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Article CONSECRATION OF A CHAPTER AT NEWPORT. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF A CHAPTER AT NEWPORT. Page 1 of 1 Article SCOTLAND. Page 1 of 2 Article SCOTLAND. Page 1 of 2 →
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Consecration Of A Chapter At Newport.
CONSECRATION OF A CHAPTER AT NEWPORT .
The interesting ceremonial of consecration in the Royal Arch degree took place in this town on Tuesday last week . It was the birthday of " The Saint AVoollo ' s Chapter" in connection with the Isca Lodge ( 683 ) , which has , more especially during the last few years , under the
fostering care of Masters , Past and Present , acquired a position in the van of a province which , from all points ofthe compass , is regarded most favourably not only on account of the numerical increase of the Craftsmen , but the judgment and discretion by which the selection
of those seeking the advantages of an ancient an honourable institution has been characterised . It cannot be too extensively known that Masonry seeks not to proselytise—that Masons are absolutely prohibited , under penalties , from soliciting the " outer world " to join their Order ,
and that the Grand Lodge of England ever impresses on those under its authority the vast importance of selecting for participation in their privileges men of sound morals and of recognised social position . Hence the high character of the confraternity . Founded on the grand
principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , Masonry in not a " benefit society / ' in the ordinary sense ofthe term . These fundamental principles constantly in view , its influence is felt throughout the habitable globe . For the important ceremony , to which we have referred ,
the services of Companion Henry Muggeridge , First Grand Standard Bearer of England , were enlisted , who came expressly from London to consecrate the Chapter and to install the principals designate , viz ., Comp . John Middleton , M . E . Z . ; Comp . John Laybourne , H . ; and
Comp . Thomas AA'illiams , J . The induction of officers was postponed until AA ' ednesday . the 14 th , when , by the bye , the banquet takes place at the Hostelry commonly known as " The King ' s Head , " which , being freely translated into the Classics , straightway becomes " Caput
Regis ! ' At " Caput Regis , " then , the Companions are invited to assemble , and that they will do so in force cannot he doubted for a moment . In the hands of Comp . Muggeridge the ritual , solemn and majestic as it is , was rendered peculiarly impressive by the
elocutionary powers he displayed . His oration , after the usual preliminaries had been gone through , was in itself a Masonic gem , to which were added in graceful harmony , some of the poetic creations of Addison , Milton , Shakespere , Yovvng , and Pope . AVe wish we could give it
to our readers in e . xtenso , but the rules of Craft Masonry forbid ! Let us add that every part of this grand ceremonial evinced the efficiency in Masonic knowledge of the installing Companion ; indeed the attention of the Chapter was wrapt as he expounded the beautiful points
of the fourth degree . The occasion was rendered still more imposing by solemn music . Comp . Koelbel , bandmaster of the 94 th Regiment , presided at the organ , and well he did his duty . The anthem ( Stephens ) was sung to the following words : —
Behold ! how pleasant and how good For brethren such as we , Of the " Accepted" Brotherhooel , To dwell in unity . 'Tis like the oil on Aaron's head , Which to his feet distils ; Like Hermon ' s dew , so richly shed On Zion ' s sacred hills .
For there the Lord of Light and Love A blessing sent with power ; Oh I may we all that blessing prove , E'en life for evermore . On Friendship ' s altar rising here , Our hands now plighted be , To live in love with hearts sincere , In peace and unity .
The S . E ., an officer of whom our non-masonic readers , of course , know nothing , but who exists , nevertheless , in every chapter , then presented the principals to the presiding-ofticer , who thereupon gave the first portion of the " Dedication Prayer , " all the companions joining in the chant " So mote it be . " The sanctus " Glory
Consecration Of A Chapter At Newport.
be to Thee , O Lord" preceded the Invocation , which the presiding-officer delivered , all the companions turning to the east , a . nd again came that beautiful chant " So mote it be . " Three P . Z . ' s here stepped forward , carrying sumptuous vessels of silver containing corn , and
wine , and oil , and perambulated the chapter , the organ pealing forth and the companions chanting" Glory be to God on high ; Peace on Earth ; Good-will toward men . "
Phe Chai *)] ain took the censer , and pronounced the comprehensive Masonic benediction , the solemnity being heightened by the excellent musical effect produced .
The second portion of the " Dedication Prayer ' * " having been given , the presiding officer " dedicated" the chapter in due form , and " constituted" the same , the whole closing with the anthem (
Haydn)—The spacious firmament on high , AVith all the blue ethereal sky , And spangled heavens , a shining frame . Their great original proclaim . The unwearied sun , from day to clay , Does his Creator ' s power display , And publishes to every land , The work of an Almighty hand .
AA'hat , though in solemn silence all , "Move round this dark terrestrial ball , AA hat though no real voice nor sound , Amid their radiant orbs be found ; ln reason ' s car they all rejoice , And utter forth a glorious voice , For ever singing as they shine , The hand that maele us is Divine .
the installation of the principals already named followed ( Comp . Laybourne was absent owing to indisposition ) , and a number were proposed for exaltation , and as joining members . A few of the companions afterwards dined together at the King ' s Head Hotel , where
Comp . Muggeridge was the honoured guest . Amongst the companions present at the Consecration we noticed : —Henry Muggeridge , P . G . S . Bearer ; John Middleton , Z . designate ; Thos . AA'illiams , J . designate ; A \ . Pickford , P . Z . 471 ; AVilliam AVatkins , 471 ; Alfred Taylor ,
471 ; Henry J . Gratte , J . 471 ; R . J . Chambers , P . N . 471 ; R . S . Roper , 471 ; R . B . Evans , 471 ; Henry Fletcher , 471 ; C . H . Oliver , Z . 471 ; Rev . Samuel Fox , H . 471 ; David Lloyd James , 471 ; F . Orders , 471 : Henry Hellyer ,
P . Z ., 471 ; Charles Rowe , 471 ; AV . H . AVickey Homfray , 471 ; AA'illiam AVade , 471 ; Egbert Horlick , 471 ; Benjamin Lawrence , P . S ., 471 ; H . Koelbel , 563 , Umballah ; Samuel Coombes , P . Z . 471 ; AV . Parfitt , 471 . — -7 / * r Star of Givent Times .
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
KELSO . On Friday evening , the 26 th ult ., the Tweed Lodge , No . 261 , celebrated the festival of St . John the Evangelist by a grand torchlight procession and ball . It was intended to have had the demonstration on the eve of St . John , but , owing to the severe illness of his Royal
Highness the Prince of AA ' ales , it was delayed until Friday . The brethren met in the lodge-room at the Cross Keys Hotel , about six o'clock , when they formed themselves into processional order , two and two , and , headed by the Kelso Brass Band , and bearing aloft the flambeaus and
insignia ofthe Order , proceeded up Roxburgh-street , to the old familiar tune of "The Merry Masons . " After coming down Roxburgh-street , the procession proceeded along north side of Square , and down Horse Market , into Coal Market , and up AVood Market , passedalongsotith side of Square ,
proceeded along Bridge-street to the Manse entrance gate , passing through and going up the avenue to the Rev . Bro . Smith's residence , and passing along by the grammar school , and by this route walking round the Old Abbey , where
a halt was made , the band playing " Auld Lang Syne . " The procession afterwards retraced their steps up Bridge-street , and walked twice round the Square , and at last went straight from the British Linen Company ' s bank to the lodge-
Scotland.
room . Notwithstanding the unpropitious weather ( rain having fallen during the entire course of the procession ) , the street windows in the route were crowded with spectators , many of them coming great distances to witness the procession .
and all of them evincing the greatest interest in the rather novel demonstration . It is nearly twenty-seven years since the last torch-light procession took place , and many of the inhabitants will remember the procession of Friday for
many years to come . The principal officebearers who took part in the demonstration on Friday were Bros . J . S . Macgregor , R . AV . M . 261 ; the Proxy Master 70 ; P . M . 393 ( E . G . ) , and P . G . Org . Northumberland ; Steel , P . M . 261 ; and
Gibson , R . AA ' . M . 70 . In the evening a supper and ball took place in the Hall , which was neatly decorated for the occasion with flowers and evergreens . The company were joined by several office-bearers and brethren from the St .
David's Lodge , Berwick ( E . C . ) There was a large attendance , and dancing commenced about ten o'clock , to the strains of an excellent string band , and continued with unflagging interest up to twelve o ' clock , when supper was served up
and heartily partaken of . After a few songs , dancing was again resumed , and with country dances , quadrilles , schottisches , and polkas , the evening ' s enjoyment was kept up almost until " night ' s candles had burned out , " and chanticleer proclaimed the dawn of morn .
MELROSE . The annual festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated by Lodge St . John , on AA ' ednesday , the 27 th ult ., within their own lodge-room , Melrose . The lodge being opened , the brethren proceeded to the election and installation of their office-bearers , when the result was as
follows : Bros . Ren ton , R . AV . M . ; Middleness , S . AV . ; Hart , J . AV . ; AVood , S . D . ; Aikman , J . D . ; Graham , P . M . ; Hart , D . M . ; Fairbairn , Sec . ; Scott , Treas . ; Sardine , Chap . ; Scott , I . G . ; and Ticket , Tyler . The lodge was then closed , and
immediately thereafter ninety-four sat down to a sumptuous dinner . The usual torch-light procession was held in the evening , headed by an instrumental band , numbering upwards of twenty players . Everything passed off in the usual good old style .
DUNBLANE . The annual festivals of St . John ' s Lodge of Freemasons , No . 9 , Dunblane , wereheld on 27 th December and Sth January last , and were very largely attended . The festivals were inaugurated by a torchlight procession on 27 th Dec ., which proveel eminently successful . It was headed by
Depute Master Gilbert Farie , Bridge of Allan , in the absence ofthe R . AV . Master John Stirling , of Kippendavie , and started from the lodge-room in the Stirling Arms' Hotel , proceeded through the principal streets of the city , and was joined
in by a larger number of brethren than has been known to walk in procession with it for the last fifty years . The inhabitants of Dunblane took an unusual interest in the spectacle , as they turned out to witness it almost to a man . ' After
perambulating the town , the brethren returned to the hotel , where they formed a mystic arch , through which the Depute Master and his officebearers passed . A numerously-attended banquet followed , the chair being filled by the Depute Master , and the
croupier being Bro . R . Philip . Toast , song , and sentiment followed the banquet , and at " high twelve " the brethren separated , much pleased with the reunion . The turn-out on old St . John ' s night was also very large , but the crowning results of the efforts
of the brethren connected with the lodge took place , under their auspices , in the Stirling Arms Hotel . About forty brethren and friends , with their wives and sweethearts , eighty in all , assembled on that occasion . The lodge was opened
in due form by the Depute Master , in the absence of the R . AV . Master . Immediately thereafter the lodge was closed to permit of the brethren proceeding with the assembly . After dancing till one a . m ., they adjourned for supper—the Depute Master in the chair . The croupiers were
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Chapter At Newport.
CONSECRATION OF A CHAPTER AT NEWPORT .
The interesting ceremonial of consecration in the Royal Arch degree took place in this town on Tuesday last week . It was the birthday of " The Saint AVoollo ' s Chapter" in connection with the Isca Lodge ( 683 ) , which has , more especially during the last few years , under the
fostering care of Masters , Past and Present , acquired a position in the van of a province which , from all points ofthe compass , is regarded most favourably not only on account of the numerical increase of the Craftsmen , but the judgment and discretion by which the selection
of those seeking the advantages of an ancient an honourable institution has been characterised . It cannot be too extensively known that Masonry seeks not to proselytise—that Masons are absolutely prohibited , under penalties , from soliciting the " outer world " to join their Order ,
and that the Grand Lodge of England ever impresses on those under its authority the vast importance of selecting for participation in their privileges men of sound morals and of recognised social position . Hence the high character of the confraternity . Founded on the grand
principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , Masonry in not a " benefit society / ' in the ordinary sense ofthe term . These fundamental principles constantly in view , its influence is felt throughout the habitable globe . For the important ceremony , to which we have referred ,
the services of Companion Henry Muggeridge , First Grand Standard Bearer of England , were enlisted , who came expressly from London to consecrate the Chapter and to install the principals designate , viz ., Comp . John Middleton , M . E . Z . ; Comp . John Laybourne , H . ; and
Comp . Thomas AA'illiams , J . The induction of officers was postponed until AA ' ednesday . the 14 th , when , by the bye , the banquet takes place at the Hostelry commonly known as " The King ' s Head , " which , being freely translated into the Classics , straightway becomes " Caput
Regis ! ' At " Caput Regis , " then , the Companions are invited to assemble , and that they will do so in force cannot he doubted for a moment . In the hands of Comp . Muggeridge the ritual , solemn and majestic as it is , was rendered peculiarly impressive by the
elocutionary powers he displayed . His oration , after the usual preliminaries had been gone through , was in itself a Masonic gem , to which were added in graceful harmony , some of the poetic creations of Addison , Milton , Shakespere , Yovvng , and Pope . AVe wish we could give it
to our readers in e . xtenso , but the rules of Craft Masonry forbid ! Let us add that every part of this grand ceremonial evinced the efficiency in Masonic knowledge of the installing Companion ; indeed the attention of the Chapter was wrapt as he expounded the beautiful points
of the fourth degree . The occasion was rendered still more imposing by solemn music . Comp . Koelbel , bandmaster of the 94 th Regiment , presided at the organ , and well he did his duty . The anthem ( Stephens ) was sung to the following words : —
Behold ! how pleasant and how good For brethren such as we , Of the " Accepted" Brotherhooel , To dwell in unity . 'Tis like the oil on Aaron's head , Which to his feet distils ; Like Hermon ' s dew , so richly shed On Zion ' s sacred hills .
For there the Lord of Light and Love A blessing sent with power ; Oh I may we all that blessing prove , E'en life for evermore . On Friendship ' s altar rising here , Our hands now plighted be , To live in love with hearts sincere , In peace and unity .
The S . E ., an officer of whom our non-masonic readers , of course , know nothing , but who exists , nevertheless , in every chapter , then presented the principals to the presiding-ofticer , who thereupon gave the first portion of the " Dedication Prayer , " all the companions joining in the chant " So mote it be . " The sanctus " Glory
Consecration Of A Chapter At Newport.
be to Thee , O Lord" preceded the Invocation , which the presiding-officer delivered , all the companions turning to the east , a . nd again came that beautiful chant " So mote it be . " Three P . Z . ' s here stepped forward , carrying sumptuous vessels of silver containing corn , and
wine , and oil , and perambulated the chapter , the organ pealing forth and the companions chanting" Glory be to God on high ; Peace on Earth ; Good-will toward men . "
Phe Chai *)] ain took the censer , and pronounced the comprehensive Masonic benediction , the solemnity being heightened by the excellent musical effect produced .
The second portion of the " Dedication Prayer ' * " having been given , the presiding officer " dedicated" the chapter in due form , and " constituted" the same , the whole closing with the anthem (
Haydn)—The spacious firmament on high , AVith all the blue ethereal sky , And spangled heavens , a shining frame . Their great original proclaim . The unwearied sun , from day to clay , Does his Creator ' s power display , And publishes to every land , The work of an Almighty hand .
AA'hat , though in solemn silence all , "Move round this dark terrestrial ball , AA hat though no real voice nor sound , Amid their radiant orbs be found ; ln reason ' s car they all rejoice , And utter forth a glorious voice , For ever singing as they shine , The hand that maele us is Divine .
the installation of the principals already named followed ( Comp . Laybourne was absent owing to indisposition ) , and a number were proposed for exaltation , and as joining members . A few of the companions afterwards dined together at the King ' s Head Hotel , where
Comp . Muggeridge was the honoured guest . Amongst the companions present at the Consecration we noticed : —Henry Muggeridge , P . G . S . Bearer ; John Middleton , Z . designate ; Thos . AA'illiams , J . designate ; A \ . Pickford , P . Z . 471 ; AVilliam AVatkins , 471 ; Alfred Taylor ,
471 ; Henry J . Gratte , J . 471 ; R . J . Chambers , P . N . 471 ; R . S . Roper , 471 ; R . B . Evans , 471 ; Henry Fletcher , 471 ; C . H . Oliver , Z . 471 ; Rev . Samuel Fox , H . 471 ; David Lloyd James , 471 ; F . Orders , 471 : Henry Hellyer ,
P . Z ., 471 ; Charles Rowe , 471 ; AV . H . AVickey Homfray , 471 ; AA'illiam AVade , 471 ; Egbert Horlick , 471 ; Benjamin Lawrence , P . S ., 471 ; H . Koelbel , 563 , Umballah ; Samuel Coombes , P . Z . 471 ; AV . Parfitt , 471 . — -7 / * r Star of Givent Times .
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
KELSO . On Friday evening , the 26 th ult ., the Tweed Lodge , No . 261 , celebrated the festival of St . John the Evangelist by a grand torchlight procession and ball . It was intended to have had the demonstration on the eve of St . John , but , owing to the severe illness of his Royal
Highness the Prince of AA ' ales , it was delayed until Friday . The brethren met in the lodge-room at the Cross Keys Hotel , about six o'clock , when they formed themselves into processional order , two and two , and , headed by the Kelso Brass Band , and bearing aloft the flambeaus and
insignia ofthe Order , proceeded up Roxburgh-street , to the old familiar tune of "The Merry Masons . " After coming down Roxburgh-street , the procession proceeded along north side of Square , and down Horse Market , into Coal Market , and up AVood Market , passedalongsotith side of Square ,
proceeded along Bridge-street to the Manse entrance gate , passing through and going up the avenue to the Rev . Bro . Smith's residence , and passing along by the grammar school , and by this route walking round the Old Abbey , where
a halt was made , the band playing " Auld Lang Syne . " The procession afterwards retraced their steps up Bridge-street , and walked twice round the Square , and at last went straight from the British Linen Company ' s bank to the lodge-
Scotland.
room . Notwithstanding the unpropitious weather ( rain having fallen during the entire course of the procession ) , the street windows in the route were crowded with spectators , many of them coming great distances to witness the procession .
and all of them evincing the greatest interest in the rather novel demonstration . It is nearly twenty-seven years since the last torch-light procession took place , and many of the inhabitants will remember the procession of Friday for
many years to come . The principal officebearers who took part in the demonstration on Friday were Bros . J . S . Macgregor , R . AV . M . 261 ; the Proxy Master 70 ; P . M . 393 ( E . G . ) , and P . G . Org . Northumberland ; Steel , P . M . 261 ; and
Gibson , R . AA ' . M . 70 . In the evening a supper and ball took place in the Hall , which was neatly decorated for the occasion with flowers and evergreens . The company were joined by several office-bearers and brethren from the St .
David's Lodge , Berwick ( E . C . ) There was a large attendance , and dancing commenced about ten o'clock , to the strains of an excellent string band , and continued with unflagging interest up to twelve o ' clock , when supper was served up
and heartily partaken of . After a few songs , dancing was again resumed , and with country dances , quadrilles , schottisches , and polkas , the evening ' s enjoyment was kept up almost until " night ' s candles had burned out , " and chanticleer proclaimed the dawn of morn .
MELROSE . The annual festival of St . John the Evangelist was celebrated by Lodge St . John , on AA ' ednesday , the 27 th ult ., within their own lodge-room , Melrose . The lodge being opened , the brethren proceeded to the election and installation of their office-bearers , when the result was as
follows : Bros . Ren ton , R . AV . M . ; Middleness , S . AV . ; Hart , J . AV . ; AVood , S . D . ; Aikman , J . D . ; Graham , P . M . ; Hart , D . M . ; Fairbairn , Sec . ; Scott , Treas . ; Sardine , Chap . ; Scott , I . G . ; and Ticket , Tyler . The lodge was then closed , and
immediately thereafter ninety-four sat down to a sumptuous dinner . The usual torch-light procession was held in the evening , headed by an instrumental band , numbering upwards of twenty players . Everything passed off in the usual good old style .
DUNBLANE . The annual festivals of St . John ' s Lodge of Freemasons , No . 9 , Dunblane , wereheld on 27 th December and Sth January last , and were very largely attended . The festivals were inaugurated by a torchlight procession on 27 th Dec ., which proveel eminently successful . It was headed by
Depute Master Gilbert Farie , Bridge of Allan , in the absence ofthe R . AV . Master John Stirling , of Kippendavie , and started from the lodge-room in the Stirling Arms' Hotel , proceeded through the principal streets of the city , and was joined
in by a larger number of brethren than has been known to walk in procession with it for the last fifty years . The inhabitants of Dunblane took an unusual interest in the spectacle , as they turned out to witness it almost to a man . ' After
perambulating the town , the brethren returned to the hotel , where they formed a mystic arch , through which the Depute Master and his officebearers passed . A numerously-attended banquet followed , the chair being filled by the Depute Master , and the
croupier being Bro . R . Philip . Toast , song , and sentiment followed the banquet , and at " high twelve " the brethren separated , much pleased with the reunion . The turn-out on old St . John ' s night was also very large , but the crowning results of the efforts
of the brethren connected with the lodge took place , under their auspices , in the Stirling Arms Hotel . About forty brethren and friends , with their wives and sweethearts , eighty in all , assembled on that occasion . The lodge was opened
in due form by the Depute Master , in the absence of the R . AV . Master . Immediately thereafter the lodge was closed to permit of the brethren proceeding with the assembly . After dancing till one a . m ., they adjourned for supper—the Depute Master in the chair . The croupiers were