Introduction Of Ancient Freemasonry In The United States.

Lodge of Mass ., A . D . 1847 , prompted by Masonic zeal , proceeded to check and purify this unmasonic stream , by presenting to the mother Grand Lodge a plan for the organization of a National Grand Lodge , which she adopted and forthwith issued a proclamation for a general assembly of tho Craft , to convene on St . John ' s D : iy , June 2 1 th IS 17 ,

in the city of Boston , Mass ., for the purpose of healing differences and perfecting a permanent ntron . In obedience to the above proclamation , twenty delegates assembled , representing tho following Lodge . ? , to wit : African Grand Lodge , of Mass ., by Bros . John T . Hilton , Henry Harris , George Gaul , Wm . E . Ambush , Walker Lewis , George

C . Willis , and Wm . H . Bruce . First African Grand Lodge of North America , by Bros . James Bird , Dr . James J . G . Bias and James Richmond , Hiram Grand Lodge , Penna ., by Bros . Samuel Van Brakle , Emery Cronikin , James Newman , Philip Buchanan , Jonathan Lopeman , James Powell , and John Anderson . Boyer Lodge , N . Y ., by

Alexander Elston , W . H . Clark , and L . Hyden . The above representations perfected a temporary organization by electing M . W . Bro . John T . Hilton presiding officer , after which a resolution was unanimously adopted to organize a Grand Lodge under the title of the National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York

Masons , for the United States of North America . Said organization was perfected by the election of Bro . John T . Hilton M . W . G . Master , Bro . James Bird R . W . D . G . Master , Bro . Saml . Van Brakle D . D . G . Master for the Middle States , Bro . George C . Willis D . D . G . Master for the Eastern States , Bro . Martin R . Delaney D . D . G . Master for

the Western States , Bro . Enos . Hall R . W . S . G . Warden , Bra Emery Cronikin R . W . J . G . Warden , Bro . James Newman G . Treasurer , Bro . Wm . E . Ambush G . Secretary . On the formation of this G' and Lodge the desire of M . W . G . Master John T . Hilton was accomplished , by uniting in bonds of brotherly love all Masons of colour in the United States .

Many changes have taken place since 1847 , the dry details of which would prove at this time tedious and uninteresting . Suffice it to say , that the States' rights theory of supreme jurisdiction within their borders universally prevails , so that to-day no Grand Lodge , National or otherwise , assumes authority in a jurisdiction where a

legally-constituted Grand Lodge exists , and with whom they are in fraternal correspondence . A brief statement as to the number of Lodges and members in the United States will cloge this review .

From the grand old Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Prince Hal ) and successors transmitted from sire to son the sublime truths of Ancient Freemasonry , so that to-day we have , in tbirty-one States , 767 Lodges , with a membership of 21 , 613 . This completes a brief review of the Order from A . D . 1784 to A . D . 1884 .

In conclusion , I will say that Freemasonry is not a proselyting institution . Applicants for membership must come unsolicited . Nor is it a beneficial organization to the extent of dispensing stipulated dues in consideration of specified fees . Masonic charity is more comprehensive in its aim . It relieves those found worthy to a degree

commensurate with their needs . In its benevolent grasp it embraces all mankind , without regard for future reward , save that of a wellspent life . Masonry knows no bounds ; from east to west , from north to south , from the highest heavens to tbe lowest depths , it sheds its light . The

first lesson taught the novitiate is a belief in God and love for his fellow-maD . Step by step sublime truths are revealed , comprehending the entire scope of human action ; and it is here we find in allegories and symbols the mystic laws of God and Nature . Faith , Hope , Charity , Justice , Prudence , Fortitude , and Temper .

ance are dogmas of the Order , with brotherly love and relief the reward of their observance . These principles , when duly observed , dispel from the benighted mind the fear and superstitions of ignorance by guiding it through the darkness of vice into the temple of light and truth .

As Masons we will ever hold in fraternal remembrance the name of Prince Hall , for establishing among us an Order so sublime in conception and benevolent in aim ; and if at any future time our love for the Royal Art should fail in its zeal , let us turn to Copp ' sHill , the Mecca of our Masonic faith , for more light and inspiration .

"Arcadia" In The City.

" ARCADIA" IN THE CITY .

THE widening of Queen . street , Cheapside , has brought into prominence many establishments which have hitherto been hemmed in b y buildings crowded together in that busy thoroughfare leading from the Guildhall to the Mansion Honso railway station of the Metropolian Railway and the southern districts of London , Notable amongst these is the vegetarian restaurant , well known as

" The Arcadian , " which has been thoroughly renovated and is now likelv to attract a larjje addition to the number of its habitues . The novelty , however , which the proprietors , Messrs . Hayes and Foster , have just appended to their generally excellent arrangement is the " sixpenny dinner . " The idea of a repast of three or four courses f ir the

nrndest i'um of sixpence may raise a smile ou the lipsofsome ' . 'diners out , " bnt if . is a reali'y for all that . Excellent lentils , with pease pu ¦ cling to follow , and we hardly know how many Inxnrus beside . - * , are hers served up in Continental fashion , arid at , a rate of economy which is not to he equalled in London . The whole establishment ii

the picture of cleanliness , elegance , and order , with every conceiv . able appliance for personal comfort and convenience . Many of our friends who have a scrupulous objection to vegeteriam ' sm pure and simple declare that they will gladly visit "The Arcudiau" again , for , with the comforts and excellent arrangements theiv , luxury and

economy are most effectually combined . To the " poor C'ty clerk . ' whom we so often hear about as snatching his mid-day meal whereevor he can fiud shelter from public gaze , this syst-m of " sixpenny dinners" is a boon which will be largely taken advantage of when tho varied attractions of "The Arcadian" are more geuerally known .

Installation Meetings, &C.

INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .

— «/ V — ROYAL ALFRED LODGE , No . 780 .

r jnni'l annual festival of this Lodge was celebrated , under most J- favourable auspices , on Friday , the 25 th ultimo . For some time past this Lodge has not run its course with such even tenonr as its woll-wisher 3 could have desired , but with the inauguration of a now year of its existence we hope sincerely a better state of affairs may result , and that the Royal Alfred will again take its old

position as one of the most popular Lodges within the Metropolitan District . The brethren assembled at their headquarters , the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , at half-past four o ' clock , when Lodge was opened by Bro . William D . Becket , who was supported by a goodly number of the Past Masters and members of the Lodge , and

tho following Visitors : —J . Plowman S . W . 13 SI , Chas . G'ddins J . D . 933 , C . Osman T . G . 1327 , J . Terry P . M . 228 P . P . S . G . W . Norths aud Hunts , T . Fisher P . M . 831 , W . H . Harris I . P . M . 172 , W . W . Morgan I . P . M . 211 , L . Liohtwitz S . D . 1891 , J . H . Ford 2032 , J . Forester 1993 , G . Gardner S . W . 2012 . After

the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed , several matters of interest were considered , aud the auditors' report presented . Bro . B . E . Blasby , a most popular Past Master of the Lodge , who during the last yoar has fulfilled the duties of Treasurer , at the last meeting of the Lodge was elpcted to fill the chair , and he

was now formally presented to receive at the hands of the W . M . the benefits of installation . The obligation having been administered , a Board of Installed Masters was opened , and Bro . Blasby again placed in tbe chair as Master of the Lodge . On the readmission of the brethren who bad not yet donned the levels , the W . M . was saluted in

the three degrees , and he appointed and invested the following as Officers for the year ensuing : C . Ma ton S . W ., Sperring J . W ., Eydmann Treas ., Hilton P . M . Sec , Cnombes S . D ., Rowe J . D .. W . O > mm I . G ., Cox D . C ., Tarling Steward , J . Gilbert P . G . Tyler Mildx . Tyler The addresses were delivered by Bro . Becket , who was compliment ! d

for the way he had carri- d out the duties of the day . Bro . Blasby announced that he had undertaken to act as Steward on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in connection with its Festival in February next , and reminded the brethren that the Royal Alfred Lodge had not for some considerable timo past voted any sums

towards the support of tho Institutions . Bro . Beckwt thereupon proposed that a sum of ten guineas be granted from the funds , to be placed on the list of their Worshipful Master . This proposition was secouded by Brother P . M . Frmckel , and carried unanimously . It was also agreed that new collars should

be provided for the Officers at tho expense of the Lodge , and that the jewels should be renovated and those missing replaced . Acandidate for initiation was proposed b y the W . M . and seconded by Bro . Maton , the ballot to be taken at the next meeting . A Past

Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring Master in open Lodge . Bro . Blasby took the opportunity of contra ' ulating the recipient , and referred back to the days of that brother ' s ndmhtince into the Lodge . At that time , us at . the present , Bro . Blasby was Master , and he well remembered bavins' initiated Bro . Becket .. It was .

therefore , an especial p ' osuro to him to invest Bro . Becket wit * the j ^ vvel . Bro . Beck"t snitibly acknowledged the gift , fie fe't the high honour paid him by the members of the Royal Alfred Lodge . He little thought that on the Master who initiated him would also devolve thednty of investing him with a Past Master ' s jewel . A'ter

the transaction ol other business ! , tho Lodge was closed and the brethren proceeded to banquet . This was followed by the cu-tom i > y toasts . The health of tho Master was proposed by Bro . Bucket , who salt that Bro . Blasby had in years gone bv shown his qualification for the Master ' s chair , aud had since gained further experience as ruler of

a neighbouring Lodge . The coming ycr in the Royal Alfred wonld undoubtedly bo a success under his auspices . Bro . Blasby tendered his thanks . Tho toast had been proposed in a frieudly spirit , which he fully appreciated . He entered on the duties of his office with the firm conviction that he should have the support and sympathy of

every member of the Lodge . The Visitors' toast was gracefully proposed , and acknowledged by several of the guests . The other toasts each in turn met cordial consideration , and the proceedings

were brought to a conclusion in a truly harmonious and agreeable manner . The arrangements made by Bro . Brill , the host of the Star and Garter , for the entertainment of his patrons were most complete . This establishment is growing in popularity on every side .

City Of Westminster Lodge, No. 1563.

CITY OF WESTMINSTER LODGE , No . 1563 .

r niIE fir-t meeting of the session o this Lodge was h-4 d < n Ihur . s . 1 - day , the 24 th ultimo , at the R aent Masonic Temple ( Cii i ' e Royal ) , Regent Street , W . Present —Bros G . . 1 . Jones W . M ., II . S . Lee S . W ., J . A . Hammond as J . W . ( in the absence , through inl'Spu . sifcion , of BVK W . C . Smiih ) , J . E . Shand P . M . S-c , G . W . Harrington as S . D ., E . B . Cox J . D ., 0 . M . Brander as I . G ., E . H . Ho . e W . M .

1765 Org ., W . J . Hi .. gins Steward ; I . W-uvih P . M ., T . W . E-. stgate [ . P . M . j also Bro- ' . Edell W . M . 10 . S , W . [ I . R „ h , J-e \ Emmnel , T . Pratt , Arensburi . ; - , and others . A nongst t'ie Visitors w-: Ve Bros U . Bock W . M . 145 , 11 . W . Forge P . M . 17 ! t 3 . W . H . Biker S . W . K ^ O . Christmas Pip- '' Steward 2030 . G . F . Hnmmon'l J . W . 1765 , 11 . A .

Kirkakly S . W . 1321 , C . P . irsons S . D . 1637 , & c . The urn , te .-s of tho April meeting , and emergency of 4 t , h June were read an I confirmed . Bros . Mason , B . irber , Miller , Auielot and Buret wor » passed to the second degree . A ballot was t'iken for Mr . Arthur Neat , it privel

unanimous in his favour , and he was duly initiated into I'V' -em isonry . Bro . H . S . Lee , the S . W , was unanimously eWted VV . W . for eimnng year , Br " . Hammot . d re-elected Treasurer , aud I ' otrer P . M . re-elected Tyler . The Bye-Laws having been read , and Aud tor 3 appoi < uv \ , two candidates were proposed for iuitiatiou at the next mejiiug .