History Of Freemasonry In Worcestershire.

as do of rig ht belong to regular established chapters and companions of our said Most Excellent Order , subject , nevertheless , to the general laAvs and ordinances already or to be hereafter enacted by our Most Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter .

" Given at London , under our hands , and the seal of our Grand and Royal Chapter , this 6 th day of November , A . L . 5844 , A . D . 1844 . " W . H „ WHITE , E . " A . DOBIE , N . " The first convocation was held on the 9 th day

of December , 1844 , when six of the petitioners proceeded to business ; ten brethren were proposed for exaltation , five companions as joiningmembers , and other business . On the 18 th of the same month the Chapter of St . Wulstan was

duly and solemnly consecrated by M . E . Comp . John Savage , a member of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England , assisted by other ' eminent companions duly qualified . The first three principalsComps . Bennett , Knight , aud

Rising-, having been regularly installed , and the other officers appointed , proceeded to ballot for those already proposed ; those elected , and present , Avere exalted , when it is stated that " All the oflicers

discharged their respective duties in a manner which elicited the Avarmest expressions of admiration and approval of the Installing Principals . " For three years the Chapter of St . Wulstan had its regular meetings , the first Installed

Principal M . E . Comp . Bennett continuing to ¦ occupy the position of Z . A dispensation' Avas then obtained for a fourth year ; at the expiration of which , from the death of some , the removal of others , and generally the want of members having

the legal qualification for the principal chairs , the chapter ceased to meet , the last meeting beingheld on the 30 th January , 1850 . For eight years the chapter remained dormant , at the expiration of Avhich time a meeting was held February 24 ,

1858 , Avhen M . E . Comp . Bennett was again elected to fill the first chair , Comp . Jas . McMillan to occupy the second , and Comp . C . G . Whitney Griffiths the third chair , and the other officers appointed ; a large number of companions of both

lodges ( for during this period the Semper Fidelis Lodge has been established ) were balloted for , elected , and exalted . The temporary cloud removed , the chapter has since progressed , increasing in numbers and importance , nearly one

hundred and twenty companions having been enrolled , and at the present time there is a list of sixty-three subscribing members .

Long may this interesting degree continue so supported , and may the blending- of its colours continually remind the companions " That the harmony and unanimity of the chapter should be their constant aim . And as the glorious sun at

its meridian height dispels the mists and clouds Avhich obscure the horizon , so may their exertions tend to dispel the gloom of jealousy and discord whenever they may begin to appear . "

THE SEMPER FIDELIS LODGE , No . 529 . —The warrant of this lodge bears date 4 th July , 1846 ; it Avas consecrated 7 th September , by W . Bro . Hunt , P . M ., Hope and Charity Lodge , Kidderminster ; W . Bro . Joseph Bennett the first Master .

This lodge was first held at the Rein Deer Inn , but now meets at the Crown Hotel ; and has a large roll of members .

Of the high degrees , which are worked mainly by the brethren of the Worcester Lodge , Bro . Griffiths gives the following account : — ST . DUNSTAN ' S CHAPTER OF ROSE CEOIX .

—Warrant dated 10 th January , I 860 ; consecrated 10 th Feb- ; W . Bro . William Masefield , Provincial Grand Treasurer , the first M . W . S . '; held at the Bell Hotel ; and has on its roll thirty members .

ENCAMPMENT OE ST . AMAND TEMPLARS . —Warrant dated 27 th November , 1861 ; consecrated December 19 th ; FraterR . Woof , E . S . A ., First Commander . Held at the Bell Hotel ; has thirty-three subscribing members on its roll , and two honorary members .

THE LECHMERE LODGE OP MARK MASTEES , NO . 59 . —Warrant bears date 22 nd May , 1863 , on Avhich day it Avas consecrated as the "Abbey Lodge , " at Tewkesbury ; Bro . E . S . Cossens , the first W . M . ; removed to Worcester 20 th November ,

1866 , and re-named as above ; has a roll of thirtyeight subscribing and two honorary members ; and holds its meetings at the Bell Hotel .

A complete list is given of the Installed Masters from 1790 till the present time . A roll of the members giving surname , christian name , profession , date of joining , initiation , passing , raising , electing , and other remarks , in a tabular form ,

and also a roll of Installed Principals , from 1844 to present date . The Avork is vastly interesting to all Masons ,