Ar01200

The Chairman said the next toast he had to submit for their approval was that of " The Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire . " ( Applause . ) It had not been his privilege to have been acquainted with the workings of Masonry for a long time ; he was , so to speak , a stranger in the province , but from what he had seen , and from what he had heard , he had never known the working in

provinces carried on with such ze'al , such accuracy , and with such satisfaction in every way , as in the province of West Lancashire . ( Hear , hear . ) It was due , no doubt , to its head , Lord Skelmersdale , and in a great measure , not the less so , to thc Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Alpass . ( Applause . ) Anybody who was a Mason in that part of the county knew very well what his qualities were—and

what attention , zeal , and energy he brought to bear on the duties of his office . He ( the Chairman ) was sure no better man * could be found for his place , because if the principal officers were not seconded in their efforts by men as able in thtir respective positions as themselves , things could not be carried on as well as they were . They all knew how well Bro . Alpass carried out his portion of the

work , and he begged to couple his name with the toast . ( Applause ) . Bro . Alpass , in responding , expressed the great pleasure it had been to him to visit that heautiful district for the first time . He had heard people from Liverpool praise it very much , and though he had been past it several times in thc train , he had no idea of the beauty of the district

till that day . From all he had seen he thought it a most delightful spot . ( Applause . ) He thought if they only had a building large enough they might have the Grand Lodge meeting there , but he had not seen a place there large enough that day . ( Laughter . ) Lord Skelmcrsdale ' s zeal in the cause of Masonry was known and appreciated in his own county and in London also , for amongst all

the Masons in London not one was so popular as Lord Skelmersdale . He had also achieved the same popularity in his own county , where many of them had known him from a boy . ( Applause . ) His ( Bro . Alpass ' s ) duties were very onerous , and took up a great deal of time ; but it was a great pleasure to him to do the work , as he had always been a working Mason since he first joined the

Craft . It had always been his aim to do his duty in the best manner possible , and next to the approval of his own conscience the approval of the brethren was thc greatest reward he would aim at . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Alpass concluded by giving some salutary advice to the brethren as to the admission of new members . The Chairman said the next toast he had to put before

them he wished very much to commend to their noticetheir approval , he knew , would follow , as a matter of course , as they could not help approving of it—it was the health of the Consecrating and Installing Officer , Bro . Moore . ( Applause . ) Many of them had had the pleasure of Bro . Moore ' s acquaintance much longer than he had , and he only wished to speak of him as be found him .

Nothing could have exceeded the admirable , the most peifect manner , in which the whole ccicmony had been gone through that day in every particular—in fact , he could not find an adjective appropriate enough to express his own gratification , and he must leave the brethren present to apply their adjective in their own way . On behalf of the members of the lodge and himself

be wished express their feeling of gratification that Br » . Moore should have been chosen by the Deputy Grand Master to consecrate their lodge , as he was well known in the district , not only as a Mason , but as a professional gentleman , and when he ( the Chairman ) received a letter from Bro . Alpass , intimating that he had been appointed Installing Officer , he was

exceedingly delighted , as his merits were as well known to them as himself . The Chairman concluded by proposing " The Health of Bro . Dr . Moore , the Consecrating and Installing Officer . " ( Applause . ) Bro . Moore , who was received with hearty manifestations on rising to respond , said he begged to thank the Chairman for the very flattering way in which he had

introduced his name to the meeting , and also the company fur the hearty welcome they had accorded to it . He had lelt himself conscious of many defects that day , but he certainly looked upon it as a proud honour when he received a letter from thc Grand Secretary , asking him to undertake the duties which he hid performed that day , and which he had done with very great pleasure . (

Applause . ) Some little time ago he heard it mentioned that a lodge was very much needed , if they could only find a building and get proper men to take the various offices . Now that idea had become a fact—they had got good men in their various offices , the lodge was formed , and he hoped it would go on prosperously . After referring to the safeguards to be adopted in thc admission i , f members , and

alluding to the quiet , secluded spot in which their lodge room was situate , Bro . Moore said that if the brethren found the least difficulty in working the lodge , which must necessarily be found in a new lodge , he had no doubt that brethren in Lancaster could be found who would be very glad to come and give them every assistance they might require . ( Hear , hear . ) Before he sat down he wished to

propose the health of one whom he hoped would ever be remembered in Grange—certainly it would never be forgot in the Grange Lodge , as it was called after him—and that was their Worshipful Master . ( Applause . ) Bro . Brogden was obliged to leave them for a short time , but he had no doubt the lodge would be well looked after by its officers during his temporary absence . He begged to

give them "The Health of the Worshipful Master of the Grange Lodge , Bro . Arthur John Brogden . " Tte Chairman on rising to respond was received with loud applause . After thanking them for the way in which thc toast had been introduced and received , he said it was now a fact that they had a Masonic lodge in Grange . The idea did not exactly start with him , though he felt when he came to live there that it was just the place for

Ar01201

forming a lodge , and when he communicated that idea to other brethren he found they were in the same mind as himself . So they went to work and found others out , and eventually they succeeded in getting sufficient to sign the petition , and the consummation of their labour had been witnessed that day . ( Applause . ) He did not wish to take all thc credit of that work , or for the success that had that

day crowned their efforts . There were others as well as himself who would have the gratification of knowing that their zeal and energy had been well spoken of and approved . He referred particularly to Bros . Mossop and Ashley —( hear , hear)—who had taken a great share of the work consequent on forming a new lodge . He was glad to see the succ : ssful circumstances under which their

new lodge had been opened , but was sorry that temporary absence from home would prevent him working the lodge for a short time . His absence at such a time was much to be regretted , but it was unavoidable . He could , however , rely on his officers to work with zeal and energy

during his absence , and was satisfied that the lodge would lose nothing at their hands . In conclusion he begged to thank them once more for the hearty manner in which they had received the mention of his name . ( Applause . ) Other toasts followed , the proceedings being enlivened by the harmony of several brethren .

Consecration Of The New Concord Chapter, No. 813.

CONSECRATION OF THE NEW CONCORD CHAPTER , No . 813 .

On Thursday , the 27 th ult ., the New Concord Chapter , No . 813 , was consecrated by Ex . Comp . James Teny , P . G . D . C ., Herts ., at the Rosemary Branch Tavern , Southgate-road , Islington . He was assisted by Comp . Wm . Smeed as H ., and Comp . Brazier as J ., Comp . R . E .

Barnes as E ., and Comp . A . Wootton as D . C . A goodly array cf visiting companions were present on the occasion . After the chapter had been opened , the introductory portion of the ceremony performed , Ex . Comp . James Terry delivered an oration , and the ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , Comps . Seymour Smith and

F . H . Cozens performing thc musical portion . When the chapter had been duly constituted , Comp . J . R . Gallant was installed M . E . Z . ; W . Crawford , H . \ J . Wright J . ; and T . J . Cusworth , Scribe , E , The whole of the ceremony was most fluently and impressively performed . At the conclusion of the ceremonies the M . E . Z . proposed that Comps . Jas . Terry , Wm . Smee , and Brazier be

elected lion , members of the chapter . Ihe motion being duly seconded , the M . E . Z . said the chapter was greatly indebted to those companions for having so kindly given their time and evinced their great ability in consecrating the chapter ; it was a very small small return tc elect them honorary members of the chapter and he felt assured the companions wished them

every happiness , and hoped as olten as they could use their privileges and visit the chapter they would receive a heaity welcome . A vote of thanks was passed to E . Comp . James Terry for performing the ceremony of consecration with such distinguished ability . Ex . Comp . Terry , in acknowledging thc compliment , said it was a labour of love to him to perform such a work , and he was very

much pleased that his efforts had given satisfaction to the companions . Comps . Smcc and Brasier also acknow-Iedgedjthe vote . The M . E . Z . then proposed the names of several brethren as exaltees at the next convocation of the chapter . The banquet was then partaken of , after which the M . E . Z . proposed the customary R . A . toasts , viz ., "The Queen and the Grand Z ., I 1 . R . 1 I . the Prince of

Wales . " He then proposed "The Health of the Pro Grand Z ., the Earl of Carnarvon ; Lord Skelmeisdale , H . ; and Lord de Tabley , J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , " which were received with great eclat . Ex . Comp . Terry proposed "The Health of the M . E . Z . " ( Ex . Comp . J . R . Gallant ) , and observed that he had run his course thus far very rapidly , and they found him now at

the head of a hew chapter , which he hoped was destined to play an important part in the Masonic body o ( the northern patt of the metropolis ; he had been personally acquainted with the M . E . Z . for some considerable time , and he had given ample proof of his zeal for the Order by constituting himself a Life Governor to the Masonic Charities , and felt assured he would use his utmost endeavours not only to further the interests of the chapter ,

but for the welfare of the Craft in general . The M . E . Z . in reply said , for the confidence the companions had shown 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 lie had entertained of it . They bad an excellent example set them by thc lodge to which the chapter was attached , ami begged to assure the companions that the honour conferred on him would be a stimulus to

future exertions . Several other toasts having been given and responded to , the Jauitor ' s toast brought to a close the proceedings of an evening agreeably spent .

Consecration Of The Holmesdale Chapter, No. 874.

CONSECRATION OF THE HOLMESDALE CHAPTER , No . 874 .

On Monday , the 1 st inst ., a new Royal Arch Chapter , attached to the Holmesdale Lodge , No . 874 , was solemnly dedicated and consecrated at the Sussex Hotel , Tunbridge Wells , by Comp . the Rev . Thomas Robinson , P . Z ., Prov .

G . J . Kent , P . Prov . G . H . Jamaica ; assisted by Comps . J . S . Eastes , P . Z ., Prov . G . H . Kent ; the Rev . W . A . Hill , and H . Ward , P . Z ., Prov . G . H . Wilts , Director of Ceremonies . After the Chapter had been formally opened , an oration on the principles of the Order was delivered by Comp . W . A . Hill .

Consecration Of The Holmesdale Chapter, No. 874.

A convocation of Installed Principals was then formed when Comp . the Rev . Thomas Robinson severall y in stalled Comps . B . S . Willson , W . Delves , and W . Stephens , P . Z ., into the Third Chair . Comp . W . Stephens ' then installed Comps . B . S . Wilmott , and W . Delves separately into the Second Chair , after which Comp . B . S Wilmott was installed into the First Principal ' s Chair '

according to ancient and solemn custom . Upon thc admission of the companions the three Principals were duly proclaimed and saluted , and the following brethren were then elected and invested : —Comps . R . W . Delves , Scribe E . ; W . Bacon , Scribe N . ; H . D . M . Will liams , Prin . Soj . ; J . Bass , First Asst . Soj . ; C Graham , Second Asst

. Soj . ; T . H . Spencer , Janitor . The consecrating officers , as well as Comp . Viscount Holmesdale , Grand Superintendent of Kent , were elected honorary members , and the convocation was closed . An excellent banquet followed , at which Comp . Willmot presided , and at which the usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were proposed and duly responded to .

Consecration Of The Islington Chapter. No. 1471.

CONSECRATION OF THE ISLINGTON CHAPTER . No . 1471 .

The consecration of this new chapter which is attached to the Islington Lodge , No . 1471 , meeting at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , took place on Monday last , the 8 th inst . The consecrating and installing officer was Comp .

J . Terry , P . Z .. P . M ,, & c , G-D . C . Herts . After the ceremony of consecrating had been proceeded with , Comp . Terry installed Comp . E . Bowyer as M . E . Z ., who thereupon invested Comp . Mather as H ., and T . A . lewis , J . The banquet followed and a very pleasant evening was spent bv the comuanions nresent .

Sketches Of Masonic Character No. Viii.

SKETCHES OF MASONIC CHARACTER No . VIII .

BRO . SMYTHE AT PARIS . Bro . Smythe is the well-known W . M . of the Affability Lodge , always one of the pleasantest of assemblies of our brotherhood . His tact and taste are well-known ; he docs things always so remarkably well , that the

gatherings of the " Affability" have been declared to be " feasts of reason and flow of soul , " and when you add to this that no more hospitable reception and no more hearty welcome are to be found in any lodge within the Bills of Mortality , or perhaps , more properly , the " area of the Metropolitan Police , " you place the excellence of Bro . Smythe ' s lodge and the good qualities of Bro . Smythe

himself on a truly Masonic pedestal beyond the possibility ol doubt or dispute . Bro . Smythe , who has been spending the long vacation in Switzerland , has returned home , vii Paris , and as Bro . Smythe , ( not Smith ) , is a bachelor , he left some agreeable artist friends at Lucerne , and went to Paris , via Pontarlier , from Berne , on his homeward journey . So as he is not

strong in French , though very good at English , and despite his eloquent speeches at the " Affability , " like a great many more of the John Bull genus , he gets very soon fast'when speaking French . Despite his "Conversation Book , " he soon becomes , " hors de combat , " when he has to " trip it" in Parisian accents , and curiously enough he says he never can talk to a French lady without

making a dreadful blunder , though , as he observes , they arc too polite to " laugh at a fellah . " " I was crossing , " he says " from the place Vendome , " to get into thc Rue Rivoli , when as I went across , it was rain irig , and a lady stepped out of a shop without an umbrella . As a Freemason and a man of thc world , accustomed to good society , I thought it only my duty to be civil , and so

I said , " Madame , ( it is . always safe to say Madame in France ) , Voulez vous preter tnon parapluie ? " I thought I saw a smile pass over her face , as she replied with the greatest grace in the world , " Oh , Merci , monsieur , mille rcmerciments , " and having seen her into her brougham , and received a most charming bow , I fancy I struck some French people who were looking on , both with the

style of my dress , and the way I took off and put on my hat . " " It is always advisable " adds Smythe , " especially when you are abroad , to be civil to women , and they tell you all sorts of stories , at Paris , what civility has done foe men . I dont think I should do it in Regent-street , for an English woman , because it is not our habit . We leave them to themselves ; but abroad , one must always

remember the axiom * you are to do at Rome , as Rome does . ' ' think that ' s it , or something like it . " Smythe , it appeared , walked in one evening to " Brebant's , " also called " Vachette , " to order his dinner , and as Bro . Wilkinson , of our lodge , saw the little scene , and heard the little colloquy which followed , I think it well to give them in his own graphic words , for he was an amused

spectator , being unknown to Bro . Smythe , and could not help maliciously laughing at the embarrassment of our good friend . Smythe lounged in , and said in a stately way to Jean , " Je vous diner . " Jean , always civil to everybody , and always in a great hurry , only replied " Bientot , Monsieur , " but another waiter coming up , Smythe repeated his wish " Je vous diner . " So the civil waiter broug ht

him the carte , and after some difficulty Smythe managed to order , Soupc Bisque , Turbot a la Hollandaise , Cotelettes a la Soubise , Roast Bif Anglais , Omelette a l'Abricot , Meringues Glace ' s and some Gruyere Cheese . He ordered a bottle of Champagne and did very well , thoug h the waiter could not understand for some little time what he that

meant by " Frappe Mote " though at last he realized it was "Moet Frappe . " Bro . Wilkinson assures us thai : Bro . Smythe , with the best intentions in the world , though tne worst French , continued to weary out at last the mo complaisant of French waiters , until he said in despa < •' parley Anglais , sil vous plait , Monsieur . I understan you besser 1 "