Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic History And Historians.
MASONIC HISTORY AND HISTORIANS .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . I svas looking over a German work the other day when I came on a chapter entitled the " History of Freemasony in England . " This is a ss'ork in four volumes published at Leipsic in 1 S 35 , under the name of " Acerrellos , " by Carl Rossler . . It is a translation of a svell-knosvn French svork by Reghellini de Schio . Hence the credit for a clear viesv of English
Masonic history must be divided betsveen these tsvo svnters . The writer leans distinctly to a knightly origin of Freemasonry as connected svith the Templars , Sec , and " mixed up" in an incomprehensible svay with svorking Masons and learned brethren . He takes Ashmole ' s as the real historical period , but curiously enough immediately assumes the preponderating influence of Hermeticism . "" He tells us that Ashmole revised the Rosicrucian formula ; of
initiation , svhich up to that time had been based on Greek and Roman usugesand the mysteries , and that his remarkable " reform " in the tendency moreover of Templary , svas the origin of the division betsveen Dermott and the Grand Lodge later . I commend this statement to the special notice of Bro . Gould . The svriter goes on to say that in Bacon ' s
"Atlantis" are to be found the germs of the subsequent teaching of T . G . A . O . T . U ., Hermetic association , the connection svith the " Diciplina Arcani , " once a favourite idea of Dr . Leeson , and Masonic Mysticism . In 1703 he tells us that there svere many admissions into the Order , ( svhy that date 1 knosv not ) , and that the result svas the revival of 1717 .
The York Grand Lodge svas the oldest , he tells us , and the Modern Grand Lodge , svhich had sprung from York , burned its documents , he hints , for special reasons , and he asserts that Desaguliers , whom he calls " Sir Desaguliers , " svas the apostle of the modern rite , and carried out the Templar reform of Wren , svho , in 166 3 , had found a Templar body in London , from svhich he took the idea of modern Freemasonry . Masonic history
svith a vengeance ! Indeed , in one passage the svriter talks of Egyptian , Misraimite , Scottish , English , French , German , Templar rites as mixed up in our English system . He believes that Swedenborg introduced a religious and Masonic reform in England , svhich is an absurdity , and that Cagliostro found a footing and many adherents for his Egyptian Masonry in England . He alludes to Benedict Chastanier ' s Chapter of Philosophic Scottish
Masonry as an important "factor , of svhich little or nothing is knosvn , and his svhole idea of English Masonic history is hazy and hopeless in the extreme . He asserts that Ramsay svas the founder of the Royal Arch grade , of which fact there are the gravest doubts , and as he appears to make poor Ramsay go to France from England svith Royal Arch and Templar grades in 1768 , svhen he had long been resting quietly in his grave , his chronology is not superior to his history .
Altogether , if anyone svishes to see in a fesv pages the most extraordinary jumble of facts and fiction , incorrect assertions , unreliable statements , and unaccessible dates , he had better svade through this 25 th chapter , and whether in the original or the translation . As an effort for information or improvement I cannot commend this use of time , but as a trial of patience it may do us all good .
Consecration Of The Saint Michael's Chapter, No. 1273.
CONSECRATION OF THE SAINT MICHAEL'S CHAPTER , No . 1273 .
The St . Michael's Chapter , No . 1273 , svas consecrated at the Tosvn Hall , Sittingbourne , Kent , on Thursday , the 15 th inst ., in the presence of Lord Holmesdale , Superintendent of the province , and the follosving companions of the Order : Comps . 1 . M . Goldfinch , M . E . Z . ; Charles Barley , H . ; Herbert Black , 1 . ; Joseph
Hornden , S . E . ; Elias Goshan , S . N . ; Geo . T . Green , P . S . ; R . H . Plattin , ist A . S . ; Samuel Varren , 2 nd A . S . ; and Joseph Akhurst , Janitor . The visitors present were Comps . Lord Holmesdale , Prov . G . Supt . Kent ; J . H . Eastes , Prov . G . H . ; Charles Holttum , Prov . G . J . ; B . K . Thorpe , Prov . G . Treas . ; Henry Penfold , Prov . G . N .-Rev . T . Robinson , P . P . G . H ., Grand Asst . Soj . ; H . Sadler , Grand Janitor ; A . Spears , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; 1 . C . Price , P . Z . ; A . 1 . Bird , P . Z ., P . P . G . J .: Geo . Pace , P . Z .,
P . G . D . C . ; J . C . Moore , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; Joseph Plant ; G . Tidcombe , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . Middx . j F . W . Edwards , P . Z . ; Edward Lukey , P . Z . ; J . G . Poderin , P . Z ., P . G . S . N . ; J . Wordley , Z . ; J . Bagshaw , P . Z . ; M . J . Sullivan , H .,- E . f . Penney , P . Z . ; Edsvin Beer , P . Z . ; G . Burton , Z . ; V . Brosvn , P . Z . ; H . T . Naylor , Z . ; R . Burfield , P . Z . ; R . J . Brown , J . F . Lewis , C . Day , H . Tuff , F . H . Cozens , A . W . Hubbard , C . Drawbridge , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) .
The Consecrating officer svas Ex . Comp . the Rev . Thomas Robinson , P . Z ., P . P . G . H ., and Asst . Grand So ) . The other companions svho assisted in the ceremonies svere Ex . Comps . J . S . Eastes , P . Z ., Prov . G . H ., acting H . ; C . Holtum , P . Z . Prov . G . J ., acting J . ; T . S . Warne , P . Z ., Prov . G . S . E ., acting S . E . ; H . Penfold , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., acting D . C ; and H . Sadler , P . Z . Grand Janitor , acting A . D . C .
After the chapter had been opened the companions saluted Lord Holmesdale , and subsequently Comp . Robinson addressed the companions and assured them of the pleasure it afforded him to be present to consecrate a nesv Royal Arch Chapter for Kent . He was sure also that all the companions svere pleased to be present to assist in such an excellent svork , and to see the increased interest that svas being * taken in the svelfare of Free
masonry in the province . Speaking of St . Michael ' s Lodge and the other provincial lodges , he said it svas far better that the brethren of a lodge should have a chapter attached to the lodge where they had learned the first principles of Masonry than that they should have to go to a strange chapter to learn those further secrets which svere necessary to make a Mason perfect . The brethren of St . Michael ' s Lodge would now have an opportunity
of learning both Craft and Arch Masonry in their osvn lodge and chapter . It had pleased him very much to have been instrumental in assisting in this svork , and he thanked the brethren for the great courtesy they , had shesvn in their communications svhich they had had svith him preliminary to the charter being granted . The usual introductory formularies having been observed ,
Comp . T . S . WARNE , Prov . G . S . E ., delivered the follosving oration ; The deeply interesting and solemn ceremony in svhich it is our privilege to bear a part to-day—humble though that part may be—is one svhich , apart from the externals which surround it , cannot but bring prominently before us the real aims , principles , and objects of this Sublime Degree of Freemasonry . As sve have been instructed by our symbols and teaching that the Royal Arch is but the carrying on and completion of the Craft Degree , so must it
be kept constantly before us , that its principles and aims are ever the same , namely , the honour and glory of God and the promotion and diffusion of brotherly love , relief , and truth . But svhile sve keep the objects and principles of the Degree perpetually before- us , let us ever remember that the worship and adoration of the Most High is our highest aim , and the name of God , svhile the pole-star of our guide , is the only basis on which this Sublime Order isfounded . As the ceremonies of to-day , as well as those which will
Consecration Of The Saint Michael's Chapter, No. 1273.
hereafter be enacted in this chapter , are founded on the great and mysterious namcof God , so as Royal Arch Masons we see and adore Him in His great and glorious attributes of omnipresence , omniscience , and omnipotence . His omnipresenceis svitnessedin fillinghcaven and earth svith His glory . andcondescending toreceivethe adoration of countless myriads of celestial and created beings . His omnipotence is displayed in calling the universe svith its myriads of
teeming svorlds into existence and filling them svith beings ; it maybe of even a higher order of intelligence than ' ourselves . Whilst in his omniscience sve dimly behold Him svith the eye of faith viesving from His celestial throne world upon worlds created and peopled by Him , and not disdaining , sve may unreverentiall y hope , to observe svith His approving all-seeing eye our humble proceedings
today . As then the great aim and supreme object of this Sublime Degree is the svorship and glory of God , and the adoration of the Most High , let us svith that reverence and humility which should become us strain to carry out the behests of His sacred svill by a cheerful obedience to those divine lasvs svhich He has given for our guidance , by aiming at living pure and unsullied lives , by communicating a knosvledge of His svill , and by diffusing
as much as in us lies , happiness to our fellosv creatures . That such may be the distinguishing aim and primary object of one and all the companions of this chapter in the inauguration of which sve take our part to-day , is our earnest hope , and that it may become the centre of light , diffusing its rays of beneficence on all svithin the circle of its influence is our sincere desire . Finally , may sve venture to hope that peace , harmony , concord , and true
brotherly love may ever prevail among all the companions of this chapter , and may they thus perpetuate the glories of its honoured name , " St . Michael , " by triumphing over all foes to the peace , happiness , and prosperity of its members . May this nesvly-consecrated chapter become ( symbolically ) beautiful as the Temple of Solomon , peaceful as the Ark , and like the burning bush in Horeb , a flame svith zeal to promote
the glory of God and the good of his fellow creatures , and , at the last , be meet to be citizens of the Nesv Jerusalem above . May the practical exercise of all Masonic virtues be the distinguishing characteristic of every individual member of this chapter , and thus may they , collectively , truly shine as lights in the svorld , and may each in the svords of our greatest poet " Have a tear for pity and a hand open as day for melting charity . "
And to all svho are noss assembled may sve svhile travelling through this thorny path of life so pass our sojourning here that sve may have the approbation of heaven for our encouragement , and the testimony of a good conscience for our support . So , finally , may it be ours , at the closing hour of our existence to hear the Master ' s voice saying " Come up brother , " and be admitted into the Heavenly Temple , there to enjoy , in the presence
of the Most High , light , glory , and bliss—ineffable and eternal . The ceremony of consecration svas then proceeded svith , the musical portion being borne by Comps . F . H . Cozens and A . Hubbard , Comp . Plant , of Canterbury Cathedral , presiding at the harmonium . At the conclusion of the ceremony , svhich svas performed with the greatest fluency and impressiveness , the installation of the three Principals was conducted , Comp .
Robinson performing these ceremonies from beginning to end svith the same excellence as he had the consecration . The three Principals never having been in either chair before , the M . E . Z . had to take the three chairs , the H . the second and third chairs and J . the third chair . The companions installed svere Comps . John Matthesv Goldfinch , Z . ; Charles Burley , H . ; and Herbert Black , J . The other companions appointed and invested svere Comps . lohn Harnden , S . E .: Elias Gorham , S . N . ; George Thomas Green
P . S . ; Platin , 1 st A . S . ; S . Varran , 2 nd A . S . ; and W . Pannell , Janitor . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., a vote of thanks for consecrating the chapter and installing the Principals svas passed to Comp . Robinson , and ordered to be entered on the chapter minutes , and the consecrating officer and assistants svere elected honorary members of the chapter . Comp . ROBINSON thanked the companions for the compliment , and several propositions for exaltation and joining svere then given in .
The chapter svas aftersvards closed , and the companions adjourned to the Bull Hotel to an excellent banquet . The usual toasts follosved . Comp . the Rev . T HOMAS ROBINSON in responding for "The Grand Officers" said the Grand Superintendent of the province ( Lord Holmesdale ) being present ought to be called upon to respond to the toast ; but his lordship allosved him to respond . The toast svas alsvays svell received in every
chapter , and it deserved to be , because there svas a great deal of svork to be done in Grand Chapter as svell as in Grand Lodge , and he svas sure , speaking for the Pro Grand 1 st Principal and the 2 nd and 3 rd Principals and others , every officer of Supreme Grand Chapter svas proud of the honour that had been conferred upon him . Those officers used their utmost endeavours to carry out the desires of their chief and to promote the good of the Order .
The M . E . Z . in proposing "The Health of Lord Holmesdale , Grand Superintendent of Kent , " said the companions of St . Michael's Chapter , one and all , were much obliged to his lordship for being present , and expressed their thanks to him for that attendance ; it certainly svas not svhat they could expect , considering his lordship ' s numerous engagements . The
companions had had the pleasure of meeting his lordship on many occasions and had found he devoted a great deal of time to Masonry , and that he knesv svhat svas the foundation of Masonry—charity . They hoped to see his lordship present in the chapter on a future occasion , svhen he would be able to mark the progress made by the chapter .
Lord H OLMESDALE said the M . E . Z . had in proposing the toast been good enough to say many kind things of him , and given many good reasons svhy the toast should be heartily drunk . He ( Lord Holmesdale ) thought he had at last discovered one reason svhy the toast svas well received at Masonic meetigs . They had all heard of the patient camel who travelled forward all day steadily , but at night he got troublesome till he smelt his refreshment . So h ceremonies and
it was with the companions—after going througlong a great deal of Masonic svork , they were uncomfortable till they smelt that blessed thing a cigar , and that accounted perhaps for the cordiality of this toast that evening . They had done a great deal of Masonic svork that day . He was speaking he svas sure the sentiments of all the companions svhen he said they svere all delihted svith the svay Comp . Robinson and his assistants had done
g the svork . It gave them all much pleasure , and it svas a very good thing for Masonry svhen another chapter svas added to the roll of the Kent chapters , particularly svhen the consecration and installation were done so well , that the chapter must add lustre to Royal Arch Masonry in the province . And if it gave the companions generally pleasure to be present , hosv much greater of the to be ?
pleasure must it be for the ist Principal province present because the companions must understand that his Masonic credit , as far as Royal Arch Masonry went , svas bound up svith the success of Royal Arch Masonry in the province . Perhaps it svas somesvhat selfish to say this , but the success of Royal Arch Masonry was very dear to him . He knew it was
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic History And Historians.
MASONIC HISTORY AND HISTORIANS .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . I svas looking over a German work the other day when I came on a chapter entitled the " History of Freemasony in England . " This is a ss'ork in four volumes published at Leipsic in 1 S 35 , under the name of " Acerrellos , " by Carl Rossler . . It is a translation of a svell-knosvn French svork by Reghellini de Schio . Hence the credit for a clear viesv of English
Masonic history must be divided betsveen these tsvo svnters . The writer leans distinctly to a knightly origin of Freemasonry as connected svith the Templars , Sec , and " mixed up" in an incomprehensible svay with svorking Masons and learned brethren . He takes Ashmole ' s as the real historical period , but curiously enough immediately assumes the preponderating influence of Hermeticism . "" He tells us that Ashmole revised the Rosicrucian formula ; of
initiation , svhich up to that time had been based on Greek and Roman usugesand the mysteries , and that his remarkable " reform " in the tendency moreover of Templary , svas the origin of the division betsveen Dermott and the Grand Lodge later . I commend this statement to the special notice of Bro . Gould . The svriter goes on to say that in Bacon ' s
"Atlantis" are to be found the germs of the subsequent teaching of T . G . A . O . T . U ., Hermetic association , the connection svith the " Diciplina Arcani , " once a favourite idea of Dr . Leeson , and Masonic Mysticism . In 1703 he tells us that there svere many admissions into the Order , ( svhy that date 1 knosv not ) , and that the result svas the revival of 1717 .
The York Grand Lodge svas the oldest , he tells us , and the Modern Grand Lodge , svhich had sprung from York , burned its documents , he hints , for special reasons , and he asserts that Desaguliers , whom he calls " Sir Desaguliers , " svas the apostle of the modern rite , and carried out the Templar reform of Wren , svho , in 166 3 , had found a Templar body in London , from svhich he took the idea of modern Freemasonry . Masonic history
svith a vengeance ! Indeed , in one passage the svriter talks of Egyptian , Misraimite , Scottish , English , French , German , Templar rites as mixed up in our English system . He believes that Swedenborg introduced a religious and Masonic reform in England , svhich is an absurdity , and that Cagliostro found a footing and many adherents for his Egyptian Masonry in England . He alludes to Benedict Chastanier ' s Chapter of Philosophic Scottish
Masonry as an important "factor , of svhich little or nothing is knosvn , and his svhole idea of English Masonic history is hazy and hopeless in the extreme . He asserts that Ramsay svas the founder of the Royal Arch grade , of which fact there are the gravest doubts , and as he appears to make poor Ramsay go to France from England svith Royal Arch and Templar grades in 1768 , svhen he had long been resting quietly in his grave , his chronology is not superior to his history .
Altogether , if anyone svishes to see in a fesv pages the most extraordinary jumble of facts and fiction , incorrect assertions , unreliable statements , and unaccessible dates , he had better svade through this 25 th chapter , and whether in the original or the translation . As an effort for information or improvement I cannot commend this use of time , but as a trial of patience it may do us all good .
Consecration Of The Saint Michael's Chapter, No. 1273.
CONSECRATION OF THE SAINT MICHAEL'S CHAPTER , No . 1273 .
The St . Michael's Chapter , No . 1273 , svas consecrated at the Tosvn Hall , Sittingbourne , Kent , on Thursday , the 15 th inst ., in the presence of Lord Holmesdale , Superintendent of the province , and the follosving companions of the Order : Comps . 1 . M . Goldfinch , M . E . Z . ; Charles Barley , H . ; Herbert Black , 1 . ; Joseph
Hornden , S . E . ; Elias Goshan , S . N . ; Geo . T . Green , P . S . ; R . H . Plattin , ist A . S . ; Samuel Varren , 2 nd A . S . ; and Joseph Akhurst , Janitor . The visitors present were Comps . Lord Holmesdale , Prov . G . Supt . Kent ; J . H . Eastes , Prov . G . H . ; Charles Holttum , Prov . G . J . ; B . K . Thorpe , Prov . G . Treas . ; Henry Penfold , Prov . G . N .-Rev . T . Robinson , P . P . G . H ., Grand Asst . Soj . ; H . Sadler , Grand Janitor ; A . Spears , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B . ; 1 . C . Price , P . Z . ; A . 1 . Bird , P . Z ., P . P . G . J .: Geo . Pace , P . Z .,
P . G . D . C . ; J . C . Moore , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; Joseph Plant ; G . Tidcombe , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . Middx . j F . W . Edwards , P . Z . ; Edward Lukey , P . Z . ; J . G . Poderin , P . Z ., P . G . S . N . ; J . Wordley , Z . ; J . Bagshaw , P . Z . ; M . J . Sullivan , H .,- E . f . Penney , P . Z . ; Edsvin Beer , P . Z . ; G . Burton , Z . ; V . Brosvn , P . Z . ; H . T . Naylor , Z . ; R . Burfield , P . Z . ; R . J . Brown , J . F . Lewis , C . Day , H . Tuff , F . H . Cozens , A . W . Hubbard , C . Drawbridge , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) .
The Consecrating officer svas Ex . Comp . the Rev . Thomas Robinson , P . Z ., P . P . G . H ., and Asst . Grand So ) . The other companions svho assisted in the ceremonies svere Ex . Comps . J . S . Eastes , P . Z ., Prov . G . H ., acting H . ; C . Holtum , P . Z . Prov . G . J ., acting J . ; T . S . Warne , P . Z ., Prov . G . S . E ., acting S . E . ; H . Penfold , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., acting D . C ; and H . Sadler , P . Z . Grand Janitor , acting A . D . C .
After the chapter had been opened the companions saluted Lord Holmesdale , and subsequently Comp . Robinson addressed the companions and assured them of the pleasure it afforded him to be present to consecrate a nesv Royal Arch Chapter for Kent . He was sure also that all the companions svere pleased to be present to assist in such an excellent svork , and to see the increased interest that svas being * taken in the svelfare of Free
masonry in the province . Speaking of St . Michael ' s Lodge and the other provincial lodges , he said it svas far better that the brethren of a lodge should have a chapter attached to the lodge where they had learned the first principles of Masonry than that they should have to go to a strange chapter to learn those further secrets which svere necessary to make a Mason perfect . The brethren of St . Michael ' s Lodge would now have an opportunity
of learning both Craft and Arch Masonry in their osvn lodge and chapter . It had pleased him very much to have been instrumental in assisting in this svork , and he thanked the brethren for the great courtesy they , had shesvn in their communications svhich they had had svith him preliminary to the charter being granted . The usual introductory formularies having been observed ,
Comp . T . S . WARNE , Prov . G . S . E ., delivered the follosving oration ; The deeply interesting and solemn ceremony in svhich it is our privilege to bear a part to-day—humble though that part may be—is one svhich , apart from the externals which surround it , cannot but bring prominently before us the real aims , principles , and objects of this Sublime Degree of Freemasonry . As sve have been instructed by our symbols and teaching that the Royal Arch is but the carrying on and completion of the Craft Degree , so must it
be kept constantly before us , that its principles and aims are ever the same , namely , the honour and glory of God and the promotion and diffusion of brotherly love , relief , and truth . But svhile sve keep the objects and principles of the Degree perpetually before- us , let us ever remember that the worship and adoration of the Most High is our highest aim , and the name of God , svhile the pole-star of our guide , is the only basis on which this Sublime Order isfounded . As the ceremonies of to-day , as well as those which will
Consecration Of The Saint Michael's Chapter, No. 1273.
hereafter be enacted in this chapter , are founded on the great and mysterious namcof God , so as Royal Arch Masons we see and adore Him in His great and glorious attributes of omnipresence , omniscience , and omnipotence . His omnipresenceis svitnessedin fillinghcaven and earth svith His glory . andcondescending toreceivethe adoration of countless myriads of celestial and created beings . His omnipotence is displayed in calling the universe svith its myriads of
teeming svorlds into existence and filling them svith beings ; it maybe of even a higher order of intelligence than ' ourselves . Whilst in his omniscience sve dimly behold Him svith the eye of faith viesving from His celestial throne world upon worlds created and peopled by Him , and not disdaining , sve may unreverentiall y hope , to observe svith His approving all-seeing eye our humble proceedings
today . As then the great aim and supreme object of this Sublime Degree is the svorship and glory of God , and the adoration of the Most High , let us svith that reverence and humility which should become us strain to carry out the behests of His sacred svill by a cheerful obedience to those divine lasvs svhich He has given for our guidance , by aiming at living pure and unsullied lives , by communicating a knosvledge of His svill , and by diffusing
as much as in us lies , happiness to our fellosv creatures . That such may be the distinguishing aim and primary object of one and all the companions of this chapter in the inauguration of which sve take our part to-day , is our earnest hope , and that it may become the centre of light , diffusing its rays of beneficence on all svithin the circle of its influence is our sincere desire . Finally , may sve venture to hope that peace , harmony , concord , and true
brotherly love may ever prevail among all the companions of this chapter , and may they thus perpetuate the glories of its honoured name , " St . Michael , " by triumphing over all foes to the peace , happiness , and prosperity of its members . May this nesvly-consecrated chapter become ( symbolically ) beautiful as the Temple of Solomon , peaceful as the Ark , and like the burning bush in Horeb , a flame svith zeal to promote
the glory of God and the good of his fellow creatures , and , at the last , be meet to be citizens of the Nesv Jerusalem above . May the practical exercise of all Masonic virtues be the distinguishing characteristic of every individual member of this chapter , and thus may they , collectively , truly shine as lights in the svorld , and may each in the svords of our greatest poet " Have a tear for pity and a hand open as day for melting charity . "
And to all svho are noss assembled may sve svhile travelling through this thorny path of life so pass our sojourning here that sve may have the approbation of heaven for our encouragement , and the testimony of a good conscience for our support . So , finally , may it be ours , at the closing hour of our existence to hear the Master ' s voice saying " Come up brother , " and be admitted into the Heavenly Temple , there to enjoy , in the presence
of the Most High , light , glory , and bliss—ineffable and eternal . The ceremony of consecration svas then proceeded svith , the musical portion being borne by Comps . F . H . Cozens and A . Hubbard , Comp . Plant , of Canterbury Cathedral , presiding at the harmonium . At the conclusion of the ceremony , svhich svas performed with the greatest fluency and impressiveness , the installation of the three Principals was conducted , Comp .
Robinson performing these ceremonies from beginning to end svith the same excellence as he had the consecration . The three Principals never having been in either chair before , the M . E . Z . had to take the three chairs , the H . the second and third chairs and J . the third chair . The companions installed svere Comps . John Matthesv Goldfinch , Z . ; Charles Burley , H . ; and Herbert Black , J . The other companions appointed and invested svere Comps . lohn Harnden , S . E .: Elias Gorham , S . N . ; George Thomas Green
P . S . ; Platin , 1 st A . S . ; S . Varran , 2 nd A . S . ; and W . Pannell , Janitor . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., seconded by the H ., a vote of thanks for consecrating the chapter and installing the Principals svas passed to Comp . Robinson , and ordered to be entered on the chapter minutes , and the consecrating officer and assistants svere elected honorary members of the chapter . Comp . ROBINSON thanked the companions for the compliment , and several propositions for exaltation and joining svere then given in .
The chapter svas aftersvards closed , and the companions adjourned to the Bull Hotel to an excellent banquet . The usual toasts follosved . Comp . the Rev . T HOMAS ROBINSON in responding for "The Grand Officers" said the Grand Superintendent of the province ( Lord Holmesdale ) being present ought to be called upon to respond to the toast ; but his lordship allosved him to respond . The toast svas alsvays svell received in every
chapter , and it deserved to be , because there svas a great deal of svork to be done in Grand Chapter as svell as in Grand Lodge , and he svas sure , speaking for the Pro Grand 1 st Principal and the 2 nd and 3 rd Principals and others , every officer of Supreme Grand Chapter svas proud of the honour that had been conferred upon him . Those officers used their utmost endeavours to carry out the desires of their chief and to promote the good of the Order .
The M . E . Z . in proposing "The Health of Lord Holmesdale , Grand Superintendent of Kent , " said the companions of St . Michael's Chapter , one and all , were much obliged to his lordship for being present , and expressed their thanks to him for that attendance ; it certainly svas not svhat they could expect , considering his lordship ' s numerous engagements . The
companions had had the pleasure of meeting his lordship on many occasions and had found he devoted a great deal of time to Masonry , and that he knesv svhat svas the foundation of Masonry—charity . They hoped to see his lordship present in the chapter on a future occasion , svhen he would be able to mark the progress made by the chapter .
Lord H OLMESDALE said the M . E . Z . had in proposing the toast been good enough to say many kind things of him , and given many good reasons svhy the toast should be heartily drunk . He ( Lord Holmesdale ) thought he had at last discovered one reason svhy the toast svas well received at Masonic meetigs . They had all heard of the patient camel who travelled forward all day steadily , but at night he got troublesome till he smelt his refreshment . So h ceremonies and
it was with the companions—after going througlong a great deal of Masonic svork , they were uncomfortable till they smelt that blessed thing a cigar , and that accounted perhaps for the cordiality of this toast that evening . They had done a great deal of Masonic svork that day . He was speaking he svas sure the sentiments of all the companions svhen he said they svere all delihted svith the svay Comp . Robinson and his assistants had done
g the svork . It gave them all much pleasure , and it svas a very good thing for Masonry svhen another chapter svas added to the roll of the Kent chapters , particularly svhen the consecration and installation were done so well , that the chapter must add lustre to Royal Arch Masonry in the province . And if it gave the companions generally pleasure to be present , hosv much greater of the to be ?
pleasure must it be for the ist Principal province present because the companions must understand that his Masonic credit , as far as Royal Arch Masonry went , svas bound up svith the success of Royal Arch Masonry in the province . Perhaps it svas somesvhat selfish to say this , but the success of Royal Arch Masonry was very dear to him . He knew it was