Provincial Grand Chapter Of North And East Yorkshire.

shirr , addressing his Prov . G . Chapter in November , 1897 , said : " I know there is a very general feeling amongst those in the provinces who have taken the Royal Arch Degree , and have given their best efforts to its proper working , thete has been some disappointment ; that its position' has not been more satisfactory , and there has not been that enthusiasm with respect to it which one mi ght expect . " In this province the case is similar , less than

one-third of our Master Masons enter thc Royal Arch . It is true we have but 16 chapters on our roll , as compared with our 34 lodges ; but those brethren who possess the true Masonic zeal can readily obtain membership in the chapters , none of which are far from their lodges , when Masonic study would be rendered more valuable and interesting by the possession of the Roval Arch—the cooestone of our English Masonic rite .

In 1 S 93 'he Supreme Grand Chapter reduced the period which must elapse between the Third Degree and the Royal Arch from 12 months to four iveeks , the view being entertained that "young Masons who joined the Craft and took the Thiee Degrees regularly , with four weeks' interval , had to wait 12 months before admission to the Royal Arch , which , they were told , was not a separate Degree , but merely the completion of the Third Degree .

Now in that time they had an opportunity of joining many other branches of Masonry , and it was probable that they did not advance to the Royal Arch at the expiration of the 12 months because they had joined other Degrees in the interval . Whilst the Third Degree was fresh in their memories , and they were passing on from the same Degree to the completion of it , it was much more likely that they would join the ranks of other

Degrees and go elsewhere . " In making this great alteration in the regulations , Supreme Grand Chapter expected it would cause considerable additions to the Order , but in this province , at least , such does not appear to have been the case . Whatever may be the merits of other systems which have been evolved from the ancient Craft , it should always be remembered that the Ro > al Arch is the only Order intimately connected with the

Master Mason ' s Degree , and the only system directly practised under the auspices of the same governing body . If the meetings of the chapters are held regularly , and the impressive ceremonials carefully and reverently performed , there should be no lack of attendance , and we would fraternally urge the Principals and members of the chapters to bring the Royal Arch more prominently before the attent'on of their brethren

in the Craft , who have not , as yet , aspired to that exalted Order , We are glad to be able to state that we have reason to believe that thc members of the Royal Arch resident at Selby purpose to revive the St . Germain Chapter at the earliest opportunity . An invitation for holding this meeting at Middlesbrough was kindly sent by the Principals and members of the Marwood Chapter , No . C 02 ; but the Scarborough

companions having sent an invitation previously , the same was gratefully Eccepted , and we shall hope on a future occasion to be favoured with a renewal of the invitation from Middlesbrough . On the present occasion we must express the pleasure we feel on meeting so good an attendance of the companions , and return our best thanks to the Principals and members of

the Old Globe and Denison Chapters for their kindness and hospitality . It is always a great pleasure to visit the " queen of watering-places , " and this pleasure is much enhanced when we meet such cordiality and good-fellowship as is invariably extended to visitors by the Freemasons of Scarborough . The closing hymn having been sung , the Provincial Grand Chapter was closed .

Ths annual banquet was held at the Balmoral Hotel , when thc Grand Superintendent presided , and was supported by a select number of companions . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and an agreeable evening was spent .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

H 32 J — Extract from Pettigrew ' s " Chronicle of thc Tombs . " In Lidbury Church : Ob ., 1617 : "John Stone ( a Freemason ) . On one great corner-stone this stone relied , For blessing to this building , lovcing most

To build God ' s temple , in works he died , And lived the Temple of thc Holy Ghost . In whose hard life is proved and honest fame , God can of stone raise seed to Abraham . " REGINALD ST . A . ROUMIEU .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . George Lodge , No . 242 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Rooms , Doncaster , on Friday , the 5 th inst ., when there were present Bros . F . II . Buckland , acting W . M . j T . VV . turner , S . W ., W . M . elect ; R . Duff , j . W . ; F . Rand , P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; J . Hainsworth , Sec . j II . Foster , S . D . j C . Reasbeck , J . D . ; A . W . Fretwell , D . C ; J . H . Pawson , P . P . G . R ., Org . ; W . C . Wright , l . G . ; W . Mason , Tylerj C . Goldthorpe P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; Alderman R . C . BentleyP . M . ; CM .

, Hartley , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; R . Bridge , P . M . ; J . Shires , P . M . ; C . Porrett ; J King , J . VV . Chapman , II . C . VVhite , J . Hirst , W . H . Ord , J . Charles , J . Venus , W Hastie , J . I * . Hanson , W . Taylor , and others . Visitors : Bros . I . Constable , P . P . G Std . Br . VV . Yorks and P . P . G . D . Lines ; Theo . Barber , P . M . 2259 ; G . Eland , W . M 2259 ; A . Fenton , I . P . M . 2259 J E . Simpson , | . W . 22 = ! 9 ; J . MacBean , P . G . R N . and E . Yorks j 1 . D . Renton , Portland , Conn , I ' . S . A . j I . VV . Swaby , W . M 217 s ; and J . Franks , W . M . IJ . S 2 .

Ihe lodge was opened by Bro . F . II . Buckland , P . M ., in the unavoidable absence of Bro . G . Smith ( who was absent from severe illness ) . The collars were collected , and the following officers , selected from thc Provincial and vLiting brethren , took ¦ reals : Bros . Macbean , S . W . j J . Constable , J . W . ; | . Franks , S . D . ; Theo . Barber , J . D . ; C . Eland , l . G . ; and the candidate Bro . T . W . Turner , S . W ., W . M . elect , was presented by Bros . Bridge and Fretwell to the Installing Master , Uro . Buckland . Ihe certmeny ct inslallation was carried out in a most impressive and able manner by Bro , Buckland , making a great impression upon the candidate and upon the whole

lotlge , too . Hro . Pawson gave the addresses to thc Wardens and the brethren generally . Bro . Goldthuipe was re-elected Charity Representative . The lodge was closed with "Hearty congratulations and good wishes " from all present . The banquet afterwards took place . A splendid repast had been prepared , and after due and ample justice had been done to the good things provided , the following toast list was gone through . The W . M . proposed "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Oueen and tl e Craft , " " The M . W . Grand Master , II . R . II . the Prince of Wales , the Pro Grand Master , the

Craft Masonry.

R . W . Ihe Deputy Grar . d Master , and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and "The R . W . the Prov . Grand Master of West Yorkshire , the W . the Deputy Proy . Grand Master , and Ihe Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . Hartley responding for the latter . Bro . Pawson gave the toast of " The W . M . of St . George ' s Lodge and his Officers , " and the VV . M . responded .

Bro . Renton , America , gave "The Installing Master , " responded to by Bro Buckland . "The I . P . M . and Past Masters " having been given , Bro . Bentley proposed "The Visiting Brethren , " which was responded to by Bros MacBean , Constable , Hardy , and Barber . The Tylers ' s toast concluded the proceedings .

Bro . Suckley , Mus . Bac , Lieutenant and Band Master of the Yorkshire Dragoons , looked in during the eveninc and delighted the brethren with his selections , and accompanied on the piano . The band consisted of Bros . H . C . White , piano ; Duff , organ ; Reasbeck , violin ; and Venus , Arte ; and their performances , either in quirtette , trio , or solo , were quite a musical treat . Very few lodges possess such a band . TheW . M ., Bro . Turner , must be heartily c nngratulated on the success ofthe

whole proceedings , and it is sincerely to be hoped that the truly brotherly feeling evinced is a very favourable omen of a successful and happy year . The following is the list of the oflicers invested : Bros . F . H . Buckland , I . P M ., proxy for Bro . G . Smith ; R . Duff , S . W . ; J . Hainsworth , J . W . ; F . Rand , Treas .: H . C . White , Sec . ; J . Shires , Chap . ; C . Reasbeck , S . D . ; J . VV . Chapman , J . D . ; A . W . Fretwell , D . C . ; J . H . Pawson , Org . ; J . Hirst , l . G . ; C . Porrett and J . VV Taylor , Stwds . j and J . Mason , Tyler .

Star in the East Lodge , No . 650 . The last meeting before the summer recess wis held at the handsome lodge room attached to the Great Eastern Hotel , Harwich , on the gth inst . A goodly number of brethren were present . Bro . Ditchim , W . M ., performed the ceremonies , with the able assistance of the rest of the oflicers , very impressively . Bros . Claxton and Home

were passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Ockenden raised to the Third Degree of a Master Masnn , the ceremony cf raising being performed by Bro . Ward , Town Clerk of Harwich , a Provincial Grand Officer of distinction , and an expert Masonic ritualist . The question of a proposed Masonic Hall to be erected at Dovercourt was brought before the meeting by Bro . Ward and ably advocated , and the feeling in its favour appeared to be general . The lodge was closed .

Bro . Sanders , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., proposed a hearty vote of thanks lo the VV . M . at the banquet which followed , for his conduct in the chair during the past year . Bro . Emra Holmes , P . P . G . R ., P . P . G . D . C , responded to the toast of "Thc Visitors , " and in eulogising the Craft , mentioned the interesting fact with reference to the recent ceremony that the name of a certain personage alluded to , though not in the authorised or revised version of thc Bible , appeared in the German Bible , and pointed to the probable fact that the Masons were the descendants of the Steinmetzen of the Middle Ages , who built the German cathedrals and learnt their traditional secrets .

A very pleasant evening was spent , thanks to the able management of thc supper , which was admirably served , and to the geniality of all concerned . The Star in the East is a very prosperous \ od _ e , and the brethren are fully alive to their Masonic obligations , the Iodge itself being Life Governor to all the Misonic Cl

arities-Lome Lodge , No . 1347 . The election meeting of this lodge was held at the Sutton Masonic Hall , on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., when there were present Bros . Harold Griffiths , W . M ., in the chair j J . H . Asman . S . VV . ; II . VV . Lofts , J . W . j Rev . H . W . Turner , M . A ., P . M ., P . P . G . C , Chap , and Ireas . ; C . A . Hardwick , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , Sec ; J . W . Imray , S . D . ; T . R . Porter , | . l ) . j E . D . Frost , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., D . C . ; T . A . Hill , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; D . ' Napper , I . G . j R . R . WardStwd . j G . C .

, Burry , P . M . ; J . Hosking , P . M . ; G . W . Dixon , P . M . ; Alfred Stribling . P . M . ; Tom Cookes , P . M . ; Hugh Taylor , P . M . ; A . Crook , J . A . Formoy , VV . Dennett , W . Sabine , A . S . Stubington , A . Van Wecde , R . G . Goatcher , C . E . Stribling , F . G . Whitfield , F . Dyke , W . Van Opoen , J . F . Van Oppen , P . M . ; E . M . Gibson , jun ., M . H . Cotton , T . L . Rowse , Robt . R . Banks , E . J . Lowther , P . M . ; G . R . Forster , W . C Cooks , F . N . Smyth , and J . II . Greenwood . The following visitors were present : Bros . IT . Carman , P . M . 2535 ; R . Willock , 1 GS 7 ; C . Braby , 2241 ;

J . Mossop , P . M . 1874 ; E . C . Carr , 23 ; W . R . Dunn , P . M . 2272 ; H . Collings , 134 ; W . J . Taylor , 191 I 2 ; E . M . Gibson , P . M . 1297 ; R . H . Meyer , 17 G 7 ; R . VV . Rer , I . P . M . 190 j R . B . Miller , 5 : ; C . E . Monckley , 1915 ; and A . R . Jackson . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The Secretary read the names of those eligible for thc Master ' s chair , the brethren ' s choice being unanimous in favour of Bro . j . IT . Asman , S . W . The Treasurer , Bro .

Rev . H . VV . Turner , and the Tyler , Bro . N . B . Payne , were unanimously re-elected Bros . Crook , Stubington , and R . G . Goatcher were elected to serve on the Audit Committee . The Secretary having read the by-laws , Bro . Richard Willock , who hid been regulary initiated and passed in the Rothsiy Lii , * e , N ) . lCiij , was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The Treasurer gave notice of motion , " That the usual sum be expended in the purchase of a Past Master ' s jewel for presentation to the retiring W . M . " Bro . G . R . Saunders , 2135 , was proposed as a joining member .

The W . M . then delivered his fourth and concluding lecture ( being the last of a series during his year of office ) , taking for his subjects "From Lnbjur to Refreshment Two Centuries Ago "and "The Foundation o ! Modern Freemasonry . " In dealing with the former subject , the W . M . pointed out that two centuries ago refreshment and labour were carried on simultaneously by the brethren ; in fact , the refreshment formed a regular part of the proceedings , and were served in Iodge during the time it was open and at work . Several extracts from old lodge minutes and by-laws were cited in support of

this statement , and in one instance the W . M . showed that the lodge paid for the refreshment that was consumed during the time the ceremony was being performed . About this period conviviality appears to have been the order of the day , and was the rule rather than the exception , and there was good reason to believe also that the brethren imbibed pretty freely two centuries ago , as several entries of the Treasurer showed in one lodge that Droken glass and panes and the repair to furniture were so frequently enumerated , that the cost must have made serious inroads upon their returns . The

VV . M . then went on to show how Masonry had changed in this particular during recent years , and that some Scotch lodges at the present day provided no refreshment whatever . In concluding this subject , the VVorshipful Master stated that , although the modern Speculative Masons are all so anxious to keep to the rules , regulations , and traditions of their a-icieit brethren and adhere as far as practicable to their doctrines and cust > n ; , yet there were miny distinguished Freemasons of to-day who deem it almoit a penal offence to introduce

anything into an open lodge beyond the scope of the Three Decrees of their ritual , and then showing that these ancient brethren "who they tried to copy" not only partook of refreshment in open lodge , but that the lodge was closed until the binquet had been served and the toasts and harmony of the evening concluded . It appeared to him ( the VV . M . ) that they , as modern Masons , are not consistent in their feeble endeavour to practically carry out thc tenets and principles of their ancient brethren , as they totally ignore the practical application of some of those theories which it has been their

continual boast to openly profess they so much admire . In the second part of the lecture the W . M . commenced by stating that as lie had upon a previous occasion dealt with Freemasonry in England prior to the Grand Lodge Era ( 1717 ) , he would now carry thc subject further , and enumerate the circumstances which now gave rise to our present system ul Freemasonry , and trace its development till the beginning of the present century . The details were then gone into respecting the four old lodges and the modus operandi of their forming of Grand Lodge . The VV . M . showed that it

was at lirst intended for Grand Lodge to apply only to London and Westminster , as evidenced by the 17 ^ 3 Constitutions , whose range now had encircled the whole world , ( In 1723 30 lodges only were attached to Grand Lodge , now there were about 22 S 7 . ) He then traced the development of Grand Lodge through successive years , showing how its influences had increased , how it had been the means of placing and maintaining Masonry upon a pinnacle of dignity , and how it hid raised the general standard or Masonry in thc eyes of the whole of the popular world . The originil Grand Lolge clothing was then briefly described , anJ , in dealing with white gloves , the W . M . pointer ! out that lemon and lavender coloured gloves , and those with black an J otiei * orni-n jntal