Consecration Of The Horwich Chapter, No. 2324, Horwich.

CONSECRATION OF THE HORWICH CHAPTER , No . 2324 , HORWICH .

On Tuesday , the 26 th ult ., the consecration of a Royal Arch chapter in connection with the Horwich Lodge , No . 2324 , took place at the Bridge Hotel , Horwich , under most auspicious circumstances . The consecration ceremony was very impressively performed by Comp . Wm . Goodacre , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Prov . G . S . E ., assisted by Comps . J . Slyman , P . P . G . S . N . ; Rev . W . H . Baynes , Prov . G . S . N . ; R . G . Bradley , Prov . G . D . C ; and G . S . Smith , P . P . G . O .

The following are the founders : Comps . T . Forrester , 730 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; P . Yates , 730 , P . P . G . D . C . ; John Heald , P . Z . 730 ; J . Rogers , P . Z . 581 ; James Coulthurst , 12 S ; J . H . Holland , H . 730 ; Dr . G . H . Whitaker , P . S . 730 ; Hawthorn R . Thornton , S . E . 730 ; W . M . Varley , 2 nd A . S . 730 ; F . M . Palmer , 730 ; Richard Hampson , 730 ; J . Cunliffe , 1 st A . S . TV ); and George Tootell , P . Z . 730 .

The other companions present on the occasion were : Comps . T . Schack-Sommer , 730 ; Rev . J . Alfred Pattinson , 730 ; G . A . Myers , 1730 , Prov . A . G . D . C ; N . Nicholson , P . Z . 221 , P . G . P . S . ; Philip Bibby , P . Z . 128 ; Herbert E . Mason , C . C , 37 ; Thomas Wild Rice , J . 2350 ; Rev . C . C . Bluett , 1335 ; James Jolly , 730 ; Thomas B . Tong , P . Z . 221 ; A . R . Pilling , 266 ; John Fletcher , 730 ; John Urmston , 221 ; ' T . Edwards , 730 ; J . C . Varley , S . E . 227 ; T . R . Wilkinson , H . 2350 ; T . G . Christian , Prov . G . S . B .: and T . B . Goulbourn , H . 221 .

The chapter having been formally opened and the companions admitted , the CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL addressed the companions on the nature of the meeting , and called the D . C . to state the wishes of the companions , and the proceedings they had taken in respect to the charter . The petition and charter having been read , the CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL inquired if the companions of the new chapter approved of the officers who were nominated in the charter to preside over them .

On signifying their approval , the following oration was given by Comp . the Rev . W . H . BAYNES , M . A ., P . Z ., Prov . G . S . N ., in the course of which

he said : That Freemasons were a society of men blended together in the form of a brother , hood , linked one to the other by certain ties for a common purpose—the pursuit of knowledge with a view to benefit the whole human race . The ties were twofold—outward and inward . There was the double outward tie in the shape ( first ) of an obligation to be true to the rules of the Craft and to help a brother in the

time of need , and ( secondly ) of those special signs and words , kept secret from the world , but enabling Masons to make themselves known to each other . There was also the inner tie of a common purpose , and where a common purpose was so noble as that of advancing the happiness and general good of the greatest number , it could not help proving attractive in its power , drawing together from all quarters men of all ranks and conditions of life . That had ever proved the

case in Masonry , and it was no empty boast in their ceremonies , where they claimed monarchs as promoters of their art , who had not thought it derogatory from their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel and join in their mysteries . It had been so with some of England's princes—the father and two uncles of our Queen , one of whom became King of England , William 111 ., Charles II ., and , if old records are to be trusted , Henry VII ., Henry VI ., and

Edward III ., were all of them Masons , being present at their meetings , and doing much for the betterment of the art . The Royal favour then shown , as also that shown by some of the Saxon and early Norman kings , might partly be accounted for by the fact of so many grand buildings , in which they took an active interest , being erected in their days , for speculative was practised side by side with operative Masonry , and had not been separated from it . Nobles and Ecclesiastics ,

cardinals and bishops were patrons of the Order , and in every way supported it , even one of the Popes had issued a bull in its favour , granting certain privileges to a guild of Continental Masons . But that favour was not always to be shown . In 1425 , the third year of Henry VI ., while he was a minor , an Act was passed forbidding the assembly of Masons , and making it a felony to do so , punishable by imprisonment and fine . It was , however , never put in force , and remained a dead

letter . History also told how Queen Elizabeth , hearing that Masons possessed secrets which they would not reveal , sent an armed force to York to break up the annual Grand Lodge . The Grand Master , Sir Thomas Sackville , initiated some of the principal officers who were sent on that duly . These finding out what Masonry really was , that it was a Brotherhood composed of skilful architects and lovers of art , who never interfered in State affairs , and that loyalty to the powers

that be was a special duty inculcated on every member , made so favourable a report to the Queen , that she countermanded her orders , and never again tried to disturb the meetings of the Fraternity . It might be noted that this opposition arose when Speculative and Operative Masonry were practised together—when they were definitely separated . Opposition arose from another quarter , though it proved harmless in England . A papal bull was launched against Freemasons

in 1738 . Engemus threatened excommunication not only to Masons , but to all who in any way favoured them , and in January , 1739 , ordained " the servitude of the gallies , the torture of the rack , and a fine of 1000 crown in gold" for all who were daring enough to breathe the infectious air of a Masonic assembly . Grand Lodge replied to this by a grant of , £ 20 to one of the Italian victims of the Edict , who had suffered fearful cruelties at the hands of the Inquisition for

maintaining the innocence of Freemasonry . And well it might do so , for its principles invariably point its members to the fear of God , the love of their neighbour , and honouring of their King . Those principles were the same to-day as in the past , and whtn faithfully carried out must in the end secure the general happiness of the greatest number . Reverence for God , justice and uprightness of conduct towards all men , and love of the Brotherhood were pressed home on

every Mason in season and out of season , in both lodge and chapter . How these lessons were translated into practice might be seen by looking at those monuments of Masonic Charity in the Metropolis to which no less than £ 61 , 801 were contributed last year— £ 8266 more than the previous year—to find a home for 469 aged and distressed brethren or their widows , when not otherwise provided for , and the support and education of 531 children . While , in the province of West

Lancashire , the Educational Fund stood at about ^ 22 , 000 , and the Hamer and Alpass Funds had each about ^ 5000 in addition to annual contributions . Well might they say "May Freemasonry flourish . " "Prosper the Art . " Might the chapter about to be consecrated become a centre of light and knowledge , and prove a blessing to all belonging to or entering it ! Might the result of their labours be the preserving the practice of every virtue , the glory of God , and eternal welfare of every companion ! The chapter was then formally consecrated , dedicated , and constituted according to ancient form .

Consecration Of The Horwich Chapter, No. 2324, Horwich.

The musical portions were given under the direction of Comp . G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org ., assisted by Comps . Goulbourn , Urmsto-i , Heald , and Bibby . The Principals were then installed ( along with Comp . T . R . Wilkinson , into the chair of H ., who was unavoidably absent at the consecration of the Corinthian Chapter , No . 2350 , in the Division of West Lancashire , which took place at Wigan on the previous Saturday ) .

Comp . W . Goodacre installed Comp . Dr . G . H . Whitaker as M . E . Z . Comp . Slyman installed Comp . Hawthorn H . Thornton as H ., and Comp , W . M . Varley as J ., and the other officers were appointed as follows Comps . F . M . Palmer , S . E . ; John Rogers , P . Z ., S . N . ; James Coulthurst , P . Z ., P . S . ; Richard Hampson , Treas . ; Peter Yates , P . Z ., D . C . ; and Robert Heltin , P . Z ., Janitor .

Comp . W . Goodacre gave the addresses in a very able manner . Five joining companions and four candidates were proposed for exaltation and the chapter was closed . The companions then adjourned to an excellent banquet , followed by the usual toasts : "The Oueen , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Excellent G . Z ., " " The Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., Most Excellent Pro G . Z ., and the other Officers of Grand Chapter , " " The Most Excellent , the Grand Superintendentthe Rig ht Hon . the Earl of Lathom , and the

, Officers of Prov . Grand Chapter , " " The Principals of the Horwich Chapter , No . 2524 , " "The Consecrating Officers , " "The Visitors , " and "The Officers of the Chapter . " The banquet was served in a way whicii reflected the highest credit on Comp . Thomas Edwards , and we shall only bo doing justice to the caterer and his staff , when we say that the cuisine was perfect and the services ali that could be desired .

Consecration Of The Llangattock Lodge, At Cardiff.

CONSECRATION OF THE LLANGATTOCK LODGE , AT CARDIFF .

On Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., the important and interesting ceremony of consecrating the above new lodge , which derives its name from the title now borne by the Provincial Grand Master for the Eastern Division of S . Wales , took place at the Masonic Hall , Working-street , Cardiff , the ceremony being

participated in by a large and influential gathering of members of the Craft , representing almost every lodge in the division . The event was rendered all the more attractive and interesting by the presence of Lord Llangattock himself , who , despite the inclemency of the weather , undertook the onerous duty of dedicating the new Iodge , which already has a promised future in

store . The ceremony commenced shortly after 1 o ' clock , when about' 150 brethren assembled at the hall to do honour to the occasion . The Prov ; Grand Master , Bro . Lord Llangattock , was accompanied by his gieatly esteemed Deputy , Bro . Marmaduke Tennant , and the Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . Wm . Williams , P . M ., and was supported by the following brethren :

Bros . Jno . Munday , P . M . 9 60 , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . J . Williams , P . M . 1098 , P . P . SiG . D . Mon . ; D . Williams , P . M . 1992 , P . J . G . W . ; J . W . Boon , P . M . 1753 ; A . P ; Steeds , P . M ., W . M . 1323 ; R . J . Dangerfield , I . P . M . 237 , P . J . G . W . ; Rees Rees , W . M . 679 ; W . Lloyd Edwards , W . M . 2357 ; Wm . Williams , 1807 , P . G . C . ; Thomas Hyman , I . P . M . 2557 , P . G . S . B . ; W . C . Peace , P . M . 9 60 , P . P . S . G . W . ; John Shaw , P . M . 1992 ; Robert H . Carrick , W . M . 1754 ; T . Rodway Hunt ,

P . M . 1323 , P . P . A . G . S . ; Sidney Coleman , P . M . 3 6 , P . P . G . T . ; H . C . Ensor , W . M . 9 60 ; T . Girrett Horder , P . M . 3 6 , P . P . S . G . D . ; F . J . Ferris Bailey , I . P . M . 1992 , P . G . Reg . ; J . H . Taylor , P . M . 1573 ; Harry Samuel , P . M . 9 60 , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . R . Lyne , D . P . G . M . Mon . ; G . Clarry , P . M . 3 6 , P . P . G . D . C ; R . J . Steward , P . M . 960 ; W . L . Yerath , P . M . 1754 , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . G . Ridley ,

P . M . 1992 , P . P . G . S . Northumberland j W . G . Davies , P . M . 3 64 , P . S . G . W . ; W . J . Jenkins , W . M . 493 ; D . Thompson , P . M . 36 ; H . L . Roberts , * W . M . 3 6 , P . A . G . S .: Joseph David , W . M . 1578 , P . P . G . S . ; D . S . Varzopolo , P . M . 9 60 , P . P . J . G . W . ; James Radley , P . M . 9 60 , P . P . G . D . C . ; Isaac Thomas , P . M . 1429 : and F . P . Adey , P . M . 1 754 , P . P . S . G . W .

Bro . MARMADUKE TENNANT presided , and congratulated the founders of the new lodge on the prompt attention which had been paid to their petition by the Grand Lodge of England , and also on the name they had chosen for it .

Bro . FERRIS BAILEY , P . M ., subsequently read the charter appointing Bro . Thomas Matthews , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., the first W . M . of the new lodge , with Bros . John Shaw , I . P . M . ; W . E . Mills , S . W . ; and Charles Jones , J . W . The lodge was then consecrated after ancient custom , and an eloquent address bearing on the history and traditions of Masonry was given by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , after which the VV . M . designate , Bro . Matthews was presented , obligated , and installed .

The latter , after acknowledging in appropriate terms the distinguished honour conferred upon him , invested his officers as follows : Bros . Samuel Jones , Sec . ; W . A . Beer , Asst . Sec . ; Walter James , Treas . ; G . Durstan , D . C . ; W . H . Allen , S . D . ; W . M . Rees , J . D . ; Geo . Bue ] , Org . ; C . J ' . Cudlipp , I . G . ; Theo . Edwards , and D . Morgan , Stwds . ; and Amos Jenkins , Tyler . Congratulatory addresses followed , the P . G . M . being presented with a

founder ' s jewel ; the enthusiasm of the occasion being intens . fied when it was made known that his lordship had presented the handsome banner of the lodge which was suspended above the dais . Complimentary references were then made , having reference to the presence of the P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ; ( Bro . Tennant ) , and the D . P . G . M . for Monmouth ( Bro . C . R . Lyne ) , and the lodge was closed .

Subsequently a banquet was held at the Royal Hotel , where , under the able supervision of Bro . Judah , the genial manager , a most agreeable repast was served . The newly-installed W . M . ( Bro . Matthews ) presided , being suppoited by the Provincial Grand Ofiicers , and Past Masters already named .

The usual toasts were enthusiastically honoured , the whole of the speakers referring in encouraging terms to the foundation of the new lodge , a * " * wishing the members every success . A word of praise is due to the energy and enthusiasm displayed by 1 ^ ° ' Matthews , and tlie Secretary ( Bro . Samuel Jones ) , on whose shoulders M almost the whole , of the initiatory correspondence and preliminary work <" founding the lodge , in respect of which 23 candidates are already awaiting initial ion as members .