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Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
arrived at a period of certainty when the Royal Arch was first established—thc first official allusion to the time of it is in the minutes of the Ancient Masons on the 4 th March , 1752 ; and Dunkerley , a reputed son of George thc Second , is supposed to have estabished the first Royal Arch chapter under the Moderns in 1779 . This , however , must be
a mistake , because the fact is that , from the books in the possession of Grand Lodge , there was more than one chapter warrant granted in the year 1769 , ten years earlier . The first chapter in the register of the Moderns is 1768 . The Grand Chapter of England is reported to have been formed in 1797 , but no records can be found in proof cf that statement . That a Grand Chapter did exist is
incontestable , as at the Union in 1813 the degree was not only adopted in the Articles of Union , but on the 30 th of Nov ., 1813 , a Grand Chapter was held , and the Duke of Sussex was nominated to conclude the union with the Duke of Kent and the Court of Ancients . On tbe 18 th of March , ISI ? , the duke ' s report u-as read , received , and adopted , and a Committee was appointed to prepare laws which
were to form the rules for the future . The next day thc Grand Lodge met and formed the United Grand Chapter , under which name meetings were held until Feb ., 1822 , when the old appellation of Supreme Grand Chapter was renewed by which it is still called . In 1825 the total receipts of the Grand Chapter were £ 204 . In 1837 they amounted to £ 166 ; in iSj _ 7 to £ 632 ; and in 1874 to
£ 1441 . That ; we admit , is a large increase m a given number of years . Whether this increase will be maintained is another question . No chapter appears or . the Grand Lodge Calendar until 1837 , when the London chapters are mentioned , and , four years later , in 1841 , a general list appears . The Ancients , in a register book in the possession of Grand Lodge , claim to have established their
Grand Chapter in 1771 , and Lawrence Dermott claims to have been exalted in 1746 in No . 26 , Dublin . These are a few stray memoranda which have come under my notice which 1 have jotted down for use on a proper occasion , and I do not know that I could have made a betteruse of them than on an occasion when we meet together for the purpose of still again increasing the roll
of chapters , and increasing , I trust , not only the roll ol chapters , but also the respectability of the Order , and its numerical advance . At all times , as I believe you are aware , it affords me great pleasure when I have the opportunity of devoting my services to the benefit of the Craft or the Arch , and on the present occasion I have still that feeling of devoting my services to the Craft , although
unfortunately not in very good trim for carrying out thc duties of the office . I will , however , do my best , and I am sure I shall receive thc support of all the companions who are here present in carrying out those duties in a manner which I trust will reflect credit on the Craft in general . Following the usual formalities oi the address of the acting Scribe E ., the Consecrating Z . ' s reply and directions ,
the reading of the petitions for thc charter , the demand for the approval of the companions of the Principals named , and the assent of the companions , the oration was delivered , in doing which Comp . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford said : M . E . Consecrating Officer , M . E . Comp . II ., and Companions : I have been requested by the companions of this new chapter , through the kindly intermediation of our
worthy and esteemed M . E . Comp . Thomas , to deliver the customary oration , and I shall , therefore , venture to trespass upon your attention for a short time . Greatly as I esteem the privilege of being permitted to address you on the present occasion , the pleasure is mingled with pain . I look round the chapter to-day and miss one familiar face , and one very worthy companion always associated with
ceremonies of this kind . It is hardly three weeks ago that at the consecration of St . Dunstan ' s Chapter , we were assisted by the genial presence and truly cheerful aid of Comp . Charles Payne , and I feel sure , sir , we shall all sincerely feel that in his death we have lost an old friend , a most excellent companion , and a most faithful member of our Ordtr . It is not without evidence of sad .
ness that we recall the loss of old friends and companions , whose place know them no more , but thc Masonic worth and meiitorious services of Comp . Payne will long be remembered by all who valued his sterling qualities , and were witnesses of his kindly , calm , and untiring zeal for Freemasonry . Sir , it is not very easy , as you know well from your long and vaiied experience , to find thc
subject matter of frequent orations . Just now consecrations of chapters are not so uncommon as they used to be a few years back , then the exception to the rule , and it is difficult to avoid the always unwelcome process of repetition and of sameness ; perhaps the wearisome reiteration of well-known truths , or the unedifying use of familiar verbiage . We are always in danger , wc who have often
to adrrress meetings like these , of becoming heavy or commonplace , wearisome and turgid . Hence it became a serious matter for me to consider what I should say , when I sat down to put together a few thoughts suitable to this interesting occasion , and if , sir , and companions all , in what I am about to say I shall try your forbearance , or weary your patience , kindly bear in mind that I have done
my best to speak as the heait dictates , what seems to me alike suitable and seasonable on an occasion like this . We are met , sir , to consecrate a new chapter . We are asscm . bled , let us gladly note , in the fear of God and love of our brother hood , reverencing and acknowlerigingT . G . A . O . T . U ., the Eternal and Triune Jehovah , and with hearts beating , let us trust also , with true fraternal sympathy and goodwill for our companions and fellow workers , to constitute
another Royal Arch Chapter to thc honour of the Most High , and the happiness , unity , and concord of its members , one and al ) . On such an occasion the mind naturally turns to our foundation truths , as the best test of the value , as the truest criterion of the interest of Freemasonry , that so we may realize why we are here , and wherefore it is we seek to celebrate our mystic rites , and to increase and enlarge the borders of our excellent brother-
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
hood . In the Koyal Arch Grade we have , as we often say esoterically , the " summum bonum" of Masonic teaching and excellence . It seems to connect and compart the whole building " fitly-framed together , " into one consistent whole , and to lend its colouring of religious reverence , and its tone of [ aithful service , to every legend , every axiom , every dogma , every declaration of Freemasonry 1 It is , however ,
unnecessary for me in this distinguished assembly , to dilate upon the goodly principles , andlivingtruthsof Freemasonry , on its pure morality , its genial philanthropy , its sacred precepts , or its benevolent aspirations , because they are not only well known to all present , but because , above all , in the Royal Arch Grade , we seem almost , as it were , if I may so say , to stand on higher ground , to have reached to the
pinnacle of our goodly Masonic 7 emple . All that Craft Masonry proclaims in edifying clearness and graceful diction is enforced in the Royal Arch Grade , and with this addition , that the veil is , as it were , lifted for a moment , which the eyes of human reason cannot penetrate , unless assisted by Divine light , and we look with leverence and gratification combined on that sacred and illuminating scroll , which
points out to us the pathway of our fret here below , in reverence of and obedience to God , in love for man , in loyalty and devotion to our civil duties , and in careful compliance with the decrees and resolutions of our own supreme authority . But this is not all . Though we are thus bid look up with trusting submission to the providential rule of Gcd , through all the intricate windings of this
mortal life , our hopes are raised , our hearts are elevated , our minds are cheered , with tbe promise of the futurity of the being of this crumbling mortality of ours , when dreams and shadows all are ended , and we stand in the full light , perfect illumination , and unfading happiness of a better life , in a better world . It is I think always affecting for us to bear in mind , that unless we are thc most dull or the
most apathetic of beings , we cannot enter our lodges or our chapters , without having our moral sense impressed and warned , our minds enlightened and expanded , our hopes raised and bettered , * and we ourselves taught thc once needful lesson of kindness , goodwill , tenderness and interest , sympathy and forbearance for others , mortal , suffering , and dying , too , like ourselves .
And do not think , companions , that I take too sombre or severe a view of our teaching . I feel sure that he is the best orator on such occasions who tries to bring out fully the reality of the admirable teaching of our ceremonial , and who is not so much intent on the mere use of eloquent words , as to say that which may commend itself to the feelings and good sense
of all present . I do not for one , sir , consider those idle ceremonies , for which you have come to preside over us to-day . I do not consider it my duty merely to let the occasion pass with a few trivial remarks , a few stereotyped passages , a few oft repeated sentences . Let me illustrate what I mean by two remarks . It seems to me , sir , I may be wrong , that we are in danger just now of two great
evils , which we may term the "Scyllaand Charibdis"of present Masonry . The first is " indiscreet haste of admitting members into our body , " the other is a " more material view of what Freemasonry is and is meant to be . " In Royal Arch Masonry , whbh is more limited , and in one sense more select , we do not run in danger of the evil of indiscriminate admission , but my remarks on this head
have rather a general application , as seasonable and as reasonable , I make bold to say , on any such occasion as this , because they have a practical bearing on our whole Masonic system , of which , as I have before pointed out , the Royal Arch is the completion and the apex . Is it not , sir , quile clear to us all now that we are suffering in many ways from a too hasty and indiscriminate admission ? from
a want of selection ? from a desire to increase our numbers , in season and out of season ? ' Would it not be better for us in every respect if fewer in numbers , we knew more of each other ? saw more of each other ? were really brethren and companions of our good Order ? rejoicing in each other ' s happiness , sorrowing in each other ' s sorrows ? bearing each other ' s burdens , and thus developing
the true teaching and the inestimable value of the internal as well as the external brotherhood of Masonry ? Is it not too true , that when we talk of brotherhood and sing praises of fraternity , and boast of our intimate union , harmony , and concord , we all of us feel that we might yet be drawn closer together than we are in the bonds of genuine and mutual interest and goodwill ? Let us then keep before
us this one maxim to stop a growing evil , and to stop then our whole system , " that no one , be he who he may , has a right to claim admittance to a lodge or a chaptei simply because he wishes to join one , or has means to pay the lees , but that it is a privilege to be sought and obtained with much care , consideration , and knowledge of the applicant . " Freemasonry from various causes is popular
in the world at this moment , has great attractions for some , and greater benefits for others , and too many I fear are knocking at our doors who do not seek admission from love of Masonry or a wish to render themselves more extensively useful to their fellow creatures , but because it possesses attributes , and good things , which either flatter their pride or suit their convenience , or can be made to
minister to their temporal benefit . And then , sir , let us glance for a moment at that too material view which lowers Freemasonry to a benefit club or a convivial assembly . I am the last person in the world to object to moderate and befitting use of the good things which a benign Creator has provided for us , His creatures here . I believe , reverently , that all things here are " good " if used and not
abused , if profited by in a proper spirit and within due bounds . 1 object to that fanaticism which calls the needful and lawful things of this world " evil , " and would lay down arbitrary laws , as incumbent upon all , of renunciation and rejection , of innocent pleasures , legitimate amusements , and social enjoyments . But , I fear , sir , a good many of our companions , not penetrated by the mysteries of even the Royal Arch Grade , prefer to be adepts in a still
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
more exalted and energetic grade , a fi fth degree , lost in the antiquity of years and Hie suDUmity of association , namely , the " Knife and Fork Degree . " Over its '' chaste mysteries " let you and I , sii , draw a discreet veil to-day . Suffice it to say that it has many votaries , and is very often , strange to remark , more admired and more appieciated than any other portion of our mystic ceremonial .
Nay , it has a literature of its own , highly aesthetic , I may almost say ritualistic , and I should not be surprised if even , some members of this new chapter preferred to share its secrets , and rather penetrate its mysteries than listen serenely to the orator . Sir , while we maintain and uphold the hospitality of our lodges and chapters , let us not lose sight of this great truth , that Freemasonry is and
means something more , something higher , and that if that is all the good we find in it we are abusing it , and not using it . Some of us have read a famous balance-sheet of a Masonic body in which £ 155 were spent on " creature comforts , " and the enormous sum of £ 4 4 s . on our Charities and all other Masonic charity . Is this not a parody on all Masonic
professions ? But , sir , as the old adage has it , " verbum sat sapienti . " Let it be our endeavour to enable Masonry to minister to its true purpose , by carefully remembering its higher duties and its exalting characteristics . Charily emblazoned on its banners is its great and distinguishing feature , its ornament and its reality ; the test of its usefulness and necessity ; and whether we assist our great
Chanties , such as our noble educational establishments , and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , or pour the balm of consolation into the bosom of thc afflicted , or help a poor , destitute , or struggling brother , we are doing the best in our time or generation to make our good old Order useful to mankind , a pride to its members , and the admiration of contemporary non-Masons . Sir , I have done .
May all of good attend the Granite Chapter . May its excellent First Principal long continue to receive the support of his companions , and the esteem and regard of his many friends and brethren , and may you , sir , in your official capacity , and amid your multifarious and onerous duties , remember thc ceremonies of this eventful day with gratification and happiness , because they may , perhaps ,
enable ycu to realize once more that goodwill , regard , attachment and respect with which your companions in Royal Arch Masonry , as well as your brethren in the Cralt , regard your faithful services and your untiring efforts to extend and uphold the prestige and reality of English Freemasonry . The remainder of the consecration ceremony was then
performed , and Comp . Hervey installed Comp . James Lewis Thomas , Past Sword Bearer of England , P . Z . No . 13 , as M . E . Z , Comp . James Terry installed Comp . Frederick West , P . M . N 0 . 1328 , as H ., and Comp . David W Pearse , P . M . 1293 , as j . ; Comp . Dr . J . W . Oswald was appointed Scribe N . ; and Comp . Thomas Woodstock , Janitor .
Letters of regret at unavoidable absence were read from Comps . General Studholme Brownrigg , Grand Supt . Surrey ; Sir Albert W . Woods , Garter , P . G . W . ; ^ EncasJ Mclntyre , Q .. C , Grand Registrar ; J . B . Monckton , President Board of General Purposes ; Capt . Piatt , P . G . W . ; llev . C . W . Arnold , P . G . C ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; T . Fenn , P . G . D . ; Erasmus
Wilson , P . G . D . ; Dr . R . Woodman , P . G . S . B . ; P . de Lande Long , P . G . O . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . j Fred . A . Philbrick , Q . C , P . G . A . S . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . S . N . ; H . J . D . Dumas , P . G . Standard Bearer ; Col . Somerville Burney ; Col . Wilson Randolph ; J . Aird , P . G . Steward ; F . J . Macaulay , Dr . Kempster , W . Beattie , G . Hackford , R . C . Mount , F . T . Dubois ; a telegram from Comp . R ,
Grey , P . G . D ., regretting his being suddenly called away ; and a telegram from Comp . Oliver , one of the petitioners , regretting unavoidable absence . The Consecrating Ofiicers , Comps . Hervey , Burdett , Woodford , Buss , and Terry , were elected honorary membeis of the chapter , and thc names of twenty brethren seeking
exaltation at next meeting of the chapter , with a list of six members for joining , were read by Comp . J . Lewis Thomas , after which thc chapter was closed , and the companions adjourned to a very superior banquet at Freemasons' Tavern . The usual toasts followed .
In giving the toast of " Ihe Prince of Wales , the M . E . Z . of the Order , " Comp . James Lewis Thomas said that all the companions knew how admirably his Royal Highness fulfilled his duties , both Masonically and socially . At one time he was in a foreign country endeavouring to advance art and science ; the next day he might be presiding over some of the humblest individuals in our own country , as
he was some few evenings since . Whatever he did was with his heart and soul , and the companions , as Masons , recognised the excellent way in which he presided over Craft and Royal Arch Masons . The toast of " The Rest of the Grand Principals , the Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley , " wbich was proposed in eulogistic terms by Comp .
J . Lewis Thomas , was responded to by Col . Buidett , who said there were a great many officers of Grand Chapter present , and he felt confident it gave them the greatest pleasure to attend when a chapter was to be conbecratcd that was attached to the celebrated Granite Lodge . They were all aware of what the Granite Lodge was ; they had all seen its working , and be believed all the members of the Order had the highest respect for it , not only because
its members were brethren they could respect , but because the performance of the lodge ceremonies was always satisfactory . The lodge had now been in existence a long time , and its members now came forward to hold a chapter . Their petition had been readily granted by Grand Chapter , and the consecration had just tiiken place to the satisfaction of every one . Although almost an inactive Principal at the ^ consecratiun he might say that he was as much pleased as any one could be with it . Comp . Wood-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
arrived at a period of certainty when the Royal Arch was first established—thc first official allusion to the time of it is in the minutes of the Ancient Masons on the 4 th March , 1752 ; and Dunkerley , a reputed son of George thc Second , is supposed to have estabished the first Royal Arch chapter under the Moderns in 1779 . This , however , must be
a mistake , because the fact is that , from the books in the possession of Grand Lodge , there was more than one chapter warrant granted in the year 1769 , ten years earlier . The first chapter in the register of the Moderns is 1768 . The Grand Chapter of England is reported to have been formed in 1797 , but no records can be found in proof cf that statement . That a Grand Chapter did exist is
incontestable , as at the Union in 1813 the degree was not only adopted in the Articles of Union , but on the 30 th of Nov ., 1813 , a Grand Chapter was held , and the Duke of Sussex was nominated to conclude the union with the Duke of Kent and the Court of Ancients . On tbe 18 th of March , ISI ? , the duke ' s report u-as read , received , and adopted , and a Committee was appointed to prepare laws which
were to form the rules for the future . The next day thc Grand Lodge met and formed the United Grand Chapter , under which name meetings were held until Feb ., 1822 , when the old appellation of Supreme Grand Chapter was renewed by which it is still called . In 1825 the total receipts of the Grand Chapter were £ 204 . In 1837 they amounted to £ 166 ; in iSj _ 7 to £ 632 ; and in 1874 to
£ 1441 . That ; we admit , is a large increase m a given number of years . Whether this increase will be maintained is another question . No chapter appears or . the Grand Lodge Calendar until 1837 , when the London chapters are mentioned , and , four years later , in 1841 , a general list appears . The Ancients , in a register book in the possession of Grand Lodge , claim to have established their
Grand Chapter in 1771 , and Lawrence Dermott claims to have been exalted in 1746 in No . 26 , Dublin . These are a few stray memoranda which have come under my notice which 1 have jotted down for use on a proper occasion , and I do not know that I could have made a betteruse of them than on an occasion when we meet together for the purpose of still again increasing the roll
of chapters , and increasing , I trust , not only the roll ol chapters , but also the respectability of the Order , and its numerical advance . At all times , as I believe you are aware , it affords me great pleasure when I have the opportunity of devoting my services to the benefit of the Craft or the Arch , and on the present occasion I have still that feeling of devoting my services to the Craft , although
unfortunately not in very good trim for carrying out thc duties of the office . I will , however , do my best , and I am sure I shall receive thc support of all the companions who are here present in carrying out those duties in a manner which I trust will reflect credit on the Craft in general . Following the usual formalities oi the address of the acting Scribe E ., the Consecrating Z . ' s reply and directions ,
the reading of the petitions for thc charter , the demand for the approval of the companions of the Principals named , and the assent of the companions , the oration was delivered , in doing which Comp . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford said : M . E . Consecrating Officer , M . E . Comp . II ., and Companions : I have been requested by the companions of this new chapter , through the kindly intermediation of our
worthy and esteemed M . E . Comp . Thomas , to deliver the customary oration , and I shall , therefore , venture to trespass upon your attention for a short time . Greatly as I esteem the privilege of being permitted to address you on the present occasion , the pleasure is mingled with pain . I look round the chapter to-day and miss one familiar face , and one very worthy companion always associated with
ceremonies of this kind . It is hardly three weeks ago that at the consecration of St . Dunstan ' s Chapter , we were assisted by the genial presence and truly cheerful aid of Comp . Charles Payne , and I feel sure , sir , we shall all sincerely feel that in his death we have lost an old friend , a most excellent companion , and a most faithful member of our Ordtr . It is not without evidence of sad .
ness that we recall the loss of old friends and companions , whose place know them no more , but thc Masonic worth and meiitorious services of Comp . Payne will long be remembered by all who valued his sterling qualities , and were witnesses of his kindly , calm , and untiring zeal for Freemasonry . Sir , it is not very easy , as you know well from your long and vaiied experience , to find thc
subject matter of frequent orations . Just now consecrations of chapters are not so uncommon as they used to be a few years back , then the exception to the rule , and it is difficult to avoid the always unwelcome process of repetition and of sameness ; perhaps the wearisome reiteration of well-known truths , or the unedifying use of familiar verbiage . We are always in danger , wc who have often
to adrrress meetings like these , of becoming heavy or commonplace , wearisome and turgid . Hence it became a serious matter for me to consider what I should say , when I sat down to put together a few thoughts suitable to this interesting occasion , and if , sir , and companions all , in what I am about to say I shall try your forbearance , or weary your patience , kindly bear in mind that I have done
my best to speak as the heait dictates , what seems to me alike suitable and seasonable on an occasion like this . We are met , sir , to consecrate a new chapter . We are asscm . bled , let us gladly note , in the fear of God and love of our brother hood , reverencing and acknowlerigingT . G . A . O . T . U ., the Eternal and Triune Jehovah , and with hearts beating , let us trust also , with true fraternal sympathy and goodwill for our companions and fellow workers , to constitute
another Royal Arch Chapter to thc honour of the Most High , and the happiness , unity , and concord of its members , one and al ) . On such an occasion the mind naturally turns to our foundation truths , as the best test of the value , as the truest criterion of the interest of Freemasonry , that so we may realize why we are here , and wherefore it is we seek to celebrate our mystic rites , and to increase and enlarge the borders of our excellent brother-
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
hood . In the Koyal Arch Grade we have , as we often say esoterically , the " summum bonum" of Masonic teaching and excellence . It seems to connect and compart the whole building " fitly-framed together , " into one consistent whole , and to lend its colouring of religious reverence , and its tone of [ aithful service , to every legend , every axiom , every dogma , every declaration of Freemasonry 1 It is , however ,
unnecessary for me in this distinguished assembly , to dilate upon the goodly principles , andlivingtruthsof Freemasonry , on its pure morality , its genial philanthropy , its sacred precepts , or its benevolent aspirations , because they are not only well known to all present , but because , above all , in the Royal Arch Grade , we seem almost , as it were , if I may so say , to stand on higher ground , to have reached to the
pinnacle of our goodly Masonic 7 emple . All that Craft Masonry proclaims in edifying clearness and graceful diction is enforced in the Royal Arch Grade , and with this addition , that the veil is , as it were , lifted for a moment , which the eyes of human reason cannot penetrate , unless assisted by Divine light , and we look with leverence and gratification combined on that sacred and illuminating scroll , which
points out to us the pathway of our fret here below , in reverence of and obedience to God , in love for man , in loyalty and devotion to our civil duties , and in careful compliance with the decrees and resolutions of our own supreme authority . But this is not all . Though we are thus bid look up with trusting submission to the providential rule of Gcd , through all the intricate windings of this
mortal life , our hopes are raised , our hearts are elevated , our minds are cheered , with tbe promise of the futurity of the being of this crumbling mortality of ours , when dreams and shadows all are ended , and we stand in the full light , perfect illumination , and unfading happiness of a better life , in a better world . It is I think always affecting for us to bear in mind , that unless we are thc most dull or the
most apathetic of beings , we cannot enter our lodges or our chapters , without having our moral sense impressed and warned , our minds enlightened and expanded , our hopes raised and bettered , * and we ourselves taught thc once needful lesson of kindness , goodwill , tenderness and interest , sympathy and forbearance for others , mortal , suffering , and dying , too , like ourselves .
And do not think , companions , that I take too sombre or severe a view of our teaching . I feel sure that he is the best orator on such occasions who tries to bring out fully the reality of the admirable teaching of our ceremonial , and who is not so much intent on the mere use of eloquent words , as to say that which may commend itself to the feelings and good sense
of all present . I do not for one , sir , consider those idle ceremonies , for which you have come to preside over us to-day . I do not consider it my duty merely to let the occasion pass with a few trivial remarks , a few stereotyped passages , a few oft repeated sentences . Let me illustrate what I mean by two remarks . It seems to me , sir , I may be wrong , that we are in danger just now of two great
evils , which we may term the "Scyllaand Charibdis"of present Masonry . The first is " indiscreet haste of admitting members into our body , " the other is a " more material view of what Freemasonry is and is meant to be . " In Royal Arch Masonry , whbh is more limited , and in one sense more select , we do not run in danger of the evil of indiscriminate admission , but my remarks on this head
have rather a general application , as seasonable and as reasonable , I make bold to say , on any such occasion as this , because they have a practical bearing on our whole Masonic system , of which , as I have before pointed out , the Royal Arch is the completion and the apex . Is it not , sir , quile clear to us all now that we are suffering in many ways from a too hasty and indiscriminate admission ? from
a want of selection ? from a desire to increase our numbers , in season and out of season ? ' Would it not be better for us in every respect if fewer in numbers , we knew more of each other ? saw more of each other ? were really brethren and companions of our good Order ? rejoicing in each other ' s happiness , sorrowing in each other ' s sorrows ? bearing each other ' s burdens , and thus developing
the true teaching and the inestimable value of the internal as well as the external brotherhood of Masonry ? Is it not too true , that when we talk of brotherhood and sing praises of fraternity , and boast of our intimate union , harmony , and concord , we all of us feel that we might yet be drawn closer together than we are in the bonds of genuine and mutual interest and goodwill ? Let us then keep before
us this one maxim to stop a growing evil , and to stop then our whole system , " that no one , be he who he may , has a right to claim admittance to a lodge or a chaptei simply because he wishes to join one , or has means to pay the lees , but that it is a privilege to be sought and obtained with much care , consideration , and knowledge of the applicant . " Freemasonry from various causes is popular
in the world at this moment , has great attractions for some , and greater benefits for others , and too many I fear are knocking at our doors who do not seek admission from love of Masonry or a wish to render themselves more extensively useful to their fellow creatures , but because it possesses attributes , and good things , which either flatter their pride or suit their convenience , or can be made to
minister to their temporal benefit . And then , sir , let us glance for a moment at that too material view which lowers Freemasonry to a benefit club or a convivial assembly . I am the last person in the world to object to moderate and befitting use of the good things which a benign Creator has provided for us , His creatures here . I believe , reverently , that all things here are " good " if used and not
abused , if profited by in a proper spirit and within due bounds . 1 object to that fanaticism which calls the needful and lawful things of this world " evil , " and would lay down arbitrary laws , as incumbent upon all , of renunciation and rejection , of innocent pleasures , legitimate amusements , and social enjoyments . But , I fear , sir , a good many of our companions , not penetrated by the mysteries of even the Royal Arch Grade , prefer to be adepts in a still
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
more exalted and energetic grade , a fi fth degree , lost in the antiquity of years and Hie suDUmity of association , namely , the " Knife and Fork Degree . " Over its '' chaste mysteries " let you and I , sii , draw a discreet veil to-day . Suffice it to say that it has many votaries , and is very often , strange to remark , more admired and more appieciated than any other portion of our mystic ceremonial .
Nay , it has a literature of its own , highly aesthetic , I may almost say ritualistic , and I should not be surprised if even , some members of this new chapter preferred to share its secrets , and rather penetrate its mysteries than listen serenely to the orator . Sir , while we maintain and uphold the hospitality of our lodges and chapters , let us not lose sight of this great truth , that Freemasonry is and
means something more , something higher , and that if that is all the good we find in it we are abusing it , and not using it . Some of us have read a famous balance-sheet of a Masonic body in which £ 155 were spent on " creature comforts , " and the enormous sum of £ 4 4 s . on our Charities and all other Masonic charity . Is this not a parody on all Masonic
professions ? But , sir , as the old adage has it , " verbum sat sapienti . " Let it be our endeavour to enable Masonry to minister to its true purpose , by carefully remembering its higher duties and its exalting characteristics . Charily emblazoned on its banners is its great and distinguishing feature , its ornament and its reality ; the test of its usefulness and necessity ; and whether we assist our great
Chanties , such as our noble educational establishments , and the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , or pour the balm of consolation into the bosom of thc afflicted , or help a poor , destitute , or struggling brother , we are doing the best in our time or generation to make our good old Order useful to mankind , a pride to its members , and the admiration of contemporary non-Masons . Sir , I have done .
May all of good attend the Granite Chapter . May its excellent First Principal long continue to receive the support of his companions , and the esteem and regard of his many friends and brethren , and may you , sir , in your official capacity , and amid your multifarious and onerous duties , remember thc ceremonies of this eventful day with gratification and happiness , because they may , perhaps ,
enable ycu to realize once more that goodwill , regard , attachment and respect with which your companions in Royal Arch Masonry , as well as your brethren in the Cralt , regard your faithful services and your untiring efforts to extend and uphold the prestige and reality of English Freemasonry . The remainder of the consecration ceremony was then
performed , and Comp . Hervey installed Comp . James Lewis Thomas , Past Sword Bearer of England , P . Z . No . 13 , as M . E . Z , Comp . James Terry installed Comp . Frederick West , P . M . N 0 . 1328 , as H ., and Comp . David W Pearse , P . M . 1293 , as j . ; Comp . Dr . J . W . Oswald was appointed Scribe N . ; and Comp . Thomas Woodstock , Janitor .
Letters of regret at unavoidable absence were read from Comps . General Studholme Brownrigg , Grand Supt . Surrey ; Sir Albert W . Woods , Garter , P . G . W . ; ^ EncasJ Mclntyre , Q .. C , Grand Registrar ; J . B . Monckton , President Board of General Purposes ; Capt . Piatt , P . G . W . ; llev . C . W . Arnold , P . G . C ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; T . Fenn , P . G . D . ; Erasmus
Wilson , P . G . D . ; Dr . R . Woodman , P . G . S . B . ; P . de Lande Long , P . G . O . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . j Fred . A . Philbrick , Q . C , P . G . A . S . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . S . N . ; H . J . D . Dumas , P . G . Standard Bearer ; Col . Somerville Burney ; Col . Wilson Randolph ; J . Aird , P . G . Steward ; F . J . Macaulay , Dr . Kempster , W . Beattie , G . Hackford , R . C . Mount , F . T . Dubois ; a telegram from Comp . R ,
Grey , P . G . D ., regretting his being suddenly called away ; and a telegram from Comp . Oliver , one of the petitioners , regretting unavoidable absence . The Consecrating Ofiicers , Comps . Hervey , Burdett , Woodford , Buss , and Terry , were elected honorary membeis of the chapter , and thc names of twenty brethren seeking
exaltation at next meeting of the chapter , with a list of six members for joining , were read by Comp . J . Lewis Thomas , after which thc chapter was closed , and the companions adjourned to a very superior banquet at Freemasons' Tavern . The usual toasts followed .
In giving the toast of " Ihe Prince of Wales , the M . E . Z . of the Order , " Comp . James Lewis Thomas said that all the companions knew how admirably his Royal Highness fulfilled his duties , both Masonically and socially . At one time he was in a foreign country endeavouring to advance art and science ; the next day he might be presiding over some of the humblest individuals in our own country , as
he was some few evenings since . Whatever he did was with his heart and soul , and the companions , as Masons , recognised the excellent way in which he presided over Craft and Royal Arch Masons . The toast of " The Rest of the Grand Principals , the Earl of Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , and Lord De Tabley , " wbich was proposed in eulogistic terms by Comp .
J . Lewis Thomas , was responded to by Col . Buidett , who said there were a great many officers of Grand Chapter present , and he felt confident it gave them the greatest pleasure to attend when a chapter was to be conbecratcd that was attached to the celebrated Granite Lodge . They were all aware of what the Granite Lodge was ; they had all seen its working , and be believed all the members of the Order had the highest respect for it , not only because
its members were brethren they could respect , but because the performance of the lodge ceremonies was always satisfactory . The lodge had now been in existence a long time , and its members now came forward to hold a chapter . Their petition had been readily granted by Grand Chapter , and the consecration had just tiiken place to the satisfaction of every one . Although almost an inactive Principal at the ^ consecratiun he might say that he was as much pleased as any one could be with it . Comp . Wood-