-
Articles/Ads
Article Untitled ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE GRAND MASTERS CHAPTER, No. i. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE GRAND MASTERS CHAPTER, No. i. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
with respect to the friendly society , the result being that one of the oldest lodges in the Metropolitan District has now , happily , taken out a fresh lease 1 The financial statement of the Grand Lodge is vastly different to its condition prior to the advent of Bro . LYON and the inauguration of the new regime . All now is most satisfactory and proceeding on most Masonic lines . The Grand Bard , Dr . CRAKSTOUX , at the annual festival read an ode composed for the occasion , which was well received . Two of the verses are
especially worthy of reproduction here . And we are leal and true , Prepared to cut and hew With the mallet and the chisel , as of yore—Run the well-hewr . pillars high Round our Grand old fane , and vie With the noble builder-spirits gone before .
True to Queen and country aye , Our fair band will ne ' er gainsay , Nor let our proudly floating ; banner down ; But for home and freedom fight , Both by noontide and by night , Upholding still the Kingdom and the Crown .
Consecration Of The Grand Masters Chapter, No. I.
CONSECRATION OF THE GRAND MASTERS CHAPTER , No . i .
On Monday last , a new Royal Arch Chapter was consecrated at Willis ' s Rooms by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Scribe E . The new chapter is called G < and Masters Chapter , and is attached to the Grand Masters Lodge , No . i , a lodge which stands at the head of the roll of Grand Lodge of England . According to the Calendar , its date of constitution is 1759 , and it was one of the lodges which before the Union worked under the Atholl , or Ancient , Masons' Grand Lodge . At the Union it had the proud satisfaction of being placed first on the list , and there is little doubt that
unless some very good cause had not been shown , such a honour would not have been conferred . It already holds a centenary warrant , which is a proof that it has pursued a continuous working for 100 years ; but for all this glorious record it was less distinguished than many other lodges , inasmuch as it had not attached to it a Roj'al Arch Chapter . This want of completeness has at length been supplied , and on the 3 rd inst . Supreme Grand Chapter adopted a recommendation of Grand Chapter Committee to grant the prayer ol a petition presented by some 17 members of the lodge , and granted a charter for the Grand Masters Chapter .
The ceremony of consecration was splendidly performed , and Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke was assisted in the performance b y Comps . F . A . Philbrick , B . A ., O . C ., G . Reg ., as H . ; the Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , M . A .. P . G . A . Soj ., as J . ; Robert Freke Gould , P . G . A . Soj ,, as S . N .: F . Richardson , P . G . A . Soj ., as D . C . ; and E . M . Lott , Mus . Bac , G . Org ., as Organist .
There was a large attendance of companions , and among them were Comps . Sir F . Wyatt Truscott , A . C . Veley , R . H . Giraud , W . P . Griffin , B . Brown , Edmand K . Bayley , Richard Eve , J . W . Fuller , J . M . Case , E . J . Stowell , R . Al . Bishop , Sir R . N . Fowler , J . D . Langton , W . A . Colls , C . Belton , Sir J . Whinaker Ellis , M . Watson Homes , T . Fenn , P . G . S . B . ; H . D . Sandeman , P . G . Supt . ; H . R . Murchison , P . G . S . N . 3 S 2 ; VV . G . Lemon , P . Z 414 and 1601 ; Hugh M . Hobbs , S . N . 463 ; C . F . Matier , P . Z . 645
and 59 ; J . Wimburn Lawrie , Union Chapter , Nova Scotia ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . S . N . ; S . B . Wilson , P . Z . 59 ; John L . Mather , P . Z . 1 S 47 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Martin , P . Z . ; J . Griffin , F . F . C . Keeble . 145 ; T . Tremere , 1529 ; W . L . Spratling , 1601 ; H . W . Partridge , P . Z . 79 ; H . Sadler , G . Janitor ; Sir Reginald Hanson , 259 ; A . M . Broadley , P . Z . 1717 ; and H . Massey , P . Z . 619 . Z . elect 192 S . Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in opening the proceedings , said the
companions were asst mbled on an occasion of somewhat unusual importance —they were met to give effect to a charter issued by the Grand Chapter of England to form a new chapter in the Order . It had , of course , been the privilege of m : ny present lu attend on similar occasions ; but he thought he might say this occasion was a very unusual one , because that day they were about to add the copestone in Masonry to a lodge which had the proud position of being at the top of the list of the lodges on the roll of Grand
Lodge of England . The lodge was one which had had a distinguished career . It might be that some would consider it a matter of surprise that this lodge had not had a Royal Arch Chapter attached to it before this ; but no doubt there was a good and weighty reason which had actuated the members of the lodge for not applying for a charter . But , after fairly long consideration on the p .-trt of the members of the lodge , they had at last come to tlie decision that the time had come for the lodge to have a chapter . The companions might be congratulated on the result they had arrived at . The
new chapter was very fortunate on having three distinguished Masons to preside over it . The Three First Principals were distinguished in Masonry , and were of high rank in social life and in the municipal world . Each of them possessed in Masonry the rank of a Past Grand Warden of England , and he thought the companions might be quite certain that in their new position as Principals of this chapter they would show the same consideration for the interests ol the chapter as they had hitherto shown for the Grand Masters Lodge .
Comp . the Rev . J . STI / DHOLMK BROWNRIGO , thc acting J ., delivered the following oration : — Today is an impoitint epoch in the history of English Royal Arch Masonry . For 72 year .- , thc "Act of Union , " which welded logether tl . e two rival Grand Lodges into one un t .-d Grand Lodge uf England , has prospered even beyond tile mo > t enthusiastic ho ; . es of those who reconciled the two contending forces ; but up to now there has been one ti . ing wanting—a Koyal Arch Chapter , which could claim the proud title of No . 1 .
Ti .-day that gup is being Mippli . d . IX . uliuVss 72 y . ars ago there were . some heartburnings whi-11 an " Atholl " Lodge obtained the first place , but the all-healing hand of time hassmoothedaway tiey a- > p . rity of feeling , and brotherly love has removed every uilt 11 : 1 ce . livery old l > "l ^ e , whichever of the two juiisdir . tions it belonged to , adiintsim . v that the Grand Masters Lodge has been a most worthy No . 1 of the hnejish roll of lodges . We welcome then , to-day , our youngest Royal Arch sister , and give lo her without jne envi-ms feeling the position of " Primus inter pares . " We are characteristics ol
ironlidi nt that the distinguisheii the urand Masters Lodge will repeat themselvis in the Grand Masters Chapter . The three Principals whom you have selected are an assurance to us that you desire to maintain in your chapter that special and close connection with the ancient City of London which has always existed in your lodge . Fitly is our municipality in close alliance with the iJraft . It is well that it should reflect honour upon our Order , and encourage us to bear our share in contributing to its dignity and its well-being , lietween the two we may trace many strong points of resemblance . Very high indeed is the standard of honour to which our Craft bids its
Consecration Of The Grand Masters Chapter, No. I.
members attain . We cannot fail to be struck with the high moral tone which runs like a golden thread through every part of our Masonic system . We are always being reminded that God sets us all our work , gives us help , and then expects us to do it honestly and honourably . We are ever having it put forcibly before us that every ignoble action , every sham , every lie , is hateful to the great Master Architect . And may we not say that it is just this same principle by which those to . whom the government of our City is entrusted have
been ever actuated . When we contemplate the busy throng which meets every day for business in the City—when we remember the temptations to which they are exposedand know that it is no idle boast to assert that the honour and honesty of Englishmen of business takes the leading place in the commerce of the universe—when we ask the reason of this , can there be any doubt that the true answer is that it is because of the tone given to the City by its leading citizens ? But , further , our Craft is acknowledged , even by its enemies , to be a charitable organisation , almost boundless in its influence
for good . When distress is proved to us to exist , either amongst our own Fraternity or in the world at large , we are amongst the foremost to speed to its relief . Is it not so with the City of London also ? Let it once be clear that some exceptional distress has arisen—be it local or imperial , or world wide—there is , without one minute ' s delay , a meeting at the Mansion House , and the Lord Mayor calls upon all to help . Each one of your future Principals has , more than once during his term of office , been the means of organising and concentrating the Charity of the English Empire . London , for
charitable purposes , is the metropolis not of England only , but of the universe . The Chief Alagistrate of tbe City is an Almoner not for our own countrymen only but for all mankind . Lastly , let us notice one more point of resemblance . Every useful , every living organisation , just because it is useful and living , must expect to have enemies . Ignorance—I might use a harsher name—is ever assuming to itself the position of an infallible critic and a supreme judge . How often do we see some glorious old structure of our antient brethren disfigured by the hand of some incapable workman , who calls himself a restorer . Shall we not all endeavour to preserve valuable , useful , and
timehor . oured institutions which are attacked , not because they are failing in their purpose , but because of that restless impatience which makes so many desire to do not their own but their brother's work ? Our Craft and our City has to meet , as every institution has to meet , the dangers of the day . I think we are meeting them in the same spirit , striving each of us by " well doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men , " resolute in our determination to preserve our freedom and our rights—reliant on the only true source of all strength which we seek , whether as Masons or as citizens , the old words which are emblazoned on your shield of your City" Domine dirige nos . "
The ceremony of consecration and dedication was then proceeded with and completed , and the following companions were installed—each a past Lord Mayor of London , and Past Grand Junior Warden in Grand Lodge of England : Comps . Sir Francis Wyatt Truscott , M . E . Z . ; Sir J . VVhittaker Ellis , Bart ., H . ; and Sir Robert Nicholas Fowler , Bart ., J . The other
appointments were Comps . J . M . Case , P . G . D . C ., acting as I . P . Z . ; Wm , Richard Herve Giraud , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Dr . Ralph Gooding , P . A . G . S ., S . E . ; Bailey , LL . B ., S . N . ; Fenner , P . S . ; Veley , istA . S . ; Bradshaw Browne , 2 nd A . S . ; Charles Belton , D . C . ; Fuller and Langton , Stwds . ; and Griffin , Org .
Votes of thanks were afterwards passed to the Consecrating Officers , who , together with Comp . Thos . Fenn , were elected as honorary members of the chapter . A list of 17 candidates for exaltation were afterwards proposed and seconded , and the companions then adjourned to banquet . The customary toasts followed . Comp . F . A . PHILURICK , responding for the Grand Officers , said it was witli peculiar pleasure those companions had attended the interesting
ceremonies of consecration and installation . They had seen not only the first or premier lodge on the roll of Grand Lodge taking to itself a chapter , but they had also seen that the brethren of the lodge who had acted in the formation of the chapter who as companions and as brethren had achieved the highest honours of Masonry ; and he hoped that as companions of the chapter they might achieve for it a success commensurate with that of the lodge . It was , as the G . S . E . had said , a remarkable circumstance that a
lodge so famous for its antiquity had not up to the present time been associated with a chapter . It was a defect , but that defect had now been removed , and the Grand Officers trusted that the new venture might be a success , and that the chapter would be a strong sapling , which in luxuriance and vigour might flourish in the kindly atmosphere of Royal Arch Masonry where its principles were truly held . On the subject of the Grand Officers he expressed sincere pleasure at being privileged to take part in the affairs
of that day , a most auspicious occasion , and not the less auspicious because they had there the embodiment of civic light in the three First Principals selected to preside over the chapter , and also not the less auspicious because with reference for that which was old they as Masons joined the vigour of that which was new , and , while adhering to the old lines with rare fidelity , they brought to bear the energy and the achievements which were characteristic of the present generation . It was this happy
mixture of reverence for the old and faithfulness to the traditions of the past , as well as of work for the new , which always presented an attractive feature to the mind of the true hard-working Mason , which had caused them to go on to the legitimate consummation of Masonry in the Arch . As the Grand Superintendent of a province he felt more and more interested in the legitimate development ot the Craft , and he congratulated the Grand Masters Lodge on having arrived at so distinguished a position as the securing of a charter for a chapter .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE proposed the next toast—that of "The Three Principals . " It was , of course , a great honour to be appointed as Principal ; but on this occasion it was a still greater honour in such exceptional circumstances , when the first lodge on the roll started a chapter . That chapter had selected to rule over it three companions distinguished in social and civic circles ; they were all Past Grand Wardens , and they had all been Chief Magistrate of the chief City of the world . They had in all
their positions done their duty in a manner which had excited the admiration of their friends and acquaintances . They were all modest men , and he would prefer refraining from saying in their presence many things he would otherwise like to say ; but he might say that no chapter was ever launched with more promising Principals , or companions who had shown themselves in the Craft more thoroughly deserving of the confidence and respect of their companions .
Comp . Sir F . W . T RUSCOTT , in reply , said he was afraid Comp . Clerke had said too much in lavour of the Principals : but , as far as his two supporters— H . and J . —were concerned , they would have no reason to blush . He himself , however , very much blushed at finding himself in the prominent position which he occupied by the favour of the companions who had bestowed on him his rank . He might say that lie had been at the service
of the Lodge No . 1 for a very great number of years , and he believed he had done some good in that capacity . The lodge had recognised his services by placing him in his present position . Whatever might be the reason , he appreciated the companions' kindness , and he should study the interests of thc chapter the same as he had studied the interests of the lodge . Comp . Sir J . VV . ELLIS said one ' s tasks were often very difficult , and he must confess that at the present moment he felt some diffidence in address-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
with respect to the friendly society , the result being that one of the oldest lodges in the Metropolitan District has now , happily , taken out a fresh lease 1 The financial statement of the Grand Lodge is vastly different to its condition prior to the advent of Bro . LYON and the inauguration of the new regime . All now is most satisfactory and proceeding on most Masonic lines . The Grand Bard , Dr . CRAKSTOUX , at the annual festival read an ode composed for the occasion , which was well received . Two of the verses are
especially worthy of reproduction here . And we are leal and true , Prepared to cut and hew With the mallet and the chisel , as of yore—Run the well-hewr . pillars high Round our Grand old fane , and vie With the noble builder-spirits gone before .
True to Queen and country aye , Our fair band will ne ' er gainsay , Nor let our proudly floating ; banner down ; But for home and freedom fight , Both by noontide and by night , Upholding still the Kingdom and the Crown .
Consecration Of The Grand Masters Chapter, No. I.
CONSECRATION OF THE GRAND MASTERS CHAPTER , No . i .
On Monday last , a new Royal Arch Chapter was consecrated at Willis ' s Rooms by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Scribe E . The new chapter is called G < and Masters Chapter , and is attached to the Grand Masters Lodge , No . i , a lodge which stands at the head of the roll of Grand Lodge of England . According to the Calendar , its date of constitution is 1759 , and it was one of the lodges which before the Union worked under the Atholl , or Ancient , Masons' Grand Lodge . At the Union it had the proud satisfaction of being placed first on the list , and there is little doubt that
unless some very good cause had not been shown , such a honour would not have been conferred . It already holds a centenary warrant , which is a proof that it has pursued a continuous working for 100 years ; but for all this glorious record it was less distinguished than many other lodges , inasmuch as it had not attached to it a Roj'al Arch Chapter . This want of completeness has at length been supplied , and on the 3 rd inst . Supreme Grand Chapter adopted a recommendation of Grand Chapter Committee to grant the prayer ol a petition presented by some 17 members of the lodge , and granted a charter for the Grand Masters Chapter .
The ceremony of consecration was splendidly performed , and Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke was assisted in the performance b y Comps . F . A . Philbrick , B . A ., O . C ., G . Reg ., as H . ; the Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , M . A .. P . G . A . Soj ., as J . ; Robert Freke Gould , P . G . A . Soj ,, as S . N .: F . Richardson , P . G . A . Soj ., as D . C . ; and E . M . Lott , Mus . Bac , G . Org ., as Organist .
There was a large attendance of companions , and among them were Comps . Sir F . Wyatt Truscott , A . C . Veley , R . H . Giraud , W . P . Griffin , B . Brown , Edmand K . Bayley , Richard Eve , J . W . Fuller , J . M . Case , E . J . Stowell , R . Al . Bishop , Sir R . N . Fowler , J . D . Langton , W . A . Colls , C . Belton , Sir J . Whinaker Ellis , M . Watson Homes , T . Fenn , P . G . S . B . ; H . D . Sandeman , P . G . Supt . ; H . R . Murchison , P . G . S . N . 3 S 2 ; VV . G . Lemon , P . Z 414 and 1601 ; Hugh M . Hobbs , S . N . 463 ; C . F . Matier , P . Z . 645
and 59 ; J . Wimburn Lawrie , Union Chapter , Nova Scotia ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . S . N . ; S . B . Wilson , P . Z . 59 ; John L . Mather , P . Z . 1 S 47 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Martin , P . Z . ; J . Griffin , F . F . C . Keeble . 145 ; T . Tremere , 1529 ; W . L . Spratling , 1601 ; H . W . Partridge , P . Z . 79 ; H . Sadler , G . Janitor ; Sir Reginald Hanson , 259 ; A . M . Broadley , P . Z . 1717 ; and H . Massey , P . Z . 619 . Z . elect 192 S . Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , in opening the proceedings , said the
companions were asst mbled on an occasion of somewhat unusual importance —they were met to give effect to a charter issued by the Grand Chapter of England to form a new chapter in the Order . It had , of course , been the privilege of m : ny present lu attend on similar occasions ; but he thought he might say this occasion was a very unusual one , because that day they were about to add the copestone in Masonry to a lodge which had the proud position of being at the top of the list of the lodges on the roll of Grand
Lodge of England . The lodge was one which had had a distinguished career . It might be that some would consider it a matter of surprise that this lodge had not had a Royal Arch Chapter attached to it before this ; but no doubt there was a good and weighty reason which had actuated the members of the lodge for not applying for a charter . But , after fairly long consideration on the p .-trt of the members of the lodge , they had at last come to tlie decision that the time had come for the lodge to have a chapter . The companions might be congratulated on the result they had arrived at . The
new chapter was very fortunate on having three distinguished Masons to preside over it . The Three First Principals were distinguished in Masonry , and were of high rank in social life and in the municipal world . Each of them possessed in Masonry the rank of a Past Grand Warden of England , and he thought the companions might be quite certain that in their new position as Principals of this chapter they would show the same consideration for the interests ol the chapter as they had hitherto shown for the Grand Masters Lodge .
Comp . the Rev . J . STI / DHOLMK BROWNRIGO , thc acting J ., delivered the following oration : — Today is an impoitint epoch in the history of English Royal Arch Masonry . For 72 year .- , thc "Act of Union , " which welded logether tl . e two rival Grand Lodges into one un t .-d Grand Lodge uf England , has prospered even beyond tile mo > t enthusiastic ho ; . es of those who reconciled the two contending forces ; but up to now there has been one ti . ing wanting—a Koyal Arch Chapter , which could claim the proud title of No . 1 .
Ti .-day that gup is being Mippli . d . IX . uliuVss 72 y . ars ago there were . some heartburnings whi-11 an " Atholl " Lodge obtained the first place , but the all-healing hand of time hassmoothedaway tiey a- > p . rity of feeling , and brotherly love has removed every uilt 11 : 1 ce . livery old l > "l ^ e , whichever of the two juiisdir . tions it belonged to , adiintsim . v that the Grand Masters Lodge has been a most worthy No . 1 of the hnejish roll of lodges . We welcome then , to-day , our youngest Royal Arch sister , and give lo her without jne envi-ms feeling the position of " Primus inter pares . " We are characteristics ol
ironlidi nt that the distinguisheii the urand Masters Lodge will repeat themselvis in the Grand Masters Chapter . The three Principals whom you have selected are an assurance to us that you desire to maintain in your chapter that special and close connection with the ancient City of London which has always existed in your lodge . Fitly is our municipality in close alliance with the iJraft . It is well that it should reflect honour upon our Order , and encourage us to bear our share in contributing to its dignity and its well-being , lietween the two we may trace many strong points of resemblance . Very high indeed is the standard of honour to which our Craft bids its
Consecration Of The Grand Masters Chapter, No. I.
members attain . We cannot fail to be struck with the high moral tone which runs like a golden thread through every part of our Masonic system . We are always being reminded that God sets us all our work , gives us help , and then expects us to do it honestly and honourably . We are ever having it put forcibly before us that every ignoble action , every sham , every lie , is hateful to the great Master Architect . And may we not say that it is just this same principle by which those to . whom the government of our City is entrusted have
been ever actuated . When we contemplate the busy throng which meets every day for business in the City—when we remember the temptations to which they are exposedand know that it is no idle boast to assert that the honour and honesty of Englishmen of business takes the leading place in the commerce of the universe—when we ask the reason of this , can there be any doubt that the true answer is that it is because of the tone given to the City by its leading citizens ? But , further , our Craft is acknowledged , even by its enemies , to be a charitable organisation , almost boundless in its influence
for good . When distress is proved to us to exist , either amongst our own Fraternity or in the world at large , we are amongst the foremost to speed to its relief . Is it not so with the City of London also ? Let it once be clear that some exceptional distress has arisen—be it local or imperial , or world wide—there is , without one minute ' s delay , a meeting at the Mansion House , and the Lord Mayor calls upon all to help . Each one of your future Principals has , more than once during his term of office , been the means of organising and concentrating the Charity of the English Empire . London , for
charitable purposes , is the metropolis not of England only , but of the universe . The Chief Alagistrate of tbe City is an Almoner not for our own countrymen only but for all mankind . Lastly , let us notice one more point of resemblance . Every useful , every living organisation , just because it is useful and living , must expect to have enemies . Ignorance—I might use a harsher name—is ever assuming to itself the position of an infallible critic and a supreme judge . How often do we see some glorious old structure of our antient brethren disfigured by the hand of some incapable workman , who calls himself a restorer . Shall we not all endeavour to preserve valuable , useful , and
timehor . oured institutions which are attacked , not because they are failing in their purpose , but because of that restless impatience which makes so many desire to do not their own but their brother's work ? Our Craft and our City has to meet , as every institution has to meet , the dangers of the day . I think we are meeting them in the same spirit , striving each of us by " well doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men , " resolute in our determination to preserve our freedom and our rights—reliant on the only true source of all strength which we seek , whether as Masons or as citizens , the old words which are emblazoned on your shield of your City" Domine dirige nos . "
The ceremony of consecration and dedication was then proceeded with and completed , and the following companions were installed—each a past Lord Mayor of London , and Past Grand Junior Warden in Grand Lodge of England : Comps . Sir Francis Wyatt Truscott , M . E . Z . ; Sir J . VVhittaker Ellis , Bart ., H . ; and Sir Robert Nicholas Fowler , Bart ., J . The other
appointments were Comps . J . M . Case , P . G . D . C ., acting as I . P . Z . ; Wm , Richard Herve Giraud , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Dr . Ralph Gooding , P . A . G . S ., S . E . ; Bailey , LL . B ., S . N . ; Fenner , P . S . ; Veley , istA . S . ; Bradshaw Browne , 2 nd A . S . ; Charles Belton , D . C . ; Fuller and Langton , Stwds . ; and Griffin , Org .
Votes of thanks were afterwards passed to the Consecrating Officers , who , together with Comp . Thos . Fenn , were elected as honorary members of the chapter . A list of 17 candidates for exaltation were afterwards proposed and seconded , and the companions then adjourned to banquet . The customary toasts followed . Comp . F . A . PHILURICK , responding for the Grand Officers , said it was witli peculiar pleasure those companions had attended the interesting
ceremonies of consecration and installation . They had seen not only the first or premier lodge on the roll of Grand Lodge taking to itself a chapter , but they had also seen that the brethren of the lodge who had acted in the formation of the chapter who as companions and as brethren had achieved the highest honours of Masonry ; and he hoped that as companions of the chapter they might achieve for it a success commensurate with that of the lodge . It was , as the G . S . E . had said , a remarkable circumstance that a
lodge so famous for its antiquity had not up to the present time been associated with a chapter . It was a defect , but that defect had now been removed , and the Grand Officers trusted that the new venture might be a success , and that the chapter would be a strong sapling , which in luxuriance and vigour might flourish in the kindly atmosphere of Royal Arch Masonry where its principles were truly held . On the subject of the Grand Officers he expressed sincere pleasure at being privileged to take part in the affairs
of that day , a most auspicious occasion , and not the less auspicious because they had there the embodiment of civic light in the three First Principals selected to preside over the chapter , and also not the less auspicious because with reference for that which was old they as Masons joined the vigour of that which was new , and , while adhering to the old lines with rare fidelity , they brought to bear the energy and the achievements which were characteristic of the present generation . It was this happy
mixture of reverence for the old and faithfulness to the traditions of the past , as well as of work for the new , which always presented an attractive feature to the mind of the true hard-working Mason , which had caused them to go on to the legitimate consummation of Masonry in the Arch . As the Grand Superintendent of a province he felt more and more interested in the legitimate development ot the Craft , and he congratulated the Grand Masters Lodge on having arrived at so distinguished a position as the securing of a charter for a chapter .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE proposed the next toast—that of "The Three Principals . " It was , of course , a great honour to be appointed as Principal ; but on this occasion it was a still greater honour in such exceptional circumstances , when the first lodge on the roll started a chapter . That chapter had selected to rule over it three companions distinguished in social and civic circles ; they were all Past Grand Wardens , and they had all been Chief Magistrate of the chief City of the world . They had in all
their positions done their duty in a manner which had excited the admiration of their friends and acquaintances . They were all modest men , and he would prefer refraining from saying in their presence many things he would otherwise like to say ; but he might say that no chapter was ever launched with more promising Principals , or companions who had shown themselves in the Craft more thoroughly deserving of the confidence and respect of their companions .
Comp . Sir F . W . T RUSCOTT , in reply , said he was afraid Comp . Clerke had said too much in lavour of the Principals : but , as far as his two supporters— H . and J . —were concerned , they would have no reason to blush . He himself , however , very much blushed at finding himself in the prominent position which he occupied by the favour of the companions who had bestowed on him his rank . He might say that lie had been at the service
of the Lodge No . 1 for a very great number of years , and he believed he had done some good in that capacity . The lodge had recognised his services by placing him in his present position . Whatever might be the reason , he appreciated the companions' kindness , and he should study the interests of thc chapter the same as he had studied the interests of the lodge . Comp . Sir J . VV . ELLIS said one ' s tasks were often very difficult , and he must confess that at the present moment he felt some diffidence in address-