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Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
When the consecration was completed , Comp . Walter Solomon Whitaker was installed in the three chairs ; Comp . Nelson Recti in the chairs of 11 . and J . ; and Comp . Thomas Starcy Hillier in the chair of J . The following companions were then invested as the other officers of the chapter : Comps . 11 . G . Buss , S . E . ; George Briggs , S . N . ; C . A . Woods , P . Soj . ; Albert Thomas Pearce , ist Asst . ; John Clarricoats , 2 nd Asst . ;
J . Jackson Avery , P . Z ., Treas . ; and Steedman , Janitor . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Comp . Woodford , and Comp . Terry were elected honorary members of the chapter . Col . CLERKE acknowledged the compliment on behalf of himself , and the other Consecrating Officers . The byelaws of the chapter were afterwards adopted . Propositions for joining and exaltation were given in , thc chapter was
then closed , and the companions adjourned to banquet . At thc close of thc banquet , the usual toasts were pro-The M . E . Z ., in proposing " The Health of thc Prince of Wales , " said that for many years eminentand distinguished brethren in the Craft , and companions in thc Royal Arch , had presided over Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter , and at the present day Masons had the honour of bcingpre
sided over by the Prince of Wales , the heir to the throne of this country . If he only occupied this place in name , they might esteem themselves fortunate , but they had good reason to believe that he occupied it , not only in name , but was always ready to give both time and attention to his high Masonic duties . If he ( thc M . E . Z . ) might be allowed to pass from Masonic matters for a moment he thought the Prince of Wales had shown them a good example , and good
criterion of what he would do for the welfare of his future subjects , in not hesitating ] to send away his two sons on a long course of training in one of Her Majesty's ships , where they must gain those habits of discipline , order , and regularity , which would doubtless bc very valuable to them in ' after life , and where their minds would be expanded and their thoughts elevated by a large and comprehensive view of thc world and its inhabitants which travel around
the world alone could give , enabling them perhaps to return to their native country better fitted for its business , and then to become , as Masons hoped they would become , true and good Freemasons . Comp . Wooni'oRu , in responding to thc toast of " The Pro G . Z ., & c , " said he esteemed it a high honour to be permitted to return thanks for the absent Grand Oflicers , as well as those eminent companions present with him
at that hospitable board . It always afforded the Grand Oflicers the greatest pleasure in being present on such occasions and in such meetings when they had gathered together to consecrate a new Royal Arch chapter , and to perpetuate and advance thc principlesand practice of Royal Arch Masonry . For himself , he was specially glad to be present that day ; firstly , because he was always glad to be able to contribute towards the spread of the
beautiful ceremonial and benign teachings of Royal Arch Masonry . He , for one , was truly rejoiced to note the increase nnd expansion of Royal Arch Masonry , as he considered it to be a great mistake , Masonically , to neglect or undervalue the Royal Arch Grade . Secondly , he was very pleased to be permitted , however humbly , to assist their very distinguished Consecrating Officer in his most arduous labours ; and , thirdly , he was anxious to pay a tribute of respect to their old and
esteemed friend and companion , Comp . Buss , of whose great services to Masonry for many years they were all sensible , and whom they both valued and honoured . ( Hear , hear . ) Those of us who had taken part to-day in thc interesting ceremony of consecration will have rejoiced to be present on so auspicious an occasion , and he ( Comp . Woodford ) doubted not but from the " foundation" laid that day , thc oflicers and companions
of the Carnarvon Chapter , to whom he wished heartily "God speed , " would "raise up" ere long a " superstructure , perfect in its points , and honourable to thc builders . " There were one or two passing " points" he thought it well before this friendly company to call shortly tlieirattcntinii to , because he , for one , ventured to think that when thus assembled they should not spend their time merely in " complimentary repetitions , " or " customary
phiascolo ^ y . " He rejoiced , in the first place , lo Hunk lhat in England wc had no intestine divisions , no burning questions to harass us or distract us from the simple pathway of true Masonic progress . Other jurisdictions , as his distinguished companion on the left well knew , had a severe struggle going on in their midst , and which would probably end , as other like ones had previously ended , in the defacement and uprooting of the ancient landmarks of true Freemasonry . From lhis untoward state of affairs might
they long be preserved in England , and might they go on thcirappointcd way according to their own distinguished principles of religion and loyalty , toleration and charity . There was another point he thought it rightalludeto—tbeirCliarities . lie had been recently attending thc Boys' and Girls' Schools elections , and his attention had been greatly drawn to what we do , what we have done , and what we have yet to do . The fact that we raise £ 40 , 000 per annum for our Metropolitan Charities is a . fact of which , as Masons , we may be proud ,
and which affects non-Masons in a manner and measure wc often fail to realize . But yet what an amount of work remains yet to be done . Consider the long and painful list of unsuccessful candidates , especially in the Boys' School ; regard thc claims of those excellent Institutions , thc Benevolent Institution and thc Girls' School , for continued and steady support , and we shall sec what a " margin" there is for steady effort . Now , there were
one or two points he wished specially to call their attention to . A very large proportion , very large indeed , of our lodges and chapters have never done anything at all fur onr Charities , nnd the annual returns of Ihe Stewards are brought to a great extent and by a striking proportion by thc same zealous , free-handed , open-hearted brethren and companions , year after year . 2 . It had been noted with surprise and regret how very small , he might add infinitesimally small , a
proportion nf lodges from No . 17 CO and of our younger chapters have yet sent up Stewards to the Charities . He was afraid that during 1 SS 0 not above thirty lodges from 1700 had made anv returns . This did not accord with the proper law of Masonic progress and charitable effort . Comp . Woodford concluded with an expression of liis earnest good wishes for Royal Arch Masonry in general and the Carnarvon Chapter in particular . Comp . Woodford trusted that they would excuse him for having diverted from the usual topics on such a festal day
Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
as this ; but he thought it lus duty to say what he had said , because in the year 1 SS 1 wc had a great work to do to keep our Charities in their present state of efficiency . Personally , as an old friend of thc Rnyal Arch , he added , thc more wc know of it thc more we must appreciate it . Its beauties arc many , nnd those who net up to its princip les should earn the good opinion of their fellow men , and obtain all that is happy and all that is good and
consoling in this world of < mrs . _ ( Hear , hear . ) Tlie M . E . Z ., in proposing The "Health of the Consecrating Officer , " said he could not mention Col . Shadwell Gierke ' s name without remembering the late beloved Comp . John Hervey , whose death had left a blank in Masonry . But the Prince of Wales never bad a more difficult task to perform when he had to choose Comp . Hervey ' s successor . He had however made thc very best
appointment he could , as the companions must confess after seeing the splendid way in which Col . Shadwell Clerke had performed the consecration and installation ceremonies that day . He spoke in thc name of every companion at the tabic , when he said they most cordially approved that choice . They knew Comp . Gierke to bc possessed of a full and complete knowledge of Masonic jurisdiction , well skilled in the ancient landmarks of the Order , and also had
the interests of Masonry at heart . Under those circumstances they could only look forward to a bright future for Freemasonry , when they knew so many important subjects and so many details of Masonry came a great deal under his hands , for consideration . They had seen how ably he could work the ceremonies . Many of them had had opportunities of witnessing his working in other places ; but no matter whether in a Craft lodge or a R . A . chapter
it was always thc same ; and they had only to rest and bc thankful . They had had a great Masonic treat that day . It gave them a point to start from , and as Comp . Clerke had almost promised he would come again , they hoped he would come and see how well they could perform their work . Comp . Sil ADWEI . I . H . CI . F . RKK in reply , said the M . E . Z . 's remarks had been exceedingly and unexpectedly flattering ,
and he scarcely know how to reply . I le felt very grateful to all the companions for their endorsement of the remarks . It had been one of the privileges of thc oflice he had held for the last few months , lhat of being permitted to act as a kind of sponsor for various Masonic bodies . lie had come to ' pcrform thc ceremonies that day , and he had , and trusted he always would take part in them with great pleasure ; and he might say he never did so with greater
pleasure than when his esteemed Comp . Buss asked him to do so . He had done it , and he certainly did not regret it . He believed that thc two lodges from which this chapter was formed had obtained such a good character in the course of their somewhat short Masonic career , that it augured very well indeed for the future of the chapter . They had very good material to draw upon , and he was sure they would exercise a wise discretion in the selection
of their members . He might have thc opportunity of coming from year to year , when he should no doubt find the Carnarvon Chapter progressing , lie hoped it always would progress . I le was glad to see the progress there was in Royal Arch Masonry , and he agreed with Comp . Woodford ' s remark as to the few chapters there were as compared with thc number of lodges . The discrepancy was something remarkable , but he hoped there was a
wakening up now and that in future it would be different . For the last year or two there was a difference , and he hoped that progress would continue . Col . Shadwell Gierke then proposed "Thc Health of the M . E . Z . and Prosperity to Carnarvon Chapter . " Comp . Whitaker was but a young Mason , but his career had been a mitltuin in pnrvo , and he that day would have to exchange the white for the red ribbon . 1 he petitioner for the chapter had full
confidence in him by selecting him for the proud position of first M . E . Z . for the chapter . ' The M . E . Z ., in acknowledging the toast , said he could hardly conceive a more difficult task . The toast was that of the M . E . Z . it was true , but he was an M . E . Z . of so few hours' standing , and had done so little in that position , that he hardl y deserved recognition in thatcharacter . The lodges from which this chapter was taken were of but recent origin
—one being 1572 and the other 1 ( 161—but they did not rank among those , lodges which had done little or nothing fur the Charities , lie believed they had every year sent a Steward to one or the other of the Charities , and also . sent with the Steward a very handsome donation . As years went on the Masters of those two lodges would take their positions as Stewards before their year of office expired . As regarded the Carnarvon Chapter , he could only thank the companions
in anticipation . I le had many limes had the honour of responding to the toast of Master of the lodge , but it had always been after sonic hours of work , and he had something to work upon . This , however , was not the case that night , and he could merely thank the companions in anticipation o ! what his work was to be . The M . E . Z . next proposed "The II . and J ., " in which he said he experienced the same difficulties as in replying *
to the toast of his own health , that they had done nothing for the chapter . However , it was not their fault . The time was come when they would do much for it . I le had many times proposed "The Oflicers of the Lodge , " but on those occasions they always had had work to do , and had performed their tasks in a satisfactory and able manner . Ifc believed that in future they would also perform their tasks in the chapter just as ably and satisfactorily .
Comp . NELSON RI-I-I *> , 11 ., said it was very pleasing to him to reply to this toast , but it was more pleasing to him to see his excellent friend and brother-in-law in the ' / .. chair of this chapter . He also thanked the companions of the Carnarvon I-odge and Chapter for appointing Comp . Whitaker , the senior Master of the Carnarvon Lodge , the first M . E . Z . of the Carnarvon Chapter , and himself ( Comp . Reed ) , the senior Master of the Mizpah Lodge , as Second
Principal of the chapter . He hoped , as Comps . Colonel Shadwell 11 . Clerke and Woodford had already said , the Carnarvon Chapter would , like the Carnarvon and Mizpah Lodges in the Craft , leave a mark in . Masonry . The companions could not have done better than choose Comp . Whitaker as First Principal , and he would do his best to support him—an effort in which he knew he should be seconded by the Third Principal .
Comp . 1 . S . IIKLI . IKU , J ., said he cordially reciprocated the sentiments of Comp . Reed . He felt deepl y the honour that had been done him in placing him in the Third Chair , lt had been the rule in the Carnarvon Lodge that all oflicers should do their own work . For his own part , he would say that he would endeavour to do his in the chapter .
Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
After Comp . HunnucK had responded to thc toast of "The Visitors , " Comp . SMITH , of Brighton , in reply to the same toast , said he would bc very reprehensible if he failed to embrace the opportunity of expressing his gratitude for the kind reception , accorded to him in the chapter , and thc hospitable entertainment at Ihe banquet table . He congratulated the
1 rincipals on the honourable ' pcsition they were placed in , and wished them health and strength in thc coining year to fulfil the duties of their office with satisfaction to themselves and advantage to the companions . He also congratulated thc companions on having placed in the Z . chair a companion who indeed , though he had had no opportunity of performing the work in thc chapter , bad given such evidence
, in his presidency over thc table , of bis efficiency by the original and terse manner in which he handled time-honoured toasts , that the companions would find they might rely upon him with a great deal of confidence . He ( Comp . Smith ) was a companion from thc country , and it was a source of great delight to him to look back to the year that he was initiated into Masonry , nearly twenty years ago , in
the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , London . Though the force of circumstances carried him away into the provinces it had taken him to that part which , after all , was a second metropolis , for t ' ney looked upon and called themselves at Brighton , Londnn-supcr-Mare . It had been a great pleasure to him to attend this chapter for several reasons : —First of all , because , as Col . Gierke knew , last week was a week of
heavy Masonic toi ! to him ( Comp . Smith ) , although his toil was rewarded . He did not know that he was deserving of the honour , but he was installed Master of a lodge for the third time , and on the same night made Junior Warden of the province ; but that which created a greater bond of sympathy with the companions that nightjwas that he was installed for the second time in the Principal ' s chair in a
new chapter . This week they had had the advantage of having a new chapter consecrated by Col . Shadwell Clerke . If in the provinces they strove to carry out one thing more than another it was this , that in visiting London chapters , and in seeing the work carried out as it was in the metropolis in a finished and perfect style , they endeavoured to emulate that example . They owed a deep debt of gratitude ,
in his province , to the presiding officer of to-day , Col . Shadwell Clerke . Happily in many degrees in Masonry Col . Shadwell Clerke had been intimately associated with the Province of Sussex , and he thought he was not making any false statement when he told the companions that if the Province of Sussex showed better working than perhaps
other provinces , it was due to one fact more than anotherto the charm which Masonry had received from thc excellent teachings of Comp . Shadwell Clerke . Comp . Dr . WOODMAN also replied , and expressed his pleasure at the way in which all the work of thc day had been conducted .
Comp . 11 . G . Buss , responding as S . E . to the toast of "The S . E ., S . N ., and Treasurer , " said the M . E . Z . had been pleased to speak in a very flattering manner of what he ( Comp . Buss ) had done in the formation of this chapter . In what he had done he had had great pleasure , lie marked it as one of his great successes in life that he had been connected with the Carnarvon and Mizpah Lodges .
I hat day they had formed a chapter out of those two lodges jointly . When he first suggested to Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and begged his good olliccs in consecrating the chapter , that companion at once responded that he would . This showed the hearty goodwill he had in the formation of new lodges and chapters , because he certainly could not have known much of the Carnarvon and Mizpah men . It
showed that he had the good of the Craft and Arch at heart . It was a red-letter day in Masonry , and especially for the Carnarvon Chapter , when it had been inaugurated in the auspicious manner in which it had been that evening . So long as he ( Comp . Buss ) remained a member of thc chapter it would be a source of gratification to him to promote its interests and its welfare , and if they should fall
into difficulties and dangers they might depend upon it he should not be backward in giving them his warning voice that they were going wrong one way or the other . But he had no fear of that . He knew the companions were too well versed in the ritual and laws of Masonry to fear that they would be found wanting , or overstep the landmarks of the Order in anything they might do . In that respect
he felt perfectly happy , and stood firm in his position . With regard to the remarks of Comp . Woodford as to the slow progress of Royal Arch Masonry , they should not be allowed to pass without observation . If the companions looked at the progress of Masonry during the last fen years they would find it had been going on very steadily in the lodges at the rate of about fifty a year , and in Royal
Arch chapters at the rate of twenty-live or thirty . Therefore , he thought , if they took the average progress in Freemasonry of one chapter to two lodges they could nut say they had been backward in then- progress . For instance , taking the present position , two lodges worked together to form a chapter , and they generally would find it as a rule that no one lodge would support a chapter by
itseli ; they generally went to outside influence in order to provide sufficient element to keep the chapter working . There were now nearly IQOO lodges on the roll , but 200 might be deducted from that as lodges that were defunct or in abeyance , and , as Comp . Woodford had said , there were about Soo chapters . Therefore , they were as one chapter to two lodges at the present moment . Royal Arch
Masonry was , consequently , in a happy state , and he did not think tbey could be progressing much better . So long as two lodges combined for one chapter , Royal Arch Masonry would keep in happy progress with the Craft . Comp . J . J . AVERT , Treas ., said since he had been awn )* from the provincesin one chapter of which he held the
, proud position occupied by Gimp . Whitaker , he had felt tlj absence of Royal Arch Masonry very much indeed , tic had been invited to join chapters in tho London district , hut he thought he should not do so until the time came when the Carnarvon Lodge had a chapter . The time had no ** arrived , and he was once more restored to the bosom "' or
Royal Arch Masonry . 1 le thanked the companions ^ "" j position in which they had placed him , and that lju * had been allowed to join in ceremonies to which he was in in ' ' * 1 a ' tached , and which for some three or four years he h"f > d '* * had an opportunity of carrying out . ( Comp . Buicr . s , S . N ., said there was one point hc ^ sli ** : like to touch upon . The M . E . Z . had placed him ii * a j of trinity , firstly in earnestness , secondly in elocuti * wn > : " . thirdly in perfection of words . First , the earnVstl || descended to him from the Great I Am , therefore , h' » - , IlU
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Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
When the consecration was completed , Comp . Walter Solomon Whitaker was installed in the three chairs ; Comp . Nelson Recti in the chairs of 11 . and J . ; and Comp . Thomas Starcy Hillier in the chair of J . The following companions were then invested as the other officers of the chapter : Comps . 11 . G . Buss , S . E . ; George Briggs , S . N . ; C . A . Woods , P . Soj . ; Albert Thomas Pearce , ist Asst . ; John Clarricoats , 2 nd Asst . ;
J . Jackson Avery , P . Z ., Treas . ; and Steedman , Janitor . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Comp . Woodford , and Comp . Terry were elected honorary members of the chapter . Col . CLERKE acknowledged the compliment on behalf of himself , and the other Consecrating Officers . The byelaws of the chapter were afterwards adopted . Propositions for joining and exaltation were given in , thc chapter was
then closed , and the companions adjourned to banquet . At thc close of thc banquet , the usual toasts were pro-The M . E . Z ., in proposing " The Health of thc Prince of Wales , " said that for many years eminentand distinguished brethren in the Craft , and companions in thc Royal Arch , had presided over Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter , and at the present day Masons had the honour of bcingpre
sided over by the Prince of Wales , the heir to the throne of this country . If he only occupied this place in name , they might esteem themselves fortunate , but they had good reason to believe that he occupied it , not only in name , but was always ready to give both time and attention to his high Masonic duties . If he ( thc M . E . Z . ) might be allowed to pass from Masonic matters for a moment he thought the Prince of Wales had shown them a good example , and good
criterion of what he would do for the welfare of his future subjects , in not hesitating ] to send away his two sons on a long course of training in one of Her Majesty's ships , where they must gain those habits of discipline , order , and regularity , which would doubtless bc very valuable to them in ' after life , and where their minds would be expanded and their thoughts elevated by a large and comprehensive view of thc world and its inhabitants which travel around
the world alone could give , enabling them perhaps to return to their native country better fitted for its business , and then to become , as Masons hoped they would become , true and good Freemasons . Comp . Wooni'oRu , in responding to thc toast of " The Pro G . Z ., & c , " said he esteemed it a high honour to be permitted to return thanks for the absent Grand Oflicers , as well as those eminent companions present with him
at that hospitable board . It always afforded the Grand Oflicers the greatest pleasure in being present on such occasions and in such meetings when they had gathered together to consecrate a new Royal Arch chapter , and to perpetuate and advance thc principlesand practice of Royal Arch Masonry . For himself , he was specially glad to be present that day ; firstly , because he was always glad to be able to contribute towards the spread of the
beautiful ceremonial and benign teachings of Royal Arch Masonry . He , for one , was truly rejoiced to note the increase nnd expansion of Royal Arch Masonry , as he considered it to be a great mistake , Masonically , to neglect or undervalue the Royal Arch Grade . Secondly , he was very pleased to be permitted , however humbly , to assist their very distinguished Consecrating Officer in his most arduous labours ; and , thirdly , he was anxious to pay a tribute of respect to their old and
esteemed friend and companion , Comp . Buss , of whose great services to Masonry for many years they were all sensible , and whom they both valued and honoured . ( Hear , hear . ) Those of us who had taken part to-day in thc interesting ceremony of consecration will have rejoiced to be present on so auspicious an occasion , and he ( Comp . Woodford ) doubted not but from the " foundation" laid that day , thc oflicers and companions
of the Carnarvon Chapter , to whom he wished heartily "God speed , " would "raise up" ere long a " superstructure , perfect in its points , and honourable to thc builders . " There were one or two passing " points" he thought it well before this friendly company to call shortly tlieirattcntinii to , because he , for one , ventured to think that when thus assembled they should not spend their time merely in " complimentary repetitions , " or " customary
phiascolo ^ y . " He rejoiced , in the first place , lo Hunk lhat in England wc had no intestine divisions , no burning questions to harass us or distract us from the simple pathway of true Masonic progress . Other jurisdictions , as his distinguished companion on the left well knew , had a severe struggle going on in their midst , and which would probably end , as other like ones had previously ended , in the defacement and uprooting of the ancient landmarks of true Freemasonry . From lhis untoward state of affairs might
they long be preserved in England , and might they go on thcirappointcd way according to their own distinguished principles of religion and loyalty , toleration and charity . There was another point he thought it rightalludeto—tbeirCliarities . lie had been recently attending thc Boys' and Girls' Schools elections , and his attention had been greatly drawn to what we do , what we have done , and what we have yet to do . The fact that we raise £ 40 , 000 per annum for our Metropolitan Charities is a . fact of which , as Masons , we may be proud ,
and which affects non-Masons in a manner and measure wc often fail to realize . But yet what an amount of work remains yet to be done . Consider the long and painful list of unsuccessful candidates , especially in the Boys' School ; regard thc claims of those excellent Institutions , thc Benevolent Institution and thc Girls' School , for continued and steady support , and we shall sec what a " margin" there is for steady effort . Now , there were
one or two points he wished specially to call their attention to . A very large proportion , very large indeed , of our lodges and chapters have never done anything at all fur onr Charities , nnd the annual returns of Ihe Stewards are brought to a great extent and by a striking proportion by thc same zealous , free-handed , open-hearted brethren and companions , year after year . 2 . It had been noted with surprise and regret how very small , he might add infinitesimally small , a
proportion nf lodges from No . 17 CO and of our younger chapters have yet sent up Stewards to the Charities . He was afraid that during 1 SS 0 not above thirty lodges from 1700 had made anv returns . This did not accord with the proper law of Masonic progress and charitable effort . Comp . Woodford concluded with an expression of liis earnest good wishes for Royal Arch Masonry in general and the Carnarvon Chapter in particular . Comp . Woodford trusted that they would excuse him for having diverted from the usual topics on such a festal day
Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
as this ; but he thought it lus duty to say what he had said , because in the year 1 SS 1 wc had a great work to do to keep our Charities in their present state of efficiency . Personally , as an old friend of thc Rnyal Arch , he added , thc more wc know of it thc more we must appreciate it . Its beauties arc many , nnd those who net up to its princip les should earn the good opinion of their fellow men , and obtain all that is happy and all that is good and
consoling in this world of < mrs . _ ( Hear , hear . ) Tlie M . E . Z ., in proposing The "Health of the Consecrating Officer , " said he could not mention Col . Shadwell Gierke ' s name without remembering the late beloved Comp . John Hervey , whose death had left a blank in Masonry . But the Prince of Wales never bad a more difficult task to perform when he had to choose Comp . Hervey ' s successor . He had however made thc very best
appointment he could , as the companions must confess after seeing the splendid way in which Col . Shadwell Clerke had performed the consecration and installation ceremonies that day . He spoke in thc name of every companion at the tabic , when he said they most cordially approved that choice . They knew Comp . Gierke to bc possessed of a full and complete knowledge of Masonic jurisdiction , well skilled in the ancient landmarks of the Order , and also had
the interests of Masonry at heart . Under those circumstances they could only look forward to a bright future for Freemasonry , when they knew so many important subjects and so many details of Masonry came a great deal under his hands , for consideration . They had seen how ably he could work the ceremonies . Many of them had had opportunities of witnessing his working in other places ; but no matter whether in a Craft lodge or a R . A . chapter
it was always thc same ; and they had only to rest and bc thankful . They had had a great Masonic treat that day . It gave them a point to start from , and as Comp . Clerke had almost promised he would come again , they hoped he would come and see how well they could perform their work . Comp . Sil ADWEI . I . H . CI . F . RKK in reply , said the M . E . Z . 's remarks had been exceedingly and unexpectedly flattering ,
and he scarcely know how to reply . I le felt very grateful to all the companions for their endorsement of the remarks . It had been one of the privileges of thc oflice he had held for the last few months , lhat of being permitted to act as a kind of sponsor for various Masonic bodies . lie had come to ' pcrform thc ceremonies that day , and he had , and trusted he always would take part in them with great pleasure ; and he might say he never did so with greater
pleasure than when his esteemed Comp . Buss asked him to do so . He had done it , and he certainly did not regret it . He believed that thc two lodges from which this chapter was formed had obtained such a good character in the course of their somewhat short Masonic career , that it augured very well indeed for the future of the chapter . They had very good material to draw upon , and he was sure they would exercise a wise discretion in the selection
of their members . He might have thc opportunity of coming from year to year , when he should no doubt find the Carnarvon Chapter progressing , lie hoped it always would progress . I le was glad to see the progress there was in Royal Arch Masonry , and he agreed with Comp . Woodford ' s remark as to the few chapters there were as compared with thc number of lodges . The discrepancy was something remarkable , but he hoped there was a
wakening up now and that in future it would be different . For the last year or two there was a difference , and he hoped that progress would continue . Col . Shadwell Gierke then proposed "Thc Health of the M . E . Z . and Prosperity to Carnarvon Chapter . " Comp . Whitaker was but a young Mason , but his career had been a mitltuin in pnrvo , and he that day would have to exchange the white for the red ribbon . 1 he petitioner for the chapter had full
confidence in him by selecting him for the proud position of first M . E . Z . for the chapter . ' The M . E . Z ., in acknowledging the toast , said he could hardly conceive a more difficult task . The toast was that of the M . E . Z . it was true , but he was an M . E . Z . of so few hours' standing , and had done so little in that position , that he hardl y deserved recognition in thatcharacter . The lodges from which this chapter was taken were of but recent origin
—one being 1572 and the other 1 ( 161—but they did not rank among those , lodges which had done little or nothing fur the Charities , lie believed they had every year sent a Steward to one or the other of the Charities , and also . sent with the Steward a very handsome donation . As years went on the Masters of those two lodges would take their positions as Stewards before their year of office expired . As regarded the Carnarvon Chapter , he could only thank the companions
in anticipation . I le had many limes had the honour of responding to the toast of Master of the lodge , but it had always been after sonic hours of work , and he had something to work upon . This , however , was not the case that night , and he could merely thank the companions in anticipation o ! what his work was to be . The M . E . Z . next proposed "The II . and J ., " in which he said he experienced the same difficulties as in replying *
to the toast of his own health , that they had done nothing for the chapter . However , it was not their fault . The time was come when they would do much for it . I le had many times proposed "The Oflicers of the Lodge , " but on those occasions they always had had work to do , and had performed their tasks in a satisfactory and able manner . Ifc believed that in future they would also perform their tasks in the chapter just as ably and satisfactorily .
Comp . NELSON RI-I-I *> , 11 ., said it was very pleasing to him to reply to this toast , but it was more pleasing to him to see his excellent friend and brother-in-law in the ' / .. chair of this chapter . He also thanked the companions of the Carnarvon I-odge and Chapter for appointing Comp . Whitaker , the senior Master of the Carnarvon Lodge , the first M . E . Z . of the Carnarvon Chapter , and himself ( Comp . Reed ) , the senior Master of the Mizpah Lodge , as Second
Principal of the chapter . He hoped , as Comps . Colonel Shadwell 11 . Clerke and Woodford had already said , the Carnarvon Chapter would , like the Carnarvon and Mizpah Lodges in the Craft , leave a mark in . Masonry . The companions could not have done better than choose Comp . Whitaker as First Principal , and he would do his best to support him—an effort in which he knew he should be seconded by the Third Principal .
Comp . 1 . S . IIKLI . IKU , J ., said he cordially reciprocated the sentiments of Comp . Reed . He felt deepl y the honour that had been done him in placing him in the Third Chair , lt had been the rule in the Carnarvon Lodge that all oflicers should do their own work . For his own part , he would say that he would endeavour to do his in the chapter .
Consecration Of The Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1572.
After Comp . HunnucK had responded to thc toast of "The Visitors , " Comp . SMITH , of Brighton , in reply to the same toast , said he would bc very reprehensible if he failed to embrace the opportunity of expressing his gratitude for the kind reception , accorded to him in the chapter , and thc hospitable entertainment at Ihe banquet table . He congratulated the
1 rincipals on the honourable ' pcsition they were placed in , and wished them health and strength in thc coining year to fulfil the duties of their office with satisfaction to themselves and advantage to the companions . He also congratulated thc companions on having placed in the Z . chair a companion who indeed , though he had had no opportunity of performing the work in thc chapter , bad given such evidence
, in his presidency over thc table , of bis efficiency by the original and terse manner in which he handled time-honoured toasts , that the companions would find they might rely upon him with a great deal of confidence . He ( Comp . Smith ) was a companion from thc country , and it was a source of great delight to him to look back to the year that he was initiated into Masonry , nearly twenty years ago , in
the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , London . Though the force of circumstances carried him away into the provinces it had taken him to that part which , after all , was a second metropolis , for t ' ney looked upon and called themselves at Brighton , Londnn-supcr-Mare . It had been a great pleasure to him to attend this chapter for several reasons : —First of all , because , as Col . Gierke knew , last week was a week of
heavy Masonic toi ! to him ( Comp . Smith ) , although his toil was rewarded . He did not know that he was deserving of the honour , but he was installed Master of a lodge for the third time , and on the same night made Junior Warden of the province ; but that which created a greater bond of sympathy with the companions that nightjwas that he was installed for the second time in the Principal ' s chair in a
new chapter . This week they had had the advantage of having a new chapter consecrated by Col . Shadwell Clerke . If in the provinces they strove to carry out one thing more than another it was this , that in visiting London chapters , and in seeing the work carried out as it was in the metropolis in a finished and perfect style , they endeavoured to emulate that example . They owed a deep debt of gratitude ,
in his province , to the presiding officer of to-day , Col . Shadwell Clerke . Happily in many degrees in Masonry Col . Shadwell Clerke had been intimately associated with the Province of Sussex , and he thought he was not making any false statement when he told the companions that if the Province of Sussex showed better working than perhaps
other provinces , it was due to one fact more than anotherto the charm which Masonry had received from thc excellent teachings of Comp . Shadwell Clerke . Comp . Dr . WOODMAN also replied , and expressed his pleasure at the way in which all the work of thc day had been conducted .
Comp . 11 . G . Buss , responding as S . E . to the toast of "The S . E ., S . N ., and Treasurer , " said the M . E . Z . had been pleased to speak in a very flattering manner of what he ( Comp . Buss ) had done in the formation of this chapter . In what he had done he had had great pleasure , lie marked it as one of his great successes in life that he had been connected with the Carnarvon and Mizpah Lodges .
I hat day they had formed a chapter out of those two lodges jointly . When he first suggested to Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and begged his good olliccs in consecrating the chapter , that companion at once responded that he would . This showed the hearty goodwill he had in the formation of new lodges and chapters , because he certainly could not have known much of the Carnarvon and Mizpah men . It
showed that he had the good of the Craft and Arch at heart . It was a red-letter day in Masonry , and especially for the Carnarvon Chapter , when it had been inaugurated in the auspicious manner in which it had been that evening . So long as he ( Comp . Buss ) remained a member of thc chapter it would be a source of gratification to him to promote its interests and its welfare , and if they should fall
into difficulties and dangers they might depend upon it he should not be backward in giving them his warning voice that they were going wrong one way or the other . But he had no fear of that . He knew the companions were too well versed in the ritual and laws of Masonry to fear that they would be found wanting , or overstep the landmarks of the Order in anything they might do . In that respect
he felt perfectly happy , and stood firm in his position . With regard to the remarks of Comp . Woodford as to the slow progress of Royal Arch Masonry , they should not be allowed to pass without observation . If the companions looked at the progress of Masonry during the last fen years they would find it had been going on very steadily in the lodges at the rate of about fifty a year , and in Royal
Arch chapters at the rate of twenty-live or thirty . Therefore , he thought , if they took the average progress in Freemasonry of one chapter to two lodges they could nut say they had been backward in then- progress . For instance , taking the present position , two lodges worked together to form a chapter , and they generally would find it as a rule that no one lodge would support a chapter by
itseli ; they generally went to outside influence in order to provide sufficient element to keep the chapter working . There were now nearly IQOO lodges on the roll , but 200 might be deducted from that as lodges that were defunct or in abeyance , and , as Comp . Woodford had said , there were about Soo chapters . Therefore , they were as one chapter to two lodges at the present moment . Royal Arch
Masonry was , consequently , in a happy state , and he did not think tbey could be progressing much better . So long as two lodges combined for one chapter , Royal Arch Masonry would keep in happy progress with the Craft . Comp . J . J . AVERT , Treas ., said since he had been awn )* from the provincesin one chapter of which he held the
, proud position occupied by Gimp . Whitaker , he had felt tlj absence of Royal Arch Masonry very much indeed , tic had been invited to join chapters in tho London district , hut he thought he should not do so until the time came when the Carnarvon Lodge had a chapter . The time had no ** arrived , and he was once more restored to the bosom "' or
Royal Arch Masonry . 1 le thanked the companions ^ "" j position in which they had placed him , and that lju * had been allowed to join in ceremonies to which he was in in ' ' * 1 a ' tached , and which for some three or four years he h"f > d '* * had an opportunity of carrying out . ( Comp . Buicr . s , S . N ., said there was one point hc ^ sli ** : like to touch upon . The M . E . Z . had placed him ii * a j of trinity , firstly in earnestness , secondly in elocuti * wn > : " . thirdly in perfection of words . First , the earnVstl || descended to him from the Great I Am , therefore , h' » - , IlU