Consecration Of The Maida Vale Chapter, No. 2748.

Consecration of the Maida Vale Chapter , No . 2748 .

ADDITIONS to the roll of Royal Arch chapters continue to be made with a regularity which speaks well for the popularity of the Order and its continued prosperity . The latest to be launched is the Maida Vale , which has come into existence within the first three years of the formation of the lodge , and if it proves as vigorous and strong as its parent it will have before it a successful

career . The consecration ceremony took place at the Crown Hotel , Aberdeen Place , Maida Vale , in which the Grand Scribe E . was assisted by E . Comps . J . J . Thomas , P . G . St . B ., as H . ; the Rev . Canon Brownrigg , G . Supt . of Bucks , as J . ; J . H . Davidson , P . G . St . B ., as Scribe N . ; and

Frank-Richardson , G . D . C ., as D . C . The oration was delivered by the Rev . Canon Brownrigg , who said : The historical ceremonies and the origin of that interesting Degree were certainly worth studying . It did not take the same position as the Craft—it was allegorical ,

not historical . When it was found necessary , or rather , desirable , to have in connection with English Craft Masonry a higher Degree , the Royal Arch , which had been previously worked under other jurisdictions , was introduced , adopted

and made to form part of recognised Freemasonry , and now it was a Degree of which every member could be proud . For some time the numbers who took an interest in it , compared with the Craft , were very few , but when the Supreme Grand Chapter in its wisdom reduced the limit of time at which a brother could , after his becoming a Craft

Mason , become a member of it , from one year to four weeks , it began immediately to make great progress . He considered that every lodge should have its chapter attached , where zealous Masons and none others should be admitted . They should not be too eager to press every member of the lodge

to join , but should require every would-be candidate to prove his interest in Masonry before he was considered worthy for admission ; this course might mean fewer candidates and some self-denial , but would in future years bring its reward .

Upon the conclusion of the consecration , Comps . Henry Trask , P . Z ., was installed M . E . Z . ; W . J . Stratton , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C . Bucks , H . ; and H . J . Thomas , P . Z ., P . P . G . S ., J . A founders jewel of the chapter was presented to E . Comp . E . Letchworth , Consecrating Principal , and the whole of the Consecrating Officers were elected lion , members . At the banquet which followed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . The toast of "The Grand

Officers" was replied to by Comp . Canon Brownrigg . He expressed his appreciation of the kind terms in which the M . E . Z . had proposed the toast , and was very pleased to find so many old friends among the members and visitors , particularly from the purer atmosphere of Buckinghamshire , and if any doubt had been in his mind as to the progress of the

chapter , it would have been dispelled by the number of members from the provinces , and principally from the one over which he had the honour to preside . In proposing the toast of " The Consecrating Officers , " the M . E . Z . expressed the deep sense of the obligation the

Consecrating Officers had laid them under through having rendered the magnificent ceremony in such an impressive and perfect manner . V . E . Comp . Letchworth , in reply , acknowledged the compliment paid to those who had taken part in the ceremony ,

which they considered a privilege , and , as he had often said , the starting into existence of a new lodge or chapter was one of the most agreeable of their duties . They were certain that this chapter would occupy a position worthy of the lodge . He congratulated the members upon the perfect arrangements which had been made in the chapter , and Comp . Croker upon the excellent banquet .

" The Principals of the Chapter" was proposed by E . Comp . E . Letchworth , who congratulated the ehapter upon having selected three companions to guide them in the first year of their existence who were experienced and proficient . All three had passed the First Principal's chair , two were Past Masters of the lodge and the other the present

Worshipful Master ; under such auspices the chapter must flourish . The M . E . Z . responded on behalf of himself and his brother officers . The Toast of " The Visitors " followed , and was replied

to by E . Comps . Mason , P . G . S . B . ; Sergeant Lee , P . Z . ; E . L . Berry , P . Z . ; and Campbell , P . Z . The M . E . Z . proposed a special toast , that of " E . Comp . J . J . Thomas , Past Grand Standard Bearer , " who had rendered sound advice and great assistance to them both in lodge

and chapter . Comp . Thomas , in reply , said he was well rewarded if he had been of service to the cause of Masonry in Maida Vale , and he felt proud that the mantle falling from his shoulders was alighting upon his son , their Third Principal . The toast of " The Scribe E ., Treasurer , and Officers " brought a very pleasant evening to a close .

Eccentric Lodge, No. 2448.

Eccentric Lodge , No . 2448 .

A VERY successful meeting of the above lodge was held at the Cafe Royal , Regent Street , on October nth , when Bro . J . R . Cleave , P . P . G . D . Surrey , was installed as W . M . by W . Bro . T . Fraser , the retiring Master . A number of Grand Officers were present , including V . W . Bros . Col . Clifford Probyn and Aid . \ aughan MorganP . G .

, Treasurers ; W . Bros . Guy Repton , P . G . D . ; J . D . Langton , P . D . G . D . C . ; James Stephens , P . D . G . D . C ; ' inire Kiralfy , P . A . G . D . C . ; T . H . Gardiner , P . A . G . D . C . ; Alfred J . Thomas , P . A . G . D . C . ; J . J . Thomas , P . A . G . D . C ; Richard Clowes , P . G . Std . Br . ; and others . The ceremony of installation was

excellently rendered , and before the lodge was closed a Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring Master . At the subsequent banquet both the speeches and the entertainment were of such a character as the past records of the lodge would lead the visitor to expect . After the toasts of "The King and the Craft , " and "The M . W . Grand Master" had been duly honoured . V . W . Bro .

Lieut .-Col . Clifford Probyn , P . G . Treas ., returned thanks for " The Grand Officers , " complimenting the lodge on its work , and especially for the magnificent support it had given to the Charities . In replying to the toast of his health , which was proposed by the I . P . M ., the W . M . expressed the great pleasure he felt

in occupying the chair of such a lodge , and in proposing " The health of the I . P . M ., " referred to the proud position in which he had placed the lodge by taking up the largest sum for the Charities which had been contributed by any lodge during the year .

In replying , Bro . Fraser thanked the brethren for so liberally supporting him in his Stewardship and thus placing him in the proud position of premier Steward . The toasts of " The Y ^ isitors , " " The Past Masters , " and " The Officers of the Lodge , " followed , and were each duly honoured , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a close .