New Royal Arch Temple At Edinburgh.

New Royal Arch Temple at Edinburgh .

THE Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland , which , unlike that of England , possesses its own hall , has recently entirely reconstructed the Temple and the necessary surroundings , and the dedication took place on the 19 th December . This line addition to the Masonic buildings of

Edinburgh is situated in Queen Street , and is replete with every convenience , and contains all the necessary rooms for the meetings of Grand Chapter , private chapters , and the executive of the Order , and consists of three Hats—sunk , ground , and first floors . On the sunk iloor are the caretaker ' s

house , kitchens , store rooms , & c . ; on the ground floor , the offices of the chapter and a chapter hall or dining room ; and on the first floor is the Royal Arch Temple , with retiring rooms , & c . The entrance from Queen Street is protected by an Ionic porch , projecting out to the pavement , with a

pediment over the front , and gives a dignified prominence to the premises . On the left of the vestibule are the chapter offices , and in the front a double swinging glass door gives entrance to the inner lobb y communicating with the chapter hall on the ground Moor .

A MEETJNlf OF TUB GliAX )} CIIAlTEll OF SCOTLAND IN T 11 K NEW EGYPTIAN HALL . —( 1 'holii . Dmimmml }'<«»;/ , lullnbnryh ) .

The chapter hall is arranged to be suitable as a diningroom to seat about 200 persons , and is elaborate in design , with pilasters at intervals supporting a massive frieze and elegant consoles . Each console has two lions couchant , on the heads of which is a deep abacus supporting the beams of

upper floor . In the end of this hall is a deeply recessed arch , which gives relief to the rythmic repetition of the pilasters . The lighting is by a series of windows in the depth of the frieze opened and shut by a shaft and screw gearing worked from a side room . The staircase is extremel y handsome ,

being seven feet wide , constructed of solid granite , concrete steps with mahogany balustrades of chaste and beautiful design , the baluster being Ionic columns of the Venetian type , supporting semi-circular arches curiousl y moulded , and the main balusters having linials and pendants delicately carved . The effect at the top of the staircase is very unique . The

landings have three quaint - looking arches resting on ornamental columns . On the one side these arches communicate with a large balcony , and are richly draped ; while on the other side two of the arches contain heavily mullioned windows , while the third gives access b y half-a-dozen wide

steps to the pronaos of the Temple . The Temple is designed in the Egyptian style , and is modelled on the hypostyle hall of the palace of the King Maneptha at Karnac . It is entered by a wide and heavily panelled door with low and deeply recessed lintel , which is calculated to impress the sympathetic visitor with a sense of

solemnity . Nor is this sense relieved when the stranger enters the home of the Pharoah ' s with its Sphinx ' s heads , pylons , and other familiar Egyptian details . Following the plan of the hypostyle hall at Karnac , above referred to , the Temple has a row of small columns at each side , with

entablative and clerestory above ; while in the centre , forming the supports of the recess at the dais or throne , are two rows of tall and handsome columns , which are very imposing , and give a dignity and repose to the whole design . The

details are simple and massive rather than elaborate , and have been arranged purposely with a view to an extensive and rather ambitious scheme of mural decorations , which will probably be carried out in the summer months . The heating is by electric radiators of the latest type , specially arranged

with spaces between heated plates through which cold air is admitted at the iloor level at will , while the vitiated air is exhausted at the ceiling by fans with electric motors . In the basement is an elaborately-equipped kitchen , with serving rooms , hot closets , and hoists communicating with all the

floors . The dedication ceremony was of a very interesting character , the chair being occupied by Col . W . Ivison McAdam , Depute First Grand Principal , and a large number of Grand Officers and representatives of private chapters were present .