Consecration Of The Radnor Chapter, No. 2587.

CONSECRATION OF THE RADNOR CHAPTER , No . 2587 .

A new Royal Arch chapter in connection with the Radnor Lodge , No , 2 " , S 7 , was consecrated on the 15 th inst ., by Comp . the Right Hon . the Eirl Amherst , G . H ., and Grand Superintendent of Kent , assisted by Comps . J S . Eastes , Prov . G . H . ; F . W . Wright , Prov . G J . ; Alfred Spencer , Prov . G . S . E . ; and Horatio Ward , P . Prov . G . J . There were present the following visitors : Comps . Thorpe , Drake , Barron , Terson , Best , Paterson ,

Brewster , Russell , Hire , Samson , Kennett , Mercer , Spurgen , Peden , Saunders , Westropp , Hart , Goddard , Kennett , and Hughes-Hallett . The founders and first officers were as follows : Coups . Lieut .-Col . Hamilton , M . E . Z . ; Rev . J . E . Player , M . A ., H . ; John Creery , J . James D . ' ckeson 'Person , P . Z . ; Dr . A . J . de Butts , S . E . ; Col . G . H O'M illey , S . N . ; Miller Layton , Treas . ; E . T . Ward , P . S . ; Capt . G . D . Marshall Hughes , 1 st A . S . ; and Woldenar O . Kennett , D . C .

Hearty votes of thanks were unanimously voted to Comp . Karl Amherst and the Consecrating Officers ; also to Comp . Horatio Ward for so kindly lending his beautiful gold vessels for the consecration ceremony . Ten candidates were then proposed for the next meeting , and the chapter having been closed , the companions adjourned to the Hotel Wampach for the banquet .

In responding to the toast of " The Grand Officers , " the Grand H . referred to the epidemic at Maidstone and said that he had directed the Treasurer , who was present ( Comp . Russell ) , to send a cheque for £ 25 to the fund row being raised for the sufferers . He had no doubt this would be agreeable to the brethren of the province . He also alluded to the new east

window in the chapter house at Canterbury , a noble work carried out by the Masons of Kent . He wished the new chapter all success , there was plentity of room in this prosperous town of Folkestone for two chapters , and he thought , judging from what he had seen that day , that the Radnor Chapter would prosper and be strong under the guidance of the experienced brethren who had founded it .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Kent Lodge , No . 15 . The first meeting in the winter session of the above lodge was held at Freemasons ' Hall , on Wednesday , the 13 th instant , Bro . Robert W . Bowers , F . R . H . S ., W . M ., presiding . The lodge having' been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Messrs . II . Scott , A . Hutchison , A . Gilbert , D . C . Robinson , and Rev . W . T . Brown , B . A ., were initiated , and Bros . A . G . Grantham , 6 5 , and James Watts , 25 , were elected joining members .

The business ended , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern to banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . H . Scott responded for the toast of " The Initiates , " and the manner in which he acquitted himself was commented upon by the W . M . and other speakers in the course of the evening . Other toasts having been given , the Tyler ' s toast concluded a most enjoyable evening .

There was a goodly array of members and visitors present , among whom were Bros . J . Mason , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; J . H . Hawkins , Ben Nathan , E . Osborne , J . N . Home , E . Loder , and many others .

St . Cuthbert ' s Lodge , No- 630 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 14 t . l 1 instant , at Howden , when Bro . G . C . Everingham , S . W ., was duly installed by Bro . Anderton , P . P . G . W . N . and E . Yorks , in succession to Bro . Brindle . Amongst the distinguished visitors were Bros . M . T . Peck , P . G . D . Eng ., P . G . Sec . N . and E . Yorks , and Hudson , P . G . D . C . Eng ., P . G . Sec . Durham . The brethren adjourned to Walmsley's Hotel and partook of the customary banquet , which was served in Mrs . Walmsley's usual good style .

The toasts were interspersed with songs , & c , from Bros . Baldwin , Turton , Twiney , Peck , and Constable .

Kennington Lodge , No . 1381 , This lodge resumed work on the 5 th instant at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those in attendance were Bros . James Berry , W . M . ; H . Higgins , P . M ., as S . W . j T . Davis , J . W . ; R . La Feuillade , P . M , Treis . ; J . N . Hearn , P . M ., Sec . ; Wolsey , S . D . ; Sharpington , J . D . ; Pohl , I . G . j A . Harris , Stwd . ; George Everett , P . M ., P . G . Treas . ; Major T . C Walls , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . G . Std . Br . ; C . H . Kohler , P . M . ; W . W . Westley , P . M . ; H . Dennis , P . M . ; A . Lundie , P . M . ; Dr . Milsom , P . M . ; Hopkins , Org . ; and F . Reinardt , Tyler .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . W . C . Fowler was raised to the Third Degree . The ballot was then taken on behalf of Messrs . VV . H . Rnbinson and C . J . Mold , and they were duly and impressively initiated by Bro . W . W . Westley , P . M . The lodge was then closed . A banquet followed . Bro . G . hverett , P . G . Treas ., responded on behalf of "The Grand Officers . " In the course of his interesting speech he touched upon the leading features of the great

gatheiing at the Albert Hall , when the proceedings were graced by the presence of the M . W . G . M . He said that in all probability no greater assemblage of Misonsof all classes and conditions would ever be again brought together . In concluding , he reminded his hearers that next year the Piince would preside over another great meeting , namely , the ioo'h anniversary of the Masonic Institution for Boys , when he hoped that Ihe brethren would rally round their Most Worshipful Grand Master and bring up a large amount to enhance the prosperity of the School for all time .

In proposing "The Health of the Past Misters , " the W . M . feelingly alluJed to Ihe death of the I . P . M ., Bro . Colwell . He saii that , unfortunately , their deceased trcthcr had left his family in very poor circumstances , and he hoped that every exertion would be made lo secure the election of two of his children , namely , a boy and a girl to the Masonic Institutions . He also mentioned the name of Bro . Westley , who had

kindlv officiated , for him that day in the lodge , and had performed the ceremonies so well . 'Ihe tojst was acknowledged by Bro . Dr . Millsom , P . M . The toasts of "The Treasurer and Secretary" and " The Officers " were coupled wiih the names of Bros . R . La Feuillade , J . N . Hearn , and T . Davis .

During the evening Bros . Hopkins , A . Lundie , T . Davis , and W . Lingwood enterta ned the brethren , the fine tenor voice of the last-named uiother being heard to great adiantage in the ballads " Mary " and " Sally in our alley . "

Duke of Connaught Lodge , No . 1558 . The installation meeting of this lodge , held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , on the r . ith intt ., proved a great success . The past year has been a very p osperous and pleasant unu under the Mastership of liro . J . A . Shelton , who now hands ever the rein- , of cfllce lo tiro . J . T . Parker , a jubilee Master in a double sense , having I een initiated in the lodge in 1 SS 7 , the Jubilee year , and attaining the chair in 1897 1 he rr . ejmbers present were Bros . J . A . Shelton , W . M . ; J . T . Parker , S . W ., W . M

Craft Masonry.

elect ; H . Havens , J . W . ; T . Taylor , P . VI ., Treas . ; F . V . Catt , P . M .. Sec ; F . Lever , J . W . ; ] . VV . Rattenbury , Org . ; H . L ^ wis , I . G . ; J . R . Smith , P . M . ; F . T . Piummer , P . M .: G . Stokes , P . M . ; A . Blenkarn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; and G . V . Rice , P . M . Visitors : Bros . J . Leach , 340 ; W . J . Rayson , S . W . nyS ; C . Wise , P . M . 115 G ; E . Walker , P . M . 72 ; J . Coote , W . M . 2570 ; H . A . King , 1553 ; R . Carter , 240 ; S . Fras ? r , 2570 ; R . Tilling , P . M . 765 ; J . Morley , 2570 ; J . Hinds ,

2570 ; C . L . Plant , I . P . M . 101 ; H . Humphreys . P . M . 2579 ; H . Cole , J . D . 2579 ; A . H . Jones , | . W . 206 ; W . C . Jones , S . W . 206 ; C . J . Chambers , 834 ; H . G . Holhnd . W . M . 2593 ; H . L . Diprose , P . M . 1 S 53 ; R . C . Goodwin , 917 ; W . C . Smith , P . M . 902 ; J . Pointon , J . W . 1 S 61 ; C . Sweeting , P . M . 700 ; G . W . Diwes , 1962 ; J . Sargent , D . C . 2331 ; W . J . Clark , 1531 ; W . J . Perrin , 1 G 5 S ; W . W . Lee , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; and others .

Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and a satisfactory audit report aodpted , after which Bro . Taylor was raised to the Third Degree . The principal item on the agenda was next proceeded with , and Bro . Julyan Thomas Parker , having been presented as W . M . elect hy Bro . Blenkarn , P . M ., D . C ., was duly installed into the chair . The ceremony was performed by Bro . Shelton with all the precision and impressiveness which has hitherto characterised his Masonic work , and well deserved the high encomiums subsequently passed upon it . The following officers were invested : Bros , fames Alf .

Shelton , I . P . M . ; H . Havens , S . W . ; F . Lever , J . W . ; T . Taylor , P . M ., Treas . ; F . V . Catt , P . M ., Sec . ; A . Blenkarn , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . Middx ., D . C . ; H . Lewis , S . D . ; J . A . Gunstone , J . D . ; G . B . Tatt , I . G . ; R . Ball and R . H . Whymin , Stwds . ; J . W . Rattenburv , Ore . ; and H . Thomas , Tyler . Bro . Shelton , I . P . M ., was the recipient of a handsome Past Master ' s jewel in appreciation of his services , which was presented by the W . M . in an appropriate speech , and acknowledged in an equally appropriate manner . On the proposition of the I . P . M ., it was unanimously decided to

acknowledge the services rendered to the lodge by Bro . T . Taylor , P . M ., who has occupied the position of Treasurer for 12 years past , in an appropriate manner at the December meeting . The W . M . signified his intention of representing the lodge at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and the lodge wis closed . After an excellent repast , served in the large hall , the customary toasts followed interspersed with selections from a lengthy musical programme .

"The Health of the Worshipful Mist : r" wis p-opised by B . o . Shelton , I . P . M ., who remarked that that was the first time he had had the pleasure of proposing the toast , although , in the ordinary course of events , he hoped to have several opportunities in the future . From the support meted out to their W . M ., there wis , doubtless , a prosperous and happy year in prospec . From the wiy in which Bro . Parker ' s work had

been performed—and especially in the investiture of officers—they would have nothing to regret in having placed him in the chair . In view of the lengthy programme before them , he would set an example of short speeches , and ask the members to heartily drink the health of the W . M ., wishing him health and strength , and several initiates of the tight sort .

Bro . J . T . Parker , W . M ., thanked the I . P . M . and brethren very heartily . He wis pleased his health was sufficiently good to enable him to be present , as he had been ill for a long time , and was at one time afraid he should be unable to accept the position . If they would only give him work to do , he would endeavour , by attendance at lodges of instruction , to give them satisfaction , and properly impress the candidates . He thanked them very sincerely for the kind manner in which they had accepted the toast .

For "The Visitors" Bro . C . Wise , P . M ., who responded first , said the W . M . had been installed in the best manner possible . The I . P . M . was a man who took pride n Masonry , and had carried out his duties and given satisfaction , as evidenced that night . The W . M . would maintain the reputation of the lodge with the same exactness and propriety as his predecessor . Bro . E . Walker , P . M . 72 , said he had great pleasure In being present 01 account of his long acquaintance and friendship with the W . M . He had previously been unable to visit them as his chapter met the same evening , but was gild to fulfil hi ; promise to see the W . M . installed .

Bro . J . Coote , W . M . 2579 , expressed his thanks , and mentioned that that wis the first time he had returned thanks for the toast , which was probably owing to the fact that he was installed as W . M . on the preceding Saturday . The working wis such as Gould never be forgotten , and he only hoped to approich it in some measure a year hence when he performed the same ceremony . Bros . Humphreys , P . P . G . S . B . ; Diprose , and Sweeting also replied .

The W . M . next gave "The Past Masters , " and this having been suitably responded to by the Past Masters present , he proceeded to propose " The Health of the I . P . M . " He said he wished to do all honour to the toast possible , although . it required a brother with more eloquence than he possessed . He felt deeply the splendid manner in which the I . P . M . placed him in the chair . Bro . Shelton had been his principal support

and was ever ready to render assistance . The members knew Bro . Shelton as a worthy brother , and also knew what good work he had done in the pist . He ( the W . M . ) would simply ask them to fill their glasses and drink heartily to the health of the I . P . M ., and wish him long life and prosperity to continue a credit to the lodge , and work with pleasure to himself .

Bro . J . A . Shelton , I . P . M ., who met with a very cordial reception on rising to respond , said that if he had given them satisfaction in his work he was amply repaid . When he joined that lodge he made up his mind to work up in the ceremonies , and from the night of his initiation he had attended regularly at lodges of instruction . He only mentioned that to urge upon the younger members the necessity of doing so , as they never knew when they might be called upon to take office , and they should not accept that office unless they were able to perform the w > rk . The past had been a good

year for the lodge , since the time he was installed by Bro . Catt , P . M ., who then came to the rescue in the absence of the I . P . M . He ( the I . P . M ) had done all the work they had given him , and the manner in which he had been spoken of amply repaid him . He would not detain them longer but simply thank them one and all , and express the hope that he might be with them for years to c jme . Bro . T . Taylor , P . M ., Treas ., responded for "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and expressed his gratification at the sound financial condition of the lodge which he hoped would continue .

Bro . Catt , P . M ., Sec , in replying , mentioned that Bro . Smith , a P . M . of the lodge , would be a candidate at the next Benevolent election and in view of the fact that the W . M . was to be a Steward at the approaching Festival , he hoped the case would be well supported . <* Ihe Officers , " was next given , being replied to by Bro . Havens , S . W ., and others

and the Iyler ' s toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close . Bros . Rattenbury and Taylor presided at the pianoforte , and the musical programme included selections by Miss Miriam Shelton ( an accomplished diu * hterof the I . P . M . ) , Bros . Holland , P . M ., Gunstone , and Fash , and Messrs . Hopkins , Phil Payne , and Parker . The Roumanian Mandoline Quartette also contributed some pleasant items .

Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 . A meeting was held on Monday , the iSth instant , atthe Albion Tavern , Aldersjatestreet , E . C . Present : Bros . Thomas Briggs , W . M . j Septimus Croft , I . P . M . ; H . N . Bennett , S . W . ; Rupert Smyth , J . W . ; George Kenning , P . M ., Sec ; C . R . R . Hopper , S . D . ; Arthur B . Hudson , P . M ., J . D . ; Edward Anderton , P . M ., D . of C . ; George Rawlinson , P . M ., Steward ; H . Thomas , Tyler j Matthew R . Webb , P . M . ; Charles Radcliffe Leedham , and Jimes Charles Hayes . Visitors : Bros . George Briggs , P . M . 1572 , and F . Scanlon , 253 > .

The minutes of the meeting held on Mirch 15 th were read and confirm : d . Bro . C . R . Leedham was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M . The W . M . proposed , and Bro . George Kenning , P . M ., seconded , that a tetter of condolence b ; sent to the widow of the late Bro . John Larkin , P . M . The lodge having been closed , the brethren dined together , under the genial presidentship of the W . M .

Recitations and singing , c mtributed by Bros . George Briggs , F . Scanlon , Rupert Smyth , C . R . R . Hopper , and Arthur B . Hudson , greatly enhanced the pleasures of the evening .

Farringdon Without Lodge , No . 1745 . The first meeling of the season was held at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn , on the 27 th ult . Among those present were Bros . John Crans , W . M . ; W . R . West , S . W . ; J . D . West , S . D ., as J . W . ; II . J . Lardner , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . P . G . D . C . Surrey , Treas . ; W . H . Jackson , P . M ., Sec ; E . M . Lott , Mus . Doc , P . G . Org . Eng ., Organist ; I . W . Iliaton , Mus . Doc , P . P . G . O ., Asst . Org . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . G . Std .