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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE PHŒNIX CHAPTER, No. 173. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE PHŒNIX CHAPTER, No. 173. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
he must be proposed and seconded at a regular meeting , and balloted for at a subsequent meeting , but these formalities seem to have been dispensed with on the occasion to which I refer . Again , it is surely customary in all lodges to elect the Treasurer by the votes of the brethren present , but in this case it is scarcely possible
that such a farce can have been gone through , when the Treasurer designate , or elect , was not a member of the lodge . 1 make these remarks not from any wish to be hypercritical , but simply with a view to eliciting from yourself or from some of your numerous readers an authoritative expression of opinion regarding the legality of the
proceedings to which 1 have called attention . My own impression is that these proceedings were irregular , and that the Treasurer must be invested anew , after he has been elected a member of the lodge , and after he has been appointed to his office by the votes ot hi . brethren . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , M . M . 1216 .
FREEMASONS' CLUB . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — May I ask if you or any of your readers are cognisant of the existence of a London Freemason ' s Club or Institute ? Being a countryman , and staying in town
for a term , 1 should much like to avail myself of its advantages . It is some time since that I heard of a London club from my friends , and I have referred to your columns for a few weeks past hoping thereby to ascertain its wh < reabouts , but in vain .
It unfortunately the club has ceased to exist do you not agree that a uri ed tffort on the part of London and country brethren might be made with a view either of re-establishing the old or starting a new club ? I am , Dear Sir and Brother , — Your » faithfully and fraternally , P . P . G . O . [ The Offices of the London Masonic Club are at 101 , Queen Victoria-street . —ED . F . M . ]
THE REV . J . C . MARTYN , M . A ., P . G . C ., & c , AND BRO . COX'S SON . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I must warmly respond to my esteemed Bro . the Rev . J . C . Martyn ' s appeal , by saying that I will do
my best to aid in the cUction of the MHI of the lamented and respected Bro . Cox , and but for this appeal coming so late 111 the day , I snould have been able to do something worth while . As the case was made known to me some time since by my friend , the W . Bro . Richard Rodda
( Past Piov . G . Reg . of Devon ) , I understood , however , that the lad ' s election had been given up as a thing impossible . Surely now it will be assured under such favour , able circumstances and distinguished patronage . Fraternally yours , WM . J AMES HLIIHAN , P . G . D .
BRO . KENNING'S MASONIC CYCLOPEDIA . 7 b the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — 1 quite tall in with the views of Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., P . G . C ., and Bro . D . Muiray Lyon , M . A ., Giand Secretary of Scotland , as to the
necessity ol delaying the publication of the " Cyclopedia " so as to ensure almost absolute pertection , and to avoid all irrelevant matter , as well as to obtain particulars of the latest discoveries in Masonic Archaeology , some of which are only now being cjnfnmed . Of the latter , 1 might mention the records of the Prov .
G . Lodge of . Munster , about which full and reliable information will shortly be given by Bro . J . H . Ncilsou , P . M . 620 , DuLlin ( Kep . of the Grand Oiient of Egypt , & c ) , and other subjects have yet to be completely examined in the light of the latest investigations . The last tew years have witnessed most important
chsnges and discoveries , with respect to Masonic History especially , and some points of consequence , affecting the origin of Freemasonry in France , and other parts , are only now in progress of elucidation . Bro . Woodfoid's idea is to present to the subscribers , in a compact and handy iorm , a condensed account of the
history of Freemasonry generally , in the form of a " Cyclopedia" for ease of itference , and facility obtained by the alphabetical airangement , and paragraph style . Whilst the work will in no case aim at supplanting the " Encyclopedia of Freemasonry " of the learned Dr . Mackay ' s , or the "Royal Cyclopedia" of the erudite , mystic Bro . Mackenzie , it will fill up a department
entirely its own , and be indispensable to all who desire an accurate Masonic vade mecum . I am pleased to be able to speak in the most favourable terms of the parts submitted to me , and as 1 have seen the proofs to the letter I , subscribers will not have to wait many months ere the work will be published . Yours fraternally , WM . J AMES HUCIIAN , P . G . D .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Bruther , — Allow me to call your attention to another evil relative to this Insitution . The voting papers for April , 1877 , really make men of
common sense think there must be something radically defective in the management of the Girls' School . Read the following extract from the List of Candidates for April , 1877 : — Candidate No . 34 , Daly , Gertrude Annie , Father ( dead ) a Mason for ( actually ) four-and-a-half years I I I Never subscribed to the Charities . Three children only in
Original Correspondence.
family . Two now in this Institution . The third child is the present candidate . Was there ever a grosser misapplication of a society ' s funds attempted than by allowing such a case to ^ be adopted ? ( I remember one case about two years since , where there were 4 children out of 5 participators in the benefits of the Beiys' and Gills' School . )
What are we to say of the bye-laws of an institution permitting the possibility of three members of the family of such a Mason , even at any time , much more the same time , becoming recipients of its funds and advantages ? What is to be said of the managers who allow such bye-laws for one moment to continue in force ? What will the orphans of old and deserving and
charitable Masons say when they find they are deprived of their rights through the defects of such improper regulations ? What will Masons generally say ? Why , that it is discreditable to our institutions to permit such a state of things when so many candidates ( ten times more deserving by reason of their parent ' s longer
association with the Craft ) every half year are thrown over and despoiled of their birthright . Yours fraternally , HENRY C . TOMBS , P . S . G . W ., etc ., & c , Wilts . P . S . —I am writing against the principle and not the candidate , with whom and her friends I am entirely unacquainted .
Consecration Of The Phœnix Chapter, No. 173.
CONSECRATION OF THE PH ? NIX CHAPTER , No . 173 .
The consecration of this new chapter took place last Saturday afternoon at Freemasons' Hall . The Consecrating Officer was Comp . James Terry , Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Herts , who occupied the chair ol M . E . Z . He was assisted by Comps . G . Ward Verry ,
Provincial Grand Principal Sojourner Herts , as H . ; the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . Z . 771 , as J . ; H . . G . Buss , Prov . Grand Treasurer Middlesex , as D . C . ; and P . G . Baker , P . Z . 753 , as J . The complete list of the companions present included the above names and those of Comps . J . D . Massey , G . Wilson , G . R . Green , C . J . J . Salmon , F . R . Vine , lames Blyth , G . H . Humphreys , Wiles , James
Burford , D . Betts , H . 507 ; Chas . B . Payne , P . Z . 177 ; G . T . Carter , H . Massey ( Frccrrason ) , John C . Mathew , H . 174 ; C . A . Woods , 145 ; W . Steedinan , 174 ; W . Bansor , 174 ; W . T . Parker , P . Z . 507 ; W . Hilton , Z . 507 ; Fred , Irampton , Z . 749 ; Charles K . Ki ' . lick , 749 ; H . Cornick , 753 ; F . B . Davage , 1 S 5 ; W . Watson , P . Z . ; H . Middleton , M . E . Z . 2 ; 1 . Distin ;
Frederick H . Cozens , 12 iG ; and 1 . C . Walls , 185 . After the chapter had been opened and the companions admitted , Comp . Terry shortly addressed them on the nature and object of the meeting , and the Rev . R . J . Simpson delivered the oration , in which he said that he was not much accustomed to the practice of Royal Arch Masonry , and he therefore felt himself in somewhat
of a new position when called upon to deliver the oration at the consecration of a new Royal Arch chapter . Still he would say a few words upon the subject of the signs and s / mbols made use of in the chapter , but more particularly he would allude to the things signified by those signs and symbols—in other , words Masonic consistency . At the consecration of a lodge recently he had dwelt especially on
the valuable effects of an exhibition of moral courage , and he had shown on that occasion that it was quite possible to spsak one ' s mind without doing so offensively . If this practice was followed up it must produce in all those with whom wc had to do a respect for our opinions and a confidence in our utterances , which would never be produced if we expressed ourselves one way and acted another ,
or hesitated to give expression to our opinions , and yet took any particular course ot action . Tne same might be said of all our actions in life alter we became Freemasonsfor if we acted without regard to our profession as Masons we were producing an injurious effect oil the whole Order . In Royal Arch Masonry as in Craft Masonry there was a moral conveyed in all its symbols , and there was
consequently a necessity imposed on all Royal Arch Masons to observe the moral precepts ot the Arch , to act up to their profession , and to shew to the outer world that it was not a mere form which they went through when they joined the Order , but that they took upon themselves certain obligations which they intended to influence their daily life . Thus , to take one of the teachings symbolised
by the arch-stone which compressed and bound the whole structure—the duty of submitting to every lawfully constituted authority—the non-observance of this rule by a Royal Arch Mason must necessarily prove that the princip les of the degree had been in vain taught when he was considered worthy to share its secrets . He had frequently had occasion to exhort Freemasons to carry the principles
of the lodge with them when they were without its walls , and he did so in the firm conviction that there was a regenerating power in Freemasonry which must humanise the world on which it acted , and bring about such an improvement in our social state as would spread peace and happiness throughout the community . What he advised in the lodge he advised in the chapter ; and as when
Masons took the Royal Arch Degree they advanced a step higher in Freemasonry , so should they advance a step higher in the principles they professed , and carry out , if it were possible , even more strictly the practice of virtue and morality . The chapter was then formally consecrated and dedicated , the ceremony being aided by the performance of
sacred music by Comps . Theodore Distin . G . T . Carter , and F . H . Cozens . After the ceremony Comp . John Daniel Massey was installed in the chairs of J ., H ., and M . E . Z ., respectively ; Comp . Geo . Wilson was installed in the chair of H ., and Comp . George Robert Green in thchair of J . The following companions were inducted as follows :
Consecration Of The Phœnix Chapter, No. 173.
C . J . j . Salmon , S . E . ; J . R . Vine . S . N . ; James Blyth , P . S . ; G . H . Humphreys , ist A . ; Wiles , 2 nd A . ; James Burford , Treas . ; and C . T . Speight , Janitor . The S . E . afterwards read a letter from Comp . John Hervey , in which he expressed his great regret and disappointment at not being able to attend , a circumstance which was caused by his being called upon to consecrate
a lodge , through the unexpected illness of the brother who was to have performed the ceremony . The S . E . afterwards read a long list of candidates for joining and exaltation at the next meeting . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., a vote of thanks to Comps . Terry , Verry , Simpson , and W . Watson was unanimously passed , and the honorary
membership of the chapter was conferred upon them . Comp . Terry briefly acknowledged the compliment , and in the course of his remarks said it was not often that a companion occupied the First Principal's chair in a chapter while he was W . M . of his lodge . He knew that Comp . Massey ' s working was good , and he trusted that the companions who had just been elected honorary members
would have some opportunity of witnessing that working . Chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a recherche' banquet was provided by Bro . Dawkins , the manager . The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were afterwards proposed and honoured . The Rev . R . J . Simpson , in responding to the toast of
" The Grand Officers , " said he was very glad to hear Comp . Wilson say , in a little " aside , " " Let us be sharp , " for it was a very excellent precedent , to follow , to make short speeches . He thanked the companions very much on behalf of the Grand Officers of the Supreme Grand Chapter , as a very humble member of that body . He said what he really felt when he said that to him to
enter a Royal Arch chapter was in fact " darkness visible , " for he was so supremely ignorant ofthe working of Royal Arch Masonry that he ought to have been almost ashamed to have shown himself there , and had it not been for the great kindness and hospitality of some of the companions he should scarcely have ventured upon the bold enterprise that he had that evening . He thanked them exceedingly
for the kindness which they had shown him ; and he also thanked Comp . Terry for the coaching he bestowed upon him before going into the chapter . He merely wished to say , before re sat down , that under the auspices of the M . E . Z . and the two other principal officers he had little doubt that this chapter would flourish . He had certainly been most gratified to see the working of the chapter that
evening , and also to have discovered many familiar faces around the table , which made him feel not entirely a stranger . In fact , the word " stranger " was not a word to be used in Masonry at all , for in Masonry one always discovered familiar faces , and was glad to do so . He ventuied to think that in Royal Arch Masonry we had what may be called a higher life than they had even in
Craft Maso . iry ; in fact , we professed more ; and he hoped , according to the very humble advice which he had given in the chapter , they would not only profess more but do more . The more he saw of Masonry the more thoroughly he felt that it mi / ht become a great means in England as well as in the world of helping to raise the standard of men ' s moral worth , both as citizens and as men : and as to
such he not only cultivated it , but he was hap ^ y the outer world he esteemed it as a most important auxiliary , not only in promoting the moral , but the religious advancement 01 mankind . He believed it was only the abuse of Masonry that would ever bring it into contempt , and the abuse of any gift was a very poor argument against its use . He therefore felt in Royal Arch Masonry ,
as in Craft Masonry , that there was an important auxiliary to improve man's condition—he felt it daily—and at the same time to advancing the peace and happiness of those around us—not only to cultivating as we ought to do our gratitude to the Most High , but also that brotherly love which we should have one towards another . Comp . James Terry proposed "The Health of the
M . E . Z . " He was confident the companions had a most efficient officer in Comp . Massey , although he was very young in Royal Arch Masonry , having been a R . A . M . six months . No doubt there were many companions around the table who had aspired to this position ; though they had not achieved it quite so rapidly . It was very well known what an excellent Master Comp . Massey was
in a Craft lodge , and no doubt he would be equally as good a First Principal in a Royal Arch chapter . I ' here were a large number of exaltees for the next meeting of the chapicr , there being no less than 22 , so that the M . E . Z . 's working would be put to the test . It was no easy task , but Comp . Massey would be able to go through it , especially with sucii efficient officers as the H . and ] .
The M . E . Z ., in responding , said he rose with a great amount of diffidence to thank Comp . Terry for what he had said , which had almost overwhelmed him . As far as in his power lay he would do his duty . Some of the companions knew that in Craft Masonry when he was elected to the chair , though the brethren pushed him on so rapidly , he did his work to the best of his ability . He left it to
them to say whether the work had been satisfactorily done . In Royal Arch Masonry he would do the same . They all knew that when once he entered upon a course he would never go back . As far as God gave hira strength to do his work he would do it . The M . E . Z . next gave " The Health of the H . and J ., " and said he was quite sure they would do credit to their
appointment . Comp . Wilson , H ., in his reply , narrated the circumstances connected with the formation of the chapter , and explained to the companions how great were the exertions of the M . E . Z in promoting it . The Phoenix Lodge had been in existence many , many years , almost a century , but they had never been able to meet a companion who
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
he must be proposed and seconded at a regular meeting , and balloted for at a subsequent meeting , but these formalities seem to have been dispensed with on the occasion to which I refer . Again , it is surely customary in all lodges to elect the Treasurer by the votes of the brethren present , but in this case it is scarcely possible
that such a farce can have been gone through , when the Treasurer designate , or elect , was not a member of the lodge . 1 make these remarks not from any wish to be hypercritical , but simply with a view to eliciting from yourself or from some of your numerous readers an authoritative expression of opinion regarding the legality of the
proceedings to which 1 have called attention . My own impression is that these proceedings were irregular , and that the Treasurer must be invested anew , after he has been elected a member of the lodge , and after he has been appointed to his office by the votes ot hi . brethren . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , M . M . 1216 .
FREEMASONS' CLUB . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — May I ask if you or any of your readers are cognisant of the existence of a London Freemason ' s Club or Institute ? Being a countryman , and staying in town
for a term , 1 should much like to avail myself of its advantages . It is some time since that I heard of a London club from my friends , and I have referred to your columns for a few weeks past hoping thereby to ascertain its wh < reabouts , but in vain .
It unfortunately the club has ceased to exist do you not agree that a uri ed tffort on the part of London and country brethren might be made with a view either of re-establishing the old or starting a new club ? I am , Dear Sir and Brother , — Your » faithfully and fraternally , P . P . G . O . [ The Offices of the London Masonic Club are at 101 , Queen Victoria-street . —ED . F . M . ]
THE REV . J . C . MARTYN , M . A ., P . G . C ., & c , AND BRO . COX'S SON . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I must warmly respond to my esteemed Bro . the Rev . J . C . Martyn ' s appeal , by saying that I will do
my best to aid in the cUction of the MHI of the lamented and respected Bro . Cox , and but for this appeal coming so late 111 the day , I snould have been able to do something worth while . As the case was made known to me some time since by my friend , the W . Bro . Richard Rodda
( Past Piov . G . Reg . of Devon ) , I understood , however , that the lad ' s election had been given up as a thing impossible . Surely now it will be assured under such favour , able circumstances and distinguished patronage . Fraternally yours , WM . J AMES HLIIHAN , P . G . D .
BRO . KENNING'S MASONIC CYCLOPEDIA . 7 b the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — 1 quite tall in with the views of Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., P . G . C ., and Bro . D . Muiray Lyon , M . A ., Giand Secretary of Scotland , as to the
necessity ol delaying the publication of the " Cyclopedia " so as to ensure almost absolute pertection , and to avoid all irrelevant matter , as well as to obtain particulars of the latest discoveries in Masonic Archaeology , some of which are only now being cjnfnmed . Of the latter , 1 might mention the records of the Prov .
G . Lodge of . Munster , about which full and reliable information will shortly be given by Bro . J . H . Ncilsou , P . M . 620 , DuLlin ( Kep . of the Grand Oiient of Egypt , & c ) , and other subjects have yet to be completely examined in the light of the latest investigations . The last tew years have witnessed most important
chsnges and discoveries , with respect to Masonic History especially , and some points of consequence , affecting the origin of Freemasonry in France , and other parts , are only now in progress of elucidation . Bro . Woodfoid's idea is to present to the subscribers , in a compact and handy iorm , a condensed account of the
history of Freemasonry generally , in the form of a " Cyclopedia" for ease of itference , and facility obtained by the alphabetical airangement , and paragraph style . Whilst the work will in no case aim at supplanting the " Encyclopedia of Freemasonry " of the learned Dr . Mackay ' s , or the "Royal Cyclopedia" of the erudite , mystic Bro . Mackenzie , it will fill up a department
entirely its own , and be indispensable to all who desire an accurate Masonic vade mecum . I am pleased to be able to speak in the most favourable terms of the parts submitted to me , and as 1 have seen the proofs to the letter I , subscribers will not have to wait many months ere the work will be published . Yours fraternally , WM . J AMES HUCIIAN , P . G . D .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Bruther , — Allow me to call your attention to another evil relative to this Insitution . The voting papers for April , 1877 , really make men of
common sense think there must be something radically defective in the management of the Girls' School . Read the following extract from the List of Candidates for April , 1877 : — Candidate No . 34 , Daly , Gertrude Annie , Father ( dead ) a Mason for ( actually ) four-and-a-half years I I I Never subscribed to the Charities . Three children only in
Original Correspondence.
family . Two now in this Institution . The third child is the present candidate . Was there ever a grosser misapplication of a society ' s funds attempted than by allowing such a case to ^ be adopted ? ( I remember one case about two years since , where there were 4 children out of 5 participators in the benefits of the Beiys' and Gills' School . )
What are we to say of the bye-laws of an institution permitting the possibility of three members of the family of such a Mason , even at any time , much more the same time , becoming recipients of its funds and advantages ? What is to be said of the managers who allow such bye-laws for one moment to continue in force ? What will the orphans of old and deserving and
charitable Masons say when they find they are deprived of their rights through the defects of such improper regulations ? What will Masons generally say ? Why , that it is discreditable to our institutions to permit such a state of things when so many candidates ( ten times more deserving by reason of their parent ' s longer
association with the Craft ) every half year are thrown over and despoiled of their birthright . Yours fraternally , HENRY C . TOMBS , P . S . G . W ., etc ., & c , Wilts . P . S . —I am writing against the principle and not the candidate , with whom and her friends I am entirely unacquainted .
Consecration Of The Phœnix Chapter, No. 173.
CONSECRATION OF THE PH ? NIX CHAPTER , No . 173 .
The consecration of this new chapter took place last Saturday afternoon at Freemasons' Hall . The Consecrating Officer was Comp . James Terry , Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Herts , who occupied the chair ol M . E . Z . He was assisted by Comps . G . Ward Verry ,
Provincial Grand Principal Sojourner Herts , as H . ; the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . Z . 771 , as J . ; H . . G . Buss , Prov . Grand Treasurer Middlesex , as D . C . ; and P . G . Baker , P . Z . 753 , as J . The complete list of the companions present included the above names and those of Comps . J . D . Massey , G . Wilson , G . R . Green , C . J . J . Salmon , F . R . Vine , lames Blyth , G . H . Humphreys , Wiles , James
Burford , D . Betts , H . 507 ; Chas . B . Payne , P . Z . 177 ; G . T . Carter , H . Massey ( Frccrrason ) , John C . Mathew , H . 174 ; C . A . Woods , 145 ; W . Steedinan , 174 ; W . Bansor , 174 ; W . T . Parker , P . Z . 507 ; W . Hilton , Z . 507 ; Fred , Irampton , Z . 749 ; Charles K . Ki ' . lick , 749 ; H . Cornick , 753 ; F . B . Davage , 1 S 5 ; W . Watson , P . Z . ; H . Middleton , M . E . Z . 2 ; 1 . Distin ;
Frederick H . Cozens , 12 iG ; and 1 . C . Walls , 185 . After the chapter had been opened and the companions admitted , Comp . Terry shortly addressed them on the nature and object of the meeting , and the Rev . R . J . Simpson delivered the oration , in which he said that he was not much accustomed to the practice of Royal Arch Masonry , and he therefore felt himself in somewhat
of a new position when called upon to deliver the oration at the consecration of a new Royal Arch chapter . Still he would say a few words upon the subject of the signs and s / mbols made use of in the chapter , but more particularly he would allude to the things signified by those signs and symbols—in other , words Masonic consistency . At the consecration of a lodge recently he had dwelt especially on
the valuable effects of an exhibition of moral courage , and he had shown on that occasion that it was quite possible to spsak one ' s mind without doing so offensively . If this practice was followed up it must produce in all those with whom wc had to do a respect for our opinions and a confidence in our utterances , which would never be produced if we expressed ourselves one way and acted another ,
or hesitated to give expression to our opinions , and yet took any particular course ot action . Tne same might be said of all our actions in life alter we became Freemasonsfor if we acted without regard to our profession as Masons we were producing an injurious effect oil the whole Order . In Royal Arch Masonry as in Craft Masonry there was a moral conveyed in all its symbols , and there was
consequently a necessity imposed on all Royal Arch Masons to observe the moral precepts ot the Arch , to act up to their profession , and to shew to the outer world that it was not a mere form which they went through when they joined the Order , but that they took upon themselves certain obligations which they intended to influence their daily life . Thus , to take one of the teachings symbolised
by the arch-stone which compressed and bound the whole structure—the duty of submitting to every lawfully constituted authority—the non-observance of this rule by a Royal Arch Mason must necessarily prove that the princip les of the degree had been in vain taught when he was considered worthy to share its secrets . He had frequently had occasion to exhort Freemasons to carry the principles
of the lodge with them when they were without its walls , and he did so in the firm conviction that there was a regenerating power in Freemasonry which must humanise the world on which it acted , and bring about such an improvement in our social state as would spread peace and happiness throughout the community . What he advised in the lodge he advised in the chapter ; and as when
Masons took the Royal Arch Degree they advanced a step higher in Freemasonry , so should they advance a step higher in the principles they professed , and carry out , if it were possible , even more strictly the practice of virtue and morality . The chapter was then formally consecrated and dedicated , the ceremony being aided by the performance of
sacred music by Comps . Theodore Distin . G . T . Carter , and F . H . Cozens . After the ceremony Comp . John Daniel Massey was installed in the chairs of J ., H ., and M . E . Z ., respectively ; Comp . Geo . Wilson was installed in the chair of H ., and Comp . George Robert Green in thchair of J . The following companions were inducted as follows :
Consecration Of The Phœnix Chapter, No. 173.
C . J . j . Salmon , S . E . ; J . R . Vine . S . N . ; James Blyth , P . S . ; G . H . Humphreys , ist A . ; Wiles , 2 nd A . ; James Burford , Treas . ; and C . T . Speight , Janitor . The S . E . afterwards read a letter from Comp . John Hervey , in which he expressed his great regret and disappointment at not being able to attend , a circumstance which was caused by his being called upon to consecrate
a lodge , through the unexpected illness of the brother who was to have performed the ceremony . The S . E . afterwards read a long list of candidates for joining and exaltation at the next meeting . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., a vote of thanks to Comps . Terry , Verry , Simpson , and W . Watson was unanimously passed , and the honorary
membership of the chapter was conferred upon them . Comp . Terry briefly acknowledged the compliment , and in the course of his remarks said it was not often that a companion occupied the First Principal's chair in a chapter while he was W . M . of his lodge . He knew that Comp . Massey ' s working was good , and he trusted that the companions who had just been elected honorary members
would have some opportunity of witnessing that working . Chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a recherche' banquet was provided by Bro . Dawkins , the manager . The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were afterwards proposed and honoured . The Rev . R . J . Simpson , in responding to the toast of
" The Grand Officers , " said he was very glad to hear Comp . Wilson say , in a little " aside , " " Let us be sharp , " for it was a very excellent precedent , to follow , to make short speeches . He thanked the companions very much on behalf of the Grand Officers of the Supreme Grand Chapter , as a very humble member of that body . He said what he really felt when he said that to him to
enter a Royal Arch chapter was in fact " darkness visible , " for he was so supremely ignorant ofthe working of Royal Arch Masonry that he ought to have been almost ashamed to have shown himself there , and had it not been for the great kindness and hospitality of some of the companions he should scarcely have ventured upon the bold enterprise that he had that evening . He thanked them exceedingly
for the kindness which they had shown him ; and he also thanked Comp . Terry for the coaching he bestowed upon him before going into the chapter . He merely wished to say , before re sat down , that under the auspices of the M . E . Z . and the two other principal officers he had little doubt that this chapter would flourish . He had certainly been most gratified to see the working of the chapter that
evening , and also to have discovered many familiar faces around the table , which made him feel not entirely a stranger . In fact , the word " stranger " was not a word to be used in Masonry at all , for in Masonry one always discovered familiar faces , and was glad to do so . He ventuied to think that in Royal Arch Masonry we had what may be called a higher life than they had even in
Craft Maso . iry ; in fact , we professed more ; and he hoped , according to the very humble advice which he had given in the chapter , they would not only profess more but do more . The more he saw of Masonry the more thoroughly he felt that it mi / ht become a great means in England as well as in the world of helping to raise the standard of men ' s moral worth , both as citizens and as men : and as to
such he not only cultivated it , but he was hap ^ y the outer world he esteemed it as a most important auxiliary , not only in promoting the moral , but the religious advancement 01 mankind . He believed it was only the abuse of Masonry that would ever bring it into contempt , and the abuse of any gift was a very poor argument against its use . He therefore felt in Royal Arch Masonry ,
as in Craft Masonry , that there was an important auxiliary to improve man's condition—he felt it daily—and at the same time to advancing the peace and happiness of those around us—not only to cultivating as we ought to do our gratitude to the Most High , but also that brotherly love which we should have one towards another . Comp . James Terry proposed "The Health of the
M . E . Z . " He was confident the companions had a most efficient officer in Comp . Massey , although he was very young in Royal Arch Masonry , having been a R . A . M . six months . No doubt there were many companions around the table who had aspired to this position ; though they had not achieved it quite so rapidly . It was very well known what an excellent Master Comp . Massey was
in a Craft lodge , and no doubt he would be equally as good a First Principal in a Royal Arch chapter . I ' here were a large number of exaltees for the next meeting of the chapicr , there being no less than 22 , so that the M . E . Z . 's working would be put to the test . It was no easy task , but Comp . Massey would be able to go through it , especially with sucii efficient officers as the H . and ] .
The M . E . Z ., in responding , said he rose with a great amount of diffidence to thank Comp . Terry for what he had said , which had almost overwhelmed him . As far as in his power lay he would do his duty . Some of the companions knew that in Craft Masonry when he was elected to the chair , though the brethren pushed him on so rapidly , he did his work to the best of his ability . He left it to
them to say whether the work had been satisfactorily done . In Royal Arch Masonry he would do the same . They all knew that when once he entered upon a course he would never go back . As far as God gave hira strength to do his work he would do it . The M . E . Z . next gave " The Health of the H . and J ., " and said he was quite sure they would do credit to their
appointment . Comp . Wilson , H ., in his reply , narrated the circumstances connected with the formation of the chapter , and explained to the companions how great were the exertions of the M . E . Z in promoting it . The Phoenix Lodge had been in existence many , many years , almost a century , but they had never been able to meet a companion who