Provincial Meetings.

ion 0 f the equinoxes , and various great historical events . As regards Freemasonry , curious factsjwere given as to the V E . corner-stone , the number and size of the interior ' assa , res > & c- At t ' conclusion of the lecture a number L ' questions as to the dates and measurements , and conern ingother theories which have been advanced by eminent men holding different views were asked . A hearty vote f thanks to Bro . Mathews was moved by the VV . M ., and ponded by Bro . J . Bartlett , I P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Oxon .

The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Marlborough Arms , where a substantial supper was provided by Bro . Kims , and subsequently returned to the lodge room , where a ' most musical and enjoyable evening was passed , the excellence of the solos , trios , quartets , and recitations , making midnight sound all too quickly . At the next regular lodge the brethren are promised a lecture on the much controverted question of the Antiquity „ f Freemasonry .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

St Thomas S Chapter ( No . 142 ) . —PRESENTATION ro Colli ' . C . F . HOOAKD . —The ordinary meeting was held on Saturday , the 15 th inst ., at the City Terminus Hotel , Comps . F . W . Levander , P . Z ., M . E . Z . j | . A . Gartley , P . Z ., H . ; and George Motion , P . Z ., J ., presiding . Comps . A . V . Haines , P . Z ., Treas . j C . F . Hogard , ' P . Z ., S . E . j W . J . Nicholls , P . Z . j the Rev . H . A . Hebb , P . S . J Robert Martin j I . laeobs , 1 S 30 J and H .

Massey , P . Z . 619 and 192 S , were also present . The election for the ensuing year resulted in the unanimous choice of Comps . J . A . Gartley , as M . E . Z . j George Motion , as H . j the Rev . H . A . Hebb , as J . ; A . V . Haines , as Treas . j C . F . Hogard , as S . E . j A . S . Tipson , as S . N . j S . VV . Yockney , as P . S . ; and Morley , as Janitor , Comp . VValklcy having died . Comps . Hebb and Yockney were

elected to serve on the Audit Committee , and then came a most interesting ceremony—the presentation of a testimonial to Comp . C . F . Hogard , P . Z ., PiD . G . D . C , S . E . The M . E . Z ., before making the presentation , introduced the subject by saying there was another little matter which was not on the agenda paper , but on which he should like to say a few words . Perhaps , as an introduction , he

might be allowed to give a short explanatory history of the chapter , and in stating it he might say that about 1 . 5 years ago a proposition was brought forward in St . Thomas's Lodge that a chapter should be held in connection with it . St . Thomas ' s Lodge had celebrated its centenary then , but up to that time it had not possessed a chapter , although it « as said at the commencement of the Book of

Constitutions that pure and ancient Freemasonry consists of Three Degrees , and no more , including the Royal Arch . One of the members of the lodge was very active in his efforts to establish a chapter , their late lamented Comp . Lambert . After considerable exertions on his part the object was accomplished , and on May 5 th , 1 S 7 S , a preliminary meeting was held , wlvch was attended

by 11 members of the St . Thomas ' s Lodge . Of those 11 onl y five or six were then with them , and some had received their last summons . At the preliminary meeting all the details were settled as to what should be done . The officers were selected , and the companion chosen for the post of Scribe E . was the companion who . n they had the day of the present meeting unanimously re-elected to fill that post .

It was needless for him ( the M . E . Z . ) to say how troublesome was the work of the formation of a chapter , and what very great efforts were required in going through all the preliminary matters for securing that the chapter should be well launched . However , all this was successfully accomplished , and on September 25 th of that year the chapter was consecrated . During the whole of the time that had

elapsed since that date and the present day Comp . Hogard had virtually managed the finances of the chapter . The Treasurer would correct him if he was wrong , but he believed he was right in that respect . Not only so , but Comp . Hogard had acted as S . E . of the chapter , and had done everything that possibly could be done for the chapter from the commencement to its present successful position . His

cliorts had been continued all the way along , and they had been crowned with success . It was said that virtue was its own reward , but it was a pleasure to those who practised it to receive something which showed the value whicn others put on services rendered . Therefore it was thought by the members of St . Thomas's Chapter that as is years—a good slice out of a mans

lifetiau elapsed , the present was a proper period and a good opportunity to evince to Comp . Hogard in some tangible way the feelings towards him of the companions of the ' liapter . It was , therefore , with very great pleasure indeed 'nathe ( Comp . Levander ) , on behalf of the members ol the St . Thomas ' s Chapter , asked Comp . [ Hogard to accept a small token of their esteem and regard . The companions ia

n . rather a difficult task before them when the subject was mooted , because they would like to have made the presentation without Lomp . Hogard having any fore know ledge of it , and yet they did not know what would be a presentation which would be acceptable to him . However , ' ' 'eresult was that they put themselves in communication with him and he had decided on a coffee not . This verv

handsome coffee pot he now presented to Comp . Hogard , and in presenting it he ( Comp . Levander ) was sure he was '"• ting as the mouthpiece of the members of the chapter when he said he wished him long life , health , and happiness , "pressing at the same time their great gratitude to Comp . ' togard for the services which he had rendered to the chapter . u > mp . Levander then presented to Comp . Hogard a hand-£

"IIL soua silver cofTee pot bearing the following inscription : Resented to E . Cnmp . C . F . Hogard , P . D . G . D . C , P . Z . in " u of St ' 'ln ° mas ' s Chapter , No . 142 , by the neinbers of that chapter as a mark of their appreciation of we valuable services he has rendered , 1 S 78 to 1893 . April ha ' h ¦ ' " Comp . Hogard , inaccepting the gift , said he could and tf ''" words t 0 express his thanks to the Principals lot ? - er members ot the chapter for this very handsome tptl' * -v . » uwj w , m »» ^ itn ^ LV . , ui « ,, „ v ,,, j naituauiiib Mimonial

" which they had presented to him . The M . E . Z . (• 1 ° verv justly referred to the inception of the St . Thomas ' s he w wn ' owed its origin to one of his friends , who , I ami l ° "y to sav > nad bcen taken from them—Comp . lip *"' Unfortunately the three tint Principals—Comps . » ut th ander ' Uooks > Lambert—had all been taken , 'ound C f VCre severa ' members now present who were Proud W " le cna P ' > an < l l " ( Comp . Hogard ) was very the ve se ' have been one of those founders . For cry poor services he had rendered to the chapter he

Royal Arch.

could only say it was a labour of love . He had always taken very great interest in everything that appertained to the Craft and to Royal Arch Masonry . When the M . E . Z . very kindly wroreto him saying that the companions of the chapter were anxious to make him some presentation , and yet were in a difficulty as to the form in which it would be most agreeable he felt deeply grateful to the companions

, in the first place for their great consideration , and secondly _ for having wished to testify to their appreciation of his small services . It was exceedingly pleasing to him to have been allowed a voice in the matter . The M . E . Z . told him very kindlv that it might have taken a form which might have doubled some possession he had . Therefore , he felt deeply grateful , although the nresentation

did not come with that surprise which it would have done if he had not previously known anything about it . He would like to have said a great deal more , but his heart was too full for him to give expression to all he felt . Under the circumstances he would say he appreciated most heartily and cordially the great kindness he had at all times received from every member of the chapter , but especially on the

occasion of the present compliment paid him for services which the companions were pleased to say he had rendered to the chapter . Subsequently Comp . Gartley moved , and Comp . Motion seconded , that a bar should be added to the P . Z . 's jewel of the M . E . Z ., in recognition of the

performance of his duties in the chair during the past year . The motion was carried unanimously , and the companions afterwards closed the chapter , and adjourned to a very pretty banquet . The usual toasts were given in due course , and a most agreeable evening was s ^ ent .

Jerusalem Chapter ( No . 1 S 5 ) . —This chapter met at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , on the nth instant . Amongst those present were Comps . A . Hardy , M . E . Z . j F . Smith , P . P . G . J . of Cheshire , P . Z ., H ., M . E . Z . elect ; Cleghorne , P . Z ., acting J . j . G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E . ; Harfeld , P . Z . Treas . j Dr . Fry , P . S . j Staley , P . Z . ; and E . A . Harris , P . / .. Visitors : Comps . Ward and Lewis .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Bro . J . A . Witthans , M . M . 185 , and it being unanimous , he was most ably exalted by the M . E . Z . Comp . Dr . Fry was elected to the chair of J . The M . E . Z . then installed Comp . F . Smith as First Principal and Comp . Dr . Fry as Third Principal . The installation of Second Principal was , in

consequence of the absence of Comp . Capt . Walls , P . Z ., postponed . The I . P . Z . was presented with a handsome Past Principal ' s jewel .. Comp . G . Davis was then invested as S . E . and Harfeld , P . Z ., as Treasurer . The other investitures were deferred . Comps . N . Moss , L . C . C ., P . Z ., and Ellborn , P . Z ., sent apologies for absence . The chapter was then closed .

An excellent banquet was furnished under the genial superintendence of Comp . Mantel . The loyal toasts having been duly honoured , "The Health of the M . E . Z . " was proposed in Mattering terms by the I . P . Z . Comp . F . Smith , in reply , said that he felt deeply touched by the remarks of the proposer of the toast . His

health , indeed , had been very precarious during the past year . It was only by a great effort that he had managed to leave Hastings in order to be present that evening . He was looking over an old number of the Freemason the other day , and he saw a report of the Jerusalem Chapter meeting of April , 187 G , on which date he left the First Principal's chair , which he had filled for 10 consecutive

years . Many of the companions who were then in the full enjoyment of life and vigour had also since joined the great majority . It was a great honour to be elected for the third time in his career as their First Principal , and he would do his best to fill the position to their satisfaction . " The Second Principal Elect and Third Principal " followed . Comps . Captain Walls and Dr . Fry acknowledged this

toast . " 'The Exaltee " came next in order , and was duly responded to by Comp . Witthans . Comp . Lewis acknowledged the toast of " The Visitors " in a telling speech . In proposing " 'The Health of the Past Principals , " the M . E . Z . said that he had been particularly struck by the

working of Comp . Hardy , I . P . Z . He should look forward to his next exposition of the ceremonies with great pleasure , ln fact , he might confess that increasing years , indifferent health , and memory would , in all probability , prevent his ( the speaker ' s ) doing much chapter work , but he would strive his utmost to render their " Fourth Degree" proceedings harmonious in more senses than one .

The I . P . Z . having replied to this toast in a modest speech , " The Health of the S . E . and Treasurer " followed . The M . E . Z . eulogised the services of Comps . Davis and Harfeld . He called them the pillars of the chapter j of the latter he would say that his kindness and liberality had been unbounded . The toast having been duly honoured , the S . E . and

Treasurer brielly responded . The M . E . Z . had pr . ivided an excellent musical entertainment , in which Madame Florence Voryanger , Madame Clara Muntz , Miss H . Smith , Miss E . Reely , and Herr A . Voryanger took part . The programme comprised piano , mandoline , guitar , violin , and saxephone selections . Herr Voryanger ' s efforts on the latter quaint instrument being

greatly admired . T he vocal talents of Madame Voryanger and Miss H . Smith were seen to advantage in " It was a dream " and the duet " Gentle Spring . " The members of the chapter were delighted with the long and varied entertainment provided for them so generously by the M . E . Z ., and nothing but the advanced hour prevented them , like Oliver , from " asking for more . "

Guelph Chapter ( No . 1685 )—The installation meeting was held on the 13 th instant , at the Masonic Hall , Leytonstone , when the following were present : Comps . VV . Shurmur , M . E . Z . j C . Rawle , H . j C . G . Cutchey , | . j B . Nicholson , Treas . j W . P . Bridges , S . E . j James Speller , S . N . ; A . G . Duck , P . S . j T . Brandreth Gibbs

, D . C . j VV . C . Mann , A . S . j George Graveley , I . P . Z . j J . J . Caverly , H . Hyde , and R . VV . Hunter . Visitors : Comps . W . J . II . Stephens , 135 ( S . C . ) j J . Dipple , 159 s j II . Massey , P . Z . <> iy and KJ 2 SJ M . Black , 2374 j and McGowan . Comp . Shurmur installed Comp . James Speller as J . j Comp . C . G . Cutchey as H . j and Comp . Charles Rawle

Royal Arch.

as M . E . Z . The following were afterwards invested with the insignia of their various offices : Comps . VV . G . Bridges , S . E .: A . G . Duck , S . N . ; B . Nicholson , Treas . ; N . Fortescue , P . S . ; T . Brandreth Gibbs , 1 st A . S . ; W . C . Mann , 2 nd A . S . ; and J . Ives , Janitor . Bro . VV . Allen was exalted by the new M . E . Z ., after which ceremony the Auditors were appointed , as well as a Committee to frame the by-laws .

After the closing of the chapter , the companions partook of banquet , and honoured the usual toasts . Comp . Shurmur , I . P . Z ., proposed "The M . E . Z ., " and said Comp . Rawle had been associated with the chapter from its first formation , and had cordially co-operated with the other Principals in supporting the dignity of the Order , in promoting obedience to the ancient laws and regulations , and in preserving that bond of union and fraternal love

which was the foundation of the whole Masonic structure . He was quite sure Comp . Rawle would prove that he was a worthy representative of King Solomon . Comp . Rawle , in reply , said that was a new position ft r him to occupy , and , as he was a young Royal Arch Mason , although not a young Craftsman , he could only assure the companions that he would do his best in the position in which he was placed to maintain the reputation of the

chapter for good working . If he should make any mistake he felt he would meet with the hearty indulgence of the companions . Comp . Rawle then gave the toast of "The Installing Principal , the I . P . Z . of the Chapter . " He said it was not every one who was privileged to follow in the wake of such an excellent Mason as Comp . Shurmur . As most of them knew , the reputation gained by Comp . Shurmur in

Middlesex and Essex redounded to his credit . Certainly as far as the working of Royal Arch chapters was concerned , his ( Comp . Rawle ' s ) experience of Comp . Shurmur was very limited , but the reverent manner and the impressive way in which he had performed the ceremonies must impress itself upon every one ' s memory , and it would encourage those who were succeeding him in working . Comp . Shurmur was aspiring to be a wearer of the purple . He had done good

work for Masonry and for its Charities in no mean measure j he had also belonged to several lodges , which had improved under his able guidance . It would be very pleasing when he responded as a Grand Treasurer , and the Guelph Chapter would never regret numbering him among its members . He trusted that those who had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge wouldsupportComp . Shurmur's candidature . It was usual in lodges and chapters to recognise the able

services of a Master or M . E . Z . by a substantial gift . In this way it now devolved upon him to present Comp . Shurmur with the jewel of I . P . Z ., and he did it not only because Comp . Shurmur was I . P . Z ., but also because he was the friend of every member of the chapter . He asked Comp . Shurmur to accept a handsome jewel as a testimonial ot the gratitude and appreciation of the companions of the Guelph Chapter . In pinning it on Comp . Shurmur ' s

breast he had to say that it was the first that had been given by that chapter , and he trusted Comp . Shurmur would prize it , although he had had many others . Comp . Shurmur , in acknowleging the presentation , said he had endeavoured to discharge his duties as First Principal of the Guelph Chapter to the utmost of his skill and ability . If he had given satisfaction to the companions he was more than repaid for any time or trouble he had

devoted to acquiring the beautiful ritual . He had a firm belief in the M . E . Grand Master , King Solomon— " Whatsoever thy hand lindeth to do , do it with all thy might . " If a thing was worth doing at all it was worth doing well . If he had succeeded in his endeavours he was really pleased at that fortunate result . The M . E . Z . had referred to the position which , by the kindness of his many friends , he ( Comp . Shurmur ) aspired to . He

had been surprised to find what a multitude of friends he possessed . He had not known before that such a retiring individual as himself could have so many good and true friends , but they had come forward , and he hoped he would be elected to the proud and distinguished position of Grand Treasurer . It was the highest honour the Craft could bestow upon anyone else but the candidate for the office of Grand Master . There were only two offices

which it was the privilege of the blue to elect to—the Grand Master and the Grand Treasurer . If it sh > uld be his lofty privilege to be elected with the Prince of Wales it would be a great pride to him . He thanked the companions in anticipation for their promised support . If he should be elected he would strenuously endeavour to prove himself worthy of the confidence of the Craft . He also thanked the companions tor the beautiful jewel they had voted him .

He should certainly regard it as one of the most precious jewels he possessed . It would be a souvenir of a very happy year of office he had had , and it would continually remind him of the unvarying kindness which he had always received from every member of the Guelph Chapter . He then presented Con p . Graveley with . 1 P . Z . ' s jewel . They looked upon Comp . Graveley as the father of the chapter , and he really ought to have been its first M . E . Z . If he had

been he would certainly have performed the duties better than he ( Comp . Shurmur ) . Comp . G . Graveley , who had acted as I . P . Z . for the first year , responded , and stated that he had endeavoured to do his duty as an all-round officer . That , however , would be of no use if other officers were not able to pei lo-m their duties . He hoped the chapter would succeed . He had endeavoured to make it pleasant , happy , and comfortable .

The present jewel was his forty-seventh . Comp . Cutchey , H ., responding to the toast of "The II . and J . " said the idea of having the Guelph Chapter originated in his own brain , in October , 1 S 91 , without conferring with anyone inside or outside the Guelph Lodge . He got permission to form the chapter . Comp . Graveley thanked the companions for Comp . Speller in the unavoidable absence of that companion . He

added that if it had not been for Comp . Cutchey that chapter would not have been a chapter at the present day . Nevertheless , he was very proud to fill any office in the chapter . If ever they wanted a Janitor , give him the Janitor's job , and he should be just as pleased as to be sitting by the side of the M . E . Z . Comp . Allen responded to the toast of " The Exaltee , "

and said he tried to realise the ceremony as it went through , and he found it very beautiful . I Ic believed the more he saw of it the better he would be pleased with it . Comp . Stephens , who , as a Scotch Royal Arch Mason , made in Kilwinning Chapter , in Australia , had been obligated as an English Royal Arch Mason in the chapter with Comp . Allen , who also returned thanks , and said he hoped