogers' exposition of thc historical lines of Masonry ,

but think it is always better to keep to strict and indubitable facts . Perhaps our worthy brother can give us the authorities for these statements ol his , which must have much interest for Masonic students ? Yours truly , MASONIC STUDENT .

A QUERY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — A P . M . jewel has engraved upon it the 47 th proposition , ist Book Euclid's . ilements . Kindly tell me

what is the connection this proposition has with Masonry ? The brethren here cannot ei . lighten me . I am a young M . M ., therefore pray excuse my ignorance and the trouble 1 give you . Yours fraternally , J . W . MAYER .

A CORRECTION . 7 b the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — * In your account of tbe Grand Officers in your impression of last week , I observe that you describe Prince

Leopold as W . M . of the Westminster and Keystone Lodge , No . 10 . This is a mistake , as Bro . Reginald James Mure is the W . M . Prince Leopold is a member of the lodge , but at present holds no office in it . Yours fraternally , OCTAVIUS HENRY PEARSON , I . P . M . 10 .

Reviews.

Reviews .

LA CHAINE D'UNION . The May number of this interesting periodical , most ably edited by Bro . Hubert , is before us , and we venture to commend it to the attention of all who are anxious to know anything about French Freemasonry . The number

for May is full of a * ast deal of information , quite new to English brethren , and though we do not pretend to say that all French Masonic intelligence will commend itself to our English Craft , yet we can say this , that the Chaine D'Union deserves the perusal of all who can read and understand French .

Three memorial windows , by Messrs . Ward and Hughes , have been placed in the chancel of the Church of Te-versal , Notts , in memory of the late Henrietta Anna , Countess of Carnarvon , by her tenantry and other friends , to record their gratitude for her unwearied beneficence and reverence for her Christian character .

Consecration Of The Chapter Of Felicity, No. 58.

CONSECRATION OF THE CHAPTER OF FELICITY , No . 58 .

On Friday , the 27 th ult ., the Chapter of Felicity , No 58 , was consecrated by Bro . Dr . Hamilton , Grand Super , intendent of Jamaica , at the City Masonic Club , ioi Queen Victoria-street . He was assisted by Comp . John Boyd and Comp . Hyde Pullen as H . and J ., and by Comp .

H . G . Buss as D . C . The other com panions present were Comps . A . R . Marten , F . S . Knyvett , W . Smithett , O H . Colvin , C . E . Smith , W . S . Crump , Fred W . Smith , Thos . Reynolds , jun ., James Ford , Capt . N . G . Philips , G . S . N . ; Alex . Cameron , P . Z . 180 ; J . Reed , P . Z . 160 ; A J . R . Trendell , P . S . 10 ; Edw . B . Grabham , 9 ; G . T Carter , 27 ; John Large , H . Massey , 619 ( Freemason ) ; W

Pink , 180 ; A . Tisley , 1 * 19 ; Fred . H . Cozens , Org . 1216 ; John Hervey , G . S . E . ; John A . Rucker , P . G . P . S ; Lovell Keys , 49 . After the chapter had been opened , the introductory portion of the ceremony performed , Comp . Hyde Pullen delivered an oration , and the ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with . Comps .

Theodore Distin , G . T . Carter , Fred H . Cozens , and J . Large performing the musical portion . When the chapter had been duly constituted , Comp . Arthur R . Marten was installed M . E . Z ., Comp . F . Sumner Knyvett , H ., and Comp . William Smithett J . Comp . O . H . Colvin was elected and invested as Treasurer , Comp . Charles E . Smith S . E ., and Comp . Radford , Janitor . The whole of

the ceremony was most fluently and impressively performed , and when the ceremonies were over Comp . Knyvett proposed that Comps . Hyde Pullen , John Hervey , S . E ., Capt . N . G . Philips , H . G . Buss , and J . A . Rucker be elected honorary members of the chapter . The motion was seconded by the M . E . Z ., who said that all the companions were much indebted to those companions for

having so kindly given up a great deal of time and shown so vast an amount of ability in assisting in consecrating the chapter . It was a very small return to make to them to elect them honorary members of the chapter , and the members of the chapter wished them every happines , and hoped that as often as they could use their privilege and come to visit them they would do so . The

motion having been carried unanimously , a vote of thanks was passed to Dr . Hamilton for performing the ceremony of consecration with such distinguished ability . Dr . Hamilton , in acknowledging the compliment , said tbat it was a labour of love to him to perfotm such a work , and he was very much pleased that his efforts had given satisfaction , though he felt he had not been in his

usual training . Comps . Hyde Pullen , Boyd , Buss , and Hervey also acknowledged thc vote . Comp . Knyvett then proposed , and Comp . Smithett seconded , the names of nine brethren as exaltces at the nrxt convocation cf thc chapter . One joining companion was proposed , and the chapter was afterwards closed .

Before adjourning to the banquet , the companions were shown a handsome present made to the chapter by Comp , Surroughes , which consisted of a handsome walnut-wood case containing three dozen firing-glasses , elegantly engraved . The banquet was then partaken of . It was of a rechcrcre description , and was provided by Ccmp . G . S , States , the manager of the club .

When the banquet was disposed of , the M . E . Z . proposed the customary R . A . toasts . After disposing of that of " The Queen , " and "The Grand Z ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " he proposed " The Heakh c . f the Pro Grand Z ., tie Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , H . ; and Lord De Tabley , J . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers . " Lord Skelmersdale , who had been invited to attend , had

written 10 say that he had every evening fully engaged up to the end of June , and he exceedingly regretted he could not be among the companions . Many of these evenings would be spent in the service of Masonry , and the companions fully appreciated how hard the nobie companion ' s work was as a Grand Officer . TheothcrGrandOfiicersalso did their very utmost to promote the good of Freemasonry .

Some of them were present , and among them was Grand Scribe E ., whom it was no small pleasure to the companions to see among them . He was a very old visitor at the Lodge of Felicity , and he was present there when he ( the M . E . Z . ) was initiated in Freemasonry . So often

was he a visitor there , that any of their meetings without him were incomplete . Comp . Hervey , in reply , said the M . E . Z . in proposing the toast had done so , much too kindly and favourably , as far as he ( Comp . Heivej ) was concerned . He did not remember that he

was present in Lodgeof Felicity when the M . E . Z . was initiated ; but such was the case with many brethren—they forgot things which had passed but a very short time a £ 0 i and yet recollected things which had occurred many years ago . The M . E . Z . had run his course thus far very rap idly , and they found him now at the head of a new chaptc'i which he hoped was destined to play an important part

in the Masonic body of thc country . He would not taJc ' out of the hands of Comp . Dr . Hamilton what he would say at a later period of the evening , but would content himself with thanking the M . E . Z . and the companions Cot the toast , tie Celt also that he ought to thank th ' chapter for having so kindly elected him an hon . mernbef " He was taken quite by surprise that such a proposition was made , because he had done nothing to deserve > ' to

As far as he was concerned he felt that he had simp ly look on and admire the manner in which the ceremony was performed , and all must confess that it was admirably performed . He had no claim and no expectation to W among the honorary members ; but as they had done him the honour to make him one , he had nothing to do but to accept Ihe compliment , and to thank the companions f " it . Thc peculiar honour , though most gratifying , w » quite undeserved . For the rest of the Grand Officers n

“The Freemason: 1877-05-12, Page 10” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 20 May 2022, masonicperiodicals.org/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_12051877/page/10/.
  • List
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Title Category Page
CONTENTS. Article 1
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 1
Mark Masonry. Article 2
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND. Article 3
FREEMASONRY IN SUSSEX. Article 3
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Article 3
"OUR BOYS." Article 4
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRI.S. Article 5
GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND. Article 7
Untitled Ad 8
Untitled Article 8
Untitled Article 8
TO OUR READERS. Article 8
Answers to Correspondents. Article 8
Births ,Marriages and Deaths. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
THE MOVEMENTS OF OUR ROYAL GRAND MASTER. Article 8
FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Article 8
THE STRUGGLE IN FRANCE. Article 8
PEACE. Article 8
BRO. HARTY'S ENGRAVING OF THE INSTALLATION OF OUR R OYAL GRAND MASTER, Article 9
Original Correspondence. Article 9
Reviews. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE CHAPTER OF FELICITY, No. 58. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE OF MARK MAS-MRS. Article 11
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 11
Obituary. Article 11
' A FEAST OF UNREASON. Article 12
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 12
FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Article 12
METROPOLITAN MA.SONIC MEETINGS. Article 12
MASONIC MEETINGS IN WEST LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. Article 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 13
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Original Correspondence.

Association , in their report , rendered at a public meeting held in July last , were enabled to point to many and very decided proofs of the prevalence of a more enlightened opinion among the supporters of Voting Charities , showing that they were beginning to recognise the evils which had grown up around the present mode of admission to the benefits of these institutions .

Recent changes in the direction recommended by tht Committee were cited in proof of tangible progress in no less than ten metropolitan charities , and the cordial support of a considerable number of subscribers to the Voting Charities was attested by the fact that upwards of 4 000 members have joined this association—nearly all being subscribers to such institutions—no less than 1200 having

added their names duringf the preceding year . The Committee further had the satisfaction of seeing their exer . tions emphatically approved , on public occasions , by many of the most enlightened men of the day ; notably by Mr . Gladstone at the Mansion House ; Lord Wharncliffe at the annual meeting of the Albert Asylum for Idiots and Imbeciles at Lancaster : by Lord Aberdare at

the last public meeting of the association ; by letter from Lord Overstone , Lord Shaftesbury , Sir Sydney Waterlow , the Bishops of London and Peterborough , the Dean of Westminster , Miss Florence Nightingale , and a large number of distinguished persons well known for their philanthropic labours . These have , one and all , borne the same undeviating testimony in favour of the efforts of

this association , and atrainst the evils of the voting system . The main object of the association is to abolish the great abuses which have gradually overgrown the voting system , such as—The absence of comparative selection ; Trafficking in votes ; Canvassing by applicants , either personally , or by card

or circular ; Public polling days . The Committee venture to offer the following suggestions , as calculated to correct existing evils arising from admission to charities by the votes of the whole body of subscribers : — 1 st . Thc circumstances of the candidates recommended

by the subenbers should be investigated by the Committee , both as to their positive eligibility and relative urgency , special reference being had to the consideration whether the candidates have claims for support on friends or relatives prior to those upon public charity . 2 nd . Those candidates who are proved by investigation

to be eligible should be arranged according to the strength and urgency of their claims , such moderate number only being included in the list as would be likely to be elected within a reasonable time . 3 rd . Lists so prepared should be sent to the subscribers , and be returned by them to the Committee , with marks againt thc n-imrs of thc candidates for whom they

vote . The lists should then be handed to the scrutineers , and the result should be made known by public advertisement ; thus abolishing public polling days . 4 th . Trafficking in votes , and the use of canvassing cards and circulars , should be prohibited under pain of forfeiture of the candidate ' s claim .

It is fuither suggested that committees of charitable institutions should intimate on their voting papers that subscribers who have no means of ascertaining the comparative merits of the candidates , or who , for any other reason , decline to exercise their privilege of voting , should sign and send their proxies to the committees to be distributed amongst the poorest and most deserving .

One important function of the association , already employed with success , is to prevent , in the case cf new charities , the introduction of thc present system of election , or at least of its admitted abuses . And the Committee may here mention that " the managing boJy of the Rai - way Servants Orphanage having unreservedly adopted the suggestions of the Charity Voting Reform Association ,

have reported that their first election was carried on with perfect satisfaction to their subscribers , and without a penny of expense to any applicant . " To release hundreds of poor toiling widows and ether applicants from cruel and unnecessary labour in canvassing , as well as from heavy and useless expenditure of time and money ; to spare poor maimed and crippled in .

valids a weary and painful hunt for hospital and other letters * , to discourage that systematic and shameless habit of begging , which is the fruitful source ( f pauperism , begging-letter writing , ancl imposture ; to cover rather than coarsely expose the domestic woes and wants of our less fortunate neighbours by not compelling them to parage their sorrows in thousands of printed cards and circulars ;

to try and ensure a measure of attention and justice to the candidates and their comparative claims , rather than to foster a desire to " oblige friends" or gamble in votes ; in fine , to help the most helpless and befriend the most friendless , are objects worth earnestly contending for , even against the most formidable opposition ; objects which , in the opinion of the association , appeal not merely to the

sense of justice and fair play of Englishmen , but to the hearts and the tent ' erest sympathies of a Christian and humane people . That the Committee arc justified in thus speaking of the work of the association is well expressed in the words of one of the Vice-Presidents , a most munificent subscriber to all the great charities , and formerly a large and

influential employer of labour . He writes : — " If my poor name will be of any use as a Vice-President to your very valuable society , pray use it , for I firmly believe when you succeed , as I hope you will , you will moie benefit the impoverished , respectable , suffering classes , than any of the societie-s I have the privilege of supporting . " Their conviction remains unshaken as to the great hardship , injustice , and waste of money which are perpetually

Original Correspondence.

recurring owing to a faulty system of election . In the words of Mr . Gladstone , at the Mansion House , theyemphatically claim to " belong to that section of the community who believe that the system of election for charities , with the expensive operations it entails , is a most ingeniously constructed machine for intercepting on its way to

other benevolent ends a large portion of the alms of the community . " Let me add that there are few , if any , associations ( except Masonry itself ) , that can point to men of such varied opinions in politics and religion banded together for a common object .

In addition to those named in an extract already quoted I may mention as members and Vice-Presidents the Dukes of Northumberland and Westminster , Lord Derby and the Marquis of Salisbury , Lord Shaftesbury and Lord Grey , Earl Percy and Lord Ebury , Lord Overstone and Mr . Plimsoll , Sir Charles Trevelyan and Lord Chelmsford , Mr . W .

H . Smith and Mr . Pease , Lord Lichfield and Canon Miller , Sir Rutherford Alcock and Bro . Thomas Brassey , M . P ., and a host of others , including Lord Justice James , Mr . Russell Gurney , Recorder of London , Bishops of London , Winchester , anu Manchester , & c . You have , dear sir and brother , ably contended that Freemasonry is not a mere

benefit society , and that its three great charities ought not to be based on this idea , and this is in perfect keeping with the spirit of Masonry and of the expressed prefession we make on entering thc Order . It is obvious that the principles and practice I now advocate set in strongly in the

same direction , and may I hope commend themselves favourably to you and to a large majority of our brethren . I am , dear Sir and Brother , fraternally yours , R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C . 14 a , Clement ' s Inn .

MASONIC HISTORY . Dear Bro . Kenning , I have seen in your last Freemason an address of our worthy Bro . Rogers , Acting D . P . G . M . in Devonshire , which , in these critical times , appears to e ' emand a few queries from one who , like myself , have been for some

years carefully verifying all the facts of our Masonic history . I confine myself , however , to-day to three queries , which , I trust , our good brother will kindly answer . 1 . Bro . Rogers sb-. tcs , that in 1610 and 1625 " Freemasonry was denounced hy thc Roman Catholics especially . " But I know r f no earlier Roman Catholic

attack than tbe Bull of Clement , 1738 . Where , then , did this condemnation take place ? 2 . Bro . Rogers states , that " among the Persians Alexander the Great discovered books which took it , ( Freemasonry ) , back to ages long before even paper-making was invented—some 3000 years ago . " To what transaction does Bro . Rogers allude S

3 . Bro . Rogers states , " they also found allusions to Freemasonry in the Book of Exodus , as well as in other sacred writings of the Bible . " What are these ? Now , I ask these questions in no captious spirit . I agree with Bro . Rogers' exposition of thc historical lines of Masonry ,

but think it is always better to keep to strict and indubitable facts . Perhaps our worthy brother can give us the authorities for these statements ol his , which must have much interest for Masonic students ? Yours truly , MASONIC STUDENT .

A QUERY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — A P . M . jewel has engraved upon it the 47 th proposition , ist Book Euclid's . ilements . Kindly tell me

what is the connection this proposition has with Masonry ? The brethren here cannot ei . lighten me . I am a young M . M ., therefore pray excuse my ignorance and the trouble 1 give you . Yours fraternally , J . W . MAYER .

A CORRECTION . 7 b the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — * In your account of tbe Grand Officers in your impression of last week , I observe that you describe Prince

Leopold as W . M . of the Westminster and Keystone Lodge , No . 10 . This is a mistake , as Bro . Reginald James Mure is the W . M . Prince Leopold is a member of the lodge , but at present holds no office in it . Yours fraternally , OCTAVIUS HENRY PEARSON , I . P . M . 10 .

Reviews.

Reviews .

LA CHAINE D'UNION . The May number of this interesting periodical , most ably edited by Bro . Hubert , is before us , and we venture to commend it to the attention of all who are anxious to know anything about French Freemasonry . The number

for May is full of a * ast deal of information , quite new to English brethren , and though we do not pretend to say that all French Masonic intelligence will commend itself to our English Craft , yet we can say this , that the Chaine D'Union deserves the perusal of all who can read and understand French .

Three memorial windows , by Messrs . Ward and Hughes , have been placed in the chancel of the Church of Te-versal , Notts , in memory of the late Henrietta Anna , Countess of Carnarvon , by her tenantry and other friends , to record their gratitude for her unwearied beneficence and reverence for her Christian character .

Consecration Of The Chapter Of Felicity, No. 58.

CONSECRATION OF THE CHAPTER OF FELICITY , No . 58 .

On Friday , the 27 th ult ., the Chapter of Felicity , No 58 , was consecrated by Bro . Dr . Hamilton , Grand Super , intendent of Jamaica , at the City Masonic Club , ioi Queen Victoria-street . He was assisted by Comp . John Boyd and Comp . Hyde Pullen as H . and J ., and by Comp .

H . G . Buss as D . C . The other com panions present were Comps . A . R . Marten , F . S . Knyvett , W . Smithett , O H . Colvin , C . E . Smith , W . S . Crump , Fred W . Smith , Thos . Reynolds , jun ., James Ford , Capt . N . G . Philips , G . S . N . ; Alex . Cameron , P . Z . 180 ; J . Reed , P . Z . 160 ; A J . R . Trendell , P . S . 10 ; Edw . B . Grabham , 9 ; G . T Carter , 27 ; John Large , H . Massey , 619 ( Freemason ) ; W

Pink , 180 ; A . Tisley , 1 * 19 ; Fred . H . Cozens , Org . 1216 ; John Hervey , G . S . E . ; John A . Rucker , P . G . P . S ; Lovell Keys , 49 . After the chapter had been opened , the introductory portion of the ceremony performed , Comp . Hyde Pullen delivered an oration , and the ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with . Comps .

Theodore Distin , G . T . Carter , Fred H . Cozens , and J . Large performing the musical portion . When the chapter had been duly constituted , Comp . Arthur R . Marten was installed M . E . Z ., Comp . F . Sumner Knyvett , H ., and Comp . William Smithett J . Comp . O . H . Colvin was elected and invested as Treasurer , Comp . Charles E . Smith S . E ., and Comp . Radford , Janitor . The whole of

the ceremony was most fluently and impressively performed , and when the ceremonies were over Comp . Knyvett proposed that Comps . Hyde Pullen , John Hervey , S . E ., Capt . N . G . Philips , H . G . Buss , and J . A . Rucker be elected honorary members of the chapter . The motion was seconded by the M . E . Z ., who said that all the companions were much indebted to those companions for

having so kindly given up a great deal of time and shown so vast an amount of ability in assisting in consecrating the chapter . It was a very small return to make to them to elect them honorary members of the chapter , and the members of the chapter wished them every happines , and hoped that as often as they could use their privilege and come to visit them they would do so . The

motion having been carried unanimously , a vote of thanks was passed to Dr . Hamilton for performing the ceremony of consecration with such distinguished ability . Dr . Hamilton , in acknowledging the compliment , said tbat it was a labour of love to him to perfotm such a work , and he was very much pleased that his efforts had given satisfaction , though he felt he had not been in his

usual training . Comps . Hyde Pullen , Boyd , Buss , and Hervey also acknowledged thc vote . Comp . Knyvett then proposed , and Comp . Smithett seconded , the names of nine brethren as exaltces at the nrxt convocation cf thc chapter . One joining companion was proposed , and the chapter was afterwards closed .

Before adjourning to the banquet , the companions were shown a handsome present made to the chapter by Comp , Surroughes , which consisted of a handsome walnut-wood case containing three dozen firing-glasses , elegantly engraved . The banquet was then partaken of . It was of a rechcrcre description , and was provided by Ccmp . G . S , States , the manager of the club .

When the banquet was disposed of , the M . E . Z . proposed the customary R . A . toasts . After disposing of that of " The Queen , " and "The Grand Z ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " he proposed " The Heakh c . f the Pro Grand Z ., tie Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , H . ; and Lord De Tabley , J . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers . " Lord Skelmersdale , who had been invited to attend , had

written 10 say that he had every evening fully engaged up to the end of June , and he exceedingly regretted he could not be among the companions . Many of these evenings would be spent in the service of Masonry , and the companions fully appreciated how hard the nobie companion ' s work was as a Grand Officer . TheothcrGrandOfiicersalso did their very utmost to promote the good of Freemasonry .

Some of them were present , and among them was Grand Scribe E ., whom it was no small pleasure to the companions to see among them . He was a very old visitor at the Lodge of Felicity , and he was present there when he ( the M . E . Z . ) was initiated in Freemasonry . So often

was he a visitor there , that any of their meetings without him were incomplete . Comp . Hervey , in reply , said the M . E . Z . in proposing the toast had done so , much too kindly and favourably , as far as he ( Comp . Heivej ) was concerned . He did not remember that he

was present in Lodgeof Felicity when the M . E . Z . was initiated ; but such was the case with many brethren—they forgot things which had passed but a very short time a £ 0 i and yet recollected things which had occurred many years ago . The M . E . Z . had run his course thus far very rap idly , and they found him now at the head of a new chaptc'i which he hoped was destined to play an important part

in the Masonic body of thc country . He would not taJc ' out of the hands of Comp . Dr . Hamilton what he would say at a later period of the evening , but would content himself with thanking the M . E . Z . and the companions Cot the toast , tie Celt also that he ought to thank th ' chapter for having so kindly elected him an hon . mernbef " He was taken quite by surprise that such a proposition was made , because he had done nothing to deserve > ' to

As far as he was concerned he felt that he had simp ly look on and admire the manner in which the ceremony was performed , and all must confess that it was admirably performed . He had no claim and no expectation to W among the honorary members ; but as they had done him the honour to make him one , he had nothing to do but to accept Ihe compliment , and to thank the companions f " it . Thc peculiar honour , though most gratifying , w » quite undeserved . For the rest of the Grand Officers n

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