Reviews

REVIEWS

> PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND R . A . CHAPTER OK PENNSYLVANIA . For the year ending 27 th December , 1 XS 7 . Philadelphia : Burk and McFitridge , 306 and 308 , Chestnut-street . 1 S 8 S .

This volume of about 200 pages contains the reports of the usual Quarterly Convocations held during the year , and of the Annual Convocation on the 27 th December . We learn , from the particulars furnished under date the 8 th December last , that the financial position of the Grand Chapter is most prosperous . The receipts , including the balance from previous year , amounted to 7095 dollars ,

and the expenditure to 5386 [ dollars , leaving a balance in hand of 1708 dollars , reducible by amounts due and payable in respect of sundry appropriations to 539 dollars , while the dues outstanding , being added thereto , show a surplus on the 27 th December last , over all appropriations and expenditure , of close on 1616 dollars . The address of the Grand High Priest—Comp . M . H . Henderson—contains

many points of general as well as local interest , one in particular , with which , unfortunately , some of our own lodges and chapters occasionally havepractical acquaintance , being worth recounting . It seems that Comp . Henderson learned in the course of the year that a candidate for exaltation and membership in one of the subordinate chapters having been rejected , a companion , who was a friend of the

applicant , openly stated that it " would be a long time before anyone else received the Degrees in that chapter , " and he at once ordered the Dist . D . G . H . P . to ascertain if the facts were as reported , and , if so , to prefer charges against the companion for un-Masonic conduct , and , if convicted , to expel him . Comp . Henderson then remarks : "When a companion so far forgets his manhood and his Masonic

obligations as to stoop to wholesale blackballing for no better motive than revenge , it is time he was made to understand that he cannot vent his spleen in any such unbridled manner , and that Freemasonry has a method by which she can purge herself of all such disturbers of her peace and harmony . " Comp . Henderson also lays it down as his opinion that " residence does not debar a brother from

applying for the Degrees where he [ pleases ; and that whenever it can be established that a chapter has objected on account of jurisdiction only , the objection will invariably be set aside , and the enquiring chapter be authorised to proceed . " At the close of his address , Comp . Henderson

was re-installed G . H . P . for the ensuing year , and the rest of the Grand Officers were likewise installed and invested . A short historical sketch of Royal Arch Masonry in Pennsylvania , by Comp . Charles E . Meyer , G . Sec , follows , and the report on correspondence and statistics relating to private chapters constitute a valuable appendix .

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CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —An eraergency meeting of this lodge was held at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , on Thursday , the 5 th instant . The members present included Bros . F . Lawrar . ce , W . M . ; J . Brown , J . W . ; George Gardner , P . M ., Sec . ; R . H . Wimpy , S . D . ; F . Walden , J . D . ; J . Rowling , D . C . ; C . F . Hughes , I . G . ; C . Hopkins , Stwd . ; N . Defiies , P . M .

185 ; Geo . H . Johnson , A . Skinner , A . Clark , W . C . Dukey , R . Milbourne , W . Clowes , A . Mooney , Jno . Brill , W . H . Wilson , Evan Phillips , Jno . Clarke , and others . Visitors : Bros . H . C . Jefferys , P . M . 902 ; W . J . Dundas , 434 ; G . B . Carny , 16 95 ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B . ; Geo , Wright , W . M . 1612 ; Hy . Wright , P . M . 1827 ; A . Love , 1791 ; A . Hamblin , 1637 ; C . Bellerby , W . M . 2021

Cox , P . M . 1305 ; and W . W . Lee , 1891 . The lodge having been opened , Bro . Alfred Skinner was passed to the Second Degree . Ballot was then successfull y taken in favour of Messrs . Edwin Stretton , Evan Phillips , Bernard F . Haitzhorne , and E . A . Fountain , as candidates for initiation , and the three last-named being in attendance , were impressively initiated into Freemasonry the

by W . M . Bro . Lawrance , W . M ., then vacated the chair to allow Bro . N . Defries , P . M ., to initiate Mr . James Clarke , the ceremony being performed in a highly creditable manner . The W . M . having again resumed the chair and delivered an ancient charge to the newly-initiated brethren , the lodge was closed . Alter an excellent repastthe usual toasts were dul

, y honoured in the customary hearty manner . In giving "The Grand Officers , " the W . M . cordially welcomed Bro . Binckes , who frequently visited them , and whom they almost considered a member of their lodge . Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., in reply , said that nothing could be easier than to respond to the first portion of that toast . It was quitesufficient to mention the honoured names

of the Pro G . M . and Dep . G . M . to ensure a hearty and cordial reception . The services rendered by those two brethren in their distinguished positions were such as to commend themselves to the approbation of all the members of the Order , and when the brethren knew that they not only fulfilled their duties in assisting the M . W . G . M ., but also occupied positions as Prov . G . Masters of two

important provinces where Masonry was popular , nothing need not be said on the part of one who responds to ensure a warm reception . When he came to the second portion of the toast—the Grand Officers—he could only say he felt hi ° -hly complimented in having his name associated with it , although he had expected that on an occasion like the present , there would be those present who would do

more honour to it . No one , however , could more sincerely congratulate the lod ge on its prosperity than he did . He would , as the only representative of the Grand Officers present , desire to heartily congratulate the lodge on having , in so short a space of time as five years arrived at a position which had enabled them to put lorth such coincidences as he had before him . They were remarkable for the frequency of the figure 5 . They had met on

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the 5 th July , having 5 candidates on the agenda for initiation This was the 5 th year of the existence of the lodge , which , during its career , had contributed 50 guineas to the Charities . To complete the chain of coincidences , the 50 th candidate had been initiated that night , which was the 50 th birthday of the worthy Secretary , Bro . George Gardner . He desired , on the part of the Grand Officers ,

to return their sincere thanks , and also his own , for the kind manner in which their health had been proposed , and he could assure them for his colleagues that whatever they could do to promote the interests of the Order they would always endeavour to do . They were bound to do all they could equally with those who did not hold such a position , for he could not find any difference in that respect

between the brethren occupying the highest position and the initiates , for they were bound by the same obligation to promote the interests of the Craft . They should bear in mind that the solemn obligations were not merely matters of words , but embodying wholesome truths , and that the moment they entered the Order they were obliged to uphold the best interests of Freemasonry . Let them

hope that all would be actuated b y the desire to render Masonry what it ought to be , what it should be , and , he would go further and say , what it is—the highest organisation in the world for the promotion of human happiness and the mitigation of human misery . "The Health of the W . Master" was next given by Bro . Geo . Gardner , P . M ., Sec , who said the brethren

present were well aware of the interest taken by their W . M . in the Order , and of the admirable manner in which he discharged his duties . The profession of the W . M . would not allow him to attend punctually , but he had only missed one meeting of the lodge , which was a good result , considering his professional duties . The members were pleased and proud to have such a W . M . Bro . Lawrance ,

W . M ., was the first person he spoke to in reference to the establishment of their succcessful lodge , and he was therefore happy to find him placed in his present position . He was pleased , as Secretary , to assist Bro . Lawrance in carrying out the work of Masonry in the lodge . He asked the brethren to join him heartily in drinking the health of their W . Master .

Bro . F . Lawrance , W . M ., said it Was with great pleasure he rose to thank them for the kind manner in which they had received the toast of his health , and he was especially indebted to Bro . Gardner , who had been pleased to speak of him in flattering terms . He would say that when speaking about the formation of a lodge in that neighbourhood he did not know Bro . Gardner was so ardent a Mason .

It was therefore with great pleasure he found the lodge in its present condition . He was originally the Treasurer , and never intended holding any other office , but this year he found himself occupying the chair . He was pleased to hold that position , being fond of Masonry . There was a great deal in Masonry , and if they looked thoroughly into it and attended lodges regularly he was sure they could

not fail to like it . The initiates would shortly be able to give their opinion of it , and he would say that if they acted up to the principles of Masonry they would be better men than they were before . He was pleased to occupy the chair of the lodge , which he hoped would go on as well as it had previously done . In conclusion , he again thanked them for the kind reception accorded the toast .

"The Initiates" was next given by _ the W . M ., who said there were five candidates down for initiation , but one was unfortunately unable to be present . Some of the initiates that evening were known personally to him , and would , he was sure , make good Masons . He believed they had come in from a sincere desire for knowledge , and had carefully listened to the initiation ceremony . If they

remained in the lodge they would learn to like and appreciate Masonry . 1 heirs was a young lodge , being but five years old , but they had had 50 initiates , and he trusted those initiated that evening would never regret entering the lodge . The initiates having replied , the W . M . gave "The Visitors " in cordial terms .

Bro . H . C . Jefferys , P . M . 902 , and other visiting brethren , having returned thanks , and other toasts having been given , the Tyler ' s toast closed a successful and enjoyable meeting . HENDON LODGE ( No . 2206 ) . —An emergency meeting of this prosperous young lodge was held on Saturday , the 7 th inst ., at the Old Welsh Harp , Hendon .

There were present : Bros . W . M . Stiles , Treas ., I . P . M ., acting as W . M ., in the absence of Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W . Middlesex , who was attending the Prov . Grand Lodge meeting at Stanmore ; J . Thorn , S . W . and W . M . elect ; Fraser , J . W . ; A . H . Scurrah , Sec ; G . Lewis , S . D . ; H . A . Nottingham , J . D . ; VV . W . Langley , I . G . ; E . W . Wheeler , Org . ; A . G . Hearne , D . C . ; W .

B . Parsons , A . D . C . ; A . M . Parsons , Steward ; Whiting , Tyler ; and several other brethren and visitors , amongst the latter being Bros . H . Dickey , I . P . M . 1744 , and Newman , 1541 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Scurrah , who had then arrived , took his chair as W . M ., and raised Bro . Stansell to the Third Degree . Bros . Henry Monson

and J . Medley Gunn were afterwards passed to the Second Degree . * The ballot was then taken for Messrs . H . Cronin and H . W . Lawrence , and the latter gentleman , being in attendance , was initiated . Several brethren present having expressed " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed . The brethren afterwards assembled at Bro . Warner ' s hospitable table , the W . M . presiding . The usual loyal

and Masonic toasts were severally honoured . In proposing the toast of "The W . M ., " Bro . Stiles , acting I . P . M ., said : the W . M . much regretted being absent that night from the first part of the work , owing to his attendance at the Provincial Grand Lod ge , Middlesex but they knew that while their W . M . was absent he was on thorns to be with them , and by dint of energy and a special

carriage , he arrived in time to perform the Third Degree ceremony . They were much indebted to the W . M . for what he did in connection with the foundation of the lodge , and were still further indebted to him for the excellent and praiseworthy manner in which he had carried out the duties

of W . M . of the lodge during the past year . He had spared no pains to ensure the comfort and happiness of every one of its members . They would never get a better Master , and the future Masters would , in honour bound , feel that they must carry out their duties in the way that their fjrst Master had carried out his . Bro . Scurrah was , without

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doubt , the right man in the right place , and he had done his best to make that lodge a success ; he had their heartiest thanks for the excellent work he had done . The Worshipful Master , on rising to respond , was most enthusiastically received . He said he had once more to thank them most heartily for the way in which they had received and honoured that toast . In one way he feltsorn . 1

u— : 1 : * . „ c I . U « I . I « J — •J that the reins of government of that lodge was going out of his hands . They had made his task such a happy one and his officers had so well supported him in his endeavours ' that he retired somewhat reluctantly from the office of their W . M . But , at the same time , he rejoiced that he was yielding his position to one who would , he was sure , endeavour to carry on that work to their satisfaction . He

again thanked the brethren for their kindness to him during his year of office—kindness which he should ever remerrit ber . The Hendon Lodge and its members would always be very dear to him , and if he had occasion to choose between it and any other lodge with which he was connected , he feared that his choice would fall upon their splendid lod ge . The Initiate responded to his toast , stating that he was

much impressed with the beautiful ceremony . "The W . M . elect , " "The Officers , " and " The Visitors" were severally given , the W . M . thanking Bro . Wheeler , Org ., and the lodge choir for their services both in the lodge and at the banquet table . The respective toasts were honoured and responded to

by Bro . Thorn , W . M . elect , the J . W ., and other officers . : , Bros . Dickey and Newman replied for the visitors . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings . The proceedings were enlivened by vocal and instru . mental music , contributed by Bros . F . W . Hearn , Dobbs Wheeler , Monson , W . M . Stiles , Gunn , and A , M . Parsons

HASTINGS . —Dement Lodge ( No . 40 ) A meeting was held on Monday , the gth inst ., at the Castle Hotel . Present : Bros . T . W . Markwick , W . M Rev . J . Puttick , S . W . ; W . S . Allen , J . W . ; J . Pearce Sec ; F . C . Edwards , S . D . ; G . Randell , J . D . ; R . Walmsley , I . G . ; G . H . Gage , Steward ; W . Leslie . Tyler ; E . W . J . Hennah , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; C . E . Botley , P . M . ; W . H . Russell , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C ; Gad Newbery , C . J . Ticehurst , E . J . McCormick , L . J . Jukes , and W . Cooper . Visitor : Bro . G . H . Guy , 2183 .

COLCHESTER . —Angel Lodge ( No . 51 ) . —On Thursday , the 28 th ult ., this lodge celebrated the annual festival of St . John the Baptist , and the occasion was tendered specially interesting from the fact that the Right Hon . Lord Brooke , Prov . G . Master , honoured the lodge by his presence , the first time his lordship had visited the lodge since his installation , at Colchester , in 1883 , by

H . R . H . the Duke of Albany . There was a large attendance of members and visitors to meethis lordship , and the whole proceedings passed with great eclat . His lordship attended the Show of the Essex Agricultural Society in the morning , and left at 2 . 30 , reaching Colchester at 4 . 7 . He was met at Colchester Railway Station by Bros . Hennemeyerand Welch , P . P . G . Wardens , and escorted by them to the lodge room , where he was received with the honours

due to his rank . The business of the day commenced with the installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . Frank Quiiter , S . W ., the ceremony being performed in a most able manner by the out-going W . M ., Bro . George Harrison , P . M . 1828 . The following were appointed and invested officers for the year ensuing : Bros . George Harrison , P . M . 1828 , 1 . P . M . ; F . Horsman ,

5 . W . ; S . D . C . Ablitt , J . W . ; Rev . W . Morgan Jones , P . M . 6 97 , P . P . G . C ., Chap . ; C . Cobb , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., 1 ' reas . ; T . J . Rilling , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C . Eng ., P . G . Sec , Sec ; F . C . H . Jones , S . D . ; H . E . Williams , J . D . ; R . Haward Ives , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec , D . C ; C . Osmond , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . ; Harold Francis , I . G . ; G . F . Wright , Stwd . ; S . Munson , Tyler ; and A . Wright ,

Asst . Tyler . Bro . G . Harrison was re-elected to represent the lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee . Bro . John J . C . Turner proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the R . W . P . G . M . for his kindness in visiting the lodge , alluding to the time that his lordship was installed at Colchester , when he won the hearts of all the Masons of the Province of Essex .

Bro . Grimes seconded the motion , which was supported by Bro . Ives , and having been carried by acclamation , Bro . Lord Brooke thanked the brethren for the hearty way in which he had been received in the Angel Lodge . He had been looking forward to the pleasure of coming , and he congratulated the lodge upon the way in which the ceremony of installation had been performed by Bro .

Harrison . In his Masonic experience he had never seen it better performed than now . The Worshipful Master proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Harrison for his services , remarking that after the commendation of the R . W . P . G . M . he need not say anything to commend it to the support of the brethren . The S . W ., Bro . Horsman , second the proposition , and it having been carried by acclamation , Bro . Harrison re *

turned thanks . He said he had only completed his duty as W . M . by installing his successor . Bro . Welch feelingly alluded to the sad event that took place in the lodge at the last meeting , when Bro . Frederic Wright was seized with illness during the ceremonies , and died within 24 hours . He proposed that the Secretary be instructed to communicate to Mrs . Wright and family the sincerest condolence of the lodge with them in the affliction that had befallen them . The W . M . seconded the proposal ,

which was unanimously carried . The lodge was then closed , and about 60 brethren afterwards dined together at the Cups Hotel , a splendid dinner being well served by the manager , Bro . Charles Edwards , P . M . 254 , P . P . A . G . D . C . Warwickshire . ... In the course of the evening "The Health of the K . W . P . G . M . " was proposed by the W . M ., and his lordship , in it

responding , again spoke of the pleasure which naa given him to be present on that occasion . He was well aware of the high position the Angel Lodge held as trie senior lodge of his province ; and also of the contmuea support the members of it had given to our great Masonic Charities . He called attention to the fact that the lodge

had given the light to several distinguished Mason ^ i referring especially to Bro . John Mann , who he was giaa to see present , and who he knew did good se . , r e ~ 2 Masonry in the province as Secretary to one of his l - ™ Brooke ' s ) predecessors , Bro . Bagshaw . He also mentionea the name of Bro . Railing , who was well known amongst them as a devoted Mason .