The Grand Master At Canterbury.

this year celebrating the 13 th centenary of the history of the Cathedral . It was from Lanfranc ' s Norman Chapter House that Beckefc and his monks issued on the night of the murder , but that was rebuilt in 1304 . Eoughly speaking , therefore , the walls of the present building were about 800 years old ; other portions were 600 and 500 years old . The Freemasons of Kent

had given the splendid stained eastern window , which replaced that which the Puritans destroyed . Dean Farrar now explained that this fine piece of work by Mr . Hemming represents the figures and symbols of all who have been most famous in the history of Canterbury Cathedral , from Bertha , the first Christian Queen , to Queen Victoria ; from Archbishop Saint Augustine to

Archbishop Benson , whose successor , the ninety-third Archbishop of Canterbury , had just offered prayers . There were saints , and . kings on that window , and amongst them the famous Black Prince , who built the lovely chantry in the crypt , and is buried in Trinity Chapel . Turning to Lord Amherst Provincial Grand Master of Kent , the Dean smilingly observed that if he dared

venture upon a desperately audacious hint in the presence of His Boyal Highness the Grand Master , he would say that if each English Freemason gave one shilling ; the west window might also be filled with stained glass . Finally the speaker asked the Prince to declare the Chapter House opened for the many useful purposes of education and philanthropy , and the prosperity of the Diocese , the Church , and the people .

Speaking extemporaneously , the Prince of Wales said : —My Lords , Mr . Dean , Ladies , and Gentlemen , —I beg , not only in my own name , but in the names of all present , to tender my thanks to the Dean for the most interesting and elaborate address he has given us to-day . I need not , I am sure , say it gives the Princess , my daughters , my son-in-law , and myself

unfeigned pleasure to accept his invitation to re-open this ancient Chapter House , which has now been so beautifully renovated For a long time past it has been our desire to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and visit this ancient Cathedral city . We are very glad that this special occasion has given us the opportunity of doing so . We hope later on to visit your ancient

and historical cathedral , and to look at the tomb of my great ancestor , the Black Prince , and to visit the far-famed shrine of Becket . I wish to tender to the Mayor , representing the citizens , bur thanks , and to say how much we have appreciated the welcome given us , and the beautiful way in which the streets

have been decorated . I will certainly , as Grand Master of a very influential body , bear in mind the suggestion which has fallen from the Dean , and I only hope the Provincial Grand Master , who sits near me , will be able to assist . I am sure we shall be glad to do so . I have nothing further to do but to declare this Chapter House open .

The Prince bad laughed pleasantly in touching upon the question of the Masonic subscription , and Lord Amherst , to whom pointed reference was made , also seemed amused . After the ceremony of the day , the Boyal party lunched at the Deanery , while in the afternoon their Eoyal Highnesses were

taken privately through the Cathedral by the Dean and Chapter , proceeding from the cloisters to the Chapel of Martyrdom , thence to the Crypt , Huguenot Church , the Black Prince ' s Chantry , St . Gabriel ' s Chapel , the Crypt of Trinity , and Becket ' s crown . The return journey was commenced about four o ' clock .

Not the least gratifying feature in connection with the celebration of the record reign of Her Majesty the Queen—from a Masonic point of view—is the permission given by the Most Worshipful Grand Master for every Brother who is a subscribing member of a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of England on the 20 th June , to wear a special commemorative jewel . Although

this particular mark of rejoicing will , in a manner of speaking , be somewhat common , it is fair to say it will be generally appreciated , and in a few year ' s time will be shown with additional pride as a pleasing memento of a great national event . We are pleased to hear that the design of Bros . George Kenning and Son has been selected by the Prince of Wales , and that

wellknown firm is now busy on the manufacture of the Jewels , which will doubtless be required in large numbers for Jubilee day , even if there are not many Brethren who propose to attend the special meeting at the Albert Hall on the 14 th inst ., who would like to wear them then—provided such a course was within the scope of the Grand Master ' s regulations .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

ST . JOHN CHAPTER , No . 70 . THE quarterly meeting was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Plymouth , on the 25 th ult ., when there was a large attendance of members and visitors .

Royal Arch.

Among the Officers present was Comp . W . Stafford H . Northoote , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master of Craft and Mark Masons . The past Zs . who assisted in the ceremony were Comps . J . B . Lord and Wifchell . After the meeting of the Chapter Sir Stafford Northcote attended the regular meeting of Lodge St . George , No . 2025 , at which Bro . Somerville W . M . presided . It was unanimously resolved that the Prov . Grand Master be elected an honorary member of the Lodge , and Sir Stafford Northcote thanked the Brethren for their confidence .

The members of the Chapter and of St . George ' s Lodge afterwards assembled in the refectory , where supper was served . Sir Stafford Northcote presided , and proposed the Loyal toasts , and also the health of the M . W . Grand Master the Prince of Wales , both of whioh were heartily received .

Bro . Somerville proposed the health of the Prov . Grand Master , stating that the name of Northcote was always well received in Devon . The visit of Sir Stafford to the Chapter and St . George's Lodge that day had afforded much satisfaction to the Brethren , and they trusted that the day might not be far distant when he would again honour them with his presence .

The toast having been received with musical honours , was acknowledged ' by the Provincial Grand Master , who stated that it would not be long before he again visited the Three Towns , as his Grand Lodge would be held in Plymouth this year .

CONCORD CHAPTER , No . 124 . A CON VOCATION was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Durham , on Tuesday , 25 th ult ., when the three Principals were installed : Comp . H . Brown Z ., R . Hauxwell H ., and Isaac Burrell J . After the installation ceremony the Officers were invested , and at the conclusion of the business the Companions adjourned to the banqueting hall where the usual Arch and other toasts were heartily pledged .

SYMPATHY CHAPTER , No . 483 . THE first annual festival after the consecration of this Chapter was held on Tuesday , 25 th ult ., at the Royal Clarendon Hotel , Gravesend . Comp . William Russell' M . E . Z . presided , being supported by Comps . Henry Forss H ., J . P . White J ., and the rest of the Officers . The installation of the Principals was taken first , with the result that Comps . Forss and White were advanced to the chairs of Z . and H . respectively ,

and Comp . Orlton Cooper was installed in the chair of J ., the ceremony being impressively rendered by Comp . Forss . The following Officers were , appointed by the M . E . Z .: —Comps . Arthur Ronaldson S . E ., R . J . Beamish S . N ., T . T . Hogg Treasurer , William Hawker P . S ., Frank Hitchins IstAssist . Soj ., Ernest Ingram 2 ndAssist . Soj ., J . A . Gillett D . C ., F . Fitch and Spencer Bowen Stewards , George Martin Janitor .

The ballot was taken and proved unanimous in favour of the admission of Bro . John Solomon , of the Lodge of Freedom , and Bro . T . H . Raine , of the Lodge of Sympathy . Bro . Solomon being in attendance was prepared and exalted to the sublime degree , this ceremony being conducted by Comp . Forss , assisted by Comp . Hawker , who performed his duty as P . S . in a most admirable manner . The lectures were delivered by the three Principals . Comps . Hawker and Hitchens were appointed as Auditors , to inspect the Treasurer's accounts .

A Past Principal s jewel was presented to Comp . Russell by Comp . Forss , who congratulated him upon his recent Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter honours , and hoped that he would not regard this , the latest jewel , as being by any means the least of the many that adorned his breast . Comp . Russell , in returning thanks , said those present were well aware that Freemasonry was a labour of love with him , although it occupied a

large portion of his time . He was certainly very proud to be raised to Grand Lodge rank , and he attributed the honour to the kindness of their Provincial , Grand Master Earl Amherst . He congratulated the Companions upon the flourishing condition of the Chapter , which in its first year had paid off all the expenses of foundation and furnishing , and was clear of debt . He should ever be willing to lend his assistance to its advancement ; and thanked them all for the handsome souvenir of a very happy term of office .

Comp . Orlton Cooper proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the M . E . Z . for his services as Installing Principal , which was seconded by Comp . White , and carried . Comp . Forss acknowledged the compliment , and said that , like Comp . Russell , he regarded Freemasonry as a labour of love , and would always be

pleased to devote his knowledge and experience for the benefit of the Craft . The Chapter was then closed ana the Companions adjourned to the banqueting hall , where Comp . Baldock entertained them with a delightful dinner , served in his best style . The usual complimentary toasts and speeches followed , and thus the first year of the establishment of this Chapter closed with honour , and bright prospects for its future prosperity .

Among those present , in addition to those already named , were Comps . T . A . Mummery , R . Yivian , C . Matthews , H . White , A . E . Lockhart , Percy Bowen , and others .

SHURMUR CHAPTER , No . 2374 . A CONVOCATION was held at the Royal Forest Hotel , Chingford , on the 27 th ult . The Principals : Comps . John Byford , Ben Johnson , and William Gower presided , and opened the Chapter . The Companions were then admitted , when the minutes were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for the admission of Bros . William Greeves , J . C . Payne , and Frederick Inch , all of whom were approved .

Bros . Payne and Inch being in attendance were properly prepared and regularly exalted to the sublime degree . The ceremony was conducted by Comp . William Shurmur , assisted by Comp . Percy Trickett as P . S . The first and second lectures were given by Comp . William Gower , while the Mystical was impressively rendered by Comp . Shurmur .

This being election night according to the bye-laws , the following Companions were elected to the several offices : —Ben Johnson Z ., William - Gower H ., S . C . Kaufman J ., C . H . Bestow S . E ., Percy Trickett S . N ., J . R . Carter' P . S ., G . T . Pointer IsfcAssist . Soj ., M . Bleick 2 ndAssist . Soj ., N . Fortescue P . Z . Treasurer , Hamilton D . C ., J . F . Haskins Organist , W . H . . Graveley , Legg , Francis , and Oakden Stewards , J . Ives Janitor .

A P . Z . ' s jewel was voted for presentation to Comp . Byford . A letter of condolence was directed to be sent to the widow and family of Bro . H . M . Baxter ; and the contents of the Charity Box were delivered to a distressed Companion who sought assistance . There being no other business the Chapter was closed in due form and the Companions adjourned to supper .