The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.

James Stevens P . G . J . O . P . P . G . Sec , F . J . C . de Crespigny Past Grand Chaplain , Henry Baldwin P . P . G . Assist . Dir . of Cers ., W . A . S . Humphries P . P . Assist . D . of Cers . P . M . 176 , George J . Dunkley p . P . G . M . O . 234 , Byron H . Ridge P . P . G . I . G . 198 . J . R . Hubbard W . M . 198 , J . D . Birkin W . M . 284 , Edward J . Mills W . M . 350 , Henry

Stephen P . M . 199 , Jas . Fnnston P . M . 199 , S . Fonntaine J . W . 176 , Frederick Lanrance J . O . Amongst the Visitors were Bros . J . T . Briggs W . M . 181 , E . West P . M . 173 , J . Frye M . O . 211 , R . Lawson P . M . 211 , George Gardner W . M . 357 , H . M . Appleton W . M . 223 , Samuel G . Bake P . G . S . B . 315 , F . Farrington W . M . 238 , W . E .

Farrington W . M . 238 , G . Haldane W . M . 197 , W . Winnett S . W . 259 , F . R Hales S . D . 251 , W . Fisher P . M . 181 , Jas . Linzell P . M . 236 , L . G Gordon Robbins M . O . 361 , H . A . Worcester Reeves M . O . 1 4 , Jas Willing jun . W . M . 355 , C . F . Matier P . G . W ., Philip Monson 211 C . Algernon Moroing I . G . 7 361 , C . J . Knightley Sec . 355 , C . J

Axford W . M . 234 , H . Dickey S . O . 355 , G . Mordey Registrar 355 , H . Ingles Davis S . O . 357 , W . J . Heath S . W . 4 , B . R . Bryant P . G . Standard Bearer 333 , R . J . Taylor M . O . 357 , Jas . Powdrell 355 , Adam Pringle jun . S . D . 357 , M . J . Rowley I . G . 355 , Josh . Badkin P . M . 236 ,

Jos . W . Hobbs P . M . 236 , Alfred Meadows P . M . 357 , Henry Pigache P . P . G . Org ., E . F . Storr Old Kent , T . I ., W . A . Sonrrah J . D . Royal Savoy , W . M . Stiles S . W . 355 , A . Mooney J . D . 257 , and others who did not sign the attendance book .

The minutes of the previous Provincial Grand Lodge meeting , held under the banner of the Kintore Mark Lodge , No . 333 , at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camherwell , ou the 1 st of June 1885 , were read and confirmed . The Roll of Lodges in the province was called , and each of the

thirtytwo was represented ; the Prov . Grand Secretary ' s report , stated that all dues were fully paid ( in fact , in one case a Lodge had sent more money than was due ) , and that the increase in the aggregate number of members was 138 . This report was received with expressions of

great satisfaction . The Provincial Grand Treasurer ' s ( W . Bro . C . Hammerton ) accounts were presented , a printed statement thereof being delivered to each brother present , and showing balances in hand amounting to some

£ 63 , after liberal grants and additions to Grand Lodge property had been fully discharged , and all obligations satisfied . This report also had a cordial reception . A warrant of re-appointment of the Right Wor . Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett having been previously issued by the

M . W . Grand Mark Master , W . Bro . Berridge Grand

Director of Ceremonies proclaimed Sir Francis as Prov . Grand Master for the ensuing three years , and the Prov . Grand Master was saluted according to ancient custom . In acknowledgement of his hearty reception , the Prov . Grand

Master expressed his thanks , and stated that as in the past he had certainly endeavoured to discharge the duties of his Office to his utmost ability—he had not been altogether able to visit each and all of the Lodges over which he

ruled—so in the future he would continue such endeavours , and he hoped to fulfil his promise to see the brethren at work in those Lodges which as yet he had not had time to visit . The appointment of Prov . Grand Officers for the

year next followed , W . Bro . Frederick Davison being re-appointed Deputy Prov . Grand Master , amidst acclamation ; and Bro . Davison was saluted accordingly . The other Officers invested in person or by proxy were : — Bro . Lt .-Col . G . H . J . Haldane 197 - Senior Warden

Philip A . Scratchley 7 - - Junior Warden Charles Hammercon 144 - - Treasurer Hubbard J . Reed 198 - - Registrar William Green Brighten 4 - Secretary Robert Lawson 211 - - M . O . W . Beasleyl 99 - - - S . O . Joseph S . Badkin 236 - - J . O . James Willing jun . 355 - - Senior Deacon Charles J . Axford 234 - - Junior Deacon H . S . Clutton 224 - . Superintendent of Works George Gardner 357 - - Director of Ceremonies J . H . Clutton 224 - . - - Assistant Director of Cer . F . Farrington 238 - - - Sword Bearer W . Winnett 239 - - . Standard Bearer R . W . Ward - ¦ . Organist G . G . L . Robbins 361 - - Inner Gnard J . Hepburn Hastie 333 - H . M . Appleton 223 L . S . Fountaine 176 - - }¦ Stewards C . A . Moreing 361 H . A . W . Reeves - John Gilbert - - - Tyler Bro . P . A . Scratchley Prov . G . I . G . having kindly

volunteered to act as Steward for the Mark Benevolent Fund at its ensuing Festival , was warmly thanked , and a sum of Ten Guineas was unanimously voted for the purpose of heading his donation list . The Prov . Grand Treas .

( Bro . Hammerton ) , having referred to the balances available , suggested a grant on behalf of the R . M . Benevolent Institution , but the Deputy Grand Master pointing out that the Educational Fund of the Mark Degree , which is doing a large amount of good work , should not be

The Provincial Grand Lodge Of Middlesex And Surrey.

neglected by Mark Masons , it was resolved to assist that fund by a donation of Five Guineas . Bros . G . H . N .

Bridges P . P . G . J . W ., E . F . Storr , James Willing jnn

Prov . G . S . D ., and H . S . Goodall were appointed members of the Committee for General Purposes . The ordinary proceedings of Prov . Grand Lodge were here pleasantly varied by the presentation to the Prov . Grand Secretary ,

W . Bro . W . G . Brighten P . P . G . S . W ., of a testimonial , in recognition of his past ten years' service in that capacity . The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master having addressed the brethren , informing them that it had been

resolved at the previous meeting to offer some tangible evidence of appreciation of zealous work by Bro . Brighten , on behalf of Mark Masonry in the province , and humorously suggesting that if it were offered in the form

of cash , it might " take unto itself wings and depart ; called the worthy recipient towards the East , ancl , earnestly thanking him for , ancl eulogising his zeal and strict attendance to all the duties which his office had imposed on him ,

in the name of Prov . Grand Lodge , presented him with a handsome 18 inch rose water salver and ewer , hoping that he might for many years have the gratification of looking thereon , and remembering the many pleasant

associations connected with his labours . The highly artistic productions of Messrs Elkington were then displayed , and were much admired , as well for elaboration of design as for style of workmanship . The presentation inscription ran thus : —

" Presented to Bro . W . G . Brighten P . P . G . S . W ., by the Provincial Grand Lodge M . M . M . Middlesex and Surrey , in recognition of his valuable services as Secretary for past 10 years . 1886 . " Bro . Brighten in a few well-chosen remarks expressed

his thanks for the testimony afforded of satisfaction with his endeavours to promote the best interests of the Province , which during his term of office , and under the genial sway of its Grand Master , to whom he desired permission to say

a far larger share of the credit belonged , had so greatly increased in the number of Lodges and members . The handsome present now made to him would remind him that whatever he had done in the past to merit such

appreciation , gratitude for so generous an acknowledgment should still further stimulate him , if indeed that were necessary , to continued efforts in the like direction . Bro . Brighten was warmly applauded and congratulated on

resuming his official station in the Lodge . A few minor matters of ordinary business , including the announcement of reception of letters of apology for absence from several distinguished brethren , were then disposed of , after which

the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren separated . A Banquet was subsequently given at the Holborn Restaurant , at which the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master presided . It was

not so largely attended as had been anticipated , regard not having been taken as to the numerous important Masonic gatherings of the week , which naturally wonld attract Freemasons , especially those connected with Mark

Masonry , towards other expenditure of time and money . A very agreeable evening was , however , spent by those who had the privilege of being present . Toasts , with the

exception of the principal Loyal and Masonic sentiments , being for once dispensed with , and social chat and harmonious fellowship prevailing .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .

Surrey Masonic Hall.

SURREY MASONIC HALL .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER . —I have read with much concern tho article in your record of the 19 th inst ., on " Desecration or Sacrilege ; " and , well knowing that Bro . Jas . Stevens has done so much for Masonry , I am surprised that amongst his numerous admirers no one

has thought fit to take the matter in hand to expose the unmasonic act of somo one who cannot possess the principles of Mssmry . Bro . Stevens is well known to a great number of the Craft , and in justice to himself should give some explanation of these unwarrantable proceedings . By inserting this in your next issue you will oblige , Yours fraternally , W . M .