Grand Royal Arch Chapter Of Pennsylvania.

chapters on thc roll was 120 , with an aggregate of 16 , 000 subscr ' thincr companions . Of these 120 chapters , five were in existence before 1824 , io were founded between 1824 and 1850 ; -1 between 1850 and 1870 ; and 54 between 18 70 and 1894 ;

while the Grand Chapter is on terms ot amity with all tne otner Grand Chapters and the General Grand Chapter of the United States . May this state of prosperity and these amicable relations with other cognate bodies be perpetuated !

Consecration Of The Royal Albert Edward Chapter, No. 1362.

CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL ALBERT EDWARD CHAPTER , No . 1362 .

On Thursday , the 13 th inst ., the ceremony of consecration of the above chapter took place at the Market Hall , Redhill . The Consecrating Officer was Comp . Frederick VVest , P . A . G . S ., Prov . Grand H ., assisted by Comps . A Lionel Scolt , Prov . Grand J . ; T . Tyler , Prov . Grand Scribe E . ; and

las . H . Hawkins . P . Z ., as Director of Ceremonies . The founders of the new chapter present were Comps . Philip Shepherd , E . G . Field , Arthur Wood , James W . Burgess , H . A . Howe , Frank Powell , Richard Jennings , T . K . Pearce , James Jinks , Alex . Edis , T . H . Roberts , A . Meier , W . Percy Morrison , Joseph Parry , Aug . Biideker , Henry Ensoll , and F . Schmitz .

The following companions were also present as visitors : Comps . VV . B . Heagerty , M . E . Z . Royal Albert Chapter ; John Seex , P . Z . Industry Chapter ; T J . Thomas , P . Z . Belgrave Chapter ; VV . Cleghorn , P . Z . Jerusalem Chapter ; W . F . Huntley , P . Z . Mid Surrey Chapter ; R . G . Cooper , P . Z . Victoria Chapter ; James Cook , H . Royal Albert Chapter ; G . J . Taylor , J . Vane Chapter ; N . R . Dyer , Melita Chapter ; H . VV . Schartau ,

Wanderers Chapter ; F . H . Cozens , Royal Albert Chapter ; W . Bradford , St . Marylebone Chapter ; and John Bartlett , Anglo-American Chapter . The ceremony was most ably and impressively performed by the Consecrating Officer , Comp . Frederick West , P . A . G . S ., Prov . Grand H ., and its effect was materially assisted by the excellence of the musical arrangements under the direction of Comp . Schartau . The anthems in particular were

beatifully rendered . The chapter being duly constituted , the officers for the ensuing year were appointed as follows : Comps . Philip Shepherd , M . E . Z . ; E . G . Field , H . ; Arthur Wood , J . ; James W . Burgess , I . P . Z . ; H . A . Howe , S . E . ; Frank Powell , S . N . ; Richard Jennings , Treas . ; T . R . Pearce , P . S . ;

James Jinks , ist A . S . ; and Alex . Edis , 2 nd A . S . At the conclusion of the ceremony , the companions adjourned to the Warwick Hotel , where an excellent banquet had been provided by Bro . E . J . Hamnett . The wines were of high quality , and his catering gave every satisfaction .

During the evening a well-selected programme of music was rendered , under the direction of Comp . Herbert Schartau , assisted by Comps . John Bartlett , Wm . Bradford , and Fred Cozens . If the very successful proceedings at its consecration form a reliable guide to the future of the chapler , there can be no doubt that it has a prosperous and useful career before it .

Consecration Of The Eccentric Chapter, No. 2248.

CONSECRATION OF THE ECCENTRIC CHAPTER , No . 2248 .

The consecration of the Eccentric Chapter , No . 24 SS , was performed at 33 . Golden-square , W „ on the 17 th instant , by Comp . E . Letchworth , G . Scribe E ., assi sted by Comps . J . H . Matthews , P . G . D . C , as H . ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , G . Supt . Bucks , as J . ; F . Mead , P . D . G . D . C , as S . N . ; and F . Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C

lhe founders present were Comps . Will E . Chapman , P . Z . ; J . H . Hawkins , P . Z . ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . Z . ; L . W . Harris , J . R . Cleave , F- Dangerfield , J . Foss , W . E . Clifford , J . A . Harrison , C . A . Hooper , A . J . Thomas , J . Dangerfield , and J . A . Atkins . The visitors included Comps . H . Sadler , G . Janitor ; H . S . Foster , M . P ., M . E . Z . j Kemsley , D . G . H . South Africa ; Captain H . Wright , *•/ ' . ; H . Kempton . P . Z .: H . W . Schartau . W . Bradford . I . K-it . W . W .

Lee , and others . The opening of the chapter was followed by a hymn , after which the CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL , addressing the companions , said : You ate all aware of the circumstances under which we have met to-day . We are here for the purpose of constituting a new Royal Arch chapter to be CEdicated to the service of God . I can only express a hope that lhe , V P ?' are about to start into existence may be the means of advancing 'lie best interests of Rflval Arrh Ma « nnm in Iho Melr / innl . ' c on / 1 tU « l tt- ... ill

¦ iccnrp lish the objects the founders have in view . , , fou , nders signified their approval of the officers named in the narter , and an excellent oration was delivered by Comp . J . STUDHOLME ^ o \ vNRIGG ( G > Supt # Bucksform cha P was afterwards solemnly dedicated and constituted in due

vi- / % three P „ ' 'P designate were inducted into their resptclive chairs , Ha » -ki „ 5 A W- E ' Chapman , P . P . G . Reg . Bucks , M . E . Z . ; j . H . havhTi' - ' ? - S ° l- Middx - -i and W Sergeant Lee , J . Ballot Harrif c r ? taken > the Wowing officers were invested : Comps . L . W . f ' . S ' vv r I ' R- Cleave , S . N . ; F . Dangerfield , Treas . ; J . Foss , Cooper DP S ^ V A-S " j KA- Ha ™ son ' A . S . ; C . A . Janitor . ' J < Thomas and J- Dangerfield , Stwds . ; and Austin , of

lhe Con ^ f- P ' ^ M-E' 7- > a hearty vote of thanks was accorded cf the chapt r cers ' , hev were unanimously elected hon . members c ° nSSSn ? ' Vu TCmvo , mi ' - - ' » thanked the companions for the high Chance 1 u „ : „ , eya ^ P ted't with a g reat deal c * pleasure , as it would The M Vv ? 6 y WOuld , ake in the we , fare of lhe Kapler . fcunrWv . " tnen presented each of the Consecrating Officers wiiri a

acknowled gedby the a G S F en'r ° f 'thC 0 ccasion ' and the S ift was duI >' Dun Rar ^ an ° T ? ! if ?> . " attendance were received from Comps . Viscount K r ^ n . Turtle Plg 0 tt | and others . *

Consecration Of The Eccentric Chapter, No. 2248.

Twelve propositions for exaltation were received before the chapter was closed . A banquet was subsequently held at the Cafrj Royal , Regent-slreet , at which the customary toasts were duly honoured . " The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry" and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " were first given .

In proposing " The Grand Officers , " the M . E . Z . said the companions had had afresh instance that day of the interest taken by the Grand Officers in the welfare of Masonry , and of their zeal for the Grand Chapter . The ceremony was rendered in such an impressive manner as to have pleased every companion present . Comp . Richardson had been obliged to leave , as he was doing double duty , and Comp . Matthews had also left on account of

family bereavement . 1 here was , however , present the Grand S . E ., wha brought the Eccentric Lodge into existence , and had done the sam- ; for the chapter . There were also present their old friends , Comps . Brojvnrig , r and Mead . Having the flower of the flock with them , they ought to be satisfied , and in asking the companions to drink the toast , he would couple with it the name of the Consecrating Officer .

Comp . E . LETCHWORTH , G . S . E ., said that in the presence of Comp . Brownrigg , who was the Grand Superintendent for a very important province , he felt some diffidence in taking the responsibility of replying , but , at the same time , he was not insensible of the great compliment paid him in coupling his name with the toast . The M . E . Z . had reminded him that it was some two years ago that he had the privilege and great honour of consecrating the Eccentric Lodge , and on that occasion he ventured to

predict for that lodge a great future . They could not have a greater proof of the success which had attended that lodge than that in so short a time it should feel itself strong enough to have a chapter attached to it . It had afforded him peculiar pleasure to be present and assist in the consecration of that chapter , and he was only giving expression to the feelings of those with whom he was associated , in hoping that it would have before it a most successful future .

Comp . Rev . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , G . Superintendent Bucks , said the G . S . E . was a most generous man and had allowed him to submit the next toast— " The Health of the first M . E . Z . of the Chapter . " He was allowed to do that because he was a Grand Superintendent in Royal Arch Masonry , and they were always wise men , but he did not rely on his own wisdom on Masonic law and therefore appointed Comp . Chapman as Grand

Registrar of Bucks . He slept peacefully during Comp . Chapman's year of office , because however difficult the question , his decision would be right and honour would redound on his ( Comp . Brownrigg ' s ) shoulders . Comp . Chapman was always up to the mark whatever position he held , and in the important position in which the founders had placed him he would discharge his duties quite as efficiently .

Comp . WILL E . CHAPMAN , M . E . Z ., in response , said they had all heard as boys about a certain city that was saved by the cackling of geese , and they had heard that night of that flourishing Province of Bucks which in the Royal Arch Degree was saved by their Grand Superintendent . They all knew and loved Comp . Brownrigg who , when in a serious vein , gave forth matter that it would do them good to remember . There was one thing

that struck him in particular in the oration when Comp . Brownrigg slid how pleased he was to find that Masonry was spreading amongst influential gatheringsof men . They had found it so in the Eccentric Club and Lodge . He did not think there was a Club in London amongst the members of which a stronger feeling of good fellowship existed than amongst the members of the Eccentric Club , and it was , therefore , but natural that the

Eccentric Lodge was one of which every Mason was proud . They had intensified that feeling of fellowship in the lodge , and he sincerely trusted that going still further into the hearts of msn the consecration that day of the chapter would draw them closer and closer together as men , as friends , and as brothers . That they had placed him in the chair of M . E . Z . was not merited . They had said that it was because he had worked for the interest and good of the lodge . It had been a pleasure to do so , and to

work amongst such men and brethren as he found in the Eccentric Lodge , and he hoped to find in the chapter the same genial , effective , and active support . He had always met with nothing but kindness and reciprocity from them , and trusted that would last so long as the lodge and chapter existed . The M . E . Z . then gave "The H . and J ., " and said he did not think the first M . E . Z . of any chapter was ever more fortunately placed than himself in being associated with Comps . Hawkins and Lee . They knew what Comp . Hawkins had done for the lodge , and Comp . Lee would as J . give good

. Comp . J . H . HAWKINS , P . P . G . Soj ., H ., said he appreciated the compliment of being elected the first H ., ancl would endeavour to do his duty to the best of his ability . Comp . W . SERGSANT LEE , P . Z ,, J ., expressed . his obligation to the founders for placing him in one of the Principals' chairs . During the progress of the lodge anything he had been able to do he had tried to do to the

best of his ability . They were bent upan making that chapter seond to none . They all knew what a splendid worker the M . E . Z . was , and also the H . He was quite sure if the Grand Offic ; rs present would honour thsm by attending on a future occasion they could rely upon finding the working of the chapter quite satisfactory . In submitting " The Visitors , " the M . E Z . gave them a cordial welcim ; , and coupled the names of Comps . Foster , M . P ., and Kemsley .

Comp . H . S . FOSTER , M . P ., in responding , said the visitors felt it a great privilege to be allowed to attend that clubbable , fraternal , and companionable gathering . In Westminster a man could not belong to bjth Houses , but in Masonry a man could be exalted to Royal Arch , and still belong to the Craft , and take part in the gatherings . They rejoiced to bs present at that inaugural gathering , and heartily joined in ths w ' shes expressed for the future of the chapter .

Comp . KEMSLEY , D . G . H . South Africa , said he need scarcely say it had afforded him great pleasure to attend . If any companion paid a visit to South Africa he would receive a very hearty and hospitable welcome , as he had received that day . The lodges and chapters were worked on the sarnie principle and excellent example laid down in the mother country . He congratulated them on the excellent start made in the chapter , and , on behalf of those associated with him , he expressed a desire that it would attain great

success . " The Treasurer and S . E . " and "The Ofiicers" were also given , the final toast being the Janitor . Comp . H . W . Schartau was assisted in the musical arrangements by Comps . Bradford and Kift . Comp . Sergeant Lee gave an excellent recitation .