Grand Chapter Of Canada.

GRAND CHAPTER OF CANADA .

The twenty-fourth annual convocation of the Grand rhanter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada was held m the Masonic Hall , Hamilton , on Friday , 15 th July , M . E . Comp . Daniel Spry , Z ., presiding . . After the routine business of opening , etc ., tne _ . _ .. __ ,. Grand Z . delivered the following address : and

Companions , — Another year has passed away , , under the protecting care of the Supreme being , we are a " ain permitted to meet in this , the twenty-fourth annual invocation fol - the transaction of such business as the interest 1- of the Royal Craft may demand . I am gratified to be in a position to report the continued prosperity of Capitular Masonry and the absence of any unpleasantness m have been able to

connection with our affairs . So far as I learn , all our chapters continue to prosper , and the utmost good-will prevails among the companions . As we are now assembled in the city where , on the 20 th Tanuarv , 1 S 57 , this Grand Chapter was duly established , it may not be out of place to make some remarks in reference to that important event . At the convention held on the inth Tanuary 1 S 57 there were present but eight

compan-, , ions viz ., Comps . KivasTully , St . John ' s Chapter , loronto ; Thomas Duggan , Chas . Magill and John Harris , of Hiram Chapter , Hamilton ; Thomas B . Harris , of St . John s Hamilton ; and W . C . Stephens , Richard Bull , and Wm . Mercer Wilson . And on the following day , when the Grand Chapter was duly formed by the representatives of Hiram and St . John's Chapters , Hamilton , and St . John s those

Chapter , London , there were present , in addition to above named , Comps . Thomas Francis , Joseph F . Rolfe , Wm Daniel , James Riddell , James M . Rogcrson ( now of Toronto ) , Henry Guest , Mills , and Harley—in all , sixteen companions . Of this number who , twenty-four years ago , did so much to be remembered with gratitude and respect by the Grand Chapter , four of the most prominent are deadand only one or two of those who are

, livin" take any interest now in Masonic matters . T he progress which the city of Hamilton has made during the past twenty-four years may well be esteemed a source of pride by the many enterprising citizens who have aided in placing it in the proud position which it occupies , of beingonc of the principal centres of the commercial , manufacturing , and many other useful interests and industries of our great Dominion , while the Masonic Fraternity have every reason

to he gratilied with the success which has attended tlieir efforts in making Hamilton the great centre of Masonry for the Province of Ontario . The magnificent hall in which we are assembled is a practical proof of their devotion to the Fraternity , and an evidence of their ability to rear a monument in its honour that will endure for ages to come , and point out to those who will be companions of the Order in the far distant future the munificent generosity that flowed from the hands that carried out the design of so

elegant a structure . In the midst of our congratulations we are reminded of thc frailty and uncertainty of human lite , and ate called upon to mourn the departure of some of those who were near and dear to us . On thc 2 SU 1 day of March last R . Ex . Comp . W . H . Weller , PastGrand Masterof Grand Lodge and Past Grand H . of this Grand Chapter , died at

Cobourg after a short illness . Our distinguished brother was initiated into Masonry in St . Andrew ' s Lodge , No . iG , Toronto , during the year 1 S 46 , and was exalted in Ionic Chapter , E . R ., on the 10 th May , 1 S 4 S , and very soon took an active interest in matters pertaining to Freemasonry . As a citizen he was highly esteemed , as evinced by the positions of trust which he occupied ,

and as a Freemason he enjoyed the good will of all who knew him . His genial good nature , and quiet , unobtrusive manner rendering him so exceedingly popular that his absence will be generally felt . We have also to mourn the departure of - At . Ex . Comp . Jas . Kimball , who was our representative near the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts . Comp . Kimball was well-known as a zealous and earnest

Mason , and one of the earnest workers in I-reemasonry . We extend to the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts our warmest sympathy . During the year no new chapters have been established . This is a cause for congratulation , as , for the present , there are sufficient chapters for all practical purposes ; and to decline to issue any more dispensations for opening new chapters—unlessin localities where there arc several lodges

in the surrounding district—will be highly beneficial to the working of the present chapters . Notwithstanding the well-known views of Grand Chapter against granting dispensations to permit companions to be installed as Principals without having previously served in the offices which the Constitution requires , I have had to issue the following , which are three less than were issued last year -.

—To instal as '/ .., not having served as W . M ., 4 . To instal as /_ ., not having served as H ., 3 . To instal as H ., not having served as J ., 3 . _ The action of Grand Chapter in adopting an authorised ritual for the several degrees , has had a beneficial effect . The ofiicers of chapters have availed themselves of every opportunity for obtaining proper instruction , and as a

result , there i . s much greater uniformity and more zeal displayed in working the several degrees . Although my time has been so much occupied that I could notdevote a great portion of it to Freemasonry , I have , as occasion offered , officially visited the following chapters the Hiram , No . 2 , Hamilton ; St . Johns , No . 6 , Hamilton ; Signet , No . M Karri ... Vl ^ fnrlf , Nn 11 . Port Mfinfff

Georgian , No . 56 , OwenSound ; Orient , No . 79 , Toronto . p , ™ e * ch ° f these occasions some of the ofiicers of Grand " -. napter accompanied me , and our reception was of a most hearty character . During the year the following appointments have been made , of representatives near this Grand Chapter : Vermont , K . __ . Comp . lames BNixonto fill the

. , vacancy caused by resi gnation . Illinois , R . Ex . Comps . W . Forbes , . . "T 7 ' , XL'br ; is !< -i ' lohn Ross Robertson , Toronto , Ohio ; th V . Macl , * - > Hamilton ; lu fill vacancies caused by ie absence for several years from the annual convocation tjiand Chapter of the com Damons , who were the

representatives of these Grand Chapters . Wisconsin , R . Ex . !_ . I . '' - * , Meal'iris , Hamilton , to fill the vacancy caused t >> the death of R . *' ... Comp . XV . H . Weller . mm , Committee appointed to revise the Constitution has JtT labours , and as the members of Grand Chapter r __'„ r , nate chanters have been supplied with advance copies tor their consideration , I trust that we will bs enabled

Grand Chapter Of Canada.

to settle this important matter finally and intelligently during the present session . The receipts for the past 3 'ear have been 2035 . 63 dollars , and the expenditure 156 S . 54 dollars , leaving a surplus of 467 . 09 dollars . This gratifying increase in our receipts has entailed considerable additional labour upon the Grand Scribe E . It is again a pleasure to me to speak of the energy and

perseverance of our worthy Grand Scribe , who so faithfully discharges the duties of his office . As I now desire to surrender to my successor the sceptre , which owing ' to your unvarj-ing kindness , I have held for two years , 1 wish to thank you for the cordial support and generous courtesy accorded to me in the discharge of my official duties . The report of the Executive Committee on the Grand Z . 's address having been received and adopted , several

companions presented their credentials , and were received and saluted in the usual manner . The following were elected members of the Executive Committee : R . E . Comps . Henry Robertson , Collingwood ; J . M . Meakins , Hamilton ; James B . Nixon , Toronto ; XV Forbes , Grimsby ; J . J . Mason , Hamilton . Appointed by the M . E . the Grand Z . : R . E . Comps . A . G . Smyth , London ; R . Hendry , junr ., Kingston ; T . C . Macnabb ,

Chatham ; John McLaren , Orangeville ; H . K . Maitland , Guelph . A resolution was adopted _ appointing a special Committee to take into consideration the advisability of organising a scheme of benevolence in connection with the funds of Grand Chapter , and to report some such scheme , if

found advisable , at the next annual convocation . R . E . Comp . Henrir Robertson , M . E . Comps . Daniel Spry , L . H . Henderson are the Committee . A Committee was appointed to procure a suitable testimonial to the retiring Grand First Principal , M . E . Comp . Daniel Spry . The next annual convocation will be held at London .

National Great Priory Of Canada.

NATIONAL GREAT PRIORY OF CANADA .

The National Great Priory of Knights Templar held its annual conclave at Hamilton on Tuesday , July lath , when the following officers were elected and installed : M . E . Sir Kt . Col . W . J . McLeod Moore ,

Lapraine .. ' . ... G . Prior . R . E . Sir Kt . Jas . A . Henderson , Q . C , D . C . L ., Kingston ... G . Sub-Prior . „ Daniel Spry , Barrie ... G . Chancellor . „ Rev . V . Clemcnti , Peterboro' ... ... ... G . Chaplain . „ John Kennedy , Hamilton G . Constable .

,, A . G . Adams , Montreal ... G . Marshal . „ D . McLcllan , Hamilton ... G . Treasurer . „ T . C . Macnabb , Chatham G . Registrar . Provincial Priors—R . E . Sir Knight D . B . Bttrcli , Lambeth , District of Ontario West ; R . E . Sir Knight R . J . Ilovenden , Toronto , District of Ontario Centre ; R . E . Sir Knight \ V . D . Gordon , Kingston , District of Ontario

East ; R . E . Sir knight Isaac II . Stearns , Montreal , District of Quebec ; and R . E . Sir Knight Hon . R . Marshall , St . John , District of New Brunswick . The Great Prior then gave a very lengthy and able address . In the evening a banquet was given the visitors by the Godfrey de Bouillon Preceptory of Hamilton , in their

asylum , James-street . This preceptory has made very rapid progress during the past few months , and at the banquet the visiting brethren took occasion to compliment the members upon the good work done . There were present Right Eminent Sir Knights James A . Henderson , G . Sub-Prior ; D . Spry , G . C . ; James Seymour , D . B . Birch , C . Magill , J . Kennedy , Ino . Moore , and A . G . Smythe ; Eminent Sir

Knights II . A . Baxter , II . A . Grannis , J . B . Smythe , J . B . Bishop , and others . The question of uniforms was settled by allowing each preccptory to choose its own style of uniform . An invitation was received from an eminent commander of California to the Canadian knights to attend a Grand Conclave to be held in San Francisco in 1 SS 3 .

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE .

ITS CLAIM OF AUTHORITY OVER THE SYMBOLIC DEGREES . In days happily gone by , so far as any desire of government or interference in the Symbolic Degrees by the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite existed , many strange and singular incidents transpired , which are , as a matter of

curiosity , woith calling to mind . I ' o one or two we propose to refer . No thoughtful student of Masonry will deny that the first Three Degrees are a part of the system of . the Scottish Rite , but the necessity or occasion for the control of or interference with the Symbolic Degrees by that Rite , where Grand Lodges exist , and the excellent representative form

of government prevails , is to be deprecated and condemned . Whenever , and as soon as , Grand Lodges are established in distant lands where they at present are not , the Supreme Councils there ' governing , in the exercise of wisdom , should surrender entire control over the Symbolic Degrees . This we know to be the sentiment individually and

collectively of the member , of the Northern and of the Southern Jurisdictions of the United States . The difficulties and the unfortunate dilemma of the brethren in Central America , Peru , Colon , the Argentine Republic , Mexico and in Belgium are not out of our memory . Bro . Albert Pike , Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction , well expressed the subject in a manifesto when he

wrote : " The brothers who compose the symbolic lodges know that in England , Scotland , Ireland , the United States , Germany , Sweden and Denmark , symbolic lodges arc governed by Grand Lodges , composed of their delegates . Brethren become restive and discontented under a different form of government , denounce it as an aristocracy and oligarchy , a self-constituted despotism , and at length

break out into open revolt . Sooner or later Masons become discontented with an absolute self-perpetuating power , composed of but few persons , and these not bound to render any one an account of their actions . Popular representation in Masonry throughout the world is moving to a triumphant success , at least in the symbolic degrees . So it should be . And these Grand Lodges

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

should be nationalised , the Supreme Councils should make their surrender of authority , and the provincial lodges , wherever established , should be given their * liberty , that National Grand Lodges may be established , holding supreme control and government over Symbolic Masonry . The Grand Lodge system by representation having been thoroughly established in the last century , before the Scottish Rite assumed any large proportions , no difficulty

was experienced m the Northern States , and only locally in the South , in consequence mainly of acquisition of territory by the United States from France , when Louisiana caused dissension , as is ever the case with anything " Frenchy . " True , in the North , the Scottish Rite would re-confer the first three degrees in accordance with its peculiar ceremonies on some of its candidates , but mainly for instruction . This was more particularly a Cerneau

practice , and a very wise one it was , and might with profit be adopted at the present day , save that the ceremonies in the City of New York may at any time be witnessed upon attendance at the French , Spanish , and some of the German lodges . After the whirligig of transformation which was ever going on in the Cerneau Council , that is , after Cerneau , in 1 S 21 , assumed the title of "Honorary" Commander , and

thereby let in John W . Mulligan as Commander , who resigned ; in 1 S 23 , that Dewitt Clinton might be elected , and he in turn dying in February , 1 S 2 S , was succeeded by Henry C . Atwood . The Council in him bad found a brother equal to any occasion or emergency—brilliant , versatile , fearless , bold , but eccentric , as is particularly seen in his relationship and connection with the symbolic Degrees while Commander of his Supreme Council .

It is worth remembering , however , that in 1833 the Cerneau-Atwood members merged with the Supreme Councils of South America , New Spain , & c , and called themselves the " United Supreme Council for the Western Hemisphere , " thus taking in half the world . The next transformation was in December , 1 S 3 6 , but wepass to 1 S 46 , when

the members became so few that on the 27 th October , on motion of one of their number , John Telfair , the funds in the treasury were divided and the body disbanded . After sundry changes and side scenes , Bro . Foulhouse , Grand Commander of a Supreme Council in Louisiana , reinducted Henry C . Atwood as Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for the State of New York and successor of

Cerneau , who so continued until he died in September , 1 S 60 . The government of Symbolic Lodges under the Scottish Rite was one of Atwood's particular aims . In 1 S 59 , as G . Commander , with Edmund B . Hays as Deputy , and Charles XV . Atwood as Keeper of the Seals , this Supreme Council " in and for the Sovereign State of New York , & c , " " Considering , that the Scotch Rite having for its object the physical , moral , and intellectual progress of individuals ,

and the religious , political , and social emancipation o £ nations , is an eminentl y philosophical institution , and has nothing in common with other Masonic rites , except the great principles of philanthropy which characterise all benevolent societies . " " 2 nd . That the A . A . Scottish Rite , beginning with the ' Apprentice ' Degree and terminating- with the Degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector General , forms a single and inseverable totality , which should continue distinct from

and free and independent of any other Rite ; and that the government and administration of the three first or Symbolic Degrees therefore belong exclusively to the Inspectors General or their representatives . " " 3 rd . That theindependentsovereignty of States should be proclaimed and observed . " " 4 th . Consequently there should exist in every State oi the Union a Supreme Council of the Scotch Rite . "

"Sth . That the Grand Lodge of the State of New York commits a monstrous error , and endeavours to usurp power in arrogating to herself the administration and government of the three first Degrees of Scotch Freemasonry ; that the said Grand Lodge tramples under foot the great principles of toleration , " Szc . Under Article 4 of the Rules and Regulations , it was provided that each symbolic lodge for every candidate

initiated should pay one dollar . 'The fee for the Thirtythird Degree should be ten dollars . " The representatives of the lodges shall form the Symbolic Chamber . The lodges shall transact their business in the First Degree . " These declarations and proclamations of the Cerneau Council under Atwood , Commander , are quite lengthy , covering sixteen printed pages , and were distributed freely in April , iSso , and the friendly intercourse of Grand Lodges

and Supreme Councils of both hemispheres solicited . The Cerneau-Atwood Council then commenced establishing Supreme Councils in every State of the Union , but lost its energy after establishing one for the " Sovereign State of Connecticut , " with a full corps of officers and a similar declaration of instructions as that retained for the Supreme Council of the " Sovereign State of New York . " What a kaleidoscope ! It would puzzle a Philadelphia

lawyer to follow the Cerneau branch of the Scottish Rite , sometimes dating from 1 S 07 , and some of * its seals 1815 . Stability was not one of its characteristics until its final and last mergement into the United Supreme Council , the most sensible and only permanent act for which it should receive all commendation , and in consequence of which the Symbolic Degrees can rest without further annoyance . — New York Dispatch .

Bro . A . S . Emanuel , head of the firm of H . M . Emanuel and Son , silversmiths and jewellers to the Queen , Portsea , had the honour of an interview with- Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master , on Tuesday last , on board the Royal yacht Osborne , at Osborne , and submitted for view the very handsome silvergilt cup manufactured by the firm for the Royal Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club . His Royal Highness also

purchased one of the yacht club pins for himself , and a club brooch for ( lie Princess , as well as several other articles of jewellery . Bro . A . S . Emanuel had also the honour of submitting to the Queen ' s inspection the silver cups manufactured by the firm for the club ; which visit was duly recorded in the Court Journal . On Wednesday afternoon , the same firm received a telegram from Bro .

Major General Du Plat , equerry 111 waiting to Her Majesty the Queen , requesting them to submit the rtipsbefore llieir Serene Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess of Germany . Bro . A . S . Emanuel therefore had another honour conferred upon him , as he showed the cups to their Royal Highnesses , on board the Royal Yacht Albert ., Hi _ same afternoon in Portsmouth harbour ,