Architecture And Archæology.

tiful niches on each side of the east window had been sacrificed ; the stalls had lost their original desks with the exception of fche ends , and fche original arrangement of the pavement and steps had been quite lost . The vestry , too , was completely modernised ; two of its windows had lost their tracery , and the one which retained ifc was blocked up by a brick flue . Perhaps the most interesting part of the Avork is fche restoration of the two niches which flank the

east window internally . The design of these has been recovered with some difficulty from the marks which remained upon the surface of the wall , and from small fragments found on removing the pannelling . The steps have been arranged according to tbe old levels , ancl a rich floor by Messrs . Minton has been laid throughout , in which the patterns of the old tiles have been carefully followed . The

altar-table , which is a fine one of Elizabethan work , has been lenthened , so as to be in proportion to the dignity of the chancel , and is covered with a very rich cloth ; an altar-rail of oak is fixed afc the kneeling step , and fche effect of the east end of the chancel , with its beautiful sedilia and locker , is now more satisfactory . The stalls have been carefully repaired , and new book desks added , with fcraceried fronts

in accordance with fche old ends . The chancel is to be lighted with gas standards of proper character , by Skidmore , of Coventry . The restoration of fche vestry to its original plan , though at present nofc complete , is of much interest . The vestry was originally in two stories ; this arrangement had been entirely lost by filling up the lower story , and placing a floor level with that of the chancel , agreeing with neither of the original floors . On removing the earth which filled up the lower story , the steps leading down into it from the chancel were discovered tolerably perfect , and

also the base of spiral staircase in tho north-west corner leading from the lower to the upper room . There was also found in this lower room , beside a piscina and locker , ainost curious oven , with a flue , which was used , in all probability , for baking the wafer-bread for Holy Communion . The original floor of the lower story has been returned to and has been laid with tiles , the steps into ifc from the chancel

repaired , and the windows , two of which had entirely lost their tracery , have been restored . These appear not to have beeu glazed originally , but provided Avith shutters only ; they have been reglazed in oak casements occupying the place of the original shutters . A new roof has been put on , and the cornice to carry the upper floor has been restored , but at present the floor itself has not been reconstructed . Ifc is to

be desired that much may be done before long , and the stairs up to it rebuilt , so as to complete the restoration of this most interesting building to its original plan . Ifc may be mentioned that the upper vestry has a window opening in the chancel , which was not glazed bufc provided with shutters , and in the jamb of which is a seat commanding a view of the whole chancel . " Lord Crewe has intimated his intention of erecting a reredos , which , will form a suitable background to the Communion table , instead of the present bare surface of stonework beneath the eastern window .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

IXSSISG THE VEILS . Where is the ceremony of passing the veils continued ?—W . N . —[ In Scotland , Ireland , America , and on the Continent . In the latter the Eoyal Arch degree is different from that used by us , ifc is the Eoyal Arch of the Ancient and Accepted Eite , not worked under that jurisdiction here out of respect to the Supreme Grand Chapterwith whom

, the Sov . G . G . I . I . G . G . do not wish to clash . ] CHRONOLOGICAL DIirlCUXTIES . Lit must be obvious to our esteemed correspondent , E . W . K ., that we could not print his letter , since it deals with subjects which must be concealed . With the opinions he sends us we have full sympathand candidladmit

y , y the anachronisms . Masonry , like every other production of man , is imperfect , nor would all the erudition in the world ever originate a society thafc could not be objected to on some ground of historal accuracy . The wonder

isnofc that there are errors in many of the Masonic traditionsbufc that there are so few . Such points as E . W . K . moots lie under peculiar disadvantage . If a brother were to attack them , he would be hooted down by that all-powerful section ofthe Craffc , who , parrot-like , have the ceremonies afc the tip of their tongues , but beyond this are frequently destitute of general knowledge . On the other hand , if he appeal to

some of the learned Masons for support , ho will be met with a shrug , and an assurance that ifc would be far easier to change the whole system than to lay a finger on one of these cherished errors ; in fact , all fche arguments that coulcl be brought to bear on the subject by the greatest scholars of all nations would fail to convince many to whom Masonry is a creedand who know no other form of belief

, than that which they pick up in lodge . The greatest disadvantage such objections lie under is their being secret ; you cannot place them before high authorities and get an opinion from them , as in every other controversy , which might tend to clear up doubts ; but you must work the anomaly out for yourself , and when you have done so , beware how aud to whom you mention ifc , for you will be looked upon as a

lunatic , an innovator , or perhaps as one anxious to break your O . B . ; whilst ab fchat very moment you are striving to bring your talents to bear " for fche good of Ereemasonry in general . " A word of advice may nofc be lost upon E . W . K . —Don't write about such things . Talk of them only to brethren of liberal education , and , lastly , don't start such subjects amongst oracles of lodges of instruction , if you do !!! ]

LODGE OBATOKS . In reply to the query of Ex . Ex . in THE MAGAZINE of October 5 th , relative to the appointment of orator , as customary in Prance , it may be mentioned that Lodge La Cesaree ( No . 860 ) has such an officer . This lodge works under English warrant , and adopts the English ritual , translated into the French language by the late esteemed

Bro . Cuqueuelle . Most natives of Jersey speak both French and English , and fchis arrangement , while not inconvenient to them , offers advantages to French Masons who settle in the island , as well as the frequent visitors from the Continent , who have thus an opportunity of comprehending our working , and of comparing ifc with the Grand Orient of France , which they cannot enjoy elseAvhere . The

introduction of an orator is perhaps the only innovation imported from France , bufc it-is one which has been very useful , though at present ineffective . The duties were for some years most ably performed by Bro . Eafcier , a distinguished French advocate , who resided iu Jersey for a considerable period till 1859 , when he returned to his native country . Those who heard his stirring extempore addresses to

candidates on passing fche different degrees , and his funeral orafcions , Avill not easily lose the impressions produced by them . E-eporfcs of many of them were given in your columns antecedent to that of the parting address in your number of October 29 th , 1859 . As no resident member ofthe lodge is willing and able to accept the appointment , it is still held by Bro . Eatier , Avho continues his membership , but is rarely able to be present with us . The query of Bro . Kelly , D . Prov . G . M . for Leicestershire , especially addressed to myself , shall have attention in due course . —H . H .

EltEEStASONKY AXD THE SYNOD OE TIIUELES . One E . C . dating from Cork gives us a very good specimen of the esteem iu which Freemasonry is held by the Eoman Catholic Bishops of Ireland in full synod assembled . His communication originally appeared in our comtemporary " Notes and Queries , " but it was thought so interesting to our order fchat it has been cut out and sent to us . For the

benefit of many of our readers we summarise the information . The first paragrah advises that diligent means shall be taken , in every parish , to prevent the formation of secret societies , as they lie under utter condemnation . The second deplores that " nofc a few" Catholics are enrolled amongst the condemned society of Freemasons , ancl calls ou the parish priest to remind them that the pontificial ( or greater ) , excommunication is still iu force , under certain papal Bulls , against all who dare to enter , propagate , found , receive others , conceal the existence of , or belong to such