Channel Islands.

him to carry out his project . The application was well considered , and ultimately ordered to stand over until the next meeting for inquiry , and more particular information . The Assistant Secretary mentioned that the sum subscribed towards the Zetland Commemoration Fund had been forwarded and its receipt acknowledged . A vote of thanks was voted to Bro . Clark for the efficient manner in which he had carried out the

duties of Steward—thanks well earned for these exceptional duties , and well deserved by , and we believe freely accorded to him , for the admirable and business-like manner in which he handles his more regular duties of Assistant Secretary . The lodge was closed in solemn form , and the brethren , with few exceptions , repaired to the banqueting room , where the usual good cheer awaited them .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

METROPOLITAN . A ^ ICTOBIA CHAPTER . An emergency convocation of this ancient Order of Freemasonry , was held on Thursday the 29 th ulfc ., when a highly respectable assemblage of the members of this , the highest degree in Freemasonry , recognised iu Grand Lodge , congregated in the chapter-rooms at the George Hotel , Aldermanbury , at

5-30 p . m . Among the members present we noticed Comps . C . Hosgood , Z ., AV . Oliver , H ., AV . Clark , I ., -. AV . Long , N ., GottliieJ , P . T ., Neoincr , 1 st . Assist . S . ; Forge , 2 nd . Assist . fe \ , J . Brett , P . Z . Treas . ; A . Pendlebury , P . Z ., Scribe E ; R . AV . Little , P . Z . ; S . Hubbard , P . G . ; J . j . Carney ; G . Kenning ; H . Bolliter ; L . Musto ; etc . Among the visitors were—J . Smith , P . G . Dir . of Cers . of Grand Chapter ; W . Smith , CIS ., P . Z . ; R , Cottebrune , P . Z . ; R . Tanner , N . ; J . Harvey . C . C . ; T . Eutliven and W . AVilcox .

The cbapter | having been opened iu ancient form the Comps . were admitted , and a ballot taken for the following brethren—AV . R , Baker , 192 ; E . Roberts , 192 ; J . Bright , 192 ; A \ ' . Ashby , 1 , 056 ; R . Ferguson , 177 . Such ballots being in their favour , and those brethren being present , they were mlmitted and exalted into Eoyal Arch Masonry . The mystical lecture was delivered by Comp . C . Hosgood , Z ., the b

symbolical y Comp . J . Brett , and the historical lecture by Comp . A . Pendlebury , and we may here observe that for the correct rendering of the ritual and impressiveness of delivery , it could not be surpassed . And this is the secret of the great success which attends this chapter , which has within the last two years risen to its present state of perfection , and we feel confidently assured that if the companions generally were fully alive to the

importance of prosecuting their studies in Roy . il Arch Masonry with the same efficient zcnl that we have so gratefully experienced iu Craft Masonry , and make themselves acquainted more fully with the details of this the hi ghest acknowled ged degree under the constitution of the Grand Chapter and Grand Lodge of England , they would reflect no greater honour on Royal Arch Masonry than they would upon themselves . AVe were pleased to witness the accession of live novitiates to this flourishinc chanter .

The M . E . Z . then arose , and proposed that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to Comp . J . , 1 . Cauey in furnishing this chapter with such splendid regalia , and on presenting the chapter with a silver trowel ; also a vote of thanks to Comp . G . Kenning , for a complete sec of books including the volume of the Sacred Law , which that companion presented to the chapter ; and likewise to Comp . AV . Long , for the handsome written scroll . Such votes carried unanimousl

were y by the companions . There being no other business before the chapter , the same was closed in ancient form , and the companions adjourned to the banquetting hall , and the companions in full Royiil Arch clothing sat down to a banquet , which was or the most recherche description , supplied by the host of this old ancl now noted house for Freemasonry . The cloth having been removed the MEZ the first

... gave toast which is always received amongst Royal Arch Masons with that loyalty so characteristic of this noble Order , and was received and responded to in a manner worth y of Royal Arch Masons . The next toast was that of " the Earl of Zetland" the i JT . E . G . Z . of the Order . Comp . Hosgood said the noble earl had presided over Royal

Arch Masons for a period of a quarter of a century , and had endeared himself to all Royal Arch Masons , and had made himself the friend of every Mason who respected the dignity and excellency of our noble institution . The next toast the M . E . Z . said ho had the honour to propose was that of a noble earl , who was more noble by his virtues than his birth , the protector and ornament of this sublime degree , "Earl De Grey and Riponthe G . H . and the rest of the

, , Grand Officers , " and he would couple with that toast the name of one who he felt sure when they hoard it , it would carry with it the enthusiasm of all hearts , that of our worthy Comp . Joseph Smith , P . G . Dir . of Cers . of G . Chapter , the oecupyingof which bad been productive of so much good to Royal Arch Masonry . It was a name that came like a household word , not only to Royal Arch Masons , but also to every Craft Freemason ,,

and he , on behalf of himself and the companions of this chapter , begged to tender to their worthy Comp . J . Smith , their thanksfor this courteous visit , trusting ere long that tho same would be renewed . Bro . J . Smith was warmly greeted by the companions , and said after the many kind words the M . E . Z . had said , he felt at a loss to reply iu adequate termsbutho felt quite sure that it

, , would be a circumstance of the most gratifying nature to that nobleman the Earl De Grey and Ripon , that his name had been so enthusiastically welcomed , and it was equally gratifying to him to witness the beautiful ceremonies so ably aud faultlessly rendered . Life is thus rendered grateful by its courtesies , and its duties lightened by a grateful appreciation of the integrity aud fidelitywith which they are discharged . It must be very

, pleasing to the members of this chapter to know companions J . Brett , P . Z . and Treasurer of this chapter , that his services has been rewarded at Grand Lodge , and there could be little doubt ere long his services as a Royal Arch Mason of which he is so able an exponent will he recognised in Grand Chapter . The M . E . Z . then proposed the health of the visitors , and said

this chapter was honoured this Evening by some of the most distinguished Royal Arch Masons ; among whom were Comps . J . Smith , P . G . Dir . of Cers . ; AV . Smith , C . E ., P . Z . ; A . Cottebrune , P . Z . ; R . Tanner , N ., & c . JJ . Ruthven . In proposing this toast the M . E . Z ., said , the fraternity at large were greatly indebted to Comp . AA . Smith , the Editor of that valuable journal the FKEIOIASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROE , and said it was a publication which was not onlan honour to the

y Craft , speaking in a literary point of view—but which has been of the greatest utilit y to Masonry . it has been the means oi * collecting all the scattered rags of Masonry into a focus , thus illuminating every subject , and illustrating every point wherein information was required , and those who have been able to witness the herculean labours of this worthy Mason , in endeavouring to promote the interest of Freemasonrycan alone

, appreciate the value of this worthy Companion . Comp . Hosgood , then dilated upon the excellencies of the other visitors , and said he would propose without further preface the healths of these Comps who had honoured this chapter by their presence . Comp . AA' . Smith , P . Z ., then replied on behalf of the visitors . Comp . R . AA . Little then took the gavel , and in a most excellent speech expatiated upon the many excellent qualities of

the M . E . Z ., who he stated bad rendered so much good to this chapter in raising it to its present proud position . He would ask them to be upstanding and drink " The Health of Comp . C . Hosgood , the M . E . Z . of this Chapter . " Comp . C . Hosgood on rising was received in a very flattering manner , and said in discharging this debt of gratitude to Comp . R . AV . Little in proposing his health in such lowing terms aud

g likewise to the companions iu responding to it so enthusiastically , it would ever be his study to deserve a continuance of the same ,, and said it would be ignorance not to know , and knowing it would be affectation to conceal , that our noble Order had been denounced b y externs as leading to excess . Those who evince their hostilities against Freemasonry do so because they cannot penetrate its secret , and thus "Damnant quod non intelUgunt "

" Truth shall yet be heard . No human power Can stifle or corrupt her purposes . Through superstitious gloom her voice is heard . It pierces through the vale of baibarous ages . The prejudice of time , the venal lay , Fall impotent before its God-like sound . It pierces e'en the silence of the tomb . Bursting the barriers of icy death . And injured virtue walks triumphant forth Free from the taint of calumny or crime , "