Annual Supper Of The Star Chapter Of Improvement, No. 1275.

he urge the necessity of working far in advance of their position ( if a minor one ) so that they could be ready for any emergency , and also for companions to be able to perform their duties even 12 months before they might be elected to the office . His endeavour would be to give as great satisfaction in the future as in the past . The PRESIDENT next gave "Success to the Star Chapter of Improvement , " the toast of the evening , which had for its Preceptor Comp . T . Grummant , one of the most capable companions , willing , and ever ready to impart that instruction which

had made the chapter second to none in London . The Star Chioter had been most successful , and in it had been trained companions who were able to conduct the whole ceremonies , even in the absence of the Preceptor . He hoped the same success would continue , and the efforts of the Preceptor be still further crowned for many years to come . He would couple with the toast Comp . Thos . Grummant , P . Z ., Preceptor . The toast was most cordially received .

In reply , Comp . GRUMMANT said it was the second time he had responded in that capacity , and he was , indeed , grateful for his name beinj ; thus associated . He should like to take a retrospect of R . A . Masonry and the founding of the Star Chapter of Improvement . Some iS or 20 years ago a few companions met in Greenwich under the able Preceptorship of the late Comp . Bumstead , who took a very deep interest in Royal Arch Masonry , and who particularly gave him the sound advice of working up and perfecting himself in the various duties .

which would in the end be appreciated , and that had been attained . In times gone by the work had been relegated to a few Past Principals , but how different was it now since the formation of the Star Chapter of Improvement when other chapters of improvement had failed . The late esteemed Comp . Poore had endeavoured his best in Camberwell , but had never received the ~ support sufficient to make it successful . The idea having struck a few companions , seven or eight in number , among whom were Comps . R . J . Voisey and C . H . Stone ( one of the

most enthusiastic companions one could meet ) , the Star Chapter was started 10 years ago , and had continued to succeed . He was called upon most unexpectedly to be its Preceptor , and felt somewhat diffident at first , but when he had such able and hearty support from the companions , together with so much kindness , it had gone on and prospered . The work of the Star Chapter of Instruction was amply exemplified in uniting the various neighbouring chapters—the Rose , Selwyn ,

Star , Sterndale Bennett , and the Southern Star , from the companions of which he had had the heartiest support , and had received the greatest possible kindness . While such excellent work was carried on , and each succeeding Principal installed his successor , he felt a new era was dawning on Royal Arch Masonry , so long should he be proud in remaining Preceptor of so valuable a chapter of instruction as that of the Star , 1275 .

The PRESIDENT next gave the toast of " The Treasurer and S . E . " Comp . R . J . Voisey , P . Z ., Treas ., had been associated with the chapter from its formation , and filled the office of Treasurer during that time . He was a most distinguished Mason , and when able to attend , through his manifold duties , showed a very lively interest in the chapter . The funds were safely guarded and applied in the right direction . Of Comp . C . H . Stone , P . Z ., S . E ., it was unnecessary to say that , whatever position he was called upon to undertake , he not only did it with a

will and power , but with great credit to himself . He was a most indefatigable worker , and his life and soul was for the welfare of Freemasonry . His willingness and readiness at all times to do good was his aim , and the welfare of the chapter of instruction was his desire . He was to be congratulated for so recently having been elected a member of the Board of Benevolence , which gratified his many friends . He would ask the companions to drink in bumpers , and he would couple with the toast Comp . C . H . Stone , S . E .

In reply , Comp . STONE , S . E ., heartily thanked the companions for so very cordially receiving the toast of Treasurer and S . E . Of Comp . R . J . Voisey , Treasurer , he would say that the funds were in safe custody with him , and no doubt his absence was accounted for through his ill-health . All would have been delighted at his presence , as he was deeply interested in the welfare of the chapter , and wished his health would improve . For himself , he had been very kindly spoken of by the President , and felt that it was almost more than he

deserved . He had only done his duty , and trusted that he should be spared to continue in that straight path for many years . A few statistics of the chapter he should like to present , which , to his mind , were not only interesting , but highly commendable . The chapter had been founded 10 years , and , from reference , had not missed a single convocation . During the past year there had been 38 meetings , with an average of nearly 14 , which , to his mind , spoke volumes as to the kind of instruction imparted . There had been

14 new members , in the year , making a total of 242 on the roll ; the furniture of the chapter had been purchased and repiid by the subscriptions , " but the best test and surest proof of the sincerity , " & c , was the part that those subscriptions had played in the cause of Charity ; no less a sum than 30 guineas had been paid to the various Institutions , and the companions had voted a further sum of five guineas on his list for the Boys' Centenary Festival . That fact alone gave him every incentive to do his utmost for the welfare 01 the Star Chapter

of Instruction . It was certainly very significant , but the neighbouring chapters were represented on that occasion by the M . E . Z . of each chapter , thereby showing their deep interest , and also in supporting the President and the excellent Preceptor , Comp . Thomas Grummant . He hoped thc same good feeling would exist for many years , and nothing would be left on his part to continue to support all who assisted to make the chapter of instruction second to none in London .

The toast of " The Artistes " was ably proposed by the PRESIDENT and duly responded to by Comps . BI . EWKTI FAUI . I . and DEKIIA . M , P . Z ., and Bro . ARTHUR COURT . An excellent selection of music was given by Comps . Durham ( flautist ) , Hy . Hardman , Lundic , G . Thumpson , and Frampton ( reciter ) , and Bro . Arthur Court . Comps . Harper and Blewett Faull ably presided at the piano .

"Academy Of Armory," By R. Holme.

"ACADEMY OF ARMORY , " BY R . HOLME .

Mr . Bernard Quaritcb , of 15 , Piccadilly , has two copies for sale of the ' Academy of Armory , " by Randle Holme , of Chester , who was a prominent Freemason of the 17 th Century , and is familiar to us students in the Harleia . 11 MS ., No . 2054 , British Museum . There is a line copy of this first edition in the Library of Grand Lodge , and certainl y , no general Masonic Library could be complete without having one on Hs shelves . So perfect a copy is most difficult to procure and costly withal .

Mr . Bernard Ouaritch , who is the Prince of _ 'nd Hand Booksellers , thus refers to the Editions of 16 SS and 1701 . He has in his Collection Book 3 , small paper , to complete the 3 Parts , in folio , and also the scarce Index of names to the Armory " ( toiio ) of 1821 , of which only 50 copies were printed . Handle Holme , in the aforesaid work , thus alludes to the Fraternity : ' I •' . iiinol but Honour the Fellowship of the Masons , because of its Antiquity ; ami ¦

< " < - more , as being :, member ol that Society called freemasons . The following is quoted from a Catalogue just issued , of " Choice aim valu able Books , " which may be had from B . Ouaritch , post free , for five pence ; VV . J . HUGHAN .

"Academy Of Armory," By R. Holme.

Holme ( Randle ) " The Academy of Armor } ' , or , a Storehouse of Armory and Blazon " ... With the instruments used in all trades and sciences , together with their terms of art—small folio . Parts 1 and 2 , folio , large pj . per ( unique in this state ) , dedication copy to King- James If , fine copy , tuith the rare frontispiece , biiuul in old red Morocco , with the King ' s Arms impressed on the sides , gilt edges . Chester , Printed for the author , i 6 S 3 . Dedication Copy to King James II ., having a specially printed leaf of dedication ( not a patron's leaf as is sometimes found ) following the title . On the reverse of this leaf is an address— " The Author to the Gentle Reader , " in which occurs this

passage" It is only given thee to Understand that I have in this Volume Presented to your view two Books , the first Treating of the Office of an Herauld ; . . . . The second Treateth of Natural Bearings . . . . " and further soliciting encouragement for the publication of books 3 and 4 . This shows clearly that books 1 and 2 were originally issued without book 3 . This is further confirmed by the dedication to chap . 2 , book 3 , in which Holme says : " he stood at a stay " after finishing books 1 and 2 , on account of the " vast expense past , " and thanks R . Brereton for providing him with funds . The address above referred to was reprinted with the obvious alterations , on the last page of book 3 , and on this occasion Holme asks for encouragement for book 4 .

This original issue differs from the later issue of this date ( and consequently , also , of the reissue of 1701 ) , in having the last page of sig . A . ( page S of contents ) quite blank . This sheet was afterwards entirely reset , with two commeniUtorv verses bv T . Simpson , jun ., and R . Holme , jun ., on page S , and an extra leaf of " Anagram , " etc ., added ; In this first issue the catchwords of pages 2 , 4 , and 6 , of sig . A . are "Liber , " " longing , " and " Blazon , " respectively , and the abbreviation , * ' Cap . " is used throughout instead of "Cnap . " The le if between pp . 220-221 , " An Alphabet of all known Beasts , ] ' was not in this copy , but I have inserted it . It is often missing , and inasmuch as it is a fifth leaf in a sheet , and has no pagination , must have been issued subsequently to the book .

This copy , at an early date , cam- ! into the possession of Dr . Wm . Cowper , F . S . A ., of Colne , Mavor of Chester ( his ex-libris is dated 172 s . ) He died 1767 , bequeathing his property to Thomas Cowper , from whom it descended through his daughter ani sole heiress , Dorothy , to Reg . Cholmondeley , of Condover , recently deceased . The bookplates of these three gentlemen are in the volume . tt is fortunate this book his not pissed through the hands of an cx-lihris collector , or we would have lost this delightful pedigree , showing that the home of the book has been for 170 years in Cheshire .

Holme ( R , ) "The Acidemy of Armory , " folio , good sound copy , in old calf . London , 1701 . This is the reissue of the i 63 S book , with a reprinted title-page . The engraved title was not issued with the copies dated 1701 , no doubt , owing to James's Arms forming portion of the design . A dedication leaf to William and Mary is sometimes found inserted , but is not in this copy . Lowndes , in his collection , docs not in : ntion two separate plates of alphabets fou nd at pp . 414 and 416 , in book 3 .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Jerusalem Chapter , No , 185 . The installation meeting of this chapter was Veld by dispensation at tbe Frascit Restaurant , Oxford-street , on thi 1 yth ult ., when there were present Comps . G Davis , P . Z ., S . E ., as First Principal in the absence of Comp . Blankley , M . E . Z . ; Hill , H ., M . E . Z . elect . ; N . Moss , J . P ., P . Z ., as J . j Johnston , J . elect ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Treas . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C . ; Staley , P . Z . ; Rivers , Huish , and Foskett . Comp . Mason , P . Z ., Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes , was a visitor .

The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , Comp . G . Davis , P . Z ., impressively installed the First and Third Principals . Comp . Witthaus , H . elect , was unable to attend . Among the officers invested were Comps . G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E . ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Treas . ; Huish , P . S . ; and Foskett , 1 st A . S . A notice of motion was given— "That in future the chapter meet at the Frascati Restaurant . " Apologies for non-attendince were received from Comps . Blankley , I . P . Z . ; Witthaus ,

11 . elect ; Cleghorn , P . Z . ; and Eisleman , P . Z . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The resignation of Comp . Hanbury was received with regret . The chapter was then closed . Refreshment followed labour . The long list of toasts was duly gone through by the M . E . Z . In the intervals an agreeable programme of instrumental and vocal music was presented and gave unqualified satisfaction .

Wycombe Chapter , No . 1501 . The installation meeting of this chapter was held on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , High Wycombe . Present : Comps . E . T . James , M . E . Z . ; J . J . Simcox , H . ; H . H . Sherwin , J . ; John Williams , P . Z ., M . E . Z . 591 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; R . Nicholson , P . Z ., Trea « . j J . Bliss , P . Z ., S . E . ; F . lohncock , C . Batting , A . Ball , J . C . Coppock , J . D . Carter , VV . Ratheram , D . Wilton , R . Hambling , and J . VV . Hodgkinson , Janitor .

The minu ' es of the last chapter and chapter of emergen : y were read and confirmed . Comps . J . J . Simcox , Sherwin , and Johncock were then instilled into the three chairs , the ceremony being very ably performed by Comp . J . Williams . The M . E . Z . afterwards proceeded to appoint his officers as follows : Comps . C . Batting , S . N . ; J . Bliss , S . E . ; R . Nicholson , Treas . ; J . Coppick , P . S . ; Ball , 1 st A . S . ; J . Williams , 2 nd A . S . ; W . Scott Miller , D . C . ; D . Wilton and II . Hambly , Stwds . ; and Hodgkinson , Janitor . The M . E . Z ., in appropriate terms , next presented Comp . E . T . James with a

P . Z . ' s jewel for Ins arduous zeal in the chair for the past year . Comp . James having responded , Comp . Simcox , M . E . Z ., proposed , and Comp . Bliss seconded , that Comps . John Williams and R . O . G . Grace , both of whom had shown great earnestness in the welfare of the chapter , and were both Grand Officers , should be appointed honorary members of the chapter . This was carried unanimously . Bro . H . Flint , S . D . 1501 , was proposed as a candidate for exaltation , and Comp . Ball was nominated to represent the chapter at the Boys' Festival . The chapter was then closed .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Wycombe Lodge , No . 480 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Rooms , High Wycombe , on Tuesday , the y . A inst ., when a large number of brethren were piesent . Bro . I *' . Johncock , VV . M ., occupied the chair . The minutes oi thc last lodge and of an emergency meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . C . Batting , P . M . 257 , P . J . G . VV . Berks , was duly in-tailed in the chair , thc ceiemony being most impressively rendered by the VV . M . Bro . Batting having been

saluted , appointed and invested his olhcers as follows : Bros . J . J . Simcox , S . W . ; K . T . Rces , J . W . ; II . Ilambling , M . O . ; II . Flint , S . O . ; | . C . L ' jppick , J . O . ; VV . L . Bradshaw , S . D . ; VV . Brich , J D . ; I ' . Bliss , P . M ., Treas . j R . Nicholson , P . M ., Sec ; H . H . Sherwin , I . G . ; and A . Ball and J . N . Hodgkinson , Stwds . The VV . M . then presenied a Past Master's jewel to Bro . Johncock , I . P . M ., tor his valued services to the lodgeduiing his year of ollice . Bro . Johncock suitably responded , and thc lodge was closed . * .

Inf . IJUI-. IU ; and Couit left Windsor Ca : > tlc shortly before half-piit eleven o ' clock on Monday ( or the Metropolis . Iler Majesty and suite travelled by special Great Western train to Padiin , jton , whence they drove , under an escort of the Household Cavalry , to Buckingham Palace .