Royal Arch.

to the smooth road of prosperity . The lodge increased in numbers and influence , so much so that they were bold enough to think they might establish a chapter in connection with the lodge . He ( the M . E . Z . ) brought forward a motion to that effect , which was unanimously carried . Application was made to Supreme Grand Chapter . The prayer of the petition was granted , the chapter was consecrated , the Grand Scribe E . being in the chair of Z .. and here we are assembled

at our first annual meeting . During Ihe time of getting the lodge into its proper position in tbe craft , during tbe formation of the chapter , the trouble and anxiety need not be told in the company of so many old Arch Masons as were now present . Daring nil this they had been most ably assisted by Comp . States , who was always at his post in lodge , and no doubt would be the same in chapter ; and for the assistance he had rendered him ( the M . E . Z . ) personallyhe begged to ask Comp . Statesthe

, , first Scribe E ., to accept from him ( the first M . E . Z . ) a jewel appropriate to bis position in Arch Masonry as having passed the three chairs . The M . E . Z . then requested Comp . States to take his position at his side , placed on his collar a most beautiful jewel , trustinghe might long continue to wear it and bold his present office in the chapter , ancl culled upon the brethren to heartily respond to the health of Comp . Statestbe first Scribe E . of Prudent

, Brethren Chapter . Comp . States , rose to return thanks , but seemed so overcome by the groat kindness , of the M . E . Z ., that it was some time before be could find words to express his feelings . He said : — "Most Excellent , the very kind present you have been pleased to confer upon me , shall ever be to me a token which will remind me , as long- as life shall last , of thc kindness of the companions with whom I have , through many years , laboured to promote the

prosperity of the Prudent Brethren Lodge . I think , M . E ,, that the complimentary terms in which you have spoken of me I scarcely deserve , for whatever assistance I have rendered to 3-011 , both in the lodge , and in the formation of this chapter , has been a labour of love , it being a pleasure to work under so excellent a chief , for when some little difficulties presented themselves in establishing this chapter , your assistance gave me renewed spirit for the task , ancl by our united co-operation our labours

were brought to tbe successful termination now witnessed . I again return my grateful thanks to you , M . E ., for your kind present , and also to the companions for the hearty maimer in which they have responded to the toast of my health . " The jewel was then passed round for the inspection of the companions . It is of 18 carat gold , of chaste design , a wreath of acacia surrounding the triangle and crossed pens , which are mounted on a centre of crimson enamel . The jewel is surmounted with a

crown of five points , with diamond , emerald , and ruby enrichments at the base of each point . The whole is attached to a hanger , and the ribbon being mounted with three beautiful models of tho sceptres of thc three chairs which Comp . States has previously occupied , viz ., M . E . Z ., H . aud J . The inscription on the back of tbe jewel is as follows : — " Presented , December 7 th , 1869 , to Comp . George S . States , the first Scribe E ., by Comp . John Boyd , the first M . E . Z ., as a

slight acknowledgment and appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered by him in founding the Chapter of Prudent Brethren , No . 145 . " "The Health of tbe Officers" was then proposed and duly responded to . The evening's amusements were greatly enhanced by the excellent vocal ancl instrumental music of Comp . Donald King and others . Thus terminated one of the most happy and friendly meetings ever held within the walls of the Freemasons' Tavern .

BRITISH CHATTER ( SO . 8 ) . — Ihe regular meeting of this chapter was held on Friday , the 3 rd inst ., at tbe Freemasons ' Hall , when the following officers were present : Bros . J . Tepper , M . E . Z . ; Dr . Griffith , II . ; J . B . Monckton , J . ; Stanley Robinson , E . ; J . Hockley , N . ; A . A . Richards , P . S . ; J . Stohwassor , Treas . ; E . Baxter , Dir . of Cers . ; AV . Guiize , Org . Bros . Fenn . Francis , and March were exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Masons . Comp . Dr . Griffith was elected M . E . Z .

for the ensuing year , and Comps . Monckton 11 ., and Prank Richardson J . Comp . Ciabatta was elected N . The remainder of the officers were re-appointed . CANOXEHRT CHAPTER ( NO . 657 ) - —The companions of this chapter held their regular meeting at the George Hotel , Aldernianbury , on Thursday , 28 th ult . There were present comps .

Royal Arch.

Wescombe , M . E . Z . ; S . May , H . ; J . James , J . ; H . Carey ' Seribe E ., ancl others . The chapter having been opened in due form , the minutes were read and confirmed , ancl a ballot was taken for the admission of Bio . James A ause by thc M . E . Z . The business concluded and tbe chapier closed , the companions adjourned to the banquet , alter which the nsual loyal and masonic toasts were given and responded to . The proceedings were enlivened during the evening by the musical and vocal abilities of several companions .

LANCASHIRE ( EAST ) . Bdrtr . —Unanimity Chapter ( So . 42 ) . —The companions of this chapter met at the Queens' Hotel , 011 AVednesclay , the 24 th ult . There were present : Gumps . Jolm . Redfern , P . Z . ; H . Maider , Scribe E .: John M . Wicke , P . Z . ; L . Booth , Scribe N . ; John BoMerson . M-E . Z . ; J . M . Whitehead , P . S . ; James Key-ior , P . P . ; Robert Edmondsou , S . P ., and other companions . The only business transacted was the installation of the first and second Piincipals , and the two brethren for exaltation .

MONMOUTHSHIRE . NEWPORT . —Silurian Chapter ( So . 471 ) . —On Friday , the 3 rd inst ., the usual monthly convocation of the members of this chapter took place at the Masonic Hall , Dock-street , and , considering the inclemency of the weather , there was a tolerably good attendance . Comp . Bartholomew Thomas , M . E . Z ., presided , supported by Comps . Lay bourne as II . ; ancl Oliver as

J . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot took place , when Brother Ebenezer Prosser , of Pontypoo ] , S . D . of the Kennard Lodge , 1258 , was unanimously admitted ; that brother being in attendance , was duly exulted to tbe sublime degree of R . A . Mason , the ceremony being most correctly rendered by the M . E . Z . Tho Prin . Soj . Com ]) . IVatte being absent through illness , bis chair was ably filled by Comp . Fotbergill , and we are sadly out of our

judgment if tho hitter Comp . does not make a very valuable acquisition to this chapter . Three new members were proposed , and tbe M . E . Z . announced that at the next meeting the Companions would have to elect his successor , and we have no doubt Comp . Thomas ' s mantle will then fall very gracefully on Comp . Lay bourne ' s shoulders . This chapter now numbers nearly 70 subscribing members , and every month there are fresh propositions . There is some talk of forming an encampment here .

Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

ENGLISH CONSTITUTION . GRAND LODGE . The half-yearly meeting of the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters took place at thc Freemasons' Tavern on Tuesday , the 30 th ult . Bro . the Rev . \ V . G . Portal occupied the chair of M . AV . G . M ., Sir EHLechmere that of DGMBro . J . Detail acting as

. . ..., Senior AVardeu , and Bro . L . J . Conway as J . W . There were also present Bros , tbe Rev . T . P . Ravenshaw , John Huyshe , D . Shaboe , J . Meggy , J . Nuun , J . Stevens , II . C . Levander , T . Fenn , F . Davidson , R . Spencer , J . II . Wynne , F . Binckes ( G . Sec ) , G . Lambert , J . G . Marsh , Jas . Weaver , M . Edwards , T . J . Sabine , and a large number of well known Mark Masters . Bro . F . Binckes , G . Sec , read the minutes of tbe last meeting , and action taken

the report of General Board , which referred to the by the Scotch Grand Chapier of Royal Arch Masons with respect to thc Englisii Mark Masons , and also tbe Hebrew letters depicted on the Mark jewel . The applications of two brethren were considered , and it was resolved to relieve them with £ 5 each . The receip ts of tho year amounted to £ 291 lis . 7 d ., and the expenditure £ 123 9 s „ leaving a balance in hand of the annual festival in aid of

£ 168 9 s . 7 d . It was resolved that the Royal Benevolent Institution should be repeated , it having been so successful last year , when the sum of £ 80 was contributed to the funds ; ancl it was also resolved that 011 the next occasion the brethren should wear the Mark clothing . Bro . J . G . Marsh was invested by the M . AV . G . M . with tbe insignia of G . Supt . of AVorks in the place of Bro . Goulty , recently deceased . Some proposed alterations in the constitution of the Grand