Consecration Of The Studholme Brownrigg Chapter, No. 2421.

Tre founders signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant and the Consecrating Principal having delivered an oration on the nature and prircipks of the Order , the chapter was solemnly consecrated . The following companions were then ins ' alled into their respective chairs —Comps . T . H . Roberts , ME . Z . ; F . ] . Hubbard , H . ; and H . J .

Thomas , J . After election the officers were invested as follows : Comps . J . W . Burgess , P . Z .. acting I . P . Z . ; J . J . Thomas , S . E . ; W . J . Stratton , S . N ; J . Stephens , P . Z .. Treas . ; H . Lomas , P . S . ; C . A . Parker , ist A . S . ; W . H . White , 2 nd A . S . ; J . J . Simcox , Org . ; R . Cornick , D . C . ; E . B-own , Stwd . ; and R . Whiting , janitor .

Comp . T . H . ROUERTS , M . E . Z ., Jp-oposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Consecrating Officers and also that they should be elected honorary members .

Comp . J . STEPHENS P . Z ., Treas ., in seconding the proposition , which was unanimously carried , said he had hid the pleasure on many occasions of hearing their Grand Superintendent render the ceremony of consecration , and although tint distinguiih-d companion had a record for speed , yet he had never heard the ceremony performed by him in such an admirable

manner . The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT returned thanks , and , having been presented with a founder ' s jewel as a souvenir of the occasion , said he should prize it as a recollection of many happy friendships formed amongst the members of lhat chapter and the lodge to which it was attached .

Several propositions were received for exaltation and joining members , and letters of regret for non-attendance were announced from Comp . H . N . Piice , P . Z ,, the first W . M . of the Carrington Lodge , and others . The chapter was closed , and the companions adjourned to the Griffin Hotel , an old-established hostelry , where a substantial repast was heartily enjoyed .

The usual toasts followed , the customary loyal toasts being heartily honoured .

Comp . the Rev . O . M . GRACE , P . G . Chap ., replied for " The Grand Officers , " and said that in the presence of his distinguished colleague he felt at a loss how to return thanks . He was extremely grateful for the kind way they had received the toast , for he believed the Grand Officers tried to do their duty , and from what they heard , he also believed they succeeded in their endeavours .

In proposing " The Health of the Grand Superintendent , " the M . E . Z . said he had had on several occasions to propose the toast of a man's health in his presence , and no one could have a more difficult task . Comp . Stephens had said the ceremony was performed in such a manner as he had never seen before , and he ( the M . E . Z . ) truthfully echoed that sentiment from the mere fact that he had never previously seen a consecration

ceremony . That ceremony had impressed him greatly , which was only a natural thing , and was only what he expected , having seen the Consecrating Officers perform olher ceremonies . It had been said that the Grand Superintendent had established a record for speed , and if he ( the M . E . Z . ) , as a humble member of the Craft , might offer a suggestion , it was that those listening to him would be only too pleased if the ceremony was half as long again .

Comp . Rev . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , G . Supt ., said that whenever he came to Bucks he met old friends who were not always truthful but flittering . He had acquired a false reputation for speed . As a matter of fact , he was slow , but one thing he claimed , and that was lhat he did not lose time . When he was young he was kept waiting so long by distinguished Masons doing nothing that he made up his mind not to allow people to

make either their bodies into refrigerators or their tempers into furnaces . The next toast it was the privilege of the Consecrating Officer to propose was that of wishing " Prosperity to the New Chapter and Health to the Three Principals . " This chapter had been formed by a number of distinguished Masons who had done service in all parts of the world . He very much wished other chapters would take an example from that , for the old

Masons had stood back for the young ones . It was a little self-seeking for those who had already occupied the chair to block promotion , and it was a very significant thing that the companion who might properly have taken the First Principal's chair had with noble self-denial , allowed another companion to come in . He felt sure that the Principals appointed would fully justify their choice . Comp . T . H . ROBERTS . 'M . E . Z ., responded , and said the Grand Superintendent had truly remarked that many of the older founders had stood

aside iri order lo let the young ones occupy the chairs . That was a grateful compliment to him for he had left off thinking he was a young man . He took that opportunity of thanking his older companions in Masonry for the kindly and graceful way in which they had stood aside to allow younger Masons to hold those distinguished positions . He could only hope , b y the services he should endeavour to render , to prove how highly he appreciated their kindness .

Comp . J . WILLIAMS , Prov . G . S . E ., briefly replied for "The Provincial Grand Officers . " " The Visitors" was given by Comp . J . W . BURGESS , acting I . P . Z ., who tendered the visiting companions a hearty welcome , and expressed the hope that thev would be present again to see the working .

Comp . J . BLISS , M . E Z . 1894 , in response , said that a chapter starting under such auspices could not fail to be a success . They were thinking of starting a chapter at Wycombe , where they would be pleased to welcome any members of the Brownrigg Chapter . The M . E . Z . proposed " The Officers , " and said he had been seeking for an rpportunity of making a special acknowledgment of the great services

rendered by two of the officers , whose names he should couple with the toast . He referred lo Coups . J . J . Thomas and Burgess , for without them that chapter would not have been formed . Especially were their thanks due to Comp . Thomas , who had worked without let or hindrance , and had neglected other working to bring it to a successful issue . Those efforts had been worthily seconded by Comp . Burgess , to whom he also lenie-ed hearty thanks .

Comp . J . J . T HOMAS , P . Z ., S . E ., said he felt proud that his humble ( fforts as S . E . during the initiatory period had met with their approbntion , and that they had such a happy and successful meeting . The work of consecration had been done well and properly by the Grand Superintendent , lo whom he tendered sincere thanks for the permission accorded them of

naming the chapter after him . Hc hoped it would have a bright and happy future before it , and from the natnei proposed as exaltees they had ro reason to doubt it . They did not wish for a large chapter , bit it was a happy family , where the companions knew and appreciated each other . 'Ihey looked forward with pleasure ti those reunions to enjoy each

Consecration Of The Studholme Brownrigg Chapter, No. 2421.

other ' s company , and he was certain , from tli 2 way in which the M . E . Z , had expressed himself , that the officers would perform their work well . He wished the chapter long and continued success , and thanked the companions for the kind way in which they had received the toast . Comp . J . VV . BURGESS aciing I . P . Z ., endorsed the remarks of the Scribe E ., and wished to add that they owed a great deal to Comp . J . J , Thomas for the way in which he had worked . He readily fell into the idea

lo form that chapter , and was pleased when he heard the Grand Superintendent was agreeable to its formation . Tl ey should strive for quality and good working , and the new chapter would not injure any olher in the pro - vince , for there was plenty of room for a chapter for the two lodges—Concordia and Carrington . The P . Zs . added lheir names to the petition to further Royal Arch Masonry in the province , and would heartily support it in the future .

The Janitor ' s toast closed the proceedings , during which Comps . Simcox and Delevanti presided at ths harmonium and pianoforte respectively , and Comps . Stephens , Harpham , and H . J . Thomas assisted in the musical arrangements .

Consecration Of The London County Council Lodge, No. 2603.

CONSECRATION OF THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL LODGE , No . 2603 .

A new departure in the increasing number of Metropolitan lodges was marked by the consecration of the London County Council Lodge , No . 2603 , which took place at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C , on Wednesday , in the presence of a large and distinguished assemblage

of brethren . Th ; new lodge , which starts under exceptionally favourable auspices , was consecrated by Bro . E . Letchworth , G . Secretary , assisted by Bros . Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W ., as S . W . ; R . D . M . Littler , C . B ., Q . C , P . D . G . Reg ., as J . W . ; Revs . J . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . C , and C J . Martyn , P . G . C , as Chaplains ; T . Fenn , P . P . B . G . P ., as

D . C . ; and W . G . Lemon , P . A . G . D . C , as I . G . The founders are composed of members of both parties in the London County Council , and include Bros , the Earl of Onslow , G . C . M . G . ; Sir G . D . Harris , Nathan Robinson , Major C . Probyn , R . M . Beachcroft , E . White , P . M . ; G . S . Elliott , P . M . ; H . P . Harris , W . J . Bull , T . H . W .

Idris , W . H . C Payne , Earl Carrington , Sir J . B . Maple , W . L . Emden , Morris Abrahams , H . Clarke , Nathan Moss , Eatl of Dunraven , Sir J , Dimsdale , P . G . Treas . ; W . J . Wetenhall , W . Hayden , and A . Penfold . The large number of visitors present included—Bros . Earl of Jersey , P . G . M . Oxon ; Sir F . Seager Hunt , M . P ., S . G . D ; Viscount Valentia , D . P . G . M . Oxon ; Major-General J . W . Lawrie , M . P ., P . G . M . Nova

Scotia ; R . Loveland Loveland , President of the Board of General Purposes ; Sir W . Marriott , Q . C , M . P . ; Admiral A . H . Markham , D . G . M . Malta ; Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas . ; C . Belton , P . G . S . B . ; L . Gordon Robbins , P . G . D . ; F . West , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M . Surrey ; R . D . Cummings , P . M ., Sec . 2148 J . Stephens , P . P . G . D . ; B . W . Parsons , 79 ; R . E . Bishop , P . M . 1319 ; W . H Causton , P . M . 162 ; C . Jerome , 2395 ; W . Bradford , I . G . 2168 ; J . M . Blashell ,

P . M . 569 ; G . E . Hamilton , P . M . 1406 ; J . Bartlett , Org . 2030 ; C . T Tyler , Prov . G . Sec . Surrey ; J . P . Percival , P . M . 2500 ; H . Sprake , P . M . 813 ; A . Appleby , 1706 ; P . Clifford Probyn , 317 ; W . Elliott , 749 ; E . Passmore , 2168 Dr . F . Lawrence , P . M . ; W . C . Clifford Smith , 1677 ; C . Dearing , P . P . G . S . of W . Bucks ; G . A . Robinson , I . G . 1531 ; E . Brown , 2218 ; Rev . C . J . Ridgway ,

P . P . G . Chap . ; W . Short , 2168 ; G . S . Miller , I . P . M . 2264 ; L . H . Farmer , 18 ; C . Crawford , 1 ; J . H . Price , P . M . 288 ; A . H . Bowles , P . M . 1395 ; H . Tipper , A . G . Purst . ; E . Monteuuis , P . G . S . B . ; H . W . Schartau , P . P . G . Org . ; F . W . Brodie , I . G . 1928 ; R . C . Germaine , 203 3 ; . F . J . Street , 180 ; C . A . Stewart , W . W . Lee , P . M . 18 97 , 2381 , Prov . G . Stwd . Middx .: and others .

The Grand Officers having entered in procession , the lodge was opened and a hymn sung . The CONSECRATING OFFICER , addressing the brethren , then said—I am here to-day by command of H . R . H . the M . W . G . M ., and as his most humble representative , for the purpose of undertaking the most interesting , andat the same time , most solemn ceremony of the consecration of a new

, lodge and its dedication to the service of God . I can only express a hope that this lodge which we are about to start into existence , may be the means of accomplishing those excellent objects which the founders have in view and of uniting more closely those already associated in the discharge of important municipal duties , and may generally advance the best interests of Masonry in this great Metropolis . I sincerely trust that this lodge may have before

it a career of great prosperity . The warrant was read by the D . C . and the founders signified their approval of the officers named to preside over them . An eloquent oration , which we hope to find space for in these columns at an early date , was then delivered by Bro . Rev . J . STUDHOLME BROW SRIGO ,

Dep . Prov . G . M . Bucks , who emphasised the desirability of those occupying public and other positions having a due regard for the honesty of purpose and the integrity of those differing from them in various subjects , and cordially welcomed the new lodge as a valuable adjunct to the London County Council . , The symbols of plenty , joy , peace , and fidelity having been sprinkled , the new lodge was solemnly dedicated and constituted with the customary formalities . „ ,

The Grand Secretary then installed as the first W . Master Bro . the Earl of Onslow , G . C . M . G ., Prov . G . Master Surrey , and the following o ^ ers were invested : Bros . Sir G . D . Harris , S . W . ; Nathan Robinson , J- j Major C Probyn , Acting I . P . M . ; R . M . Beachcroft , Treasurer ; Edward While , Secretary ; G . S . Elliott . S . D . ; H . P . Harris , J . D . j W . J . Bui , I . G . ; T . H . W . Idris , D . C ; W . H . C Payne , Steward ; and R . W . Edgley , P . M ., T y ler .

Several candidates were proposed tor initiation and joining , ana K . U * - of regret lor inability tq attend were announced from Bros , the Pro ( j . fti'i the Deputy G . M ., Viscount Dungarvan , the Earl of Easton , Lord Skelmersdale , R . Grey , Lord George Hamilton , M . P ., Sir M . White-Ridley , tne Lord Mayor , and many others . . , i

Bro . E . WHITE , P . M ., Sec , said it was usual on occasions such as uw » and he should not like them to depart from it , to propose a vote of J- ? 311 * to the Consecrating Officers for their services . It would ill become him 1 speak of those sei vices , and lie would therefore formally move a vote thanks , and propose that the Consecrating O . Iicers should be asked accept the position of honorary members .