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Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
CENTENARY MEETING OF THE ROYAL CUMBERLAND CHAPTER , AT BATH .
To the Royal Cumberland Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , No . 41 , Bath , belongs the honour , unique in Masonic annals , of receiving from Grand Chapter a memorial of its existence for one hundred years , and the possession of consecutive and uninterrupted records for that
long period . There are , we believe , six other chapters in the kingdom claiming equal seniorit y ' , but they have eilher not applied for a recognition of their position or , if they have , have been unable to prove their title . The Royal Cumberland , more fortunate than others , has made good its tale of a hundred years , and is the lirst chapter in England to which Grand Chapter has granted a centenary
warrant . The chapter not only enjoys this proud distinction , but the lodge is even more honourably distinguished , since it possesses a silver medal given by the Grand Lodge of England in 17 S 0 for money subscribed by the ledge and its members loivards the cost of providing a home for Grand Lodge in London ; a centenary jewel was moreover granted to the lodge in 1 S 33 , and next year the members will
celebrate the 150 th year of its existence . The granting of the centenary warrant to the chapter was celebrated on Tuesday , thc 14 th inst ., by a large gathering of the members and companions belonging to other chapters . The meeting was honoured by the presence of thc popular and beloved Grand Superintendent of the Province ( Col . A . VV . Adair ); the Grand Scribe E . ( Col . Shadwell H . Gierke ) -, Col . H . S .
Somerville-Burney , P . G . S . B ., D . C . of the Thirty-third Degree ; Comp . Hughan , P . G . D . of England , the wellknown Masonic historian ; and other distinguished companions . The members of the chapter present were Comps . Lawson Howes , P . G . R ., Z . ; ] . Stuckey , H . ; F . Wilkinson , I . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . Z ., Treas . ; C VV . Radwav , E . ; E . I . ' B . Mercer , N . ; F . Glover , P . S . ; VV . Peach , ist A . S . ;
I . Knight , 2 nd A . S . ; W . Williamson , I . P . Z ., P . G . A . S . ; E . White , P . Z . ; E . L . Hill , P . Z ., P . P . G . A . S . ; C . Becket , P . Z . ; T . P . Ashlev , P . Z . ; J . Rubie , P / .. ; T . Wilton . P . Z . ; Dv . ll . Hopkins , P . " ' / .. ; E . F . Collings , P . Z . ; S . G . Mitchell , P . Z ., P . P . G . R . ; J . Hearne , P . Z . ; G . H . Bartlett , R . Bull , H . Salmon , C . E . Davis , J . Banks , T . E . Wilton , R . II . Carter , C . Wilkinson ,
G . H . Bernard , J . Hayward , W . E . Sparrow , P . C . Young , VV . H . Young , VV . H . Reynolds , and S . Bigwood , Janitor . The visitors included , besides those already named , Comps . E . Turner Pavne , P . P . G . ] ., P . G . Treas . ; Col . J . R . Ford , P . G . J . ; Major Lung , P . G . S . E ., P . Z . 44 G ; VV . Adams , P . G . D . C , P . Z . 2 G 1 ; and the following members of the Royal Sussex Chapter , No . 53 : Comps . G . Holbrow
Z . ; S . Edwards , H . ; J . A . limmins , Ii . ; I . Sumsion , W . F . Gould , E . Noke , G . T . Law , A . J . Salter . There were also present Comps . C . E . Davis , Z . ; and W . S . Loder , P . Z . Tynte Chapter ; VV . A . Scott , P . Z . ; Louis de Ridder , E ., E . J . Grubb , A . S ., GS ; H . Pigeon , H . J . Stoate , Pierrepont Harris , 1 S 7 ; J . Chandler , P . Z . 355 , P . G . H . Wilts ; Rev . G . E . Gardiner , 340 , P . G . C . Wilts ;
W . E . Perrett , H ., and G . Yates , J . 1222 . Thc Grand Superintendent , Grand and Provincial Grand Officers having been received with the honours befitting their rank , the proceedings began with the anthem " Behold how good , whicii was nicel y sung by a choir of companions , Comp . Macfarlane presiding at the organ . The M . E . Z . having briefly explained the occasion of the
meeting , and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors , called upon Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins to offer a prayer whicii he had specially prepared for the occasion . Comp . RADWAY , the indefatigable S . E . of the chapter , was next asked to give a sketch of its history . This paper , which contained the fruits of long and diligent inquiry , and a vast amount of patient and careful research into the
voluminous records of the chapter and other documents , was most carefully compiled ; and although the reading of it took up more than half-an-hour , it was listened to with the greatest interest , and with unflagging attention . Some facts culled therefrom , with which we have been supplied , may be of interest to our Masonic as well as to our non-Masonic readers . The first meeting recorded is on the
nth day of January , 17 S 2 , and in the following June fees were paid to Grand Chapter for registering sixteen companions . On August nth , 17 S 4 , a chapter of emergency was held by direction of Comp . Thos . Dunckerley , Grand Superintendent . No mention is made of the place of meeting of the chapter until 177 S , but in October of that year it was resolved to remove to the Bear Inn ( then
standing at the bottom of Union-street ) . In October , 1794 , the companions removed to the White Lion , and in August , * 799 > to the Bird Cage Tavern , in VVestgate-street , ( no longer in existence ) . In December , 1 S 00 , the chapter removed to the Christopher . The title of Royal Cumberland Chapter , No . 2 S , is used for the first time in February , 1 S 02 . The chapter removed in 1 S 00 to the White Lion , in
1 S 12 to the Angel Hotel , in 1 S 13 to the Castle , and in November , 1 S 1 S , to the Freemasons' Hall , in York-street ( now known as the Friends' Meeting House ) . The tenure of this place was short and troubled , for in 1 S 23 Comp . Geary , as mortgagee of thc property , closed the hall against the chapter , seized the charter and all its properties . In consequence of this state of things
the chapter removed in November , 1823 , to the White Lion , ancl a communication made to Colonel Tynte ( who was appointed Grand Superintendent by a patent from Grand Chapter in 1 SJ 3 ) . The warrant having been taken possession of by Mr . Geary , he forwarded it to Col . Tynte , to be held in trust , the Grand Superintendent giving a dispensation to the Chapter
to hold its meetings at the White Lion , and also to carry on the business of the chapter . Thc warrant , however , was lost while in the possession of Col . Tynte , and this being the case a confirmation charter was applied for and granted by Grand Chapter in 1 S 40 , but it was not received by the chapter till 1 S 54 . In iSCG the meeting place of the chapter was changed from the corridor to the Masonic Hall , in
Orchard-street . Comp . Radway mentions that not only does the chapter possess the minute books for over 100 years , but it has the treasurer ' s book for the year ' jbeginning 17 S 2 , and these accounts are also complete . The _ chapter , > t appears , was originally called the Chapter of Virtue , and
'he names of the first three principals were Comps . Youngelass , Davis , and Fox ; there was a lodge of that name , but that died out in 1 S 31 . The Grand Chapter having confirmed the principle of granting centenary warrants , conferring the privilege upon the members of such chapters of wearing a centenary jewel , a memorial was sent from the
Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
Royal Cumberland Chapter asking for a centenary warrant , and on August 22 nd of the present year the request was granted . Up to this moment only one other chapter in England has put forward any conclusive proof of its existence for 100 years , viz ., the Chapter of Charity , Bristol , No . 1 S 7 ; the Comps . of that chapter have in their possession their original Charter , numbered 9 , and dated Dec . 15 , 17 69 , about two years after thc formation of
Supreme Grand Chapter . The claim for a centenary warrant was granted by Grand chapter the first of the present month . Tbe chapter at Poole , No . 137 , applied for a warrant but the application could not be granted , the records being broken . E . Comp . HUGHAN ' gave an interesting address , partly of an esoteric character , on the origin of the Royal Arch Degree . The question , he said , was a very important one ,
and , so far , had not been settled precisely ; indeed , he thought they never would be able to know when the Royal Arch Degree originated . Its origin was connected with the Third Degree , and for some years what is now known as the Royal Arch Degree was workedas the second part of tho Third Degree , and in some measure irregularly , for we aretoldthatin London about 1738301110 brethren were called before the Grand Lodge and found fault with for working
irregularly , and on due submission being made , they were reinstated in their privileges ; and it is generally supposed that this irregularity had to do with the working of thc Third Degree . In considering the antiquity of the Royal Arch Degree as worked separately from the Third Degree , he wished it to be understood that in no sense did hc enter into the antiquity of the Third Degree , in which originally the secrets of the Royal Arch Degree were included . It
had been frequently stated that Laurence Dermott—who was one of the Athol Masons—was the founder of the Arch Degree ; but hc ( Comp . Hughan ) had discovered a work printed in 1744 which alluded to the Degree two years before Dermott was exalted , and furnishing conclusive proof that he had nothing to do with the separate arrangement . It was also claimed that Thomas Dunckerley was the founder of the Royal Arch Degree , but we know
that it was in operation thirty years before he took it ; we may , therefore , conclude that he had nothing to do with it . It was further stated that Ramsay visited the Grand Lodge of England in 172 S , and made a suggestion that the Third Degree should be divided and worked in a manner somewhat similar to the present ; but there is no such record in the proceedings of Grand Lodge , and nothing to indicate that at that period the Third Degree was worked in two
seperate divisions , the second being entitled the Royal Arch Degree . We have , therefore , to come back to the original standing point , that as to the precise date of its origin it is impossible to determine . Some important matters were involved in the question of its origin . We know that in this country and abroad the secrets of what is termed the Third Degree were given before 1740 , in quite a different manner from what they arc now : and the
word which was lost in one portion of the Third Degree was subsequently found in the concluding portion . He had in his possession a tracing board , published in 1745 , at Amsterdam , which illustrated this point . The Royal Arch Degree is mentioned as having been given at York a few ycars prior to 1744 , and we know also that it was worked in London before that year . During the last century many thousands of members joined the seceders ,
or Athol Masons , doubtless in order to get the Four Degrees for their money instead of three . In self-defence , many members of the regular Grand Lodge formed a Grand Chapter for themselves , and our present esteemed Grand Scribe E . has discovered the " Charter of Compact '' quite recently . This Grand Chapter was formed by the "Charter ot Compact in 17 C 7 , and was acknowledged practically , though not aclually , by thc Grand Lodge ,
in much the same manner as ; tbe Ancient and Accepted Rite , the Mark , and other Degrees arc recognised now through the Grand Master and others belonging to them . But , as a matter of fact , Grand Chapter was not absolutely legalised until 1 S 13-7 . The arrangement hc thought was a very wise one . By the separation of the second part of the Third Degree , worked as it is now , more attention is paid to those Sublime
Mysteries that are illustrated and explained in the Royal Arch Degree ; and it is well also to remember that our Grand Chapter has always been anxious to tell the companions that though apparently it is a separate Degree , in reality it is nothing but the completion and climax of the Third . It is singular to note that the first Royal Arch Chapters principally assembled in the provinces ; there being very few in London during the last century .
Grand Chapter granted nine warrants in 17 * 59 , and of these , two were for chapters in Lancashire , and one for Bristol . A warrant for a chapter at Poole was granted in 17 S 0 . There could not , he said , be the slightest doubt that the Grand Chapter of England originated out of a private chapter , but it was impossible to tell the date . Comps . Woodford and Gould had thought well over the matter , and the latter came to the conclusion that it was in the year
17 G 5 ; but on looking over the records of Grand Chapter he ( Bro . Hughan ) , found a reference whicii led him to the conclusion that it was still earlier , how much , it was not in his power to say . In conclusion , Comp . Hughan exhorted the companions to study the Degree , remarking that if tliey were true to their trust they would hand down to posterity those noble and exalted truths which they had received , Sublime Mysteries which , to properly fully
study , required the assistance of the theolgian , the antiquary , the philosopher , the linquist and the Freemason . The GRAND SCRIBE E ., addressing the Grand Superintendent , said the Grand Chapter of England having acceded to the petition whicii was addressed to it by the Royal Cumberland Chapter , to be granted a centenary charter , he attended on behalf of H . R . H . the First Grand Principalto place in his hands the charter , fully
confirm-, ing the fact that the chapter had had a continuous existance for at least 100 years , and , therefore , authorising thc companions of the chapter to wear the distinctive jewel in commemoration of the event . Personally it gave him very great pleasure to place the charter in the hands of Colonel Adair , and he offered to him , as Grand Superintendent of
the province , and the companions of the chapter , his most hearty congratulations on the auspicious event . Colonel A 11 AIK , in accepting the warrant , thanked the Grand Scribe E . for his presence that day , and assured him that the companions of the chapter valued his good offices in obtaining the charter , and that there was no face of a visitor more welcome among Royal Arch Masons than that of Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke .
Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
The charter having been read by Major LONG , P . G . S . E ., it was placed by the Grand Superintendent in the keeping of the M . E . Z . of the chapter . At the same time Col . Adair pinned to the breast of the First Principal a centenary jewel , the gift of the companions of the chapter —the first decoration of the kind worn by any Royal Arch Mason in England . Comp . Radway also presented a
complete list of the First Principals of the chapter , which , with the warrant , is beautifully written and illuminated , mounted , and framed in old English oak , with suitable ornaments . Comp . WHITE , the oldest member , and forty-one years ago First Principal of the chapter , in a brief , feeling , and telling speech proposed the Grand Superintendent as a joining member of the chapter ; this was seconded by
another old and esteemed P . Z ., Comp . ASHLEY , and having been carried by acclamation , it was resolved , on the suggestion of Dr . HOPKINS , to complete the honour by presenting to Col . Adair a gold centenary medal . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke was proposed as an honorary member of the chapter . Col . BURNEY , on behalf of the visitors , felicitated the
companions of Cumberland Chapter upon the great distinction which had been accorded to them . Comp . HUGHAN , in acknowledging a special vote of thanks for his attendance and address ( proposed by Dr . Hopkins ) , said there had never been any period in which the progress of Royal Arch Masonry had been equal to the present , and a great deal of this resulted from the management at head-quarters .
Comp . ASHLEY mentioned that the Royal Cumberland Lodge had completed the 150 th year of its existence , and that he had all the books and accounts complete for that period . A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Comp . Radway for thc trouble he had taken in preparing a sketch of the
history ot the chapter . At the suggestion of Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , it was ordered to be printed , Comp . Hughan undertaking to write a preface . After the close of the business the companions adjourned to the Christopher Hotel—one of the old meeting places of the chapter . Comp . Robinson provided a first-class banquet , which elicited the highest encomiums from all
present , the M . E . Z . presided , supported by the Grand Supt ., Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , and other distinguished visitors . After dinner several toasts incidental to the meeting were proposed , and tbe speeches werc pleasantly interspersed with some excellent vocal music , Comp . Macfarlane accompanying with his usual bonhomie . The GRAND SCRIBE E ., in responding on behalf of "The
Grand Officers , " said that although every good brother could not in the nature of things receive that reward he so justly deserved , he trusted that it would be conceded that those who were appointed to Grand ofiice werc not altogether unworthy of the distinction they received . He believed that the officers , who were appointed from year to year by H . R . H . the First Grand Princinal . had don , * rmorl
suit and service to the Order . The gallant colonel assured the companions that the Prince of Wales takes the deepest personal interest in every thing concerning Masonry in every grade and degree , and is jealous of anything being done beyond the routine of the Order without the matter bein « - laid before H . R . H ., and an opportunity afforded for expressing his views thereon . He expressed his pleasure witn tne in
manner which all the proceedings of the day had been conducted , and congratulated the companions upon the realisation of all their hopes and wishes . There was one companion to whom , however , they owed a very great debt of gratitude—the Grand Superintendent of Dorset , Comp . Montagu . Last year he brought forward a proposition in Grand Chapter that there should be a
centenary charter . Hc did this for the purpose ( very properly so to ) of getting a charter for a chapter in his province , the one at Poole . The motion was carried , and application was made by the chapter at Poole for a charter , but they did not get it The Royal Cumberland quietly stepped in and got the advantage of work done by the Grand Superintended of Dorset .
A . ? P-Col . ADAIR then called upon the companions to drink -The Health of the Grand Superintendent and Koyal Arch Masons of the Province of Dorset . ' Comp Montagu was well-known , and his friendshi p was deeply valued b y a 1 who had the pleasure of it . His name woulrj be especially welcomed in Bath , since his wife was the daughter of one who was a very active and generous Mason a quarter of a century ago-hc meant Comp .
In responding to the toast of his health ( proposed by Comp WILTON ) Colonel ADAIR said hc felt it to be a great honoilr to be the first Grand Superintendent to present a centenary warrant , and place a centenary jewel on the breast of a First Principal of any Royal Arch chapter in England . Although they had heard in the interesting sketch which was read to them bv Cnrrm I ? ,, ! ..,, ? .
mention made of a Grand Superintendent of Somerset , vet he had never heard of his being associcted with two others in the discharge of his duties ; and a Grand Superintendent without a Provincial Grand Chapter was something like a general without an army . He was thankful that Royal Arch Masonry was placed on its present footing in somerset . Ihe loyal support he received from his officers coraiai
ana me reelings ne received from the companions made his duties the most pleasant almost that could fall ti the lot of man to perform . Comp . RUBIE proposed " The Second and Third Principals of the Province . " 1 Cu' - F ° ( ? i . ' a ° / . h ' , " l urne < J thanks , apologising for thc absence of the P . G . H . ( Comp . Else ) a ° Major LONG P . G . S . E replied on behalf of "The Provincial Grand Oil cers . "
Col . ADAIR proposed "Ihe Present and Past Principals and Companions of thc Royal Cumberland Chapter " I his toast was responded to by Comps . Lawson Howes i J . B . ? T erc ^ : N : ,, *' WriffEl pS ^^ tSt . lS 'and acknowledged by Comps . LONG and PERRETT V C « . * "P- CHANDLER P . G . H . of Wilts , replied for "Thc Visiting Companions . " "" the to ^ Uisf rUiCS ' " Pr 0 P 0 Sed l yCuml > - M"lKY > concluded
Ihe celebration was in every way completely successful and it is only right we should say that for mud , of i ' success the companions are indebted to the -nial and judicious conduct of the M . E Z -in . 1 t „ tt „ , , , , untiring labours of Comp . Radway ' ' ZCaIous and
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Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
CENTENARY MEETING OF THE ROYAL CUMBERLAND CHAPTER , AT BATH .
To the Royal Cumberland Chapter of Royal Arch Masons , No . 41 , Bath , belongs the honour , unique in Masonic annals , of receiving from Grand Chapter a memorial of its existence for one hundred years , and the possession of consecutive and uninterrupted records for that
long period . There are , we believe , six other chapters in the kingdom claiming equal seniorit y ' , but they have eilher not applied for a recognition of their position or , if they have , have been unable to prove their title . The Royal Cumberland , more fortunate than others , has made good its tale of a hundred years , and is the lirst chapter in England to which Grand Chapter has granted a centenary
warrant . The chapter not only enjoys this proud distinction , but the lodge is even more honourably distinguished , since it possesses a silver medal given by the Grand Lodge of England in 17 S 0 for money subscribed by the ledge and its members loivards the cost of providing a home for Grand Lodge in London ; a centenary jewel was moreover granted to the lodge in 1 S 33 , and next year the members will
celebrate the 150 th year of its existence . The granting of the centenary warrant to the chapter was celebrated on Tuesday , thc 14 th inst ., by a large gathering of the members and companions belonging to other chapters . The meeting was honoured by the presence of thc popular and beloved Grand Superintendent of the Province ( Col . A . VV . Adair ); the Grand Scribe E . ( Col . Shadwell H . Gierke ) -, Col . H . S .
Somerville-Burney , P . G . S . B ., D . C . of the Thirty-third Degree ; Comp . Hughan , P . G . D . of England , the wellknown Masonic historian ; and other distinguished companions . The members of the chapter present were Comps . Lawson Howes , P . G . R ., Z . ; ] . Stuckey , H . ; F . Wilkinson , I . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . Z ., Treas . ; C VV . Radwav , E . ; E . I . ' B . Mercer , N . ; F . Glover , P . S . ; VV . Peach , ist A . S . ;
I . Knight , 2 nd A . S . ; W . Williamson , I . P . Z ., P . G . A . S . ; E . White , P . Z . ; E . L . Hill , P . Z ., P . P . G . A . S . ; C . Becket , P . Z . ; T . P . Ashlev , P . Z . ; J . Rubie , P / .. ; T . Wilton . P . Z . ; Dv . ll . Hopkins , P . " ' / .. ; E . F . Collings , P . Z . ; S . G . Mitchell , P . Z ., P . P . G . R . ; J . Hearne , P . Z . ; G . H . Bartlett , R . Bull , H . Salmon , C . E . Davis , J . Banks , T . E . Wilton , R . II . Carter , C . Wilkinson ,
G . H . Bernard , J . Hayward , W . E . Sparrow , P . C . Young , VV . H . Young , VV . H . Reynolds , and S . Bigwood , Janitor . The visitors included , besides those already named , Comps . E . Turner Pavne , P . P . G . ] ., P . G . Treas . ; Col . J . R . Ford , P . G . J . ; Major Lung , P . G . S . E ., P . Z . 44 G ; VV . Adams , P . G . D . C , P . Z . 2 G 1 ; and the following members of the Royal Sussex Chapter , No . 53 : Comps . G . Holbrow
Z . ; S . Edwards , H . ; J . A . limmins , Ii . ; I . Sumsion , W . F . Gould , E . Noke , G . T . Law , A . J . Salter . There were also present Comps . C . E . Davis , Z . ; and W . S . Loder , P . Z . Tynte Chapter ; VV . A . Scott , P . Z . ; Louis de Ridder , E ., E . J . Grubb , A . S ., GS ; H . Pigeon , H . J . Stoate , Pierrepont Harris , 1 S 7 ; J . Chandler , P . Z . 355 , P . G . H . Wilts ; Rev . G . E . Gardiner , 340 , P . G . C . Wilts ;
W . E . Perrett , H ., and G . Yates , J . 1222 . Thc Grand Superintendent , Grand and Provincial Grand Officers having been received with the honours befitting their rank , the proceedings began with the anthem " Behold how good , whicii was nicel y sung by a choir of companions , Comp . Macfarlane presiding at the organ . The M . E . Z . having briefly explained the occasion of the
meeting , and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors , called upon Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins to offer a prayer whicii he had specially prepared for the occasion . Comp . RADWAY , the indefatigable S . E . of the chapter , was next asked to give a sketch of its history . This paper , which contained the fruits of long and diligent inquiry , and a vast amount of patient and careful research into the
voluminous records of the chapter and other documents , was most carefully compiled ; and although the reading of it took up more than half-an-hour , it was listened to with the greatest interest , and with unflagging attention . Some facts culled therefrom , with which we have been supplied , may be of interest to our Masonic as well as to our non-Masonic readers . The first meeting recorded is on the
nth day of January , 17 S 2 , and in the following June fees were paid to Grand Chapter for registering sixteen companions . On August nth , 17 S 4 , a chapter of emergency was held by direction of Comp . Thos . Dunckerley , Grand Superintendent . No mention is made of the place of meeting of the chapter until 177 S , but in October of that year it was resolved to remove to the Bear Inn ( then
standing at the bottom of Union-street ) . In October , 1794 , the companions removed to the White Lion , and in August , * 799 > to the Bird Cage Tavern , in VVestgate-street , ( no longer in existence ) . In December , 1 S 00 , the chapter removed to the Christopher . The title of Royal Cumberland Chapter , No . 2 S , is used for the first time in February , 1 S 02 . The chapter removed in 1 S 00 to the White Lion , in
1 S 12 to the Angel Hotel , in 1 S 13 to the Castle , and in November , 1 S 1 S , to the Freemasons' Hall , in York-street ( now known as the Friends' Meeting House ) . The tenure of this place was short and troubled , for in 1 S 23 Comp . Geary , as mortgagee of thc property , closed the hall against the chapter , seized the charter and all its properties . In consequence of this state of things
the chapter removed in November , 1823 , to the White Lion , ancl a communication made to Colonel Tynte ( who was appointed Grand Superintendent by a patent from Grand Chapter in 1 SJ 3 ) . The warrant having been taken possession of by Mr . Geary , he forwarded it to Col . Tynte , to be held in trust , the Grand Superintendent giving a dispensation to the Chapter
to hold its meetings at the White Lion , and also to carry on the business of the chapter . Thc warrant , however , was lost while in the possession of Col . Tynte , and this being the case a confirmation charter was applied for and granted by Grand Chapter in 1 S 40 , but it was not received by the chapter till 1 S 54 . In iSCG the meeting place of the chapter was changed from the corridor to the Masonic Hall , in
Orchard-street . Comp . Radway mentions that not only does the chapter possess the minute books for over 100 years , but it has the treasurer ' s book for the year ' jbeginning 17 S 2 , and these accounts are also complete . The _ chapter , > t appears , was originally called the Chapter of Virtue , and
'he names of the first three principals were Comps . Youngelass , Davis , and Fox ; there was a lodge of that name , but that died out in 1 S 31 . The Grand Chapter having confirmed the principle of granting centenary warrants , conferring the privilege upon the members of such chapters of wearing a centenary jewel , a memorial was sent from the
Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
Royal Cumberland Chapter asking for a centenary warrant , and on August 22 nd of the present year the request was granted . Up to this moment only one other chapter in England has put forward any conclusive proof of its existence for 100 years , viz ., the Chapter of Charity , Bristol , No . 1 S 7 ; the Comps . of that chapter have in their possession their original Charter , numbered 9 , and dated Dec . 15 , 17 69 , about two years after thc formation of
Supreme Grand Chapter . The claim for a centenary warrant was granted by Grand chapter the first of the present month . Tbe chapter at Poole , No . 137 , applied for a warrant but the application could not be granted , the records being broken . E . Comp . HUGHAN ' gave an interesting address , partly of an esoteric character , on the origin of the Royal Arch Degree . The question , he said , was a very important one ,
and , so far , had not been settled precisely ; indeed , he thought they never would be able to know when the Royal Arch Degree originated . Its origin was connected with the Third Degree , and for some years what is now known as the Royal Arch Degree was workedas the second part of tho Third Degree , and in some measure irregularly , for we aretoldthatin London about 1738301110 brethren were called before the Grand Lodge and found fault with for working
irregularly , and on due submission being made , they were reinstated in their privileges ; and it is generally supposed that this irregularity had to do with the working of thc Third Degree . In considering the antiquity of the Royal Arch Degree as worked separately from the Third Degree , he wished it to be understood that in no sense did hc enter into the antiquity of the Third Degree , in which originally the secrets of the Royal Arch Degree were included . It
had been frequently stated that Laurence Dermott—who was one of the Athol Masons—was the founder of the Arch Degree ; but hc ( Comp . Hughan ) had discovered a work printed in 1744 which alluded to the Degree two years before Dermott was exalted , and furnishing conclusive proof that he had nothing to do with the separate arrangement . It was also claimed that Thomas Dunckerley was the founder of the Royal Arch Degree , but we know
that it was in operation thirty years before he took it ; we may , therefore , conclude that he had nothing to do with it . It was further stated that Ramsay visited the Grand Lodge of England in 172 S , and made a suggestion that the Third Degree should be divided and worked in a manner somewhat similar to the present ; but there is no such record in the proceedings of Grand Lodge , and nothing to indicate that at that period the Third Degree was worked in two
seperate divisions , the second being entitled the Royal Arch Degree . We have , therefore , to come back to the original standing point , that as to the precise date of its origin it is impossible to determine . Some important matters were involved in the question of its origin . We know that in this country and abroad the secrets of what is termed the Third Degree were given before 1740 , in quite a different manner from what they arc now : and the
word which was lost in one portion of the Third Degree was subsequently found in the concluding portion . He had in his possession a tracing board , published in 1745 , at Amsterdam , which illustrated this point . The Royal Arch Degree is mentioned as having been given at York a few ycars prior to 1744 , and we know also that it was worked in London before that year . During the last century many thousands of members joined the seceders ,
or Athol Masons , doubtless in order to get the Four Degrees for their money instead of three . In self-defence , many members of the regular Grand Lodge formed a Grand Chapter for themselves , and our present esteemed Grand Scribe E . has discovered the " Charter of Compact '' quite recently . This Grand Chapter was formed by the "Charter ot Compact in 17 C 7 , and was acknowledged practically , though not aclually , by thc Grand Lodge ,
in much the same manner as ; tbe Ancient and Accepted Rite , the Mark , and other Degrees arc recognised now through the Grand Master and others belonging to them . But , as a matter of fact , Grand Chapter was not absolutely legalised until 1 S 13-7 . The arrangement hc thought was a very wise one . By the separation of the second part of the Third Degree , worked as it is now , more attention is paid to those Sublime
Mysteries that are illustrated and explained in the Royal Arch Degree ; and it is well also to remember that our Grand Chapter has always been anxious to tell the companions that though apparently it is a separate Degree , in reality it is nothing but the completion and climax of the Third . It is singular to note that the first Royal Arch Chapters principally assembled in the provinces ; there being very few in London during the last century .
Grand Chapter granted nine warrants in 17 * 59 , and of these , two were for chapters in Lancashire , and one for Bristol . A warrant for a chapter at Poole was granted in 17 S 0 . There could not , he said , be the slightest doubt that the Grand Chapter of England originated out of a private chapter , but it was impossible to tell the date . Comps . Woodford and Gould had thought well over the matter , and the latter came to the conclusion that it was in the year
17 G 5 ; but on looking over the records of Grand Chapter he ( Bro . Hughan ) , found a reference whicii led him to the conclusion that it was still earlier , how much , it was not in his power to say . In conclusion , Comp . Hughan exhorted the companions to study the Degree , remarking that if tliey were true to their trust they would hand down to posterity those noble and exalted truths which they had received , Sublime Mysteries which , to properly fully
study , required the assistance of the theolgian , the antiquary , the philosopher , the linquist and the Freemason . The GRAND SCRIBE E ., addressing the Grand Superintendent , said the Grand Chapter of England having acceded to the petition whicii was addressed to it by the Royal Cumberland Chapter , to be granted a centenary charter , he attended on behalf of H . R . H . the First Grand Principalto place in his hands the charter , fully
confirm-, ing the fact that the chapter had had a continuous existance for at least 100 years , and , therefore , authorising thc companions of the chapter to wear the distinctive jewel in commemoration of the event . Personally it gave him very great pleasure to place the charter in the hands of Colonel Adair , and he offered to him , as Grand Superintendent of
the province , and the companions of the chapter , his most hearty congratulations on the auspicious event . Colonel A 11 AIK , in accepting the warrant , thanked the Grand Scribe E . for his presence that day , and assured him that the companions of the chapter valued his good offices in obtaining the charter , and that there was no face of a visitor more welcome among Royal Arch Masons than that of Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke .
Centenary Meeting Of The Royal Cumberland Chapter, At Bath.
The charter having been read by Major LONG , P . G . S . E ., it was placed by the Grand Superintendent in the keeping of the M . E . Z . of the chapter . At the same time Col . Adair pinned to the breast of the First Principal a centenary jewel , the gift of the companions of the chapter —the first decoration of the kind worn by any Royal Arch Mason in England . Comp . Radway also presented a
complete list of the First Principals of the chapter , which , with the warrant , is beautifully written and illuminated , mounted , and framed in old English oak , with suitable ornaments . Comp . WHITE , the oldest member , and forty-one years ago First Principal of the chapter , in a brief , feeling , and telling speech proposed the Grand Superintendent as a joining member of the chapter ; this was seconded by
another old and esteemed P . Z ., Comp . ASHLEY , and having been carried by acclamation , it was resolved , on the suggestion of Dr . HOPKINS , to complete the honour by presenting to Col . Adair a gold centenary medal . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke was proposed as an honorary member of the chapter . Col . BURNEY , on behalf of the visitors , felicitated the
companions of Cumberland Chapter upon the great distinction which had been accorded to them . Comp . HUGHAN , in acknowledging a special vote of thanks for his attendance and address ( proposed by Dr . Hopkins ) , said there had never been any period in which the progress of Royal Arch Masonry had been equal to the present , and a great deal of this resulted from the management at head-quarters .
Comp . ASHLEY mentioned that the Royal Cumberland Lodge had completed the 150 th year of its existence , and that he had all the books and accounts complete for that period . A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Comp . Radway for thc trouble he had taken in preparing a sketch of the
history ot the chapter . At the suggestion of Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , it was ordered to be printed , Comp . Hughan undertaking to write a preface . After the close of the business the companions adjourned to the Christopher Hotel—one of the old meeting places of the chapter . Comp . Robinson provided a first-class banquet , which elicited the highest encomiums from all
present , the M . E . Z . presided , supported by the Grand Supt ., Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , and other distinguished visitors . After dinner several toasts incidental to the meeting were proposed , and tbe speeches werc pleasantly interspersed with some excellent vocal music , Comp . Macfarlane accompanying with his usual bonhomie . The GRAND SCRIBE E ., in responding on behalf of "The
Grand Officers , " said that although every good brother could not in the nature of things receive that reward he so justly deserved , he trusted that it would be conceded that those who were appointed to Grand ofiice werc not altogether unworthy of the distinction they received . He believed that the officers , who were appointed from year to year by H . R . H . the First Grand Princinal . had don , * rmorl
suit and service to the Order . The gallant colonel assured the companions that the Prince of Wales takes the deepest personal interest in every thing concerning Masonry in every grade and degree , and is jealous of anything being done beyond the routine of the Order without the matter bein « - laid before H . R . H ., and an opportunity afforded for expressing his views thereon . He expressed his pleasure witn tne in
manner which all the proceedings of the day had been conducted , and congratulated the companions upon the realisation of all their hopes and wishes . There was one companion to whom , however , they owed a very great debt of gratitude—the Grand Superintendent of Dorset , Comp . Montagu . Last year he brought forward a proposition in Grand Chapter that there should be a
centenary charter . Hc did this for the purpose ( very properly so to ) of getting a charter for a chapter in his province , the one at Poole . The motion was carried , and application was made by the chapter at Poole for a charter , but they did not get it The Royal Cumberland quietly stepped in and got the advantage of work done by the Grand Superintended of Dorset .
A . ? P-Col . ADAIR then called upon the companions to drink -The Health of the Grand Superintendent and Koyal Arch Masons of the Province of Dorset . ' Comp Montagu was well-known , and his friendshi p was deeply valued b y a 1 who had the pleasure of it . His name woulrj be especially welcomed in Bath , since his wife was the daughter of one who was a very active and generous Mason a quarter of a century ago-hc meant Comp .
In responding to the toast of his health ( proposed by Comp WILTON ) Colonel ADAIR said hc felt it to be a great honoilr to be the first Grand Superintendent to present a centenary warrant , and place a centenary jewel on the breast of a First Principal of any Royal Arch chapter in England . Although they had heard in the interesting sketch which was read to them bv Cnrrm I ? ,, ! ..,, ? .
mention made of a Grand Superintendent of Somerset , vet he had never heard of his being associcted with two others in the discharge of his duties ; and a Grand Superintendent without a Provincial Grand Chapter was something like a general without an army . He was thankful that Royal Arch Masonry was placed on its present footing in somerset . Ihe loyal support he received from his officers coraiai
ana me reelings ne received from the companions made his duties the most pleasant almost that could fall ti the lot of man to perform . Comp . RUBIE proposed " The Second and Third Principals of the Province . " 1 Cu' - F ° ( ? i . ' a ° / . h ' , " l urne < J thanks , apologising for thc absence of the P . G . H . ( Comp . Else ) a ° Major LONG P . G . S . E replied on behalf of "The Provincial Grand Oil cers . "
Col . ADAIR proposed "Ihe Present and Past Principals and Companions of thc Royal Cumberland Chapter " I his toast was responded to by Comps . Lawson Howes i J . B . ? T erc ^ : N : ,, *' WriffEl pS ^^ tSt . lS 'and acknowledged by Comps . LONG and PERRETT V C « . * "P- CHANDLER P . G . H . of Wilts , replied for "Thc Visiting Companions . " "" the to ^ Uisf rUiCS ' " Pr 0 P 0 Sed l yCuml > - M"lKY > concluded
Ihe celebration was in every way completely successful and it is only right we should say that for mud , of i ' success the companions are indebted to the -nial and judicious conduct of the M . E Z -in . 1 t „ tt „ , , , , untiring labours of Comp . Radway ' ' ZCaIous and