Consecration Of The Temple Chapter, No. 558, At Folkestone.

The chapter was opened by the Consecrating Officers , E . Comp . Jas . Terry , as'M . E . Z ., assisted by Jas . S . Eastes , as H . ; Thos . Wyles , as J . ; T . S . Warne , as S . E . ; and H . Ward , as D . C . The companions being admitted , the petition of the founders and the warrant of Grand Chapter having been read and agreed to , the M . E . Z . called upon Comp . the Rev . Canon Bavnesto eive the inaugural address .

Comp . the Rev . Canon BAYNES , after expressing his surprssc at being unexpectedly called upon to deliver an address , proceeded to give a most able oration " on the advantages of Masonry in general , and R . A . Masonry in particular , in the course of which he described the R . A . as the culminating point of Masonry , which united in one vast bond of brotherhood many

thousands of the human race . In Masonry , and R . A . Masonry in particular , men met together irrespective of all relig ious or social differences in one bond of unity , and though in all ranks and grades of society there must and wil be men who do not act up to their obligations . Masonry , though it cannot make a bad man good , tends to make good man better .

The M . E . Z . then proceeded to consecrate the chapter in his usual incomparable style , Comp . Cozens presiding at the organ , and the anthems and chants being rendered in an admirable manner . The ceremony being completed , the acting M . E . Z . next installed the three first principles of the new chapter , viz .: Comps . The Rev . Canon R . H . Baynes , Z . ; S . H .

Kna" -o-s , H . ; F . Klatt , J . I his being done , the Al . li . / .. . invested Ins officers as follows : Comps . Jas . Kennett , S . E . ; A . H . Holbein , S . N . ; Richard White , Prin . S . ; Richard Philpott , 1 st Assistant S . ; J . N . Rogers , Treasurer ; and G . Willson , Janitor . Numerous brethren were then proposed for exaltation and joining . The chapter being closed in due form , the brethren adjourned to the Lees Hotel for the banquet , which was excellently served b y the host , Mr .

Marchant . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given , Comp . Eastes , in responding to the health of the Prov . Grand Officers , congratulated the companions upon the formation of the chapter , and the favourable conditions under which it had started . What he had observed from the officers selected to preside over the chapter , he augured well of its success , and on behalf of Lord Holmesdalc , P . G . Supt ., himself , and the Prov . G ? Officers

of the province , he wished it every success . In responding to the health of the Consecrating and Installing Officer , Comp . James Terry again expressed his pleasure on receiving a vote of thanks from the companions for the way in which he had performed the ceremony ; and in a most emphatic manner impressed upon them the faithful discharge of the serious obligations they had that day taken upon themselves . The health of the Principals and other officers having been drunk and responded to , the companions separated in love and harmony .

Consecration Of The Alexander Chapter, No. 1661, At Newark-On-Trent.

CONSECRATION OF THE ALEXANDER CHAPTER , No . 1661 , AT NEWARK-ON-TRENT .

On Thursday , the 17 th inst ., a Chapter of the Supreme Degree of Hol y Royal Arch Masons was consecrated and dedicated at the Town Hall , Newark , the Consecrating Officers being M . E . Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E ., who was ably assisted by M . E . Comps . Major W . H . Smyth , Grand Supt . Lines ., as H . ; Elisor Drury , P . P . G . H . West Yorks , as J . ;

T . C . Lazenby , P . G . R . Lines ., as D . of C . ; Charles Harrison , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . Lines ., as S . E . ; C . G . Wragg , P . Z . 47 , as S . N . ; and M . Vowlcs , P . Z . 47 as P . Soj . Among the companions present to witness the ceremony , which was performed in the most efficient manner , we noticed

Comps . Sir Henry Bromley , Bart ., 402 ; F . D . Marsden , P . Z ., P . G . S . E . Lines . ; H . W . Maleham , P . Z ., P . G . P . Soj . West Y ,. rUs ; John Watson , J . P ., D . P . G . M . Notts ( Craft ) , Z . 402 ; George Housham , P . Z . 402 ; James Fowler , P . Z ., P . P . G . H . Line ; C . B . Truman , P . Z . 47 ; Arthur Stuhbs , H . 402 ; \ V . M . Hewitt , J . GSz ; Alf . J . Field , J . 47 ; H . Hitchman , 540 ; E . D . Pidd , 602 , & c .

The chapter is attached to the Newton Lodge , and takes its name , the Alexander , from Bishop Alexander , of Lincoln , who built the well known old castle of Newark during the reign of King Stephen . The ceremony concluded with the installation and investment of the following officers : Comps . the Rev . F . Vernon Bussell , M . E . Z . ; Major Newton , H . ; R . F . H . King , I . ; Henry George , S . E . ; W . Curtis , S . N . ; Henry Walton , Treas . ; J . II .

Tomlinson , P . Soj . ; C . Johnson and W . Kelly , Assist . bo ] s ., and propositions for no less than six candidates to be balloted- for at the first regular meeting , which , together with the well known Masonic zeal of its sixteen founders , leads us to predict as successful a career Sor the Alexander as a chapter as has been the good fortune of the Newton as a lodge .

In the evening the visitors were entertained by the founders of the new chapter at a banquet at the Clinton Arms Hotel , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , cheerfully interspersed with songs , glees , & c , in which the chapter choir ( with Comp . Appleby for accompanyist ) was greatly assisted by Comp . E . D . Pidd , of Retford .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The General Committee of this Institution met at Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday afternoon , Col Creaton , Grand Treasurer in the chair . There were also present Bros . John A . Rucker , Thos . Eras . Peacock , Frank Richardson , A . F . A Woodford , A . J . Duff Filer , H . A . Dubois , A . H . Tattershall , Joshua Nunn , Arthur E . Gladwell , James Peter , E . Spooner , E . M . Money , C . G . Brown , C . H . Webb , T . J . Staunton , Edward Jones .

C . G . Rushworth , F . R . W . Hedges , Secretary , and H . Massey ( Freemason . ) After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting and the reading of the minutes of the House Committee for information , an account which had been referred to the General Committee was referred back to the House Committee . Authority was given to the Chairman to sign cheques , and the Secretary was authorised to sign the agreement for renting the offices of the Institution at Freemasons' Hall .

Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., having resigned his appointment as Vice-Consul General of the United States , which office lie held for twenty-six years , has been presented with a purse containing 1500 guineas , contributed by some of the houses more immediately connected with the American trade .

Three petitions were received , and the candidates ordered to be placed on the list for the April , 1882 , election . The Committee adjourned , after passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman ,

Watling Street Lodge Of Mark Master Masons, No. 292.

WATLING STREET LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS , No . 292 .

At the consecration of the above Mark Lodge , on the 17 th inst ., the fol . lowing oration was delivered by the V . W . Bro . the Rev . STUDHOLMF , BROWNRIGG , Past Grand Mark Chaplain : — I make no excuse for endeavouring to make to-day an opportunity for commending to your notice a matter of practical importance in Freemasonry rather than an occasion for dwelling on the many advantages and

excellencies of our Order . These are well known and appreciated by you , but you must remember that we should not merely congratulate ourselves on what we have done in times past , but should also face the present time , its difficulties and its dangers . Every age brings its peculiar danger . It is by facing not b y shirking this fact that ~ Freemasonry has been able to survive many organisations of a similar description . The occasion of our

mcetinohere to-day is to consecrate a new Mark lodge . The Mark Degree is , as you probably know , a Degree not recognised by the Grand ' Lodge of England , and yet I have not hesitated , though I am a Past Grand Officer of that Grand Lodge , anda D . P . G . M . of this province , to obey the commands of the Grand Mark Master Mason of England to consecrate your new Mark lodge . Our position is not a schismatical one . But still the question may

be fairly asked me , How do you justify the existence of any Masonic bod y other than that of the Giand Lodge ? There can undoubtedly be such a , thing as Masonic schism . There arc Masonic organisations in this country which it is the duty of all true Masons to avoid . What are the tests which we arc bound to apply to every Masonic body before weijoin its ranks ? First of all , the lest of brotherly love , relief , and truth .

Any Masonic society founded or carried on , in imitation of or in opposition to some existing Masonic body , without cliarit } ' as its corner-stone , unsupported by religion as its foundation , is onl y fit to be cast out amongst the rubbish . There arc Masonic bodies in England and abroad which fail in one or more of the applications of this primary test . Alas , there arc some which , by the abandonment of these princi ples , have forfeited their claim to our Masonic allegiance . And , secondly , there is another test—the test of

work . We have a ri ght to ask of any Masonic bod \ -, What arc 3-011 doing ? Are you content with mere professions , or are you carrying your professions into practice ? Arc you gathering into your ranks , year by year , as working members , good and true men—men who join you , not merel y for social , but also for higher reasons ? Are the members of your bod y known to the world as loyal to the Queen , their country , and their God ? Now , brethren

passing over certain smaller offshoots which I wish in no wise to condemn , there are in England , at the present minute , four great Masonic bodies which answer fully to the two tests I have proposed to you : — 1 . The Grand Lodge of England ; 2 . The Grand Mark Lodge of England ; 3 . The Supreme Council 33 of the Antient and Accepted Rite ; 4 . The Order of the Temple . Any lodge or chapter in full Masonic communion

with any one of these great Masonic bodies you may join without fear . I do not say that all other Masonic bodies are schismatical ; there certainly are several other smaller organisations against which I have not a word to say ; but I do press upon you the duty of testing carefull y all Masonic bodies not in communion with the four I have- mentioned . Some such are probably useful , some harmless ; but some are certainl

y harmful . Masonry is fashionable now adays . There is a class of Mason whom I may describe as the jewel hunter ; he will give anything for the sake of a jewel . My brethren , in Masonry , as in daily life , " it is not all gold that glitters . " Some of those decorations which are dangled before your eyes are worse than worthless , for they are the insignia of bodies in positive opposition to the four great legitimate Masonic corporations . They will

stamp you not as zealous Masons , but as brethren who , for the sake of a piece ot tinsel and a high-sounding name , have forsaken the true principles of your Order . Let me venture to advise you then . Be careful how you join any Masonic body without thoroughly investigating its position in the Craft . Always suspect a Masonic bod y which touts for recruits . Seek counsel before taking any new Degree from some brother whose position in the

Craft enables him to give you a fair and unbiassed opinion . Thus guarded you may safely proceed ; thus guarded I would encourage you to proceed ; and will hope that the day may not be far distant when , at one or more of the important Masonic centres of this province , it may be my privilege in some capacity , however humble , to assist in the establishment of other Mark

lodges , and also of chapters of Sovereign Princes , Rose Croix , and preceptories of the Temple . I am sure that there arc many brethren in this province to whom such lodges , chapters , and preceptories would afford opportunities for such true work as will merit the approving mark of T . G . A . O . TU . ; for a diligent search after the truth , and for renewed efforts in guarding , as good soldiers of our Master , all that , for His sake , is dear and holv to us .

MAGAZINE . —The earliest Masonic magazine is a German one , published in 1738 , of which we have a copy , by Bernard Christoph Breitkopf , at Leipsic , and named " Der Freymaurcr . " A " Freimaurer Zeitung " appeared at Berlin in 17 S 3 , and the "Journal fiir Freimaurer" at Vienna in 1784 . In 17 S 3 a " Wochcnblatt fiir Freunde der Weisheit und Literatur" appeared also at Berlin , from November isl to December 13 th , and" Archivfiir F . M .

und Rosenkreuzer " also was published thesame year ; The "Ep hemeriden " were published at Altona in 178 5 ; and in 1793 the "Freemasons' Magazine , or General and Complete Library , " was issued in London b y F . Parsons , until 179 S , making up nine volumes . In 1798 the "Scientific Magazine and Freemasons' Repository , or General and Complete Library" appeared , and made up two volumes . But in this respect Ireland beat England , as in 1792

the Sentimental and Masonic Magazine , " from July to December , appeared as Vol . 1 , and consisted of seven volumes , we believe , though we only possess six . In England Masonic literature has not flourished until latterly , thoug h we should not forget the services of the " P ' reemasons' Quarterly Review , " and the " Freemasons' Magazine and Masonic Mirror . " ^ A new "Masonic Magazine" was started b y Bro . George Kenning in 1 S 73 . In France the

earliest magazine appears to be " I . e Miroir de la Verite , " in 1 S 00 and 1 S 02 , though " Etrenncs Interessantes " had been issued in 1797—and the " Elat du Grand Orient de France" first appeared in 1777 . If we object t 0 Abraham Firmin as an impostor , we may yet esteem " Hermes <"' Annalcs Maeonniques , par une Societe ties Francmaeons , " the first true

Masonic magazine , in 180 S . Bro . Mackay tells us that the first American magazine was the " Freemasons' Magazine and General Miscellany , " p " ished at Philadel phia in 1 S 11 , and that the oldest existing Masonic periodica ' is the " Freemason ' s Monthly Magazine , " published by C . W . Moore , at Boston , in 1842 . We ought never . it appears to us , to forget the great debt ol gratitude which Masonic students owe to many admirable Masonic mag " zines in the United States , Kennings Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry .