Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Empire Chapter, No. 2108.
upon which all that is good and holy in this life rests . As we stand round yonder pedestal , are we not lifted from self to God ? We learn that the contemplation of God—His attributes , His powet , His work , past , present , and to come—is the only means whereby we can carry into effect of the teachings of our Orders . The key is given us whereby we may unlock every other mystery . We have there the secret which we desire , not to keep for ourselves , but to share with every fellow creature .
It is the secret of our Empire ' s power . The imperial arms are encircled with the ' expression of that secret injthe motto " Dieu et Mon Droit . " Mark the subordination of our right to the power which gives it . In the maintenance of the English Empire we are watchful against any interference with England ' s right . Our army and our navy exist to defend to the very utmost every attack upon the positions we hold . If one inch of English territory is occupied by a foreign power , within 24 hours we are preparing to
regain it . If the just and lawful privileges of the most distant colony are threatened , that colony knows that it may look to the mother country for immediate help . Thousands of gallant English lives have ere now been gladly spent in the maintenance of England's rights and honour . But why ? Not because our own dignity is hurt , _ not because for any motives of self-aggrandisement we desire to maintain the foremost position of the Universe , but because we believe that we hold our right from God . Right thus obtained can
never be surrendered . We claim for ourselves neither as individuals or as a nation any infallible judgment . Doubtless , we are sometimes mistaken , but we find out our mistakes . Strong in our desire to be upright and straightforward in all matters , we are never ashamed to confess ourselves in the wrong , and to abandon any line of action which cannot honestly be defended . It is one of the greatest glories of the English people that no policy has ever commanded support , either at home or abroad , which will not bear the test of the question . Can we do this in God ' s name ? And further ,
we do not forget that our rights from God entail not merely privileges , but also duties . Here , again , we may sometimes move slowly , but once let it be clear that we ought to do a thing , and the English nation never rests until it is done . No cost , no self sacrafice , has ever stood between England and her duty . God help us ever to continue in such course of action , a course which every Royal Arch Mason who enters into the spirit of our ceremonial will ever bear his part in advancing ; and so , whether in peace or at war , our Empire will go forward with the old watch words—God and St . George for England . Dieu et Mon Droit .
The ceremony vvas then proceeded with , and the chapter vvas duly dedicated and constituted . The following companions were then installed into their respective chairs by the Grand Scribe E ., viz .: Comps . Lennox Browne , M . E . Z . ; Luxmore Marshall , H . ; and Charles Moses , J .
A cordial vote ot thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officers , and they were unanimously elected honorary members , a compliment vvhich vvas briefly and appropriately acknowledged . Several members of the Empire Lodge were proposed for exaltation , and the election of officers postponed until the next meeting .
Letters of regret for non-attendance having been announced from Comps . Lord Euston , Robert Grey , J . C . Parkinson , F . Coles , and E . Behnke , the chapter vvas closed . The companions then adjourned to an excellent and well-served banquet , at the conclusion of vvhich the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were heartily given and received .
"The Grand H . and J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , was proposed by the M . E . Z ., who said that in an assemblage of vvhich the majority were Grand Officers , he would not presume to say any words in eulogy of them . He had the misfortune not to be advanced into Masonry in his earlier days , but he had experienced the greatest kindness from the Grand
Officers , and was especially indebted to them for their presence that evening at the inauguration of this new chapter . He would couple with the toast the name of Comp . Philbrick . They had the privilege ot belonging to the same district of Essex , and Comp . Philbrick was a man for whom he had the greatest esteem and regard .
Comp . F . A . PHILBRICK , Q . C , G . Supt . Essex , in reply , said the majority of the company having drank their own health , would be quite ready to respond , but he had been selected as their humble spokesman . He felt somewhat embarrassed in order to keep what he wished to say within a sentence or two . Firstly , he would say how delighted they were ,
as Grand Officers , to see thata lodge which had so far advanced on the roll as No . 2108 had carried out the traditions of Masonry , and had arrived at the crown ing point of Craft Masonry by having a chapter attached . He would next say how glad they were to see the good work begun under the M . E . Z . and the members of this chapter , which he was sure had a distinguished and successful career before it . The M . E . Z . had referred in unmistakable terms
to the fact that the wise men came from the East , for he had said that he ( Comp . Philbrick ) came from the East , and he himself came from the same place . Let them hope that the allusion would be justified , that the augury would be reduced to fact , and that the wisdom of the founders would be
justified by the children who belonged to the chapter . That this might come to pass and that the chapter might be a great success vvas the wish of all the Grand Officers . He begged to return thanks for the kindly reception accorded them , and for the cordial manner in which the toast had been proposed and received .
"The Consecrating Principals" was next given by the M . E . Z ., who remarked that it was a misfortune of date that the Empire Lodge met on the day as a lodge vvith vvhich a very distinguished Mason , and one for whom he had great respect , vvas connected . He referred to Comp . Fenn . They did not , therefore , have the privilege of seeing that companion at the consecration of the Empire Lodge . He was , however , determined that when
the chapter vvas consecrated they should have the advantage of his presence , and accordingly asked Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke to secure the assistance of Comp . Fenn . Acknowledgment of his great indebtedness to Comp . Shadwell H . Clerke for constant and always willing aid was only to say what every young Mason who had had anything to do with the formation of a new lodge or chapter would most certainly echo . He next came to Comp .
Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , and the oration which that companion had delivered at the consecration of the Empire Lodge had been printed and circulated through the Colonies , and had been made the subject of numerous articles and comments in the Colonial papers . He had the pleasure of knowing that Comp . Brownrigg was a member of the Empire Lodge , whom they were alway delighted to see , and he therefore asked that they should have
him with them that evening as the Third Principal . He then came to Comp . Richardson , who was his sponsor in R . A . Masonry , for he had introduced him into the British Chapter , No . 8 . In asking the companions to drink to the health of the Consecrating Principals , he vvas but asking them to drink to the health of men whom he esteemed personally , and therefore esteemed Masonically . He wished to also include with the toast
the name of Comp . Matier , who vvas an active Mason , and who had assisted him on many occasions , for he was , in fact , a walking compendium of Masonic knowledge . He was quite sure he had not unduly dwelt upon the merits of the companions whom he esteemed so much , and would , in conclusion , ask the companions to drink with enthusiasm to the health ol the Consecrating Principals . Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Scribe E ., replied . He said it was rather a misfortune that they who had taken a leading part in
Consecration Of The Empire Chapter, No. 2108.
that evening's ceremonies were all distinguished by the fact that they were particularly modest companions ; and such being the case , they were taken back by the flattering encomiums passed upon them by the M . E . Z . He could assure the companions it had been a great and genuine pleasure to them to be present , and he vvas speaking not only for himself but also for his colleagues . Many of them had the privilege of taking part at the
consecration of the parent lodge , and they remembered what a great success it was , and he was personally sorry that many who were present on that occasion were not vvith them that evening . He hoped , however , they would come in sooner or later . They all felt that the particular idea on which the lodge was started had been realised , and they knevv it had justified the position taken up . As the Grand Superintendent
of Essex had observed , the companions had lost no time in putting the crowning stone , of Masonry upon their work by starting this chapter . It seemed to him that a lodge was a happy family , and that if the brethren of the lodge wished to go further into Masonry , it must be agreeable to them to join the higher Degrees amongst their own Masonically domestic circle . If a lodge vvas small it could not support a
chapter , but with good materials and good expectations it was a good thing to have a chapter . That was the feeling prevalent , and they were glad to see that a lodge such as the Empire had started a chapter . They felt sure that in the hands of the M . E . Z . it must be a great success . It would be ungrateful on his part were he not to acknowledge the great services of those who had assisted him that evening in the labour of love they had
performed . He had had a vety excellent , distinguished , and well-known companion to assist him . Comp . Fenn's name was a household word , and not to know him was to be unknown in Masonry . They had all heard Comp . Brownrigg's silver tongue , and he vvas indebted to Comps . Richardson and Matier for their great help . On behalf of all his colleagues he thanked the companions very much , and assured them of the great pleasure it had been to assist in inaugurating that chapter .
The GRAND SCRIBE E . said the great honour devolved upon him of proposing a most important toast , that of "The Health of the M . E . Z . " It vvas a most important toast , because , as he had had the opportunity of saying on many previous occasions , the W . Masters installed in lodges and the M . E . companions in chapters had worked up through all the offices . Then it vvas more or less by seniority . But when a number of brethren
came together and said " Let us start a chapter , " they then considered who vvas the most meritorious , and selected him to preside over the new chapter . It vvas an exceptional position to be so selected , and Comp . Lennox Browne stood in that proud position , for he had been named by tlie founders—and there were a good many of them— -to preside as the First Principal . That was a compliment of vvhich the M . E . Z . ought to be proud , and he heartily
congratulated him upon it . He had had the pleasure or knowing him in various positions—socially , privately , and Masonically—and he thought the companions could not have done a wiser thing than to have selected him . Comp . Browne was , as he had said , unfortunately made a Mason a little later in life than many , but vvas so determined to make up for it that he had thrown his whole heart and soul into Masonry , and had been energetic in the Order for some years past . The manner in vvhich their M . E . Z .
had manipulated the Empire Lodge , of vvhich he vvas the W . M . for two years , was beyond praise , and his exertions on behalf of this chapter had been forcibly brought before him , and had culminated that evening in a charming meeting . He considered the M . E . Z . was to be heartily congratulated on the success of that evening , The chapter was also to be congratulated upon having so excellent a First Principal . He vvas sure the companions would join in wishing him a successful and prosperous year of office in the Empire Chapter .
Comp . LENNOX BROWNE , M . E . Z ., immediately rose to respond , and said he would not allow anything to stand between this toast , so kindly given , and his word of thanks . The fact was that Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke had not only proposed , but had given the response to , the toast , for he had expressed the feelings vvhich he actually felt . He did feel it a great honour that he had been instrumental in forming a lodge of some
interest and novelty , and it was a . difficult thing to find novelty in Masonry . He was happy to say the lodge had been well received , and especially in the Colonies , whence they numbered many members . On the occasion ot the Colonial Exhibition , they had the satisfaction of seeing represented round their table 39 Colonies and Dependencies of the British Empire . With regard to the chapter , he hoped they would be equally successful . He had on his right that evening as Second Principal a distinguished Englishman , and on
his left a Mason from Kimberley , who had filled the office of W . M . in the Craft and of First Principal in R . A . Masonry . He had found that the Colonial Masons sometimes put the English Masons to theblush by their work , and nothing was better for emulation in the working than to have Colonial Masons with them . He vvas sure the oration that evening would stir every Mason who was devoted to loyalty and R . A . Masonry . He would not occupy their time further , except to thank them most heartily and sincerely for the honour they had done him .
The M . E , Z . then gave "The Visitors . " As the majority present were visitors , he would not say much about visiting companions or hospitality . He associated with the toast the name of a very distinguished Arch Mason and an old friend of his , but against whom , if he had one grudge , it was that he did not tell him of the charms of Masonry years ago . That was Comp . Sir John Monckton .
Comp . Sir J MONCKTON , in response , said he appreciated the kind remarks of the M . E . Z ., who had spoken very kindly of the visitors , and especially of himself . The M . E . Z . was an old neighbour and friend , but he could only presume , in the presence of others , that he had been selected to reply as being representative of the chapter to which the M . E . Z . belonged—N 0 . 8 . Comp . Browne , in quoting some lines from the
" Ingoldsby Legends , " had said that under certain circumstances a dinner had never been spoilt , but the visitors that ni ght had done their best to spoil one of the best dinners he had ever sat down to . If the companions were never less hospitable than they were on the present occasion , they would set a good example to many lodges and chapters . The Janitor ' s toast then closed the proceedings .
The musical portion of the ceremonies , and a selection performed between the various speeches , were carried out by Comp . Hodges , P . M ., assisted by Comps . Seymour Smith , Kenningham , Carter , and Bell . The chapter vvas furnished by Comp . George Kenning .
BERKELEY HOTEL ( late St . James ' s ) , 1 , Berkeley-street and , ] , Piccadilly , London , W . First class accommodation for residents , with a Restaurant newlyattached for high class luncheons and dinners , at fixed prices and a la carte . C . DIETTE , Manager . [ ADVT . 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Empire Chapter, No. 2108.
upon which all that is good and holy in this life rests . As we stand round yonder pedestal , are we not lifted from self to God ? We learn that the contemplation of God—His attributes , His powet , His work , past , present , and to come—is the only means whereby we can carry into effect of the teachings of our Orders . The key is given us whereby we may unlock every other mystery . We have there the secret which we desire , not to keep for ourselves , but to share with every fellow creature .
It is the secret of our Empire ' s power . The imperial arms are encircled with the ' expression of that secret injthe motto " Dieu et Mon Droit . " Mark the subordination of our right to the power which gives it . In the maintenance of the English Empire we are watchful against any interference with England ' s right . Our army and our navy exist to defend to the very utmost every attack upon the positions we hold . If one inch of English territory is occupied by a foreign power , within 24 hours we are preparing to
regain it . If the just and lawful privileges of the most distant colony are threatened , that colony knows that it may look to the mother country for immediate help . Thousands of gallant English lives have ere now been gladly spent in the maintenance of England's rights and honour . But why ? Not because our own dignity is hurt , _ not because for any motives of self-aggrandisement we desire to maintain the foremost position of the Universe , but because we believe that we hold our right from God . Right thus obtained can
never be surrendered . We claim for ourselves neither as individuals or as a nation any infallible judgment . Doubtless , we are sometimes mistaken , but we find out our mistakes . Strong in our desire to be upright and straightforward in all matters , we are never ashamed to confess ourselves in the wrong , and to abandon any line of action which cannot honestly be defended . It is one of the greatest glories of the English people that no policy has ever commanded support , either at home or abroad , which will not bear the test of the question . Can we do this in God ' s name ? And further ,
we do not forget that our rights from God entail not merely privileges , but also duties . Here , again , we may sometimes move slowly , but once let it be clear that we ought to do a thing , and the English nation never rests until it is done . No cost , no self sacrafice , has ever stood between England and her duty . God help us ever to continue in such course of action , a course which every Royal Arch Mason who enters into the spirit of our ceremonial will ever bear his part in advancing ; and so , whether in peace or at war , our Empire will go forward with the old watch words—God and St . George for England . Dieu et Mon Droit .
The ceremony vvas then proceeded with , and the chapter vvas duly dedicated and constituted . The following companions were then installed into their respective chairs by the Grand Scribe E ., viz .: Comps . Lennox Browne , M . E . Z . ; Luxmore Marshall , H . ; and Charles Moses , J .
A cordial vote ot thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officers , and they were unanimously elected honorary members , a compliment vvhich vvas briefly and appropriately acknowledged . Several members of the Empire Lodge were proposed for exaltation , and the election of officers postponed until the next meeting .
Letters of regret for non-attendance having been announced from Comps . Lord Euston , Robert Grey , J . C . Parkinson , F . Coles , and E . Behnke , the chapter vvas closed . The companions then adjourned to an excellent and well-served banquet , at the conclusion of vvhich the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were heartily given and received .
"The Grand H . and J ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , was proposed by the M . E . Z ., who said that in an assemblage of vvhich the majority were Grand Officers , he would not presume to say any words in eulogy of them . He had the misfortune not to be advanced into Masonry in his earlier days , but he had experienced the greatest kindness from the Grand
Officers , and was especially indebted to them for their presence that evening at the inauguration of this new chapter . He would couple with the toast the name of Comp . Philbrick . They had the privilege ot belonging to the same district of Essex , and Comp . Philbrick was a man for whom he had the greatest esteem and regard .
Comp . F . A . PHILBRICK , Q . C , G . Supt . Essex , in reply , said the majority of the company having drank their own health , would be quite ready to respond , but he had been selected as their humble spokesman . He felt somewhat embarrassed in order to keep what he wished to say within a sentence or two . Firstly , he would say how delighted they were ,
as Grand Officers , to see thata lodge which had so far advanced on the roll as No . 2108 had carried out the traditions of Masonry , and had arrived at the crown ing point of Craft Masonry by having a chapter attached . He would next say how glad they were to see the good work begun under the M . E . Z . and the members of this chapter , which he was sure had a distinguished and successful career before it . The M . E . Z . had referred in unmistakable terms
to the fact that the wise men came from the East , for he had said that he ( Comp . Philbrick ) came from the East , and he himself came from the same place . Let them hope that the allusion would be justified , that the augury would be reduced to fact , and that the wisdom of the founders would be
justified by the children who belonged to the chapter . That this might come to pass and that the chapter might be a great success vvas the wish of all the Grand Officers . He begged to return thanks for the kindly reception accorded them , and for the cordial manner in which the toast had been proposed and received .
"The Consecrating Principals" was next given by the M . E . Z ., who remarked that it was a misfortune of date that the Empire Lodge met on the day as a lodge vvith vvhich a very distinguished Mason , and one for whom he had great respect , vvas connected . He referred to Comp . Fenn . They did not , therefore , have the privilege of seeing that companion at the consecration of the Empire Lodge . He was , however , determined that when
the chapter vvas consecrated they should have the advantage of his presence , and accordingly asked Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke to secure the assistance of Comp . Fenn . Acknowledgment of his great indebtedness to Comp . Shadwell H . Clerke for constant and always willing aid was only to say what every young Mason who had had anything to do with the formation of a new lodge or chapter would most certainly echo . He next came to Comp .
Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , and the oration which that companion had delivered at the consecration of the Empire Lodge had been printed and circulated through the Colonies , and had been made the subject of numerous articles and comments in the Colonial papers . He had the pleasure of knowing that Comp . Brownrigg was a member of the Empire Lodge , whom they were alway delighted to see , and he therefore asked that they should have
him with them that evening as the Third Principal . He then came to Comp . Richardson , who was his sponsor in R . A . Masonry , for he had introduced him into the British Chapter , No . 8 . In asking the companions to drink to the health of the Consecrating Principals , he vvas but asking them to drink to the health of men whom he esteemed personally , and therefore esteemed Masonically . He wished to also include with the toast
the name of Comp . Matier , who vvas an active Mason , and who had assisted him on many occasions , for he was , in fact , a walking compendium of Masonic knowledge . He was quite sure he had not unduly dwelt upon the merits of the companions whom he esteemed so much , and would , in conclusion , ask the companions to drink with enthusiasm to the health ol the Consecrating Principals . Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Scribe E ., replied . He said it was rather a misfortune that they who had taken a leading part in
Consecration Of The Empire Chapter, No. 2108.
that evening's ceremonies were all distinguished by the fact that they were particularly modest companions ; and such being the case , they were taken back by the flattering encomiums passed upon them by the M . E . Z . He could assure the companions it had been a great and genuine pleasure to them to be present , and he vvas speaking not only for himself but also for his colleagues . Many of them had the privilege of taking part at the
consecration of the parent lodge , and they remembered what a great success it was , and he was personally sorry that many who were present on that occasion were not vvith them that evening . He hoped , however , they would come in sooner or later . They all felt that the particular idea on which the lodge was started had been realised , and they knevv it had justified the position taken up . As the Grand Superintendent
of Essex had observed , the companions had lost no time in putting the crowning stone , of Masonry upon their work by starting this chapter . It seemed to him that a lodge was a happy family , and that if the brethren of the lodge wished to go further into Masonry , it must be agreeable to them to join the higher Degrees amongst their own Masonically domestic circle . If a lodge vvas small it could not support a
chapter , but with good materials and good expectations it was a good thing to have a chapter . That was the feeling prevalent , and they were glad to see that a lodge such as the Empire had started a chapter . They felt sure that in the hands of the M . E . Z . it must be a great success . It would be ungrateful on his part were he not to acknowledge the great services of those who had assisted him that evening in the labour of love they had
performed . He had had a vety excellent , distinguished , and well-known companion to assist him . Comp . Fenn's name was a household word , and not to know him was to be unknown in Masonry . They had all heard Comp . Brownrigg's silver tongue , and he vvas indebted to Comps . Richardson and Matier for their great help . On behalf of all his colleagues he thanked the companions very much , and assured them of the great pleasure it had been to assist in inaugurating that chapter .
The GRAND SCRIBE E . said the great honour devolved upon him of proposing a most important toast , that of "The Health of the M . E . Z . " It vvas a most important toast , because , as he had had the opportunity of saying on many previous occasions , the W . Masters installed in lodges and the M . E . companions in chapters had worked up through all the offices . Then it vvas more or less by seniority . But when a number of brethren
came together and said " Let us start a chapter , " they then considered who vvas the most meritorious , and selected him to preside over the new chapter . It vvas an exceptional position to be so selected , and Comp . Lennox Browne stood in that proud position , for he had been named by tlie founders—and there were a good many of them— -to preside as the First Principal . That was a compliment of vvhich the M . E . Z . ought to be proud , and he heartily
congratulated him upon it . He had had the pleasure or knowing him in various positions—socially , privately , and Masonically—and he thought the companions could not have done a wiser thing than to have selected him . Comp . Browne was , as he had said , unfortunately made a Mason a little later in life than many , but vvas so determined to make up for it that he had thrown his whole heart and soul into Masonry , and had been energetic in the Order for some years past . The manner in vvhich their M . E . Z .
had manipulated the Empire Lodge , of vvhich he vvas the W . M . for two years , was beyond praise , and his exertions on behalf of this chapter had been forcibly brought before him , and had culminated that evening in a charming meeting . He considered the M . E . Z . was to be heartily congratulated on the success of that evening , The chapter was also to be congratulated upon having so excellent a First Principal . He vvas sure the companions would join in wishing him a successful and prosperous year of office in the Empire Chapter .
Comp . LENNOX BROWNE , M . E . Z ., immediately rose to respond , and said he would not allow anything to stand between this toast , so kindly given , and his word of thanks . The fact was that Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke had not only proposed , but had given the response to , the toast , for he had expressed the feelings vvhich he actually felt . He did feel it a great honour that he had been instrumental in forming a lodge of some
interest and novelty , and it was a . difficult thing to find novelty in Masonry . He was happy to say the lodge had been well received , and especially in the Colonies , whence they numbered many members . On the occasion ot the Colonial Exhibition , they had the satisfaction of seeing represented round their table 39 Colonies and Dependencies of the British Empire . With regard to the chapter , he hoped they would be equally successful . He had on his right that evening as Second Principal a distinguished Englishman , and on
his left a Mason from Kimberley , who had filled the office of W . M . in the Craft and of First Principal in R . A . Masonry . He had found that the Colonial Masons sometimes put the English Masons to theblush by their work , and nothing was better for emulation in the working than to have Colonial Masons with them . He vvas sure the oration that evening would stir every Mason who was devoted to loyalty and R . A . Masonry . He would not occupy their time further , except to thank them most heartily and sincerely for the honour they had done him .
The M . E , Z . then gave "The Visitors . " As the majority present were visitors , he would not say much about visiting companions or hospitality . He associated with the toast the name of a very distinguished Arch Mason and an old friend of his , but against whom , if he had one grudge , it was that he did not tell him of the charms of Masonry years ago . That was Comp . Sir John Monckton .
Comp . Sir J MONCKTON , in response , said he appreciated the kind remarks of the M . E . Z ., who had spoken very kindly of the visitors , and especially of himself . The M . E . Z . was an old neighbour and friend , but he could only presume , in the presence of others , that he had been selected to reply as being representative of the chapter to which the M . E . Z . belonged—N 0 . 8 . Comp . Browne , in quoting some lines from the
" Ingoldsby Legends , " had said that under certain circumstances a dinner had never been spoilt , but the visitors that ni ght had done their best to spoil one of the best dinners he had ever sat down to . If the companions were never less hospitable than they were on the present occasion , they would set a good example to many lodges and chapters . The Janitor ' s toast then closed the proceedings .
The musical portion of the ceremonies , and a selection performed between the various speeches , were carried out by Comp . Hodges , P . M ., assisted by Comps . Seymour Smith , Kenningham , Carter , and Bell . The chapter vvas furnished by Comp . George Kenning .
BERKELEY HOTEL ( late St . James ' s ) , 1 , Berkeley-street and , ] , Piccadilly , London , W . First class accommodation for residents , with a Restaurant newlyattached for high class luncheons and dinners , at fixed prices and a la carte . C . DIETTE , Manager . [ ADVT . 1