Masonic Discipline And The Ritual.—Xxiii.

accurately , that he should know it , and be able to prove that he knows it to the satisfaction of any competent Masonic tribunal . At the same time if he does not know it , he has unquestionably not the slightest right to occupy so important a position as the " chair . "

Grand Chapter Of Canada.

GRAND CHAPTER OF CANADA .

We have much pleasure in publishing the following report , taken from the Proceedings of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Canada for last year . We learn that the feeling in favour of a General Grand Chapter for the whole Dominion of Canada is daily gaining ground , and we feel assured that the Supreme

Grand Chapters of England , Scotland , and Ireland , when convinced that under the changed condition of these Colonies the movement is a proper one , will follow the example of Grand Lodge , and do all in their power to aid and assist so noble an undertaking as the consolidation of capitular Masonry within the Canadian Confederation : —

NEW BRU - - SWICK . To tlie Most ' Excellent Council , Officers , and Members of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Canada .- — Tour Dispensation for New Brunswick Royal Arch Chapter , formerly working under warrant No . 301 , from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of

Ireland , together with other papers , came to hand during the latter part of June ; and I have now . much pleasure in reporting that , at the regular Convocation of said Chapter , held in the Masonic Hall , Princes-street , in this city—Pirst Principal Z . John D . Short in the chair—the action relative to change

of jurisdiction was unanimously confirmed , and the Dispensation above relerred to was read and ordered to he received and placed upon the minutes . The chapter being then opened in due aud antient form , nnder the authority of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Canada , proceeded with the general business . Three candidates were severally " received and

acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters , " and then duly " exalted to the Royal Arch Degree . '' I may also report that our esteemed Right Excellent Companion , Thomas Bird Harris , was elected " Proxy Representative " for New Brunswick Chapter at our Grand Chapter . There are at present in New Brunswick the

following Royal Arch Chapters , holding under authority from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland , viz .: — Carleton Royal Arch Chapter , No . 47 ; Convocations held in Masonic Hall , St . John . Eredericton Eoyal Arch Chapter , No . 77 ;

Convocations held in Masonic Hall , city of Eredericton . Union Royal Arch Chapter , No . 84 <; Convocations held in Massnic Hall , Carleton , St . John . Corinthian Royal Arch Chapter , No . 85 ; Masonic Hall , Hampton , King ' s County . This Chapter has been almost dormant for some time past ; there are , howevfcr , strong indications of early resuscitation .

Mount Lebanon Royal Arch Chapter , No . 101 ; Convocations held in Masonic Hall , Chatham . In addition to the above , a number of zealous Royal Arch Masons of St . Stephens , Charlotte County , have applied to Scotland for authority to open a chapter in that town ; and some slight progress has been

made in one or two other parts of the province , towards the organization of Royal Arch Chapters . The recent Confederation of the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada , Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has , as you may be aware , directed the consideration of a vast majority of Royal Arch Masons

throughout these provinces to the present position and future government of Capitular Masonry throughout the Dominion of Canada . While it is freely conceded that the Parent Grand Chapters of England , Ireland , and Scotland have , in years gone by , when their support was actually requiredseverally done

, much to aid and assist chapters , respectively , working under their authority , as well as to advance the true interests of our time-honoured institution in this country , yet it is deemed self-evident that the time is rapidly approaching , if it has not already arrived , when our general requirements will demand that

"Masonry ' throughout the whole Dominion of Canada shall be governed and controlled within our own territory . It is not too much , therefore , to suppose that the true Masonic spirit which underlies our Institution , as well in Great Britain and Ireland as in this Dominion , will speedily develope a policy

which may peacefully bring about so desirable a consummation . In reference to the diversified systems of " Work " practised , as well in the British North American Provinces as throughout the whole Continent of America , it would seem desirable and expedient that

delegates be appointed by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada , to meet in Convention at some central point , with delegates from other Grand Chapters , to the end that a more uniform system of Work and Ritual may be adopted , and that all other matters bearing upon our common interests may be

considered , so that our whole system of Royal Arch Masonry may eventually be harmonized agreeable to the most antient standard . In view of the rapid progress of Capitular Masonry , some chapters are now taking steps to render it imperative that candidates shall be required to

exhibit specimens of their skill in the " Art" before being advanced . This appears to be a move in the right direction , and one that will materially aid the Craft . I would therefore respectfully suggest that Grand Chapter consider whether or not it is desirable to require that subordinate chapters under this

jurisdiction shall not confer either the degrees of " Mark Master , " " Past Master , " " Most Excellent Master , " or " Eoyal Arch , " until the brother taking the degree shall have passed a satisfactory examination in each of the preceding degrees conferred in either Blue Lodge , or under authority of a Royal Arch Chapter

warrant . Most respectfully submitted . EoBMtT MABSHAIIII , G . S . for New Brunswick . Office of the Grand Supt . of Canadian Royal Arch Masonry for the Province of New Brunswick , St . John , 22 nd July , 1 S 68 .