A Masonic Gem.

In fact , if the reproduction were used a bit it would be quite easy to mistake it for the genuine copy of the " Old Charges " located in the British Museum . Such a result would not have been possible had the facsimile been bound in the ordinary way , but the originality of the editor

is exhibited by his determination to make the reproduction in all respects as its model . To achieve this the vellum leaves are bound , or rather sewn , with the back all exposed , exhibiting the process of binding , and the whole is enclosed in covers of wood with a silver clasp . This must be seen to be appreciated .

As a curiosity , the covers exceed those of the facsimiles s and are an attraction beyond what was offered in the circular announcing the volume , besides being at no extra cost to the subscribers .

Bro . Speth tells us that a small , plain block of oak , of great age , but , alas ! sadly worm-eaten , and crumbling to decay , was removed from the " Fitz Alan chapel , " the place of sepulture of the Dukes of Norfolk at Arundel , and came into the possession of Mr . J . Compton Price , the facsimilist . If only enough could

be utilised , it was decided to use the wood for the covers of the facsimile , and " by dint of the most reverend care , an adequate quantity was rendered available . " These " beautiful oak covers " are in all probability 800 or 900 years old , possibly of the same age as the original covers to the MS . in the Museum . Another

link of interest attached to the old oak is that Thomas , Duke of Norfolk , who died in 1732 , whose remains lie in this chapel , was Grand Master of England in 1730 . Certainly we are highly favoured , and I value my copy " beyond that of rubies . " W . J . HUGHAN .

Consecration Of The Bushey Park Lodge, No. 2381.

CONSECRATION OF THE BUSHEY PARK LODGE , No . 2381 .

The roll of lodges in the Province of Middlesex—the number on which has remained stationary during the past four years—was increased to 40 on Saturday last by the consecration of the Bushey Park Lodge , No . 2381 , at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court . A strong body of founders was formed , and Bro . W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D ., Prov . A . G . Sec , having been designated as the first W . M ., a

petition was forwarded to the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., who recommended it to the favourable consideration of the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , who was graciousl y pleased to accede to the prayer of the petitioners , and in due course a warrant was issued authorising the formation of the new lodge .

The ceremony of consecration was ably performed by Bro . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C ., D . P . G . M ., in the unavoidable absence of the Prov . Grand Master . The Consecrating Officer was assisted by Bros . Lieut .-Col . H . Bullock , Prov . S . G . W ., as S . W . ; A . E . Sansom , M . D ., Prov . J . G . W ., as J . W . ; Rev . G . Nugee , Prov . G . C , as Chaplain ; Howard H . Room , Prov . G . Sec . ; Dr . W . Cock , P . P . G . D ., as l . G . ; and W . Wri ght , Prov . G . Org ., as Organist . The visitors present included—¦

Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; J . P . H . Woodward , P . G . S . B . ; Thos . Poore , P . M . 720 ; J . E . Marling , P . M .. Treas . 10 ; C . Veal , W . M . 1549 , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; Rev . J . Seaver , P . M . 3 6 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; J . H . Hoit , P . P . G . S . B . Cornwall ; G . H . Lindsey Renton , | . W . 1 S 3 ; R . P . Angel , 179 ; S . H . Latham , 1962 ; W . G . Kentish , P . M . 1293 ; R . F . Godfrey , 141 ; Walter Wingham , P . M . 25 ; F . A . Powell , P . P . G . Supt . of Works Monmouthshire ; H . J . Gardiner , l . G . 1261 ; A . J . Hirsch , P . M . 1 S 3 ; Hugh Wilson , I . P . M . 1293 ; j . B . Mella , 1559 ; and A . J . Milliard , 1076 .

The founders , all of whom were present , are Bros . W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D . W . M . designate ; W . W . Lee , J . D . 1897 , S . W . designate ; A . Blenkarn , S . W 1558 , J . W . designate ; Geo . R . Langley , P . M . 183 ; J . D . E . Tarr , Prov . G . D . H . J . Wicks , P . M . 126 9 ; G . W . Castle , 1050 ; S . Richardson , P . M . 18 3 ; H Hooper , P . M . 18 3 and 19 S 6 ; and C . Fruen , W . M . 1632 .

The Provincial Grand Officers having entered in procession , the Consecrating Officer took the chair , and appointed his officers pro tern ., and the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees . The hymn— " Hail , Eternal by whose aid , " was then sung by all present , and the D . P . G . M ., addressing the brethren , said they had met that day for a very important event in Masonry—to consecrate and dedicate a new lodge . He would commence the proceedings by calling upon the Prov . Grand Chaplain for prayer .

The PROVINCIAL GRAND SECRETARY stated the wishes of the founders to the Consecrating Officer , who replied , and gave the necessary directions . The founders were arranged in order , and having received some excellent advice from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master respecting the care necessary to be exercised in the admission of new members , signified their approval of the officers named in the petition and warrant .

An eloquent oration was next delivered by Bro . Rev . G . NUGEE , Prov . Grand Chaplain , which was much appreciated by the brethren . The ceremony was then proceeded with , and the lodge was solemnly dedicated and constituted in the usual manner .

The W . M . designate , Bro . W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D ., Prov . Asst . Grand Secretary , was presented by the Prov . Grand Secretary , and regularl y installed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Bro . J . D . T . Tarr , Prov . G . D ., was unanimousl y elected Treasurer , and the officers were invested as follows : Bros . W . W . Lee ,

S . W . ; A . Blenkarn , J . W . ; J . D . T . Tarr , Prov . G . D ., Treasurer ; G . R . Langley , P . M ., Secretary ; H . J . Wicks , P . M ., S . D . ; G . W . Castle , J . D . ; S . Richardson , P . M ., l . G . ; H . Hooper , P . M ., D . C ; C . Fruen , W . M . 1632 , Stwd . ; and F . G . Mitchell , Tyler . The customary addresses were delivered by the Installing Master , Bro . Raymond Thrupp , Deputy Prov . Grand Master .

On the motion of Bro . LANGLEY , Secretary , seconded by Bro . TARR , Treasurer , a cordial vote of thanks was accorded the Consecrating Officers for their kindness in attending to perform the ceremony , and they were unanimously elected honorary members . The DEPUTY PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER thanked the brethren for the compliment paid the consecrating officers , and expressed the pleasure it had afforded them to attend to take part in the proceedings .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then drew attention to the presence of two distinguished Grand Officers—Bros . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , and J . F . H . Woodward , P . G . S . B ., and having thanked them for their attendance , proposed that they should also be elected honorary members . This was carried nem con ., and duly acknowledged by the Grand Officers concerned .

The founders were appointed a Committee to frame the by-laws . Pro positions , consisting of seven candidates for initiation and joining were received and the lodge closed .

Consecration Of The Bushey Park Lodge, No. 2381.

An excellent banquet , which reflected the hig hest credit on the host , Bro . J . B . Mella , was followed by the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . "The Queen and the Craft" was first given , and heartil y received with the customary honours . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER in proposing " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ,

M . W . G . M ., " said it was now something like 15 years since he witnessed the installation of H . R . H . in the Albert Hail in the presence of the most influential body of Masons ever assembled in this country . The good results expected from that event had been realised , for Masonry had made rapid advances , its prestige widely extended , and their Masonic Charities had benefited from the exertions from time to time put forth .

"The Grand Officers" was next given by the WORSHIPFUL MASTER , who said that in the Earl of Lathom they had a Deputy Grand Master who was deservedly popular throughout the Craft , whilst in West Lancashire , over which he so ably presided , he was held in high esteem . The Grand Officers had great duties to perform , and wherever there was important work to be done , they were always to the front . On the present occasion they were honoured with the presence

of three Grand Officers , and he , as the Worshipful Master , could only say the members were grateful for that honour . They had the esteemed Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke , whose name was known and respected throughout the world . As he should have something to say of their Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Raymond Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , at a later period , he should pass on to Bro .

Woodward , P . G . S . B ., who was a P . P . G . Secretary of Middlesex . He had the pleasure of working with Bro . Woodward for some time during his tenure of office , and his efforts resulted in the work of the province being brought to a much more satisfactory state . As the brethren had ample evidence of the work of the rest of the Grand Officers , he should ask them to be upstanding and drink the toast , coupling with it the name of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary .

Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary , in reply , said : Allow me to thank you very much indeed for the very kind and flattering way in which you have received the time-honoured toast of the Grand Officers . I can assure you we are always grateful for the kind way our names are received , and let me assure you that I may say , and believe it to be true , that the Grand Officers are willing to do everything in their power for the furtherance of the good of the Order , and

show they are not undeserving of the honour paid them . To-night I am happily circumstanced , because I need not say much of the Grand Officers , as I am supported by two Grand Officers of your own province , and to whose exertions your province owes a great deal . I remember when your province was not so prosperous as now , and when those two brethren—Bros . Thrupp and Woodward—threw themselves into the work , with the result that it is now in a different position than it was a few years ago . It is entirely owing to them , and I feel that as I am

supported by them I trust you will , from their merits , judge of the other Grand Officers . I cannot sit down without congratulating my old friend , the Worshipful Master , who is one of the senior and most energetic of my colleagues , and no question arises But he has the matter at his fingers' ends—and he is a brother for whom I have the highest respect . I am delig hted to see him in the chair , and also to see , what must be pleasing and gratif ying to him , his son following in his steps as S . W ., and who I hope will emulate his father ' s example . It is a very great and sincere pleasure to be here , and I wish you every possible success .

In proposing " Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M ., " the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said that toast was always well received , and with the utmost cordiality in the Province of Middlesex . Those brethren ivho a week since saw their Provincial Grand Master initiate his son into Freemasonry in a neighbouring lodge , must have been pleased to see him in such excellent health . They hoped their Provincial Grand Master would be with them for many years to rule over the province in the same kind and genial manner that had characterised his sway during the last 20 years .

"The Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Provincial Grand Officers" was then introduced by the WORSHIPFUL MASTER , who observed that Bro . Thrupp , D . P . G . M ., was highly respected throughout the province , and they were much indebttd to him for what he had done that evening , and for the very able manner in which he had consecrated the lodge . They were pleased to welcome Bro .

I hrupp amongst them to render assistance , and for which the founders returned him hearty and sincere thanks . There were many Provincial Grand Officers presentsome were members , some honorary members , and some were visitors—and he was not in a position to sing the praise and g lory of the Provincial Grand Officers , being one himself , but he would ask those brethren who had not attained that honour to be upstanding and drink to the honour of those who had .

Bro . RAYMOND H . THRUPP , D . P . G . M ., responding , said : It is always a pleasing task to return thanks for the body of men who had won their purple by diligent hard work and good qualities , and I am sure those characteristics are always features in every Provincial Grand Officer appointed by Sir Francis Burdett . That is why we have assembled to-night the two Provincial Grand Wardens , the Provincial Grand Chaplain the Provincial Grand Secretary and last , but not least ,

the Provincial Grand Organist , who all admirably performed their duties in the ceremony of consecration . I think in the Province of Middlesex we are a united body , for whoever is appointed there is no jealousy—you do not envy him , but try to emulate and follow his example . Speaking as one of the Provincial Grand Masters' Council , we have our eye on the Masters who really do their work , and sooner or later their labour is sweet and their reward is sure . It having been especially a great pleasure to attend and consecrate a lodge where there were

evidently good men among the founders . When I first heard of a new lodge I shuddered . I knew I had then more work than I could do , and the Provincial Grand Secretary was of the same opinion , and 1 felt at first inclined to put a pitcher of cold water on it , but on seeing the names of the founders , and on re-consideration I was satisfied that the petition should be granted . I hope we have established a new lodge which will do good work , and where harmony and good fellowship will prevail , and which will be a prosperous one , and do honour to the Provincial Grand Master .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next submitted the toast of " The Consecrating Officers , '' and said that as Bro . Thrupp had kindly responded to the preceding toast he should pass him over and refer only to the brethren who , at much trouble and inconvenience , had come down to make the occasion a great success . The Prov . Grand Wardens—Bros . Lieut .-Col . Bullock and Dr . Sansom—carried out their duties in an able manner , whilst the very impressive oration of the Prov . Grand

Chaplain , Bro . Rev . G . Nugee , was highly esteemed by the brethren , and on behalf of the lodge he thaijked that reverend brother . They had also with them their esteemed Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . Howard H . Room , to whom he tendered their most sincere and hearty thanks for all the trouble he had taken to make the evening a prosperous and successful one , for he knew Bro . Room had taken an immense amount of trouble in bringing the Consecrating Officers together and in

making the other necessary arrangements . It had been a great success , and that was to be attributed in a great measure to the Prov . Grand Secretary , who had also performed the double task of D . C , that brother being unfortunately prevented from attending . There was present also his esteemed friend , Bro . VV . Wright , the Prov . G . Org ., who rendered them valuable assistance , and also Bro . Dr . Cock , who kindly officiated as l . G . To all of those brethren the founders of the

Bushey Park Lodge returned sincere thanks , and also for having accepted the position of honorary members , and hoped they would not consider that an empty compliment , but as a sincere wish to see them present on many future occasions . Bro . Lieut .-Col . H . BULLOCK , Prov . S . G . W ., replying , said he did not think he ever remembered seeing a prettier sight—except on Jubilee day—than that which the lodge room presented that evening during the ceremony , His position had