Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.

he , or one who tried more in his own way to discharge the duties of his office . The Worshipful Master next proposed the R . W . Provincial G . Master , Col . Halsey , M . P . for Hertfordshire , whose great abilities the brethren had seen that day . Col . Halsey had left his many other duties to attend at High Barnet to consecrate the Ravenscroft Lodge ,

aud had said that it had been a pleasure to him to come . Many brethren with the will to perform such services had not the ability ; but Col . Halsey had the ability , and had made it hia duty . The brethren of the Ravenscroft Lodge considered it a groat honour , aa well as a great pleasure , to have their Prov . Grand

Master performing the consecration . Col . Shadwell Gierke performed the ceremonies in the London district , except when he deputed some one else to do it , aa in the case of the Hendon Lodge , which Bro . Terry consecrated . But the Provincial Grand Master in flesh and blood , and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and fche

Provincial Grand Secretary came to consecrate the Ravenscroft Lodge . What more could they expect or desire ? Col . Halsey , in reply , said he was overwhelmed by the cordiality of hia reception . He again congratulated the brethren on the success of the Lodge's consecration meeting . They had the prospect of being a great addition to his Province . He deduced this from the manner in whioh

the Worshipful Master conducted the Lodge , invested his Officers , and presided over the banquet . It augured a bright and happy future both for tho Lodge proceedings and for the banqueting . He sincerely trusted there would be such a future for tho Lodge . He welcomed the Lodge aa an addition to the ranka of Hertfordshire .

The Ravenscroft waa now the nineteenth Lodgo on the roll of that Province , and it was with justifiable pride that ho reflected on the fact that when he waa first appointed Provincial Grand Master , fifteen years ago , there wero only eight Lodgea in the Province . One of the first duties he was called upon to perform , after his

appointment , waa to consecrate the Halsey Lodge , afc St . Alban a . Since that time the Lodges had gone on increasing , and he rejoiced to think although there was the possibility that an increase of Lodgea might not be a real increase in Masonry , because one Lodge might be taking the place of another that waa going down ,

he did not think that waa the case with any LcpJge in hia Province . There was scope and room for the Lodges that bad been consecrated in the Province , and especially in this town of High Barnet , which was a fairly large-sized town , and he both hoped and believed that there was no reason whatever why there should be

any antagonism between the two Lodges . They were different in their scope , aims , and objects , and the arrival of a new Lodge need not be feared by the old . There would be no poaching by one on the preserves of the other , and for what he had seen of the W . M . of the Ravenscroft Lodge , there would be no attempt to interfere

in any way with the Gladsmuir ; there was no necessity for it . That was his experience at Watford , where both the Lodges that were held there flourished . The only rivalry between them was , which should attain tho greater eminence ; yet each had acted with the other . The same result ought to take place in High Barnet . To

the toast of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Officers , Bro . Bullock Prov . Secretary responded , and in the course of his observations said he did not view with equanimity the growth of Lodges in the Province , as it entailed additional labour on him , even though that labour might readily be given . He looked upon the

Ravenscroft Lodge as a little sister , who was glad of a brother ' s assistance ; but little sisters grew up , and brothers wero then generally in tho way . When tho Ravenscroft Lodge little sister grew up , sho would perhaps reject the assistance she now was glad of . When young ladies grew up , they did not like to walk alone , but they

did not like their brothers to walk with them , as two were considered company , but three none . But , joking opart , he hoped the Lodge would go ou as well as it had begun , that it would become au important Lodge of the Province , and that there would be nothing like jealousy , or livalry , or unkind feeling , on the part of other Lodges .

Bro . Oliver Provincial Grand Chaplain also replied , thanking the brethren for their hospitable welcome . Col . Halsey proposed the W . M ., and said that the enthusiastic plaudits with which the announcement was made , and from what the founders had seen that day , they would feel that they had exercised a wise discretion in selecting Bro . James

lhom as the first W . M . of the Ravenscroft Lodge . Under the auspices of that Brother , the bright beginning and grand start the Lodge had made would continue , and he would hand over tho Lodge at the end of his year of office to an excellent successor , who would come into a . brilliant heritage . Long might ifc continue , and he

hoped the Lodge would have a career of great prosperity . Bro . Thorn VV . M . thanked tho brethren most heartily for the toast so kindly submitted by the Provincial Grand Master . It was one of the greatest honours to be chosen the firbt W . M . of a Lodge , more especially con sitlering the easy way in which the Lodge had gained its warrant .

through the kindness of the Executive of the Provincial Grand Officers of Herts . Tho founders of the Ravenscroft Lodge knew how much they wer & indebted to those Provincial Grand Officers , and they heaitily thanked them . They had done so much that it was plain sailing for the founders . The warrant was obtained , and the

Provincial Grand Officers finished up what they had done by consecrating the Lodge . The ceremony had been performed in perfect fashion by the Provincial Grand Master , than whom none had more ability . He the ( W . M . ) should devote all his efforts to making a great future for the Lodge . Bros . Dr . Powdrell , Hemming , Scholding , and

L / . ugley responded to the toast of the Visitors . Col . Halsey responded to the toast of the Charities , and said that the Province of Herts h sd piqued itself on its support of the Masonio Charities , at a Festival of one of whioh it headed the list . Much could be done by energy and determination , and this Province would do its part . Referring

to the Herts Provincial Charity Committee , he said it was started some years ago by the lute Dr . Wilson lies , but was not then thoroughly understood . Tho Province had a large voting power , and tlie Committee was designed to prevent a waste of that power . Sump thought , it was intended to deprive them of their free will with regard to their votes , but such was not the case . It waa intended

Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.

that they should unite , and recommend and support cases , if they had no individual case to support . Every Lodge in the Province was asked to elect a brother to serve on the Committee . He hoped they would put the Provincial Charity Organiaation on a proper footing . Other toasts were then given , and the proceedings

concluded with the Tyler's toast . The arrangements for the meeting , and the way in which the comforts of those who attended were looked after , by Mr . Phillips * , the new proprietor of the Red Lion Hotel , deserve special recognition . The furniture and appointments of the Lodge were supplied by Messrs . E . Stillwell and Sou , of Little

Britain . It may be interesting to some of the members of this new Lodge if we supply a few particulars of the worthy gentleman after whom their Lodge ia named . Master James Raveuscroft founded Jeaua Hospital and endowed the Parish Church , both of Chipping Barnet ,

in the year 1679 . He waa a merchant of High Holborn , and , with hia parents , is buried in the chancel " of Barnet Church . The Church , some 15 years since , waa restored aud enlarged , the expense being defrayed from funds whioh had accrued from the increased value of

James Ravensoroft'a original gift . Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School also partioipated , while Jesus Hospital was improved . However , what was called Jeaua Hospital in 1679 , in thia year of grace 1889 ia better known as the Ravenscroft Alma Houses .

The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

— :: o—Savoy . —In a spirit similar to thafc of fche old waiter described by Dickena who when given a holiday went to assist a brother servitor , so the dramatic aud musical profession asaembled on Thursday afternoon to witness a special performance of " The

Gondoliers , or the King of Barataria , ' the latest success of Mr . W . S . Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan . So many members had accepted Mr . D'Oyley Carte's kind invitation thafc fche handsome theatre waa packed from floor to ceiling , and tbe utmost good humour prevailed . It was to be expected that such an audience wonld be more amicable

than critical , but to such an extent was appreciation carried that doubtless , in the matter of encores , the brethren and siatera cried Hold ! enough ; though it is one of tho secrets of the Savoy entertainments that the performers appear to enjoy the fun aa much as the audience . Sir Arthur attended to personally conduct the second act of the

opera , and received quite an ovation , while both Mr . Gilbert and Mr . Carte were warmly greeted at the final fall of the curtain . All the special points of the witty , though often satirical , libretto made their mark , while those that might be taken in connection with the profession wero received with roars of laughter . Each artiste

was vociferously welcomed as he or she made appearance on fche stage , that extended to the new additions of the company being " extra special . " Thus , when Mr . Frank Wyatt and Miaa Deoima Moore entered , the action of the piece was stayed while they bowed continuously their acknowledgments . An equally good reception

was accorded to Mr . Rutland Bar ring ton , who once more resumes hia old position . The plot of the piece is simple enough , though ifc ia elaborated into two long acts , aud narrates tho confusion thafc exists consequent upon tho kidnapping of the son of the King of Barataria , who was married aa an infant to the daughter of the Duke of

Plaza-Toro . The child is presumably looked after by tho Grand Inquisitor , pnd is brought up as a Gondolier at Venice , but a doubt exists as to which of two children is the regal heir . The mystery is solved afc length by tho discovery that neither is the king , but Luiz , the attendant of the Duke ; so matters are satisfactorily arranged as the two

Gondoliers had already taken unto themselves wives , and Casilda waa in love with Luiz . Mr . Gilbert's delightful humour runs riot throughout the piece , whioh Sir Arthur Sullivan ' a music fits exactly . Where all is so good it seema nseleia fco select any of fche morceaux for greater praise , bufc Luiz ' a song , "There waa a time , " one by

Marco , " Take a pair of sparkling eyes " —the quartet " One of ua will be a queen , " and the concerted piece , " In contemplative fashion , " may be commended for special delectation . Mr . Denny ia the mildest mannered Grand Inquisitor thafc could possibly be , and enters thoroughly into the humour of the character . Messrs . Bar .

rington and Courtice Founds act and amg the parta of the two Gondoliers to pei faction , and Mr . Brownlow ia well placed aa Luiz . Mesdamea Geraldine Ulmer and Jessie Bond are so well versed in

Gilbert ian fun that they could not be surpassed , and Miss Deoima Moore is a decided acquisition to tbe strength of the company . The scenery , painted by Hawes Craven , consists of two charming pictures , while the costumes are bright and effective .

Mr . J . L . Tcole returns to his own theatre , for seven weeks , on Christmas Eve , 24 th instant , for a series of farewell performances prior to his departure for his Australian tour , aud will appear in a round of favourite characters , commencing on Christmas Eve with

the adaptation of Charles Dickens ' s "Crickefc on the Hearth , " called " Dot . " Mr . Toole will appear in hia original character of Caleb Plummer . The performance will conclude with * ' The Steeplechase ; or , Toole iu the Pigskin . "

The production at the Alhambra of a new grand fantastic ballot , in three tableaux , entitled "Asmodeus , " invented and arranged by Sigu . r Casati , the music being specially composed by M . Jacobi , will take place on Monday , the 23 rd inst . The part of " Asmodeua " will be represented by Signer de Viceuti , from La Scala , Milan , who will

ou this occasion make hia farst appearance in England ; and other characters will be undertaken by Signorina Bessone , Signorina Spotti , Signorina Saracco , Mdme . Roffey , Miss Thnrgate , and

Mdlle . Marie . The scenery is by T . E . Ryan , aud tho costumes ( from dosigus from M . Bianchini , of tbe Grand Opera , Paris ) are by Mona . and Madame Alias . A special matinee will bo given on Boxing Dayt