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Article SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. ← Page 2 of 3 Article SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. Page 2 of 3 →
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Supreme Grand Chapter.
called the Earl of Mornington Chapter , and to meet at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , London . The foregoing petitions being in all respects regular , the Committee recommend that the prayers thereof be respectively granted . The Committee have also to report that they have received a memorial from the companions of the Jerusalem Chapter , No . 32 , Liverpool , I .
ancashire ( W . D . ) , praying for a charter authorising them to wear a centenary jewel , in accordance with the Royal Arch Regulations , Rule 102 . The memorial being in form and the chapter having proved an uninterrupted existence of 100 years , the Committee recommend that the prayer thereof be granted . The Committee have likewise received memorials , with extracts of minutes , for permission to remove the following chapters :
The Zetland Chapter , No . 1071 , from the Masonic Hall , Alexandrasquare , to the New Masonic Hall , Fore-street , Saltash , Cornwall . The Londesborough Chapter , No . 734 , from the Masonic Hall , Driffield , to the Masonic Hall , Bridlington , Yorkshire ( N . and E . D . ) . The Royal Chapter , No . 207 , from the Freemasons' Hall , to the Sussex Hall , Hanover-street , Kingston , Jamaica .
The Grosvenor Chapter , No . 721 , from the Freemasons' Hall , Eastgaterow , North , to Freemasons' Hall , Queen-street , Chester . The Temperance in the East Chapter , No . 898 , from 6 , Newby-place , Pop lar , to the Town Hall , Stratford . The Committee being satisfied of the reasonableness of the above requests , recommend that the removal of these chapters be sanctioned .
The Committee having taken into further consideration their recommendation for an addition to be made to the number of officers in Provincial and District Grand Chapters , which was referred back by the Supreme Grand Chapter at its last convocation , in order that the numbers of chapters in the respective provinces and districts may be regarded and not the number of lodges , in the recommendation , now beg to recommend—¦
That , in provinces and districts numbering 15 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint annually two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers . In provinces and districts numbering 20 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers , and two additional Provincial or
District Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies . In provinces and districts numbering 30 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint a Provincial or District Deputy Grand Registrar , a Provincial or District Deputy Grand Sword Bearer , two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers , and two additional Provincial or District Assistant Grand Directors of
Ceremonies , and that the Grand Superintendents of provinces or districts be empowered to appoint such Provincial or District Grand Chapter Officers at the first meeting for the annual appointment of officers for the several Provincial and District Grand Chapters after the confirmation of the minutes of Grand Chapter .
T he following chapters having exalted candidates before the expiration of 12 months from the dates of raising , viz .: The Athol-lsrael Chapter , No . 74 , Birmingham . The Pythagorean Chapter , No . 79 , Greenwich . The Downshire Chapter , No . 594 , Liverpool .
The St . Marylebone Chapter , No . 1 305 , London , in violation of Rule 73 of the Book of Royal Arch Regulations , the Committee ordered the candidates to be re-obligated in Chapters , No . 74 , 79 , and 594 , and those chapters to be severely reprimanded , and that the consideration of the irregularity in Chapter , No . 1305 , be postponed for explanation to be given by the chapter .
( Signed ) ROBERT GREY , President . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 19 th April , 1893 . After the ordinary business had been disposed of , the following resolution was passed : " That the cordial thanks of the members of the Committee be
tendered to E . Companion Robert Grey , their President , for the very able and courteous manner in which he has presided over the meetings of the Committee during the past year . " ( Signed ) THOS . CHARLES WALLS . On the motion of Comp . Sir G . D . HARRIS , seconded by Comp . FRANK RICHARDSON , all the recommendations contained in the above report
were carried . Comp . CHARLES N . M'INTYRE NORTH , M . E . Z . 1275 , then moved the following propositions : 1 . That a Committee of Revision be appointed to examine the ritual of Royal Arch Masonry , and to determine the relative positions , and the correct interpretations of certain portions of the same .
2 . That the Committee be composed of the General Committee ; one representative from each Provincial Grand Chapter , composed of 12 or more chapters , two skilled companions selected by the Committee , and the proposer and seconder of the above motion—seven to form a quorum . In doing so , he said , the discussion initiated by the presiding M . E . Z ., at the last convocation , although unexpected , was one at which he was not
surprised , as they all knew those in authority were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the Masonic Constitution , were always solicitous for its Aip ' * P ^ touch with the aspirations and opinions of the rank a "d file . But when he found that our leaders were to a certain extent Ue , Py tne obligations of their office , he felt it his duty to bring forward this , the most weighty proposition that could be submitted in this intme
"" uranci Chapter , because the rapid increase in the number of \ i ^ P { ers . the present time would onl y intensify any divergence of opinion , 71101 might exist , unless an authoritative decision was given on the subject , paving for 35 years devoted his spare time to archaeological research , his e Was never to accept an authority until he had examined the foundation n which that authority rested . Apnlvintr that rule to his studv of
Freeasonry , his investigations during his year of office as Master of the New - j . ross Lod ge led to the discovery of the exact site of King Solomon's tio e , anc ' the direct conlirmalion of thcMasonic tradition andhis investigates while preparing for the position he now occupied of M . E . Z . of the Star lapter showed him that ( in the working he was accustomed to ) there were
e a , 1 d there ambiguities which marred the beauties of the Sublime parables r ° " ff the ritual . This led him to search for other authorities , and the Plac 1 as t * lat t ' le several versions , all equally ambiguous in parts , when sorn t 0 £ ? ther clearly showed that they were divergent departures from shl e f insistent original . In fact , the crews who had manned the good cons S ° 7 years '" a" weathers ; at times were too much at sea , and se quentl y had lost sight of a landmark here and there , or
Supreme Grand Chapter.
misunderstood a signal . AH that was necessary was a timely reference to the original chart laid down for our guidance , by this they could take their correct bearings , and all would be fair sailing , as Comp . Fenn told them , the original was still in existence . He agreed with Comp . Fenn that it was not advisable to open the chapter in a different manner . There was great enjoyment in the thought that you
were taking part in a ceremony while perhaps your dearest friend was not in it . It would be too much to ask human nature to do away with that enjoyment . But he could not agree with Comp . Fenn that the ritual would not bear altering , if he meant by this that it must remain as it was at the present day . It did not require altering—it was too precious for that—but it needed revision , so as to bring the conflicting versions to an harmonious
whole . The Royal Arch ritual was like unto a beautiful garment of purple and fine linen , in which the golden thread of Divine truth was closely interwoven ; here enriched by loving hands with pearls of price ; there perchance a missing tache , a slight rent or patch , or may be a gusset on the cross by which its outline was marred ; yet still , in spite of time and rough usage , needing only a careful restoration and loving repair . For this he asked ,
and with it a retention of all that enriched without trangressing the canons formulated for Masons ; a removal of defects , and a restoration on the lines laid down for their guidance by the wisdom of their forefathers . He had spoken in parables—Si talia jungere possis , Sit tibi scire satisbut he must now say a few words in regard to the relative
positions and meaning of certain portions of the ritual . He would not touch on those parts in which a certain latitude was permissible ; time would not allow him to go through the whole of the ceremonies ; but he would mention a few points more particularly relating to the Third Lecture to show the necessity for the Committee asked for .
The ACTING M . E . G . Z ., interrupting , said he understood that Comp . North was moving for a Committee . Comp . NORTH said he was giving reasons why there should be a Committee . The ACTING M . E . G . Z . observed that it did not seem to him to be necessary to go through the ritual in order to get a Committee ,
Comp . NORTH replied that if he was out of order he would put himself in order by moving his motion at the end of his observations . The ACTING M . E . G . Z . said Comp . North ' s argument was before the Committee was appointed , he could give his arguments when the Committee was appointed . Did he not think that his argument should be addressed to the Committee of Grand Chapter .
Comp . NORTH said he merely mentioned these things as a reason why he asked that there should be a Committee appointed . ( Hear , hear . ) There were not many points he had to state , the whole matter would not take five minutes . Comp . North proceeded to point out the parts which bore evidence of forgetfulness , doubt , and hesitation . As Mrs . Malaprop said , it was " a nice derangement of epitaphs , " a jump backwards instead of a continuous narrative . The meanings of certain words were not given correctly . He
contended that there were certain discrepancies which cast a doubt on the correctness of the whole which could only be solved by those versed in Hebrew and kindred languages . He did not ask for enquiry in a destructive spirit or in opposition to those who had so loyally preserved the several workings entrusted to them ; for through that loyalty they were able to trace the divergencies to their proper source , but he would remind them in the words of an old friend of his , " lang syne , " Robert
Storey-Time weareth all A rift may claim a wise examination , A stone decayed may be replaced , Not touched the old foundation .
Ihe question he put was—Would they let the companions who looked to them for guidance perpetuate a ritual part of which was a jumble of unmeaning words and a farrago of nonsense ; or would they give them a ritnal which , when perfect , was a practical sermon instinct with Divine truth ? Could he doubt what their answer would be ?
Comp . W . A . SCURRAH seconded the motion . Comp . THOMAS FENN said : I quite agree with Comp . North that the resolution he has proposed may be one of the most important in its results that Grand Chapter has ever had to consider , and 1 earnestly hope you will pause before giving it support . Until Comp . North spoke—looking at what fell from him at the last convocation—I was doubtful of the object he
had in view . We now learn that his object is to establish a uniform ity of ritual . It only requires , I think , a retrospective glance at our history to show that uniformity is unattainable . Grand Lodge agreed to a uniform ritual , and ordered it to be used by all lodges under the English Constitution , but , although they sent out instructors all over the country , uniformity does not now , and never did , exist . It is well known that many lodges , especially
in the provinces , have their peculiar methods of working , and it is not very long ago that the University of Oxford invented a brand-new ritual of its own , with all modern improvements up to date . ( Laughter . ) The revision of the Royal Arch ritual was conducted under the personal superintendence of the Duke of Sussex , who , it is well known , was an accomplished Biblical student and Hebrew scholar , as well as an expert in Masonic work . The
revised ritual was adopted in 1834 , and it is well known to many of us . Can any further revision be necessary ? In chapters , in the provinces especially , where certain modes of working have been in practice for many years it cannot be expected that a new ritual will be adopted by old workers who , like myself , have arrived at an age when unlearning and relearning becomes a task of memory too great to undertake . I will relate to you , in
a very few words , an incident to show how old workers in the country might be expected to treat any proposed new method—A young Mason from London was visiting a provincial chapter , where an old expert was taking the part of P . S ., . and at a certain point alluded to " Cyrus King of Prussia . " After the ceremony , the young Londoner reminded the old gentleman that Cyrus was King of Persia , not Prussia . " Young man , " he said , " don ' t
you attempt to teach jour elders . I have been 40 years a member of this chapter , and it has always been King of Prussia here , and King of Prussia it shall be while I live . " ( Laughter . ) Seriously speaking , the whole dramatic story of the Royal Arch is a romantic fiction , founded on anachronisms and impossibility . It will not bear rough handling , and
judgingfrom the numberless so-called improvements that have been suggested , it would be very roughly handled , indeed , by such a Committee as that which has been proposed . I do not know exactly what the proposer means b y " determining relative positions , " but if it alludes to the dramatis personaall I can say is that if you put them in their relative chronological positions , you will have to do away with either Z . H . and J ., or with S ., E . and N ,,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Supreme Grand Chapter.
called the Earl of Mornington Chapter , and to meet at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , London . The foregoing petitions being in all respects regular , the Committee recommend that the prayers thereof be respectively granted . The Committee have also to report that they have received a memorial from the companions of the Jerusalem Chapter , No . 32 , Liverpool , I .
ancashire ( W . D . ) , praying for a charter authorising them to wear a centenary jewel , in accordance with the Royal Arch Regulations , Rule 102 . The memorial being in form and the chapter having proved an uninterrupted existence of 100 years , the Committee recommend that the prayer thereof be granted . The Committee have likewise received memorials , with extracts of minutes , for permission to remove the following chapters :
The Zetland Chapter , No . 1071 , from the Masonic Hall , Alexandrasquare , to the New Masonic Hall , Fore-street , Saltash , Cornwall . The Londesborough Chapter , No . 734 , from the Masonic Hall , Driffield , to the Masonic Hall , Bridlington , Yorkshire ( N . and E . D . ) . The Royal Chapter , No . 207 , from the Freemasons' Hall , to the Sussex Hall , Hanover-street , Kingston , Jamaica .
The Grosvenor Chapter , No . 721 , from the Freemasons' Hall , Eastgaterow , North , to Freemasons' Hall , Queen-street , Chester . The Temperance in the East Chapter , No . 898 , from 6 , Newby-place , Pop lar , to the Town Hall , Stratford . The Committee being satisfied of the reasonableness of the above requests , recommend that the removal of these chapters be sanctioned .
The Committee having taken into further consideration their recommendation for an addition to be made to the number of officers in Provincial and District Grand Chapters , which was referred back by the Supreme Grand Chapter at its last convocation , in order that the numbers of chapters in the respective provinces and districts may be regarded and not the number of lodges , in the recommendation , now beg to recommend—¦
That , in provinces and districts numbering 15 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint annually two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers . In provinces and districts numbering 20 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers , and two additional Provincial or
District Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies . In provinces and districts numbering 30 chapters and upwards , the Grand Superintendents shall be empowered to appoint a Provincial or District Deputy Grand Registrar , a Provincial or District Deputy Grand Sword Bearer , two additional Provincial or District Grand Standard Bearers , and two additional Provincial or District Assistant Grand Directors of
Ceremonies , and that the Grand Superintendents of provinces or districts be empowered to appoint such Provincial or District Grand Chapter Officers at the first meeting for the annual appointment of officers for the several Provincial and District Grand Chapters after the confirmation of the minutes of Grand Chapter .
T he following chapters having exalted candidates before the expiration of 12 months from the dates of raising , viz .: The Athol-lsrael Chapter , No . 74 , Birmingham . The Pythagorean Chapter , No . 79 , Greenwich . The Downshire Chapter , No . 594 , Liverpool .
The St . Marylebone Chapter , No . 1 305 , London , in violation of Rule 73 of the Book of Royal Arch Regulations , the Committee ordered the candidates to be re-obligated in Chapters , No . 74 , 79 , and 594 , and those chapters to be severely reprimanded , and that the consideration of the irregularity in Chapter , No . 1305 , be postponed for explanation to be given by the chapter .
( Signed ) ROBERT GREY , President . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 19 th April , 1893 . After the ordinary business had been disposed of , the following resolution was passed : " That the cordial thanks of the members of the Committee be
tendered to E . Companion Robert Grey , their President , for the very able and courteous manner in which he has presided over the meetings of the Committee during the past year . " ( Signed ) THOS . CHARLES WALLS . On the motion of Comp . Sir G . D . HARRIS , seconded by Comp . FRANK RICHARDSON , all the recommendations contained in the above report
were carried . Comp . CHARLES N . M'INTYRE NORTH , M . E . Z . 1275 , then moved the following propositions : 1 . That a Committee of Revision be appointed to examine the ritual of Royal Arch Masonry , and to determine the relative positions , and the correct interpretations of certain portions of the same .
2 . That the Committee be composed of the General Committee ; one representative from each Provincial Grand Chapter , composed of 12 or more chapters , two skilled companions selected by the Committee , and the proposer and seconder of the above motion—seven to form a quorum . In doing so , he said , the discussion initiated by the presiding M . E . Z ., at the last convocation , although unexpected , was one at which he was not
surprised , as they all knew those in authority were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the Masonic Constitution , were always solicitous for its Aip ' * P ^ touch with the aspirations and opinions of the rank a "d file . But when he found that our leaders were to a certain extent Ue , Py tne obligations of their office , he felt it his duty to bring forward this , the most weighty proposition that could be submitted in this intme
"" uranci Chapter , because the rapid increase in the number of \ i ^ P { ers . the present time would onl y intensify any divergence of opinion , 71101 might exist , unless an authoritative decision was given on the subject , paving for 35 years devoted his spare time to archaeological research , his e Was never to accept an authority until he had examined the foundation n which that authority rested . Apnlvintr that rule to his studv of
Freeasonry , his investigations during his year of office as Master of the New - j . ross Lod ge led to the discovery of the exact site of King Solomon's tio e , anc ' the direct conlirmalion of thcMasonic tradition andhis investigates while preparing for the position he now occupied of M . E . Z . of the Star lapter showed him that ( in the working he was accustomed to ) there were
e a , 1 d there ambiguities which marred the beauties of the Sublime parables r ° " ff the ritual . This led him to search for other authorities , and the Plac 1 as t * lat t ' le several versions , all equally ambiguous in parts , when sorn t 0 £ ? ther clearly showed that they were divergent departures from shl e f insistent original . In fact , the crews who had manned the good cons S ° 7 years '" a" weathers ; at times were too much at sea , and se quentl y had lost sight of a landmark here and there , or
Supreme Grand Chapter.
misunderstood a signal . AH that was necessary was a timely reference to the original chart laid down for our guidance , by this they could take their correct bearings , and all would be fair sailing , as Comp . Fenn told them , the original was still in existence . He agreed with Comp . Fenn that it was not advisable to open the chapter in a different manner . There was great enjoyment in the thought that you
were taking part in a ceremony while perhaps your dearest friend was not in it . It would be too much to ask human nature to do away with that enjoyment . But he could not agree with Comp . Fenn that the ritual would not bear altering , if he meant by this that it must remain as it was at the present day . It did not require altering—it was too precious for that—but it needed revision , so as to bring the conflicting versions to an harmonious
whole . The Royal Arch ritual was like unto a beautiful garment of purple and fine linen , in which the golden thread of Divine truth was closely interwoven ; here enriched by loving hands with pearls of price ; there perchance a missing tache , a slight rent or patch , or may be a gusset on the cross by which its outline was marred ; yet still , in spite of time and rough usage , needing only a careful restoration and loving repair . For this he asked ,
and with it a retention of all that enriched without trangressing the canons formulated for Masons ; a removal of defects , and a restoration on the lines laid down for their guidance by the wisdom of their forefathers . He had spoken in parables—Si talia jungere possis , Sit tibi scire satisbut he must now say a few words in regard to the relative
positions and meaning of certain portions of the ritual . He would not touch on those parts in which a certain latitude was permissible ; time would not allow him to go through the whole of the ceremonies ; but he would mention a few points more particularly relating to the Third Lecture to show the necessity for the Committee asked for .
The ACTING M . E . G . Z ., interrupting , said he understood that Comp . North was moving for a Committee . Comp . NORTH said he was giving reasons why there should be a Committee . The ACTING M . E . G . Z . observed that it did not seem to him to be necessary to go through the ritual in order to get a Committee ,
Comp . NORTH replied that if he was out of order he would put himself in order by moving his motion at the end of his observations . The ACTING M . E . G . Z . said Comp . North ' s argument was before the Committee was appointed , he could give his arguments when the Committee was appointed . Did he not think that his argument should be addressed to the Committee of Grand Chapter .
Comp . NORTH said he merely mentioned these things as a reason why he asked that there should be a Committee appointed . ( Hear , hear . ) There were not many points he had to state , the whole matter would not take five minutes . Comp . North proceeded to point out the parts which bore evidence of forgetfulness , doubt , and hesitation . As Mrs . Malaprop said , it was " a nice derangement of epitaphs , " a jump backwards instead of a continuous narrative . The meanings of certain words were not given correctly . He
contended that there were certain discrepancies which cast a doubt on the correctness of the whole which could only be solved by those versed in Hebrew and kindred languages . He did not ask for enquiry in a destructive spirit or in opposition to those who had so loyally preserved the several workings entrusted to them ; for through that loyalty they were able to trace the divergencies to their proper source , but he would remind them in the words of an old friend of his , " lang syne , " Robert
Storey-Time weareth all A rift may claim a wise examination , A stone decayed may be replaced , Not touched the old foundation .
Ihe question he put was—Would they let the companions who looked to them for guidance perpetuate a ritual part of which was a jumble of unmeaning words and a farrago of nonsense ; or would they give them a ritnal which , when perfect , was a practical sermon instinct with Divine truth ? Could he doubt what their answer would be ?
Comp . W . A . SCURRAH seconded the motion . Comp . THOMAS FENN said : I quite agree with Comp . North that the resolution he has proposed may be one of the most important in its results that Grand Chapter has ever had to consider , and 1 earnestly hope you will pause before giving it support . Until Comp . North spoke—looking at what fell from him at the last convocation—I was doubtful of the object he
had in view . We now learn that his object is to establish a uniform ity of ritual . It only requires , I think , a retrospective glance at our history to show that uniformity is unattainable . Grand Lodge agreed to a uniform ritual , and ordered it to be used by all lodges under the English Constitution , but , although they sent out instructors all over the country , uniformity does not now , and never did , exist . It is well known that many lodges , especially
in the provinces , have their peculiar methods of working , and it is not very long ago that the University of Oxford invented a brand-new ritual of its own , with all modern improvements up to date . ( Laughter . ) The revision of the Royal Arch ritual was conducted under the personal superintendence of the Duke of Sussex , who , it is well known , was an accomplished Biblical student and Hebrew scholar , as well as an expert in Masonic work . The
revised ritual was adopted in 1834 , and it is well known to many of us . Can any further revision be necessary ? In chapters , in the provinces especially , where certain modes of working have been in practice for many years it cannot be expected that a new ritual will be adopted by old workers who , like myself , have arrived at an age when unlearning and relearning becomes a task of memory too great to undertake . I will relate to you , in
a very few words , an incident to show how old workers in the country might be expected to treat any proposed new method—A young Mason from London was visiting a provincial chapter , where an old expert was taking the part of P . S ., . and at a certain point alluded to " Cyrus King of Prussia . " After the ceremony , the young Londoner reminded the old gentleman that Cyrus was King of Persia , not Prussia . " Young man , " he said , " don ' t
you attempt to teach jour elders . I have been 40 years a member of this chapter , and it has always been King of Prussia here , and King of Prussia it shall be while I live . " ( Laughter . ) Seriously speaking , the whole dramatic story of the Royal Arch is a romantic fiction , founded on anachronisms and impossibility . It will not bear rough handling , and
judgingfrom the numberless so-called improvements that have been suggested , it would be very roughly handled , indeed , by such a Committee as that which has been proposed . I do not know exactly what the proposer means b y " determining relative positions , " but if it alludes to the dramatis personaall I can say is that if you put them in their relative chronological positions , you will have to do away with either Z . H . and J ., or with S ., E . and N ,,