MASONIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 1332, 9 June 1877, Page 16

MASONIC.

The opening and consecration of a Soyal Arch Chapter at Port Chalmers on Tuesday (sth inst.) constituted an event notable in its I way, as indicating the steady', progress of Masonry. There are few places in this Colony where the craft is more firmly established and its observances more clo3ely r kept than at the 1 Port, as any Brother may ascertain for himself by paying a visit to the- long established" Marine Lodge there. This festering of the most ancient of our social institutions at quiet, Port Chalmers is the outcome of earnest working on the part of a few enthusiastic Masons/ amongst whom may be mentioned Brothers John Joyce, C. de L. Graham, J. Lowden, and one or two others, all Masons of high degree, whilst the first -two are remarkable for their proficiency in the mysteries ,and working of the craft. With them originated the idea of establishing a Royal Arch Chapter, and nn sooner was it mooted than hearty support was promised by the members of the Marine Lodge, and in consideration of the good service rendered'^to ) Masonry and this lodge in particular,, it was* resolved to name the cbapterjaf ter Bro. Joyce. | The customary requisition ,f or a chatter for the Joyce Royal Arch Chapter was sent to the 1 Grand Chapter, E.C., London, and met with prompt assent, the charter being dispatched by a recent mail, and its reception here was duly notified in our colnmns. Yesterday was the day fixed for the consecration .of the chapter,^ and the exaltation of candidates desirou3 of completing what may be termed the Course of Ancient Masonry. Extraordinary preparations were made to lend eclat to the occasion. The Masonic Hall was specially decorated, and the furniture, pending the arrival of that fo. the Joyce Chapter ordered from England, was lent by the Dunedin Chapters- Invitations were issued far and wide, and drew; together, a rare assemblage of Companions. There' were Excellent Companions Nathan, Myers, Stout, Fordyee, Caldwell, James, Pafcer»on, Fish, Smith, Eldridge ; Companions Lowden, Breb Her, Joyce, Court, BeJssel, Smith, Atkinson Rhodes, Conyers, Henry, Greenfield, and sev eral othera attached to the Scottish and English constitutions.

Proceedings commenced in the afternoon with exaltation, and by 6 o'clock a large number of candidates had received their degree. Excellent Companion Nathan, P.P., and Excellent Companion Myers,. P.P., officiated as exalting officers,

After a short recess, the Chapter, with the- - newly-exalted companions.' re-assembled, and" ' its consecration was proceeded with, in soleaui ' and impressive form, tne'Excellerit Companions P.P. Nathan and Myers' isgain officiating; ; the officers were- installed as; follows:— Excel- •'« lent Companions, J. Louden, ;M.E.Z. J jr HHr, r Dench, H. ; R. Ritchie, J. ; Companions-— J. E6 B s, P. S.; C. DejV Graham* S.Ej;W/ ! Murray, S.N.: J. W. Cummins, T.';' E. GI" Allen and C. G. V. lieigori, First' and Second A.'s; T. Brebner, Janitor, f ,- it . •, '■"-.a During the ceremony of, consecration a very -, marked feature wag ,the singing" of jfche *c- ' sponses " Glory be to God on High', for "His ' Mercy Endureth for Ever^' andfc'e J Ahthem f , 1 ' : •5 All People thaboh Earth doDwelL*? u\>i^ The business of the day having been disposed i. of, the> Companions mci in social t conTOUr^e round the festive board,- and partoolc''of a banquet provided by Excellent 1 Companion 1 ' Joyce. ' ' " ' . '"• '" f ;' '„ • *. 5:->.o r .tt The first three toasts : — " ThtfQueeri, atid.^ Eoyal Arch Masonry, - " BHa Royal Highness, the First Grand Principal,!' and "jTho,Supreme «. Grand Chapter of England," were' given by Excellent Companions 'Nathan, . Myers; 1 and/ Fish,' followed" by several others; which comprised "The Newly -Installed Principals of the' l Joyce Chapter," " ; The Past and Preaent Chap- . tere of the 'Kilwinning Chapter % S;C.,'' **r|The-i Installing Principals," " Th«, Newly, Exalted; Companions," "The Officers ; ! of" the' Chapter* - '• The Chapter ' of Otago," •" " ThY Treaafesf'," !i ", The .Past : Principals * :of ■ sHh# 'Chapter* of • Otago,'* " The Visiting Companions,* coupfadiwjtth, tne .name, ,of ( ; Companion Conyera, I ;, '^Excellent Companions J.'Joyw, ' M.E.Z: Chapter of Ofcago," and 'ttie'fihal toast" Suitable fresp'onses weremadeJ-Ejcdelleht'Cbm-'-panion Joyce ' advocating '■ the establishment of;a ]suitable; Masonic ctiarity. - During the even- - - ing several capital -songs were given ,by Com- , panions Caldwell, Hocking, Tait^VGreenfield, ' and others. * ■ -'- "" Jf ' l

ana outers. , , . f J'l'he festiW proceedings tenninatetl^within' reasonable time; and the visitors from Dunecliri ' were conveyed bact again by. specialv&ain. ,- • -t -