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Article ROYAL ARCH. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ZETLAND CHAPTER, No. 1603. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ZETLAND CHAPTER, No. 1603. Page 1 of 1
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Royal Arch.
was , as they were all aware , a most earnest worker . Comp . Scurrah thanked them most heartily for the manner in which the toast had been proposed and received . He admitted he had taken considerable trouble in the
foundation of the Chapter . Being Worshipful Master of the Henry Levander Lodge , and taking into consideration the fact that there was no Chapter in existence in the neighbourhood , he thought it his duty to do his best to support
the formation of this Chapter . He would take the deepest interest in it , and he hoped to continue for some time to be as energetic in Freemasonry as he had been in the past . Comp . Willing also responded , and the toast of
the Visitors was suitably acknowledged by Comps . the Rev . S . T . H . Saunders , Levander , Dean , and Webb . Other toasts followed , including the Scribes E . and N .,
and the other Officers , and the official list was closed in fitting manner by the Janitor . An excellent selection of music was given under the direction of Comp . John Read P . Z ., and a most enjoyable evening was spent .
Consecration Of The Zetland Chapter, No. 1603.
CONSECRATION OF THE ZETLAND CHAPTER , No . 1603 .
THE consecration of this Chapter took place on Satnrday , 19 th instant , at Tofts , Cleckheaton . Althongh the warrant was granted some months ago , nnavoidable delay has taken place . The Chapter was opened by M . E . Comp . C . Letch Mason P . Z . 304 P . P . G . H ., the consecrating Principal acting for and on behalf of M . E . Comp . T . W .
Tew , J . P ., Prov . G . Snpt ., assisted by E . Comp . John Booth P . Z . 258 P . P . G . J . as H „ and E . Comp . the Rev . T . C . Smyth P . Z . Z . 1012 Prov . G . J . as J . There were also present E . Comp . Henry Smith P . Z . 302 Prov . G . S . E ., Herbert J . E . Green Z . 1019 Assist . Prov . G . S . E ., J . Heaton Cadman P . Z . 154 Prov . G . Reg ., Robert Craig P . Z .
304 P . P . G . A . S ., Jas . Bedford P . Z . 304 P . P . G . S . N ., W . B . Alderson P . Z . 495 P . P . G . R ., J . W . Fourness P . Z . 289 Prov . G . Treasnrer , Isaac Gates P . Z . 258 P . P . G . Treas ., Thos . Pickles P . Z . 258 P . P . G . J ., John W . Turner P . Z . 290 Prov . G . Sword Bearer , Arthur A . Stott P . Z . 258 Prov . G . Standard Bearer , W . F . Smithson P . Z . 289 P . P . G . D . C , John Barker P . Z . 258 P . P . G . D . C , Wm . Watson P . Z . 304 Prov . G .
Steward , James Kaye P . Z . 27 o Prov . G . Steward , Joshua Lee P . Z . 290 Prov . G . Janitor , Wm . Thomas Flather 139 , S . H . Stocks P . Z . 258 , J . R . Sampson 258 , Joseph 0 . Wharton P . Z . 258 , Thos . Dodds 289 , Rawson Kelley 258 , Robert Abbott 304 , Thomas Thorpe 304
W . M . Tyers 304 , Samuel Barrand 304 , E . Lord P . Z . 495 , William Allatt P . Z . and Tudor Trevor P . Z . 71 S . C . Chapter being dnly opened , and the Petition and Charter of Constitution having been read by the Prov . G . Registrar Comp . Heaton Cadman P . Z ., the Prov . Grand J . the Rev . T . Smyth , D . D ., delivered the following address : —
It has ever been the rule among Freemasons , from the earliest period to the present time , to inangnrate and dedicate , with solemn ceremonies , onr mystic rites j and consequently we , after the manner of our ancient brethren , have mot to-day to lay the foundation of a moral edifice , based on the principles of onr Holy Order—Brotherly
Love , Relief and Truth . Having been called on by the Consecrating Officer to deliver an address , as part of the ceremony , I have thought it well not to enter into any elaborate description regarding the an . fciquity and probable origin of Royal Arch Masonry ( upon which so many learned conjectures have been brought forward by Oliver and
others ) , bnt rather to select a single character—that of Nehetniahas a pattern to our Order , which coramemoi * ates his name , connected with the high and holy work to which he devoted his substance and energies . We read in the Volume of the Sacred Law that the pious restoration of the walls of Jerusalem under his zealous superintendence
soon roused the hostility and fierce opposition of the neighbouring tribes . Old enmities were awakened , new jealousies stimulated } and everything done to prevent and retard the progress of tho work . The subtle opponents of J . udah ' s prosperity plotted , intrigued and threatened by turns , nay , even concocted a treacherous plan to seize
Nehemiah , in order to kill , or keep him a prisoner . " Now it came to pass , " are his own words , "when Sanballat and Tobiah , and Gesben the Arabian , and the rest of oar enemies , heard that I had bnilded the wall , and that there was no breach left therein .... that Sanballat and Geshen sent nnto me
saying , Come , let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono . But they thonght to clo me mischief . " Too wise and wary did he prove , however , to be duped by their artifice . "I sent messengers unro them , " he proceeds to state . "lam doing a great work , so that I cannot como down . Why shonld the work
cease whilst I leave it and come down to you ? " Earnest nnd zealous in the sacred objsct which the providence of the True ancl Ever-living God Most High had committed to his care , he set abont it nnd steadily adhered to it , with all his might and soul and strength . Daty , in a word , to him -was everything : ancl no device of God ' s or Judah ' s
cunning enemies could frighten , or win , or turn him from it . Well , then , Companions , may his name bo commemorated in onr most impressive and beautiful ceremonies ; and would that all of ns were more imbned with hia self-denying and earnest spirit . First , I would point to his stedfasfc maintenance , by example aud precept ,
of "that virtne , whieh may justly be viewed as the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart , the grace of Charity . " " There were at my table , " he declares in the fifth chapter of the bo- 'k which bear- * his name , " au hundred and fifty nf the Jews and
rulers , besides those that came unto ns from among the brethren that are about u * . Yet required I not the bread of the governor , because tho bondage was heavy npon tbe people , " and again in the reading of the law , "Go your way , eat the fat , and drink the sweet , and send p ortions unto them for whom nothing is prepared . " Let us further
Consecration Of The Zetland Chapter, No. 1603.
notico Nehemiah as adding to the practice of benevolence , the fulfilment of thab Masonic dnty , so beautifully nrged in tbe earliest rites of our ancient Fraternity ; not only did he render to his need y neighbour "those kind offices whioh justice and mercy reqaired at his hands by relieving his distresses , by soothing his afflictions and
by di . iag to him as in similar circumstances he would wish that others should do to himself , " but combined with these graces "such a prudent aud well regulated course of conduct as best contributed to the development of his mental and corporeal faculties in their fnllest energy , thereby enabling him to employ those talents with
which God hacl blessed him , to His Glory and to tho welfare of his fellow creatures . " Instead of bewailing , with folded hands , the long captivity of his exalted nation aud the ruin of that holy and beautiful house , where his fathers had worshipped , he set himself earnestly aud with self surrender to do the will of the God Most High , in
repairing the desolate places of Zion , and displaying the lustre of a holy life to his humbler countrymen . Surely in this , I well may say , that he reads an enduring lesson to us . He shews , in these our own days of turbulent controversy , that whatever may be right , or what , ever wrong , we cannot be wrong in doing justice , in loving mercy , in
walking humbly with God Most High , in denying our wills , in building np others as well as ourselves in the noble principles of our ancient Fraternity , and in practising that obedience to self-surrender by whioh alone we gain a knowledge of that whioh cannot be seen nor felt . Companions , the subject of Jerusalem ' s restoration , and
our own connection with the grand Brotherhood of whioh we to-day appear as members , may well remind us of the solemn duty incumbent on each of us to repair the temple within ourselves . Let ns seek , with all diligence , as well as sincerity , to beantify this sanctuary ; let us ever be careful that it may not be neglected or stripped
of its ornaments , lest Jehovah in grief of our delays and long perversity , withdraw at length from its desecrated rains . Let ns earnestly labour to drive away old enmities and frailties , old habits of indulgence and self-degradation , old cherishad sins , presumptuous and secret . Old things , however , there are which onr
Order , and the bright example of good Nehemiah , bid us emphatically not to part with ; things of necessity , which must be retained if we wish to preserve the Temple within us in all its integrity . Old warm friendships are still to be preserved ; old habits of truth , of kindly affections , of faith and love and fervent prayer ; these should
be carefully watched and adhered to , as the props and buttresses of the spiritual building . For " who shall ascend unto the Hill of the Lord , or who shall rise up in his holy place ? Even he who has clean hands and a pare heart , and that hath nob lift np bis mind unto vanity , nor sworn to deceive his neighbour . He shall receive the
blessing from the Lord , and righteousness from the God of his salvation . " And now , Companions , let me add a few words regarding that which forms the peculiarity of tho work thab Nrfhemiih nader . took to execute , and the memory of which has been perpetuated in the ritual of our Order . The xoorh of life is the battle of life , and the
true and honest worker is a soldier . For we are not called to run its course over a clear and open field , but over one that is barred by obstructions , and infested by enemies . And thns , as those did who wrought at building the walls of Jerusalem and the second Temple , "from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared , "
so must we , if we would truly labour well and finish the task which is given ns to clo , with one baud toil in the work , aud hold with tha other a weapon . Life is all work , inasmuch as we have something to clo to fulfil its ends and secure its reward ; something in itself that is not pleasurable , nor immediately profitable , and this work
is all warfare , for ib has to be done in the face of opposition , inward and outward , with manly resolution and determined energy , in strenuous battle with ourselves and with all the powers of evil . With one hand wo must toil in the work of onr calling , wield with , tbe other the weapons of warfare . Still , although our earthly existence
must prove a scene to ns more or less of fatigue and battle , let us be of good cheer , knowing that He whose sacred and mysterious name we guard with so mnch reverence will be ever with those who strive to hononr Him in truth and sincerity . As this Chapter to-day will be dedicated to the service of our Holy Order , may the Gracious and
Supreme Ruler of bhe Universe dedicate your souls to His blessed service both here and hereafter , and animate you to respond , in the words of our Grand Master David , " O sing unto God , sing praises nnto His name ; magnify Him that rideth upon the heavens , as it were upon an horse . " Praise Him in His name Jah , and rejoice befo . e
Him . Even tbe God who maketh Companions to be of one mind in the honse of their Masonry . So mote it be with you and every future member of Chapter Zetland till the hour shall come , in His good time , when if faithful to the end you and they shall join in the jubilant
strain" All hail to the morning that bids ns rejoice , The Temple ' s completed , exalt we each voice ; Tho copostono is finished , onr labour is o ' or , Tho sound of the gavel shall greet ns no more . " The ceremony of consecration was thon proceeded with , being
rendered tho more impressive by the services of tho musical Compinions , the Prov . G . J . Comp . tho Rev . Dr . Smyth giving the concluding benediction . E . Comp . John Booth P . Z . 253 P . P . G . J . was then regnbirly placed in the chair of Z , the consecrating Principal stating the pleasure it gavo him to instal such a veteran in
Masonry as the first Z . of the Zetland Chapter , and trusted thab under IIH kind and genial sway the Chapter would prosper . E . Comp . Samuel Holdsworth Stocks P . Z . 253 was then regularly placed in the chair of H ., and C imp . William Thomas Flather waa regularly in .-itii . llod into tho chair of J . The fol ' owing apouintmentn wew
made : Comp . J . C . Wharton P . Z . as S . E ., J . It . Sampson 3 . N " ., Thos . Pickles P . Z . as P . S . Several propositions were then made of brethren for exaltation , and a hearty vote of thanks having ' oecn
accorded to the Consecrating Principal E . dmo . C . Letch Mason P Z . 304 , to E . Comp . tho Rev . J . 0 . Smyth , D . D ., Prov . G . J ., for his admirable address , and to the other Companions who had rendered kind services j the Chapter waa closed ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
was , as they were all aware , a most earnest worker . Comp . Scurrah thanked them most heartily for the manner in which the toast had been proposed and received . He admitted he had taken considerable trouble in the
foundation of the Chapter . Being Worshipful Master of the Henry Levander Lodge , and taking into consideration the fact that there was no Chapter in existence in the neighbourhood , he thought it his duty to do his best to support
the formation of this Chapter . He would take the deepest interest in it , and he hoped to continue for some time to be as energetic in Freemasonry as he had been in the past . Comp . Willing also responded , and the toast of
the Visitors was suitably acknowledged by Comps . the Rev . S . T . H . Saunders , Levander , Dean , and Webb . Other toasts followed , including the Scribes E . and N .,
and the other Officers , and the official list was closed in fitting manner by the Janitor . An excellent selection of music was given under the direction of Comp . John Read P . Z ., and a most enjoyable evening was spent .
Consecration Of The Zetland Chapter, No. 1603.
CONSECRATION OF THE ZETLAND CHAPTER , No . 1603 .
THE consecration of this Chapter took place on Satnrday , 19 th instant , at Tofts , Cleckheaton . Althongh the warrant was granted some months ago , nnavoidable delay has taken place . The Chapter was opened by M . E . Comp . C . Letch Mason P . Z . 304 P . P . G . H ., the consecrating Principal acting for and on behalf of M . E . Comp . T . W .
Tew , J . P ., Prov . G . Snpt ., assisted by E . Comp . John Booth P . Z . 258 P . P . G . J . as H „ and E . Comp . the Rev . T . C . Smyth P . Z . Z . 1012 Prov . G . J . as J . There were also present E . Comp . Henry Smith P . Z . 302 Prov . G . S . E ., Herbert J . E . Green Z . 1019 Assist . Prov . G . S . E ., J . Heaton Cadman P . Z . 154 Prov . G . Reg ., Robert Craig P . Z .
304 P . P . G . A . S ., Jas . Bedford P . Z . 304 P . P . G . S . N ., W . B . Alderson P . Z . 495 P . P . G . R ., J . W . Fourness P . Z . 289 Prov . G . Treasnrer , Isaac Gates P . Z . 258 P . P . G . Treas ., Thos . Pickles P . Z . 258 P . P . G . J ., John W . Turner P . Z . 290 Prov . G . Sword Bearer , Arthur A . Stott P . Z . 258 Prov . G . Standard Bearer , W . F . Smithson P . Z . 289 P . P . G . D . C , John Barker P . Z . 258 P . P . G . D . C , Wm . Watson P . Z . 304 Prov . G .
Steward , James Kaye P . Z . 27 o Prov . G . Steward , Joshua Lee P . Z . 290 Prov . G . Janitor , Wm . Thomas Flather 139 , S . H . Stocks P . Z . 258 , J . R . Sampson 258 , Joseph 0 . Wharton P . Z . 258 , Thos . Dodds 289 , Rawson Kelley 258 , Robert Abbott 304 , Thomas Thorpe 304
W . M . Tyers 304 , Samuel Barrand 304 , E . Lord P . Z . 495 , William Allatt P . Z . and Tudor Trevor P . Z . 71 S . C . Chapter being dnly opened , and the Petition and Charter of Constitution having been read by the Prov . G . Registrar Comp . Heaton Cadman P . Z ., the Prov . Grand J . the Rev . T . Smyth , D . D ., delivered the following address : —
It has ever been the rule among Freemasons , from the earliest period to the present time , to inangnrate and dedicate , with solemn ceremonies , onr mystic rites j and consequently we , after the manner of our ancient brethren , have mot to-day to lay the foundation of a moral edifice , based on the principles of onr Holy Order—Brotherly
Love , Relief and Truth . Having been called on by the Consecrating Officer to deliver an address , as part of the ceremony , I have thought it well not to enter into any elaborate description regarding the an . fciquity and probable origin of Royal Arch Masonry ( upon which so many learned conjectures have been brought forward by Oliver and
others ) , bnt rather to select a single character—that of Nehetniahas a pattern to our Order , which coramemoi * ates his name , connected with the high and holy work to which he devoted his substance and energies . We read in the Volume of the Sacred Law that the pious restoration of the walls of Jerusalem under his zealous superintendence
soon roused the hostility and fierce opposition of the neighbouring tribes . Old enmities were awakened , new jealousies stimulated } and everything done to prevent and retard the progress of tho work . The subtle opponents of J . udah ' s prosperity plotted , intrigued and threatened by turns , nay , even concocted a treacherous plan to seize
Nehemiah , in order to kill , or keep him a prisoner . " Now it came to pass , " are his own words , "when Sanballat and Tobiah , and Gesben the Arabian , and the rest of oar enemies , heard that I had bnilded the wall , and that there was no breach left therein .... that Sanballat and Geshen sent nnto me
saying , Come , let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono . But they thonght to clo me mischief . " Too wise and wary did he prove , however , to be duped by their artifice . "I sent messengers unro them , " he proceeds to state . "lam doing a great work , so that I cannot como down . Why shonld the work
cease whilst I leave it and come down to you ? " Earnest nnd zealous in the sacred objsct which the providence of the True ancl Ever-living God Most High had committed to his care , he set abont it nnd steadily adhered to it , with all his might and soul and strength . Daty , in a word , to him -was everything : ancl no device of God ' s or Judah ' s
cunning enemies could frighten , or win , or turn him from it . Well , then , Companions , may his name bo commemorated in onr most impressive and beautiful ceremonies ; and would that all of ns were more imbned with hia self-denying and earnest spirit . First , I would point to his stedfasfc maintenance , by example aud precept ,
of "that virtne , whieh may justly be viewed as the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart , the grace of Charity . " " There were at my table , " he declares in the fifth chapter of the bo- 'k which bear- * his name , " au hundred and fifty nf the Jews and
rulers , besides those that came unto ns from among the brethren that are about u * . Yet required I not the bread of the governor , because tho bondage was heavy npon tbe people , " and again in the reading of the law , "Go your way , eat the fat , and drink the sweet , and send p ortions unto them for whom nothing is prepared . " Let us further
Consecration Of The Zetland Chapter, No. 1603.
notico Nehemiah as adding to the practice of benevolence , the fulfilment of thab Masonic dnty , so beautifully nrged in tbe earliest rites of our ancient Fraternity ; not only did he render to his need y neighbour "those kind offices whioh justice and mercy reqaired at his hands by relieving his distresses , by soothing his afflictions and
by di . iag to him as in similar circumstances he would wish that others should do to himself , " but combined with these graces "such a prudent aud well regulated course of conduct as best contributed to the development of his mental and corporeal faculties in their fnllest energy , thereby enabling him to employ those talents with
which God hacl blessed him , to His Glory and to tho welfare of his fellow creatures . " Instead of bewailing , with folded hands , the long captivity of his exalted nation aud the ruin of that holy and beautiful house , where his fathers had worshipped , he set himself earnestly aud with self surrender to do the will of the God Most High , in
repairing the desolate places of Zion , and displaying the lustre of a holy life to his humbler countrymen . Surely in this , I well may say , that he reads an enduring lesson to us . He shews , in these our own days of turbulent controversy , that whatever may be right , or what , ever wrong , we cannot be wrong in doing justice , in loving mercy , in
walking humbly with God Most High , in denying our wills , in building np others as well as ourselves in the noble principles of our ancient Fraternity , and in practising that obedience to self-surrender by whioh alone we gain a knowledge of that whioh cannot be seen nor felt . Companions , the subject of Jerusalem ' s restoration , and
our own connection with the grand Brotherhood of whioh we to-day appear as members , may well remind us of the solemn duty incumbent on each of us to repair the temple within ourselves . Let ns seek , with all diligence , as well as sincerity , to beantify this sanctuary ; let us ever be careful that it may not be neglected or stripped
of its ornaments , lest Jehovah in grief of our delays and long perversity , withdraw at length from its desecrated rains . Let ns earnestly labour to drive away old enmities and frailties , old habits of indulgence and self-degradation , old cherishad sins , presumptuous and secret . Old things , however , there are which onr
Order , and the bright example of good Nehemiah , bid us emphatically not to part with ; things of necessity , which must be retained if we wish to preserve the Temple within us in all its integrity . Old warm friendships are still to be preserved ; old habits of truth , of kindly affections , of faith and love and fervent prayer ; these should
be carefully watched and adhered to , as the props and buttresses of the spiritual building . For " who shall ascend unto the Hill of the Lord , or who shall rise up in his holy place ? Even he who has clean hands and a pare heart , and that hath nob lift np bis mind unto vanity , nor sworn to deceive his neighbour . He shall receive the
blessing from the Lord , and righteousness from the God of his salvation . " And now , Companions , let me add a few words regarding that which forms the peculiarity of tho work thab Nrfhemiih nader . took to execute , and the memory of which has been perpetuated in the ritual of our Order . The xoorh of life is the battle of life , and the
true and honest worker is a soldier . For we are not called to run its course over a clear and open field , but over one that is barred by obstructions , and infested by enemies . And thns , as those did who wrought at building the walls of Jerusalem and the second Temple , "from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared , "
so must we , if we would truly labour well and finish the task which is given ns to clo , with one baud toil in the work , aud hold with tha other a weapon . Life is all work , inasmuch as we have something to clo to fulfil its ends and secure its reward ; something in itself that is not pleasurable , nor immediately profitable , and this work
is all warfare , for ib has to be done in the face of opposition , inward and outward , with manly resolution and determined energy , in strenuous battle with ourselves and with all the powers of evil . With one hand wo must toil in the work of onr calling , wield with , tbe other the weapons of warfare . Still , although our earthly existence
must prove a scene to ns more or less of fatigue and battle , let us be of good cheer , knowing that He whose sacred and mysterious name we guard with so mnch reverence will be ever with those who strive to hononr Him in truth and sincerity . As this Chapter to-day will be dedicated to the service of our Holy Order , may the Gracious and
Supreme Ruler of bhe Universe dedicate your souls to His blessed service both here and hereafter , and animate you to respond , in the words of our Grand Master David , " O sing unto God , sing praises nnto His name ; magnify Him that rideth upon the heavens , as it were upon an horse . " Praise Him in His name Jah , and rejoice befo . e
Him . Even tbe God who maketh Companions to be of one mind in the honse of their Masonry . So mote it be with you and every future member of Chapter Zetland till the hour shall come , in His good time , when if faithful to the end you and they shall join in the jubilant
strain" All hail to the morning that bids ns rejoice , The Temple ' s completed , exalt we each voice ; Tho copostono is finished , onr labour is o ' or , Tho sound of the gavel shall greet ns no more . " The ceremony of consecration was thon proceeded with , being
rendered tho more impressive by the services of tho musical Compinions , the Prov . G . J . Comp . tho Rev . Dr . Smyth giving the concluding benediction . E . Comp . John Booth P . Z . 253 P . P . G . J . was then regnbirly placed in the chair of Z , the consecrating Principal stating the pleasure it gavo him to instal such a veteran in
Masonry as the first Z . of the Zetland Chapter , and trusted thab under IIH kind and genial sway the Chapter would prosper . E . Comp . Samuel Holdsworth Stocks P . Z . 253 was then regularly placed in the chair of H ., and C imp . William Thomas Flather waa regularly in .-itii . llod into tho chair of J . The fol ' owing apouintmentn wew
made : Comp . J . C . Wharton P . Z . as S . E ., J . It . Sampson 3 . N " ., Thos . Pickles P . Z . as P . S . Several propositions were then made of brethren for exaltation , and a hearty vote of thanks having ' oecn
accorded to the Consecrating Principal E . dmo . C . Letch Mason P Z . 304 , to E . Comp . tho Rev . J . 0 . Smyth , D . D ., Prov . G . J ., for his admirable address , and to the other Companions who had rendered kind services j the Chapter waa closed ,