Provincial Grand Chapter Of Middlesex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF MIDDLESEX .

The 16 th convocation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Middlesex vvas held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court , on Saturday , the 21 st instant , and attracted a numerous attendance of Royal Arch Masons . Comp . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Grand Superintendent , presided , and amongst the companions present vvere—Comps . R . H . Thrupp , Prov . G . H . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , Prov . G . J . ; W . H . Lee , Proy .

G S . E ; G . Gregory , Prov . G . Treas . ; H . W . Roberts , Prov . G . Reg . ; Captain R I . Vincent , Prov . G . S . B . ; J . C . Austin , Prov . A . G . D . C ; C . Stevens , Prov . G . Or ° * . ; Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S . E . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Supt . Essex ; 1 . F . H . Woodward , P . G . Std . Br . ; R . C . Sudlow , G . Std . Br . ; G . Cordvvell , P . P . G . S . ; F . T . Rushton , M . E . Z . 3 S 2 ; H . J . Wicks , P . Z . 1269 ; J . Hay , J . 1194 ; A . C . A . Higerty , M . E . Z . 946 ; Wheeler , 359 ; W . J . Porter , 1793 ; A . VV . Duret , P . P . G . J . ; H . Dickey , S . E . 204 S ; S . lacobs , P . Z . 94 6 ; E . B . Haynes , P . P . A . G . S . ; 1

H . Higgins , J . 1423 ; A . Runacres , M . E . Z . 1777 ; J- D . E . Tarr , H . 293 ; D . W . Pearse , P . P . G . Re ? . ; Wilson , 1293 ; Rev . R . F . Hosken , M . E . Z . 1563 ; Colonel Gordon , P . P . G . S . B . ; R . W . Forge , P . P . G . S . ; R . W . Blasby , M . E . Z . 975 ; H . Sapsvvorth , J . 94 6 ; J . Hamer Owens , M . E . Z . 1104 ; J . Gordon Langton , H . 1194 ; C . J . Axford , M . E . Z . 204 S ; W . A . Scurrah , P . P . A . G . S . ; A . H . Scurrah , 204 S ; J . W . Hartley , M . E . Z . 1326 ; G . R . Langley , J . 1326 ; J . T . Briggs , P . P . G . S ., P . Z . 1326 ; T . W . Ockenden , P . G . D . C , P . Z . 1326 ; J . Bott , 1326 ; J . Blenkarn , 1326 ; G . J . Dunkley , P . P . G . O . ; Rev . S . T . H . Saunders , PAG . J . ; and W . Taylor , P . P . G . J .

The Provincial Grand Chapter vvas formally opened , and the roll of chapters in the province having been called , it was found that all vvere represented with the exception of two . •The minutes of the last convocation vvere read and verified , and the Audit Committee ' s report was read and adopted . The Grand Superintendent re-appointed Comp . Raymond H . Thrupp ' as Prov . G . H . and Comp . the Rev . R . F . Hosken , M . E . Z . 1503 , as Prov . G . J .

, Comp . Hamer Owens , M . E . Z . 1194 , was nominated by Comp . R . C . SUDLOW , seconded by Comp . RUSHTON , M . E . Z . 382 , and unanimously elected to the position of Prov . Grand Treasurer , after vvhich the following Prov . Grand Officers vvere appointed and invested :

Comp . W . H . Lee , P . Z . ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ F . R . Spaull , P . Z . 3 82 ... ... •¦¦ Prov . G . S . N . „ R . W . Bilby , Z . 1293 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ C . Stevens , Z . 1 793 ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ A . Higerty , Z . 946 ... ' ... ... •••Prov . ist A . G . S . „ J . W . Hartley , Z . 1326 ... ... ... Prov . 2 nd A . G . S .

„ Capt . A . Kunacres , L . 1777 ... ... ... rrov . U . CS . B . „ C . J . Axford , Z . 2048 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ H . Higgins , P . Z ., H . 1423 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . „ H . Dickey , S . E . 2048 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . of C „ W . J . Porter , 1793 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ J . Gilbert ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

The Grand Superintendent nominated Comps . J . F . H . Woodward , Capt . T . C . Walls , and J . G . Langton , and Comps . G . R . Langley , W . A . Scurrah , and Dr . Ryley vvere elected as the Audit Committee for 1891 . Comp . RAYMOND H . THRUPP , Prov . G . H ., said that the companions were all aware that some time since a fund vvas started for the purpose of presenting to Comp . Woodward a suitable testimonial in recognition of his valuable services

to the Province as Prov . G . Secretary and Prov . G . S . E . for a period of nearly five years , and he now had to announce that at the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , held on the 14 th inst ., a valuable gold watch and chain , together with an illuminated address , vvas presented to Comp . Woodward by the Prov . Grand Master , in the name of the brethren of the province , and he had also to inform the companions that , the necessary funds being available for the

purpose , it had been resolved to present Mrs . Woodward with a diamond bracelet and locket , and that on the 20 th inst ., he had the pleasure , in company with Bro . Room , the Prov . G . Sec , of waiting on Mrs . Woodward for the purpose of presenting them to her , and he vvas deputed by Mrs . Woodward to express her grateful acknowledgments to the brethren for those tokens of their regard , and to say how much she appreciated the kindness shown to her husband .

Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the Lebanon Chapter for the use of the furniture , and to Comp . Gregory for the very satisfactory manner in vvhich he had performed the duties of Provincial Grand Treasurer during the past year . Several letters expressing regret for non-attendance vvere announced by the P . G . S . E ., and the convocation vvas duly closed .

The companions then adjourned to an excellent repast , served under the personal superintendence of Comp . Mella , vvhich fully sustained the reputation this hostelry has acquired . The principal loyal and Masonic toasts were ^ duly given , and heartily received .

Comp . F . A . PHILBRICK , Q . C , G . Supt . Essex , proposed The Health of the Grand Superintendent , Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., " and said he felt sure that the province vvas as much honoured by its head , as the head felt in return honoured by the province . Royal Arch Masonry in Middlesex had prospered under the genial sway of Sir Francis Burdett , whose interest in all Masonic work vvas well known , and whose geniality and kindly nature vvas proverbial . Hailing as he

( Comp . Philbrick ) did from the neighbouring Province of Essex , he was sure that Middlesex would heartily congratulate , and the other provinces , and wherever Sir Francis vvas known , would sincerely join in congratulating , that distinguished companion on the fact that his eldest son attained his majority next month . On that account the present year would be a particularly p leasant one to the esteemed Grand Superintendent of Middlesex , and that it would be followed by many equally as pleasing and enjoyable was the sincere and heartfelt wish of all the

companions . Comp . Col . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., G . Supt ., in reply , returned his sincere thanks for the kind manner in vvhich the toast had been proposed and received . He had reason to believe that their esteemed Comp . Philbrick had recently visited the South of Ireland , and if that vvas the case he could only conclude that Comp . Philbrick had kissed the blarney stone , but , however , that might be , his best thanks were due for the flattering terms used in the proposition of the

toast . He had now been connected with the Province of Middlesex for 20 years , during which time he had always been received with the utmost kindness and consideration , and the heartiness of his reception that evening was fully equal to that bestowed on previous occasions . His services vvere at the disposal of the province , with vvhich he hoped to continue his connection for years to come . It gave him pleasure at all times to meet the Masons in the province , and he vvas gratified to see such a goodly number present on that occasion .

Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., in response to the toast of " The Visitors , " said he had been deputed by his colleagues to reply on their behalf , and return their sincere thanks for the hospitable reception accorded them by the Provincial Grand Chapter of Middlesex . The kindly welcome and the hospitality they had received , coupled with the beauties of the surroundings , had rendered the

meeting a particularly happy and enjoyable one . It vvas a great pleasure , indeed , to come down there and see the Grand Superintendent in such good health , and presiding over such a gathering of Masons from the province vvith such abilit y and geniality . Royal Arch Masonry in Middlesex vvas apparently in a healthy state , and the work performed in a commendable manner , and he was very glad indeed to congratulate the province on its flourishing condition .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Middlesex.

Comp . F . A . PHILBRICK , Q . C , G . Supt . Essex , in response to loud calls , said he thought the excellent speech of Comp . Colonel Clerke was to be taken in full satisfaction of all demands , but be sincerel y thanked them for the hospitable reception accorded the visiting companions . In giving "The Prov . Grand Officers , " the Grand Superintendent thanked that body for the very great assistance always extended in the work of the province , for the Prov . Grand Officers vvere ever ready to give their time and valuable help when necessary .

Comp . RAYMOND H . T HRUPP , Prov . G . H ., in returning thanks , expressed the p leasure it at all times afforded the Prov . Grand Officers to support their esteemed and beloved Grand Superintendent in the work of the province . The province was in a very satisfactory state , and if the chapters vvere visited the work would be

found to be carried out in an excellent manner . The Prov . Grand Officers , under the guidance of their Grand Superintendent , whom they hoped to see preside for many years to come , Had but one object in view , which was to see Masonry in the Province of Middlesex carried out in a satisfactory manner , and the reputation of the province maintained to its fullest extent .

A deputation from the Musgrave Lodge , which vvas meeting in an adjoining room , attended , and having congratulated the Grand Superintendent on the successful meeting of Prov . Grand Chapter , invited the companions present to partake of the hospitality of that lodge . The Janitor ' s toast having been given , the companions accordingl y adjourned to the Musgrave Lodge , which accorded them a truly Masonic welcome .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS .

SPECIAL PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE AT READING . The Berks and Bucks Freemasons , as a combined Provincial Grand Lodge representing the two counties , met together forthe last time on Saturday afternoon in the Masonic Hall , Greyfriars-road , Reading , the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , having ordered the division of the existing Province of Berks and Bucks into two separate provinces , to consist respectively of the county of Berks

and the county of Buckingham . The occasion of the gathering , therefore , vvas an interesting and memorable one , and the brethren of the province attended in considerable numbers from different lodges in the two counties . Bro . the Rev . ] . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . C , who has been Deputy Provincial Grand Master for many years , presided , and opened the Provincial Grand Lodge . The Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers also in attendance

included—Bros . E . Margrett , P . S . G . W . ; E . H . Cox , P . J . G . W . ; J . E . Sydenham , M . Wheeler , G . F . Slade , G . H . Stubington , W . Hemmings , J . E . Bowen , J . T . Morland , John Tomkins , E . L . Shepherd , S . Knight , G . Boyer , G . J . Cosburn , R . C Mount , F . J . " Ferguson , B . T . Fountaine , J . W . Martin , A . Welch , W . S . Cantrell , J . C . B . Tirbutt , T .

Page , B . W . Bennett , A . Turner , J . O . Carter , C . D . Hume , H . Poynter , J . McCubbin , W . Ravenscroft , Dixon , W . King , J . Greenavvay , and others . There vvere also present Bros . J . T . Pulley , Hickie , Milward , Ball , Steward , Crovvhurst , Yeatman , Hattersley , E . M . Mullin , Bliss , Rees , Miller , Deacon , Rawlings , Baker , Gardner , Ridley , Wilder , Sim , Brydges , and others .

The ACTING P . G . M ., in opening the proceedings , explained the exact Masonic and legal position in which they stood . By the fiat of the M . W . G . M ., the Province of Berks and Bucks would cease to exist on the ist of July next , after vvhich there would be two separate and distinct provinces—one for Berks and one for Buckseach acting independently of the other . To facilitate matters a scheme had been

sketched out for the disposal of the property belonging to the province , in order that the brethren who had assembled in Provincial Grand Lodge might have something to discuss , but there vvas no reason why the proposals should be adopted in the form they had been made if any alteration or improvement should be considered necessary .

In the unavoidable absence of Bro . Robert Bradley , P . G . Sec , the minutes of the last annual Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Reading on July nth , 188 9 , vvere read , and the same were confirmed . The proposals submitted for the disposal of the property vvere then put seriatim , and discussed .

They vvere eventually adopted , and a Committee , consisting of Bros . J . S . Brownrigg , C Stephens , Prov . G . Treas . ; Robert Bradley , Prov . G . Sec . ; J . E . Bowen , Prov . G . Sec . designate for the Province of Bucks ; S . Knight , F . J . Ferguson , J . Lawson , and Taylor , vvas appointed , vvith power to do all such acts matters , and things as may be necessary connected vvith carrying the scheme and the separation of the province into effect .

The place of meeting for this committee having been debated , Slough was agreed upon as being the most convenient point for the brethren of the two counties , and it vvas arranged that the Committee should meet early in July . Bro . J TOMKINS , Past Prov . Senior Grand Warden , said that vvas the last time they would meet as a combined Province , and he felt sure that he vvas acting in accordance vvith the feelings of the Berkshire brethren when he expressed a few

words of cordial farewell to their Buckinghamshire brethren . They had been united in Provincial Grand Lodge for a good many years , but unfortunatel y , through the distance that divided some towns in Buckinghamshire from some parts of Berkshire , they had not been able to associate vvith each other so much as they could have wished ; at the same time whenever they had met one another it had been in that kind and fraternal manner that not only distinguished Masons

but particularly those of the same province . As Berkshire Masons they felt that they had a bright future before them , the Most Worshipful the Grand Master having graciously appointed an illustrious prince—his own son—to rule over them . At the same time he hoped that the new Province of Buckinghamshire had also a promising future . There was , however , one bitter drop in the cup , vvhich vvas that they had to part with their Buckinghamshire friends , and also with Bro .

Brownrigg , who had so ably filled the position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and who had given them the advantage of his guidance and assistance in the management of the affairs of the province for a considerable number of years . The Berkshire brethren felt very sorry to have to part vvith Bro . Brownri gg as their Deputy Provincial Grand Master , but they hoped they would occasionall y have the pleasure of meeting him in this province , and that he would enjoy a happy and prosperous career in the Province of Buckinghamshire .

The ACTING P . G . MASTER , in reply , expressed his thanks on behalf of the Buckinghamshire brethren to Bro . Tomkins for the kind sentiments he had uttered , and which the Buckinghamshire brethren heartily reciprocated . He had always felt that it would be to the advantage of Freemasonry to separate the two counties and constitute them distinct provinces , the configuration of the combined province making it quite impossible to get meetings of a thoroughly representative

and satisfactory character . Under the new arrangement it would be quite convenient for the brethren of each county to attend Provincial Grand Lodges . He assured them that he should look back vvith the greatest possible pleasure to his connection vvith the Province of Berks and Bucks , and being an honorary member of several lodges in Berkshire , he should look forward to

the pleasure of attending their Provincial Grand Lodges in this county whenever he could so arrange it . He had always felt it to be a great privilege and honour to serve under their late Provincial Grand Master , Sir Daniel Gooch , and , in conclusion , Bro . Brownri gg said it would give the Buckinghamshire brethren sincere pleasure to meet the Berkshire Masons whenever they could attend the Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Lodge .