Consecration Of The Chapter Of Felicity, No. 58.

mie-ht say they felt equally honoured , and they were equally p leased , and as deeply impressed with the ceremony as he had been himself . The M . E . Z ., in giving the next toast , " The Consecrating Officers , " said , on a June evening , some 140 years ago , the Earl of Darnley went to the Gun Tavern , in St . James ' s-street , to consecrate the Lodge of Felicity .

On a May evening in 1877 tne Grand Master of Jamaica had done the companions the honour to come to the City Masonic Club to consecrate the Chapter of Felicity . He asked the companions to drink his very good health , thanking him very cordially indeed for the kindness he had shown them in coming to take the very arduous and onerous burden upon him of the work which he had done that

night . With him he coupled the other companions who had so kindly and readily given their time and ability to assist him and to make the ceremony successful , which , he was quite sure , would live in the minds of all who witnessed it as long as they remembered the ritual of R . A . Masonry . It was the first consecration of a chapter he had seen ; but

jre was quite sure , that although some of the companions had seen many , none of them could have seen a consecration performed in a more solemn , careful , and thoughtful way than that of that evening . He coupled with Dr . Hamilton ' s name the names of Comp . Boyd , Comp . Hye-e Pullen , and Comp . Buss , thanking them at the same time for the great services they had rendered to the

chapter . Comp . Dr . Hamilton , in replying , said he remembered reading some time ago in a leading article—he was not sure whether it was in the Daily News or the Daily Telegraph , a paragraph , in which it was said that something or other was like the Provincial Grand Masters in Masonry , who might be compared to the fifth wheel of a

carriage . 'more for ornament than for use . Now , while he did not repudiate the last part of the simile , he was happy to say , from the expressions which had fallen from the M . E . Z . that night , he believed it was felt that a District Grand Master , or Superintendent , could do some little good , and that they were not all like the fifth wheel of a carriage , only to be admired . He was greatly

obliged to the M . E . Z . for the honour he had done him in asking him to consecrate this chapter . He was about to return soon to his own province , so that he could not hope to see the companions of this chapter very often , but as Jamaica was but the short distance of a three weeks ' voyage , it was more than probable he would soon be back again . When he came back he hoped to have an

opportunity of witnessing the progress which this chapter should have made . It was one thing to do work , but to have that work carried out properly it was necessary to have assistance , and , as they well knew , if everything had succeeded that evening it was because others had so admirably filled the different parts of it , and made of them a good

whole . As those companions were present , perhaps they might have their own opinions ; and as they had all taken part in the ceremony , and had also had the honour of being elected honorary members of the chapter as well as himself , he should simply return ' thanks generally for them , and particularly for himself , leaving them to express their own views of the honour which had been done them .

Comp . Hyde Pullen said he thanked the companions for electing him and his companions to the honorary membership of the chapter . He would say for them as well as for himself , that they would watch with something more than simple and common interest to see the progress the chapter made . It was something to start a chapter like this ; it was something more to keep the chapter in

all its excellence , through all its workings , trials , and difficulties , and steer it through troubled ; waters which it might encounter ; but he hoped and trusted that however great or - "ifficult those trials and troubles might be , the head of the chapter , from time to time , might have the capacity to steer through them . If the Consecrating Officers had by their little efforts given satisfaction , pleasure ,

or gratification to the companions , they were pleased , and they could only trust that the success of the chapter would be all that the members of it desired . Dr . Hamilton proposed "The M . E . Z ., and the two other Principals , " and in the course of his address said he hoped for the chapter all the good which Comp . Hyde Pullen had wished . He complimented the M . E . Z . on

obtaining that high position , and said that a great responsibility rested upon him , but there was no doubt whatever that he was fully alive to that , and would discharge his duties efficiently . The companions knew the M . E . Z . better than he ( Dr . Hamilton ) did . They knew ne was an earnest Mason , and would perform his work with zeal and fidelity , that he would strictly adhere to the forms

and ceremonies , and would be as able throughout h's year as he had shown himself that night . The M . E . Z . in reply said that for the confidence the companions had shown in him he hoped he should prove himself grateful . He trusted he should not abuse that confidence , and that the chapter would even exceed the anticipations which had been entertained of it . They had had

an excellent example set them by the lodge to which the chapter was attached , and which had been established since 1737 . it had always been a bright and shining 'gnt in Masonry . It was a small lodge , but by its working in the Craft had obtained a high position . It was selected as one of the Grand Stewards' Lodges , and had .. e much good in the cause of Freemasonry . In addition to returning Grand Stewards it had within the last

nve years provided a Treasurer , a President , and a Secre-« " 7 to the Board of Grand Stewards . The chapter would oiiow the example of the lodge ; and from what he knew - ' memt * ers of the lodge who had been proposed that vening as candidates for exaltation , he saw before the -napterof Felicity a bright and glorious future . said ¦¦? , " rhe Health of the Visitors " the M-E-Zscvfr , V ^ '" hono w « ' < l that evening by the presence of verai distinguished visitors . It had always been in - •¦ -masonry one of the stand-points to shew hospitality

Consecration Of The Chapter Of Felicity, No. 58.

as well as good brotherhood and charity . In the Lodge of Felicity they had always prided themselves on their pleasure at seeing visitors , and he trusted that the chapter would not be behind the lodge in the virtue of hospitality . Comp . J . A . Rucker , P . G . P . S ., said he could very well understand what the M . E . Z . said with reference to the

Lodge of Felicity . Although he had never had the pleasure of being there , he had often heard of it much in the same terms as the M . E . Z . had expressed . He would not detain the companions by expatiating on the enjoyment he had experienced by what he had heard at the consecration ceremony , but he should feel that he was doing an injustice to himself if he did not personally express the

very great pleasure he had had in the work which had been done . He earnestly prayed that the work in the chapter that night might be only a simple augury of what would be done in the future . They could hardly desire to improve on what they had seen and heard , but they could earnestly desire to follow it closely . Major Shadwell Clerke in responding said he was in the

position of one who had to speak at a late period of the evening , when all the pretty things and true things which he might wish to say had been said before his turn came . As he did not like to plagiarise he must content himself by keeping to the simple facts . In his own instance , as in the instance of the other companions , he had been honoured by the invitation he had had to visit the chapter .

They had met some very pleasant companions , they had seen some excellent work , they had had a capital dinner , they ha" 3 received great kindness and hospitality , and for all these many blessings they were deeply thankful . The M . E . Z . proposed " The Officers of the Chapter . " They had not appointed many officers that evening . As there were so many distinguished Craft Masons proposed

for exaltation they had left that open till another evening . They had , however appointed a Treasurer and Scribe E ., and what they had known of them for some time warranted them in saying that their duties would be properly discharged . _ Comp . O . H . Colvin replied , and said they had honoured him by making him Treasurer of funds they had not got . But he was very proud of the office , and would do all in

his power to deserve their confidence . This closed the business of the evening , which was enlivened by some beautiful part singing by Comps . Theodore Distin , G . T . Carter , and J . Large . The Janitor's toast was given before the companions separated , and the companions left the City Masonic Cl ub with hearty good wishes for the success of the Chapter of Felicity .

Consecration Of The Duke Of Connaught Lodge Of Mark Mas-Mrs.

CONSECRATION OF THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE OF MARK MAS-MRS .

The consecration of this , the latest addition to the rapidly increasing roll of lodges of the Mark Degree , took place at the Havelock Tavern , Albion-road , Dalston , on the 27 th ult . Bro . F . Binckes , the Grand Secretary of

this degree , officiated , and was ably supported by the following brethren , viz ., Jas . Stevens , as S . W . ; S . Lazarus , J . W . ; C . F . Matier , Chap . ; and j . B . Shackleton , I . G . The officers and brethren engaged in the interesting ceremony having taken their respective places , Bro . Binckes proceeded with the consecration , which was performed in that brother's usual able and impressive style , giving the

customary oration with an eloquence seldom equalled and never excelled . At the conclusion of the ceremony of consecration the chair was taken by Bro . C . F . Matier , who in an impressive manner installed the W . M . designate , Bro . J . B . Shackleton . This duty performed , the newly-installed W . Master proceeded to appoint and invest the following

brethren as officers for the ensuing year , viz . : Bros . Meyer , S . W . ; H . Meyer , J . W . ; Dietrich , M . O . ; Fieldwick , S . O . ; Lovelock , J . 0 . ; Stokes , Reg . j Bonner , S . D . ; Dietrich , Org . ; Lorkin , I . G . ; and Gilchrist , Tyler . The other appointments were left open till next meeting . A special dispensation having been obtained from the Grand Master , the following brethren were advanced at

an early hour , so as to enable the new members of the Order to be present at the consecration and installation , viz .: Bros . Fieldwick , Lorkin , W . Ferrar , Johnson , Delafons , Lovelock , Dietrich , Stokes , Godfrey , Bonner , G . Ferrar , Kelday , Brewster , and Thompson , S . C . Several brethren were proposed for advancement at the next meeting , and after electing as honorary members the

brethren who had taken part in the consecration and installation , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment , to which full justice was rendered . The cloth having been removed the usual loyal toasts , and those peculiar to the Mark Degree were given and responded to . After replying to the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " Bro . F . Binckes proposed " The Health of the

newlyinstalled W . M ., " congratulating him upon the position hehad attained in the Mark Degree , concluding by wishing prosperity to the lodge and its members . The W . M . having suitably responded on behalf of himself and his officers , proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " to which Bro . S . B . Ellis , W . M . 1239 , responded . Some other toasts having been given the Tyler's toast ended the proceedings of an evening agreeably spent .

VISIT OF " GRECIANS TO THE BRITI sir MUSEUM . —On Tuesday afternoon the Grecians of Christ ' s Hospital were taken by Bro . the Rev . R . Lee , the head master of the college , and Bro . John Derby Allcroft , the treasurer , ( W . M ., Lodge 1657 ) , to inspect the

antiquities in the Assyrian galleries of the British Museum . They were met at the Museum by Dr . Samuel Kinns , F . R . A . S ., who conducted them through the rooms , and delivered an entertaining and instructive lecture on the History , Manners , and Customs of the Assyrians , as

Consecration Of The Duke Of Connaught Lodge Of Mark Mas-Mrs.

illustrated by the various bas-reliefs , bronzes , vases , & c , contained in this valuable collection . A meeting of the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland will be held in the Freemasons' Hall , Grainger Street West , Newcastle-upon Tyne , on Thursday next , May 17 th inst ., for the purpose of Consecrating the St . Nicholas Lodge , No . 1676 , at half-past three o'clock precisely .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of this Institution met on Wednesday afternoon , at Freemasons' Hall , Col . Creaton , V . P ., in the chair . There were also present Bros . S . Rawson , Benj . Head , R . W . Giraud , J . Newton , F . Adlard , Capt . John Wordsworth , Raynham . W . Stevjart , J . M . Case , Griffiths

Smith , C . J . Remont , Geo . Bolton , C . A . Cottebrune , W . Stephen , I . A . Mansfield , James Brett , W . Hilton , L . Stean , M . Levy , Hyde Pullen , C . F . Hog-ard , H . Massey , ( Freemason ) , and J . Terry , ( Secretary ) . Bro . Terry reported that the death of four annuitants had taken place , viz ., Bro . Robert Old , after having received his annuity to the total amount of . £ 58 3 ; Bro .

John Wood , £ 39 ; Bro . D . S . Potts , £ 111 ; and Mary Richards , , £ " 277 5 s . Bro . Terry then read a letter from Bro . J . A . Farnfield , with respect to the field opposite the asylum at Croydon , which the Institution sought to lease . The lessors had waived their objections , for the lease was then completed . Bro . Terry then obtained the authority of the Committee

to lodge the deeds with the bankers of the institution . The Wardens , report was then read , giving an account of the amateur musical entertainment given by the Croydon Amateurs , through Dr . Strong , to the inmates of the Asylum . The attendances of the different members of the Committee of managementjwere then read by Bro . Terry , and

the retiring members , Bros . J . Bellerly , R . W . Stewart , and R . W . Little , were nominated for re-election . The Draft report ofthe Committee to be read on Friday next was submitted to the Committee and approved . Bro . Griffiths Smith moved , and Bro . Raynham W . Stewart seconded the following resolution : — " That in the opinion of this Committee the accommodation provided for the Royal Masonic Benevolent

Institution , in Freemasons' Hall , is totally inadequate for the increased and increasing labours which have to be performed , and that it be referred to the Board of General Purposes to ascertain what better accommodation can be provided . This motion was carried unanimously . The chairman said that the accomodation was really so limited as to be no accomodation at all . The Committee then adjourned .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . GEORGE FRANK GOULEY . We announced Bro . Gouley ' s tragic death in our last . We take the following obituary of our distinguished and lamented brother from the Keystone , which has justly commended his worth : — Bro . Gouley was made a Mason during his residence in Washington . Soon after settling in St . Louis he became a

member of Missouri Lodge , No . 1 , St Louis R . A . Chapter , No . 8 , and St . Louis Commandery , No . 1 , Knights Templar . In 1864 he became the assistant of Bro . Anthony O'Sullivan , Grand Secretary of the Grand Masonic bodies of Missouri , and immediately after Bro . O'Sullivan ' s death in 1866 , Bro . Gouley was chosen Grand Secretary of thc Grand Lodge , A . F . and A . M . of

Missouri , to which position he has been annually elected ever since . He also succeeded to the office of Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder of all the other Masonic bodies of the York Rite ; and was appointed chairman of the various committees on foreign correspondence year after year , for eleven successive years . Bro . Gouley was also Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery

of Knights Templar of Missouri . He filled all his Masonic offices with marked ability and honour , and performed all his Masonic duties with zeal and fidelity . He was an acknowledged power in the Masonic fraternity of Missouri , and won a national reputation as a Masonic writer . For several years he edited and published the St . Louis Freemason , a Masonic journal , which gained a wide

circulation and influence amongst the Craft . Bro . Gouley ' s body was taken , after the accident , to the Masonic Hall , where it was laid in state from Friday until the burial on Sunday . It was placed in a handsome casket , mounted upon a catafalque , and surrounded with flowers arranged as Masonic emblems . The coffin lid bore the inscription : " George Frank Gouley , Past Master Missouri Lodge , No . 1 , R . W . Grand Secretary

M . W . Grand Lodge of Missouri , A . F . and A . M . Died April 11 , 1877 . Aged 45 years . " A guard of honourof Knights Templar was in attendance , detailed from St . Louis Commandery , No . I ; Ivanhoe , No . 8 ; Ascalon , No . 16 ; and St . Aldemar , No . 18 . Missouri Lodge conducted the services at the Hall . A lodge was opened at 1 . p . m ., and the members escorted to the large room under escort of the Grand Commandery of Missouri .

The following was the order of the funeral exercises : — Prayer . Hymn . Address by M . W . Xenophon Ryland , Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri . Address by W . Bro . John Goodin , P . M . of Missouri Lodge , No . 1 . Missouri Lodge No . 1 , having the place of honour , then took the casket in charge , and the funeral procession formed , with the Knights Templar in front of thc hearse and pall bearers , followed by the Master Masons The