Provincial Grand Lodge Of Gloucestershire.

of the Charity Secretary , Bro . Vassar-Smith , showed that during- the year one widow ( Mrs . Luckes ) had been elected an annuitant of the R . M . Ben . Institution . Assistance to the extent of 500 votes had also been given to the case of Robert James Tombs , on the application of the Cotteswold Lodge , of which the father of the candidate was for many years a subscribing

member . The candidate was elected . There were now from this province four widows receiving annuities of £ 2 , 2 a year each , and six' boys and five girls were being educated in the Masonic Schools . About £ 270 had been contributed by the province to the Masonic Charities during the year ; the contributions to the Provincial Benevolent Fund had been about - £ 49 .

The resignation of Bro . Gwinnett , as Treasurer of the Masonic Charity Association , had been received in July last , and Bro . J . Walker had been elected in his place . Bro . Gwinnett had been Treasurer of , this Association from its formation , and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him by the Committee for his most valuable services and support .

The report concluded with the announcement that Bro . Sir George Elliot , Bart ., M . P ., the R . W . Grand Master for the Eastern Division of South Wales , would preside at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in February , 1888 , when it was hoped that the province would extend to him the same cordial support that was given to Bro . Sir Michael Hicks Beach in 1885 .

Bro . GWINNETT seconded the adoption of the report , which was seconded by Bro . MOORE , and unanimously adopted . Bro . T . Nelson Foster was then re-elected Prov . Grand Treasurer , and Bro . Vassar-Smith vvas elected Charity Steward under a new scheme of Provincial Charity regulation , which was presented for approval and adopted . The usual vote to the Masonic Charities was also passed . The following appointments to office in Provincial Grand Lodge were

then made by the D . P . G . M .: Bro . J . B . Winterbotham , P . M . 82 ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Dr . Grossman , P . M . 1363 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ Rev . Dr . Lynes , P . M . 1067 ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ H . J . Francillon , P . M . 761 ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ,, T . Nelson Foster ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . ,, E . Trinder ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec .

„ S . Bland , W . M . 493 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ E . T . Chipp , W . M . 1005 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ Perrin , P . M . S 55 ... ... ... Prov . G . S of W . „ C . Green , P . M . 592 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ J . S . Carleton , P . M . 1067 ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . ., W . E . Hayward , W . M . 000 ... ... Prov . G . Swd . B .

„ J . A . Roberts , P . M . 702 ... ... ... Prov . G . Purst . „ F . Clark , 839 ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Harris , P . M . 855 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Newman , P . M . 136 3 .,, ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ E . Fisher , 246 ... ... ... ... p Q - , „ G . Peters , 246 ... ... j l rov . Ur . Mwds . „ H . Phillips ... ... ... ,,. Prov . G . Tyler . Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room .

Consecration Of The George Price Chapter, No. 2006.

CONSECRATION OF THE GEORGE PRICE CHAPTER , No . 2006 .

The Consecration of the George Price Chapter , No . 2096 , took place on Saturday , the iSth inst ., at the Greyhound Hotel , Croyden . It vvas but natural , after the services which has characterised the brief existence of the George Price Lodge , that its members should wish to complete that success by founding a R . A . Chapter . A charter having been obtained , the George Price Chapter was successfully launched into existence , and from the eclat

with which the proceedings were carried out , it is safe to augur a brilliant future for it . The consecration ceremony vvas performed by Comp . General J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., Grand Superintendent of Surrey , assisted by Comps . Col . Shadvveiri-I . Clerke , G . Scribe E . ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . P . G . S . ; F . West , Prov . G . H . Surrey ; R . T . Elsam , Prov . G . J . Surrey ; Chas . Greenwood , Prov . G . Scribe E . Surrey ; H . E . Francis , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey ; A . Saxelby , P . P . G . Reg .

The following is a list of the founders , who , with the exception of Comp . C . H . Woodward , were all present : Comps . Hugh Marcus Hobbs , Scribe E . 463 , P . A . G . D . C . Surrey , M . E . Z .. designate ; Joseph D . Langton , J . elect , 1319 , H . designate ; James S . Fraser , P . Z . 214 and 1549 , P . P . A . G . S . Middx . and Essex , J . designate ; C . H . Woodward , P . Z . ; Arthur Adams , A . Stewart Brown , Maitland H . Dicker , M . L . Levey , P . Z . ; F . Cambridge , Gordon Smith , E . C . Holdsworth , R . W . Wilson , C . Holden , F . Carter ,

Amongst the visitors present were Comps . F . C . Atkinson , 302 ; J , Hamer Owens , P . P . P . S . ; G . Houlton Bishop , 1194 ; Howell P . Cater ; W . A . Frost , 1706 ; Hugh P . Vivian , S . E . 450 ; J . F . H . Woodward , Prov . G . S . E . Middx . ; VV . Brown , P . Z . 174 and 53 8 ; C . E . Ferrv , P . Z . 65 ; E . J . Bell 1524 ; W . E . Samson , 8 ; T . S . Taylor , Z . 933 " ; W . W , Morgan , 141 ; H , Sadler , 169 , G . Janitor ; J . Steel , 452 , P . G . P . S . Surrey ; W . W . Lee , 1524 .

The chapter having been formally opened , the GRAND SUPERINTENDENT briefly addressed the companions on the nature of the meeting , intimating that they were assembled to establish a new chapter , which he had no doubt would have a successful and prosperous career . The founders having signified their approval of the officers named in the charter , the presiding officer proceeded to constitute the companions into a regular chapter , in ancient form .

An excellent oration on the nature and principles of the Institution , having been eloquently delivered by Comp . Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD , P . P . G . S ., the ceremony was proceeded with and carried out in a solemn and

impressive manner . The installation of principals was then effectually carried out by Comp , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Scribe E ., who installed Comps . Hugh M . Hobbs , as M . E . Z , ; Joseph D . Longton , as H . ; and James S . Fraser , as J .

The M . E . Z . invested his officers as follows ; Comps . C . H . Woodward , acting P . Z . and D . C ; A . Stewart Brown , Scribe ; E . Maitland H . Dicker , Scribe N . ; Arthur Adams , Treasurer ; M . L Levy , P . S . ; F . Cambridge , 1 st A . S . ; Gordon Smith , 2 nd A . S . ; E . C , Holdesworth , Steward ; and W . Lane , Janitor . On the motion of the M . E . Z ., the Consecrating and Installing Officers were unanimously elected honorary members , and a vote of thanks ordered

Consecration Of The George Price Chapter, No. 2006.

to be recorded on the minutes for their kindness in assisting at the ceremonies . Comps . General BROWNRIGG and Colonel CLERKE briefl y returned thanks for the honour conferred upon them . A letter was read from Comp . Woodward , and also from Comp . Georg-e Price , who expressed his extreme regret at his unavoidable absence , and his hearty wishes for the success of the chapter .

The M . E . Z . proposed several brethren for exaltation , including Bros W . Pile , P . G . S . B . Surrey ; J . Horsley , 1790 ; and others of the George Price Lodge . A Committee was appointed to frame the by-laws consisting of the three Principals , Treasurer , and the two Scribes . There being no further business for transaction , the chapter was closed in due form .

The companions afterwards partook of an excellent banquet , at the conclusion of which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . "The Queen and R . A . Masonry , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , the Grand Z ., " having been given , The M . E . Z . proposed " The Grand Officers , " and said they were fortunate in having several distinguished members of Grand Chapter

present . It had afforded him the greatest pleasure , not only in connection with the lodge , but also with reference to the chapter , to be supported and assisted by such eminent companions . When he was installed as the second W . M . of the George Price Lodge , he had the honour of being presented by Comp . General Brownrigg , and on the present occasion he had had the

honour and distinction of being installed by such a well known Mason as the Grand Scribe E . The companions were deeply indebted to Col . Clerke for his kindness in attending , and increasing the reputation of the chapter by lending them his name ; and also for consenting to become an honorary member .

The GRAND SCRIBE E ., in reply , said he quite understood that he had been called upon to return thanks , as his old friend General Brownri gg had been reserved for a more important toast . It , therefore , afforded him great pleasure to heartily thank the M . E . Z . for the cordial terms in which he had introduced tbe toast , and the companions for the hearty reception accorded it . He need not say that the Grand Officers of Royal Arch Masonry , as

in the Craft , were always highly gratified at the kind recognition they received . They were , as a rule , companions who had worked long in the Order , and who had done their best to further its interests . In their name he tendered hearty thanks for the reception given the toast . Personall y , he vvas very pleased to be present , for he knew many members of the chapter .

He congratulated them on having , in such' a brief time , attained to the dignity of a chapter in connection with the George Price Lodge . He was aware of the excellent work done by that Iodge , and he had no doubt the chapter would continue in the same path . On behalf of the Grand Oflicers he again thanked them , and also for the cordial reception he had received .

The M . E . Z . then gave "The Grand Superintendent of Surrey , Gen . J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., " and said that many of the companions were members of the George Price Lodge , and were present at the consecration . On that occasion Gen . Brownrigg was unable to attend through ill health , but they would remember that the Grand Officers of Surrey assisted in the heartiest manner to constitute them into a lodge . All vvho were present when that interesting event took place agreed that it was a successful meeting ,

but there was one circumstance which prevented it from being thoroughly successful , and that was the absence of Gen . Brownrigg . They were however , more fortunate at the present time for their chapter had been consecrated by their esteemed Grand Superintendent , whom they vvere pleased to greet . He was convinced there vvas no difference of opinion lhat Gen , Brownrigg was regarded by all with esteem and admiration , and they heartily thanked him for honouring them with his presence that day .

Comp . Gen . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , C . B ., Grand Superintendent , said before he addressed one word to them in reply to the toast , he would express a regret , which they would no doubt share , that Comp . George Price was unavoidably absent . He was undoubtedly with them in heart and spirit , but it would have given them all much pleasure if he could have been present . It formerly took a longer time to get a chapter in connection with a lodge , but he was glad those times were changed , for it assisted to cement

the Masonic bonds and gave a proper tone to a lodge . He hoped the Scribe E . would always send him notices of the meetings , for he vvould attend whenever he possibly could . It was 15 years since he was appointed Grand Superintendent , and at that time Ihere were but three R . A . Chapters , now they numbered 13 , for they had increased more rapidly than the Craft Lodges . It proved the interest taken in R . A . Masonry , and he was rejoiced to find it . He thanked the M . E . Z . for the very kind manner in which he had proposed his health , and the companions for their cordia !

reception . " The Prov . G . H . and J . of Surrey , and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers , " was next given by the M . E . Z ., who heartily thanked them for their attendance , and also for consenting to become honorary members . His thanks were especially due to Comps . West and Greenwood for their kind assistance in making the arrangements for the meeting .

Comp . FRED . WEST , Prov . G . H . Surrey , in reply , said the M . E . Z . had selected him to respond for the kind reference he had made to any assistance they had rendered , and had told them how frequentl y he had visited him to ask his advice , but he could only say that he considered it a privilege to meet a Mason of such great experience as Comp . Hobbs , and that he asked his opinion on the various subjects brought under his notice . He could say

that as a Prov . G . Officer he felt it an honour to be present and take part in the completion of the work which was started in memory of Comp-George Price . If this chapter performed its ritual , and carried out tlie principles of Masonry with the same degree of interest as the lodge , the M . E . Z . would be justified in being as proud of one as he was of the other . It might be oi interest to some to know that during the last twelve months , for

the lodge had found £ 800 towards the support of the Charities , which a young lodge might be regarded as highly creditable . He vvas sure from what he knew of the members of the chapter , that they would keep up the high character the lodge had attained , and they might look forward at no future date to hear from the Grand Superintendent that they had not misplaced the confidence he had reposed in them . „

The P . G . SUPERINTENDENT gave "The Principals of the Chapter , and said that , having obtained permission to propose that toast , he would do so in the fewest words . There was an old saying that " a good wine needs no bush , " and so a good occasion like the present needed no words , for it spoke for itself . He was convinced it was a good occasion when tney appointed the three Principals to rule over the chapter , and those com-