Morning journal and courier., 1883-05-09
Royal Arch MasOns.

Efghty-E'ifth Annual of the Most Excel
 lent Grand Chapfer-The GraRd High
 Priests RepOrt-ResuItsO of the Year.
 Yesterday morning at 1O:15 o'clock the grand convocation of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons as sembled in the Masonic Temple in this city, a large delegation of representatives being present. The convocation was called to or der by Grand High Priest James H. Welsh, of Danbury, and prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain. From Grand High Priest Welsh's address we select the following mat ters of interest,"
 Another year with its opportunities hes passed, it's work is done; or if not done, it Is now too late to do it. We meet for few short hours to talk over the past and plan for the future. We have exchanged frater- nal greeting, renewed old friendships and are forming new acquaintances which we trust will ripen into true friendships. We have rendered thanks to Almighty God for his great mercy and goodness in the past, and have invoked his blessing for the future; let our deliberations be characterized by peac harmony and brotherly love, that he will be pleased to approve and bless all our under takings. And now, my companions, ex- tend to you all 8 cordial and hearty welcome to the eighty-fifth annual convocation of the grand chapter. In the year on which we have now entered let us earnestly endeayor to advance the interest of our beloved order, and needing the admonitions of past experi- ence guard with watchful care the entrance to our portals and admit none but good and true men to participate in our labors and privileges. And here wish to impress upon the minds of the companions, especially those who may be appointed on committees for the purpose, the necessity of 8 more thorough investigation into the character, qualifications and standing of all petitioners for the capitular degrees
 The efficiency and usefulness of our chap ters, as well as the good name and reputa- tion of our institution, depends largely upon the character of it's members, and while 1t is of the utmost importance that we elect con- panions of ability and character to preside over our chapters, we should remember as VIC go out into the world and mingle with our fellow-men that honesty and integrity should be the distinguishing characteristics of the members of our order.
 Owing to the thorough and efficient man ner in which the duties of the office were discharged by my predecessors, and the as- sistance of my associates in office, my duties have been light they have consisted chiefly in visiting the subordinate chapters These burden. While have several times been asked for advice, no questions have been re- ferred to me requiring decision.
 During the past year death, the great leveler of the human race,' has visited some of our sister jurisdictions and their 'snoblest and best" have fallen.
 Companions, while we mingle our tears of sympathy with the companions of sister ju- risdictions. we are reminded that the angel of death has visited our own jurisdiction and 8 beloved companion has been removed from our midst, and we to-day miss the fraternal greeting and warm clasp of the hand of Companion George M. Allerton, who has ak vacations since 1876. He was initiated in Grove Hill lodge, Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1871 ; affiliated with Dover lodge at Dover Plains, N. Y., in 1876; exalted in Evening Star chap ter, Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1872, and was a charter member of Allerton chapter No. 39, at Naugatuek, which was named in his honor. He was also g Clark commandery No. z, K. T., and at the time of his death was grand representative of the grand chapter of Iowa. near this grand chapter. Companion Allerton by his quiet and unassuming manner, social and genial nature, and charitable and humane disposition, had made many friends. He diei December 2, 1882 loved and respected by the community in which he lived, his death was sincerely mourned by all whe knew him.
 The grand high priest in addition men, tions the dispensations he has granted and the visits he has made, making special mention of his and the grand secretary B investigation of the affairs of Lafayette chapter of Granby. With reference to the triennial convocation at Denver in August, a recommendation is made that 8 sum be ap- propriated to meet the expenses there of the delegates from this jurisdiction.
 Grand Secretary Wheeler's recapituIation of returns from subordinate chapters for the year ending May 1st is included in the fol lowing table, showing last years as well ae this years statistics, thus afEording means of comparison: