Provincial Grand Chapter Of North And East Yorkshire.

The Provincial Grand Treasurer then read the annual balance sheet , which Viav ' ng been audited and found correct , was unanimously adopted . The various chapters in the province , all of which were represented , then communicated . The Provincial Grand Treasurer was unanimously re-elected . The following Provincial Grand Officers for the ensuing year were then

appointed and invested : — Comp . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , 23 6 , P . G . S . N . Eng .... Prov . G . H . „ Wm . H . Cowper , 602 ... ... Prov . G . J . „ Michael C . Peck , 250 , P . A . G . D . C . Eng . ... Prov . G . S . E . „ Capt . H . Darley , 1248 ... ... Prov . G . S . N .

„ Walter Reynolds , 250 , P . P . G . H . ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Frederick Blackburn , 250 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ J . Vernon Cooper , 602 ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ Samuel Rutter , 57 ... ... ... Prov . ist A . G . S . „ Edward Harland , 200 ... ¦•• Prov . 2 nd A . G . S . Geo . 7 . Robinson . 216 ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ Wm . G . Lockey , 312 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ jas . Matthews , ^ 7 " ... ¦•• ••• Prov . G . D . C . „ J . W . Webb , 21 34 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ Frederick Brewster , 602 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Frederick J . Lambert , 1010 ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor . The PROV . G . S . E . stated that at the last meeting of Prov . Grand Chapter

Comp . G . L . Shackles , P . P . G . Reg ., had g iven notice of his intention to move" That the sum of 25 guineas be voted to the Educational Fund of this province ;'' but , this motion having been inadvertently omitted from the summons for this meeting , the Prov . G . S . E . renewed the notice ot the same for next year . ' The PROV . GRAND SCRIBE E . then delivered the following address : Excellent Companions , —I have been specially charged to convey to Provincial Grand

Chapter the great regret felt by our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent at his enforced absence from our meeting , which is caused by official duties at his Viceregal Court in Ireland . His Excellency had desired to be represented by Col . Orde-Powlett , but severe indisposition has prevented the attendance of that illustrious companion , who also requests me to express his disappointment in

consequence . 1 am sure , companions , you will join me in the sincere hope that he may be speedily restored to his usual health . Excellent companions , if Masonry be , as it undoubtedly is , the noblest system of morality introduced to the human race , and a genuine handmaid to religion , surely those brethren who have been honoured by exaltation to the R . A . Order should rank amongst the best and wisest of the sons of men . The nature of our speculative labours ; our

search for the hidden mysteries contained in the sacred arcana ; the revelations which we discover , should direct our thoughts to the Great I Am , who yet compassionates our fallen state ; graciously permits us to address Him in prayer ; and , if we pray aright , will most assuredly grant our humble petitions . Consider , my dear companions , how great are our privileges , and on the other hand , how terrible our responsibilities if we neglect to avail ourselves of the means of happiness , temporal and eternal , so freely offered to us .

The ancient Jewish nation were blessed above all the rest of mankind by the visible presence of the Great Jehovah in their camp . The pillar of fire by night , and of cloud by day , directed their paths , and comforted them with the full assurance of protection in their long and weary pilgrimage . Their leader and law-giver , Moses , was actually permitted " to behold his Maker in awful majesty , and to participate in those tremendous interviews which , as we read of them , thrill our souls with awe and reverence . Yet in reality our position here , long after the ages of

miracles have passed away , is more blessed than those of the Sons of Levi , for we have the Divine oracles freely opened before our eyes , and can learn what God requires , and what man should do , to discharge his mission on earth to the satisfaction of that glorious Being who will reward the faithful and obedient of the human race with endless bliss . Such then are some of the thoughts suggested by the rites of that system of Masonry which we this day represent in our annual assembly , and which will fulfil its mission if it make us better men ,

better brethren , better workers on earth , and better fitted for Heaven . The rites and mysteries of the Supreme Order of the Royal Arch are peculiar to the English-speaking nations , for although considerable variations are found in the working of our Scottish , Irish , and American companions , the systems are identically the same ; but on the Continent the Royal Arch , as we understand it , does not exist . There is a Degree , the 13 th in the series of the Ancient and Accepted Rite , called Knig ht of the Ninth Arch , but its historical reference bears

no relation to our English Order . Our Royal Arch appears to have been framed as a substitute for the great number of hantes grades which were invented on the Continent in the last century , and were introduced here with partial success . Dr . Oliver gives an interesting description of the Rite Ancien de Bouillon , which was formerly practised in London as "Ancient Masonry , " and which he remarks contains the first glimmerings of our Royal Arch . This appears to have been conferred in several steps , the first was styled Geometric Master , the others being

known as Excellent and Super-Excellent Mason . These designations are generally found upon old English Royal Arch certificates , but as Degrees they are now extinct and unknown in this country . In England the Royal Arch is historically connected with the Master Masons' Degree , and properly regarded as its completion , the Mark not being considered as a requisite . In Scotland , where the Grand Chapter is entirely unconnected with the Grand Lodge , which indeed at one time , not very remote , assumed an antagonistic position towards it ,

candidates for the Royal Arch must have previously obtained the Degrees of Mark , Past Master , and Excellent Master . The chapters also confer upon their companions the Degrees of Royal Ark Mariner and Knight of the East and West , which latter , however , is an independent and different Degree from that of similar title comprised in the series of the Ancient and Accepted Rite . In Ireland the Mark Degree is conferred by the Royal Arch Chapters as a prerequisite for that Order . In the United States we find the chapters give the

f Mowing sequence of Degrees : —Mark Master , Past Master , Most Excellent , and Royal Arch Mason , and further to complete what has already been finished , add two others , Royal Master and Secret Master , these being modern , and entirely of American fabrication . Our transatlantic companions , too , have altered the order of precedence of the Three Principals , the High Priest occupying the first positions , with the King and Scribe completing the triad . Thus far we have compared the several Royal Arch systems , but although the subject is interesting , our time is too limited to permit further illustration . It

only remains , therefore , to add that our Order progresses rather slowly , but surely . In this Province since our last meeting we have added another chapter to our roll , bringing the number to 16 , which in relation to our 30 Craft lodges is an unusually large proportion . All appear to be united and prosperous . We must now retain our best . thanks to the Principals and companions of the ilarwood Chapter for their hospitable reception of Provincial Grand Chapter , and for the loyal and fraternal manner in which the Masons of Middlesborough ever support their Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter .

The ACTING M . E . Z . expressed the pleasure with which he had heard the address , and moved that the thanks of Provincial Grand Chapter be cordiall y g iven to the Prov . G . S . E . for the same , which was carried by acclamation . The PROV . G . S . E . briefly returned thanks . The ACTING M . E . Z . observed that although in the annual address allusion had been made to the kindness and hospitality of the Marwood Chapter , he felt that the warmest thanks of Provincial Grand Chapter were due to the Principals of that chapter , which he moved , and which was carried by acclamation . The Provincial Grand Chapter was then closed .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Cornwall.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF CORNWALL .

A Provincial Grand Mark Lodge and General Communication of Mark Master Masons for the Province of Cornwall was held on the 29 th ult . at the Godolphin Hall , Helston , Bro . Sir Charles Brune Graves-Sawle , Bart ., P . G . M ., presiding . There was a large attendance , including—Bros . T . Chirgwin , D . P . G . M . ; VV . A . Bennett , P . J . G . W . ; W . J . Johns , P . G . S . ; H . Trembath . P . S . G . D . : Edward Venning-. P . S . G . O .: lohnsonO . lames . P . P . G . M . O . ;

W . Mason , P . P . J . G . W . ; C . Truscott , P . P . S . G . W . ; W . Nettle , P . J . G . W . ; H . Shapcott , P . P . G . D . C , P . G . O . ; F . VV . Thomas , P . P . G . I . of W . ; L . Trehane , P . G . S . B . ; VV . K . Baker , P . P . G . M . O . ; Joseph Sarah , P . J . G . D . ; P . T . Chirgwin ; J . M . Carne , P . P . S . G . D . ; G . H . Reed , P . P . J . G . W . ; E . Milford Cock , P . G . Treas . ; Hugh P . Vivian , P . G . Stwd . ; J . M . Richards , P . G . D . C . ; J . C . Polglase , P . P . S . G . O . ; A . Pattison Daves , P . J . G . D . ; John Langdon , P . G . T . ; Col . Michell , P . S . G . O . Engl - and many other Past Masters and Present Prov . G . Officers .

The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the P . G . Lodge at Looe , in April , 18 S 9 , having been read and confirmed , the report of the P . G . Treasurer was received and adopted . It showed a balance in favour of the lodge , which was subsequently voted for charitable purposes . The P . G . Sec , Bro . W . J . J OHNS , reported that all the lodges of the province were represented , numbering 12 , and they showed an increase of 3 6 members

since last year ' s meeting at Looe . In accordance with the recommendation of the P . G . Lodge at Looe , in April , 1889 , the patent appointing Bro . Sir C . B . G . Sawle , P . G . M ., had been dul y endorsed , re-appointing him P . G . M . for the ensuing three years . He also reported the consecration , on the 25 th February last , at Penzance , of St . John the Baptist Lodge of Mark Masons , No . 404 , by the P . G . M ., assisted by a large number of P . G . Officers and other distinguished members of the Order throughout the province .

Invitations were made by Bros . VENNING and WATTS to hold the next Prov . G . Lodge meeting under the banner of St . Martin ' s and St . Austell Lodges respectively , but the P . G . M . considered the application rather premature , and promised the invitations should be duly considered . Five guineas were voted to the Mark Masons Benevolent Fund , and a similar sum to the Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund .

Bro . Nicholas West , P . S . G . W ., was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel by the members of St . Michael's Lodge , as a token of regard for his constant attendance and the assistance he had for years rendered to the lodge . Bro . West is now removed from the county , and his presence at the provincial meeting was a pleasant surprise to most of the brethren . Bro . WEST acknowledged the presentation very feelingly . The next business was the appointment of officers for the ensuing year by the P . G . M . as follows .-

Bro . T . Chirgwin ... ... ... ... Dep . Prov . G . M . ; „ Major Ross ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ W . Trevenen ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . ,, Dr . Wearne ... ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ H . P . Vivian ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . O .

„ F . W . Thomas ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . O . „ Rev . J . Core ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . ,, E . M . Cocks ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ W . J . Johns ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ E . Bowles ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ W . I . Watts ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D .

„ S . Trehane ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ,, S . Tressider ... ... ... ... Prov . G . L of W . „ C . Herdon ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ J . C . Burrow ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . ,, S . Roberts ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ VV . Anderson ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ J . Adams ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ C . A . Ratcliffe ... ... ... ... " ) „ G . J . Williams ... ... ... ... [ Prov . G . Stwds . „ Sol . Rogers ... ... ... ... _) „ R . James ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G .

„ J . Langdon ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . After the business the brethren retired to the Angel Hotel , where an excellent banquet was held , and the loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards submitted and heartily drunk , and brought a pleasant day ' s proceedings to a close .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of North And East Yorkshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF NORTH AND EAST YORKSHIRE .

The annual gathering of Mark Masons of the Province of North and East Yorkshire was held on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Duncombeplace , York , on the invitation of the York Mark Lodge , T . I . There was a good meeting , the chief towns in the province being well represented . In the absence , through illness , of the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett . the chair was taken bv Bro . Col . R . G . Smith . P . GT ) . Encrlanrl and Rm 1 1 ¦

j — j , 1 —• -.- A ^* W . T . B . Whytehead , P . G . M . O ., acted as Deputy Prov . Grand Master . The usual business of the province was transacted in due order , and it was decided to g ive £ 5 5 s . from the funds of the province to the Educational Fund of North and East Yorkshire , the second annual festival of which is to be held at Hull on the 28 th inst .

The Provincial Grand Officers for the year were appointed and invested as follows : — Bro . S . Chadwick , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ A . T . B . Turner , York Lodge , T . I . ... ... Prov . | . G . W . „ W . Ascough , 95 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . ,, W . Richardson , 287 ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . O .

„ W . Holloway , 276 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . O . „ the Rev . E . B . Pitman , 277 ... ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ John Marshall , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ A . W . Walker , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ J . Buckle , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . R . of M .

„ Reed , 337 ... ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ T . Bell , 291 ... ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ D . Morley , 281 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . of W . „ W . H . Cowper , 276 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . „ E . Harland , 9 S ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . of C . „ W . Overend , 291 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ Purnell , York Lodge , I . I . ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ J . W . Rennison , 337 ... ... ... ' Prov . G . Org . „ W . J . Marshall , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec . „ H . Wald , 337 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ W . Stockdale , 277 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The usual banquet was afterwards provided b y Bro . Halliwell at the De Grey Rooms ,