Claremont Lodge, No. 1861.

collars being thus bestowed : —Bros . S . Ward I . P . M ., P . Woodin S . W ., V . W . Morfifc J . W ., Thos . Vincent P . M . Troas ., H . E . Frances P . M . Sec , C . Thomasset S . D ., G . J . Westfield J . D ., G . Warner I . G ., and T . Bowler Tyler . Some formal business having been transacted , Lodge was closed with the usual harmony aud good feeling , and the

brethren afterwards partook of a sumptuous banquet , the whole of the arrangements made for their comfort and enjoyment by Bro . and Mrs . Flesknoe , being everything that could be desired . At the conelusion of the repast the loyal toasts were proposed from the chair , and greeted with an enthusiastic reception from the brethren . The

W . M . nexfc gave the Provincial Grand Master of Surrey , Bro . General J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . C . Greenwood , and tbe rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , the toast being suitably acknowledged by Bros H . E . Prances and Thos . Vincent . The nexfc toast was that of the

Immediate Past Master , whose excellent services and the active interest he had manifested in the welfare of the Lodge were cordially recognized by the W . M ., who spoke of Bro . Ward ' s working in the most eulogistic terms . In the name of the Lodge he then presented to Bro . Ward a handsome Pasfc Master ' s

jewel , as a mark of esteem and affection , and in recognition of the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of the chair during his term of office . Bro . Ward , after returning thanks for the complimentary and kind manner in which the Worshipful Master had spoken of hia efforts on behalf of the Lodge , said he highly

appreciated tho gift with whioh he bad been presented thafc evening . It wonld be an incentive to him , if indeed any were needed , to continue his exertions for the advancement of the Claremont Lodge as he had done in the past . That jewel would remind him of many happy honrs spent in association with the brethren of fche Lodge , and he

trusted the harmony and good understanding which new prevailed amongst tbe whole of the brethren would long continue to subsist ; . The Worshipful Master then extended a hearty welcome to the Visitors , observing that this was a toast always received with genuine acclamation and pleasure by the members of the Claremont Lodge .

He was very pleased to seo so many Visitors present that evening , and hoped they would have the pleasure of their company on many future occasions . The toasfc was heartily received and responded to by Bro . Tickle P . P . G . Registrar Middlesex . He was always pleased to visit the brethren of the Claremont Lodge ,

composed as it was of many of his beat personal friends ; indeed , there seemed to be quite a band of good fellowship between the Claremont and the Snb-Urban Lodges . He hoped tnau foci * « . i * nh lorn * continue , and be strengthened as years rolled by . Brothers Buck and J . Hill also responded

echoing the remarks of the previous speaker as to the cordial relations whioh existed between the Lodges he had mentioned . Tho healths of the Past Masters were then given in felicitous terms by fche Worshipful Master , reference being made to their constant and unwearying zeal in upholding the prestige of the Lodge ,

and m cementing good fellowship amongst tho brethren . Bro . T . Vincent , as the "Father" and Treasurer of the Lodge , in the course of his response , said he was deeply indebted to the Worshipful Master for tho kind and flattering terms in which he had spoken of him , and to the brethren for the warmth and cordiality with which

they had received the toast . He assured them thafc he had , and always ahould have , tbo welfare of the Claremont Lodge at heart ; and it was a source of genuine gratification to him to know that two of his initiates had passed the chair , namely , Bros . B . Williams and S . Ward . He was very proud of Bro . Williams , for , although only a

young Mason , he had worked tho ceremonies in the most able and proficient manner . Bro . Morfifc , their Junior Warden , was also one of his initiates , and he looked forward to that brother ' s filling the chair ably and efficiently . Bro . Frances also responded in his usually eloquent style . Several other toasts followed , the

proceedings being ^ enlivened by some excellent harmony . After spending a most enjoyable afternoon and evening the brethren returned to their respective homes , all speaking in tho warmest manner of the admirable arrangements which had been made for their enjoyment at the proverbially favourite and admirably appointed hostelry , the Crown .

Fidelity Lodge of Instruction , No . 3—On Wednesday the 14 th inst ., at Bro . Silvester ' s , Tho Alfred , Roman Road , Barnsbury , Bro . R . Ross occupied tho chair , •he was supported by Bros . W . J . Ferguson Preceptor , Silvester Treasurer , Dimsdale Secretary , Bleakley , Gregory , Anient , & c . Lodge was opened , and the

minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed ; Bro . Ferguson , assisted by the brethren , worked the first section of the second lecture . Lodge was then resumed to the iirst degree , and Bro . Ross rehearsed tho ceremony of initiation in good style , Bro . Silvester acting as candidate . Bro . Bleakley was unanimously elected W . M . foAhe ensuing meeting .

Creaton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1791—A meeting was held ou the 22 nd instant , at the Wheatshcaf Hotel , Goldhawk ! road , Shepherd's Bnsb , when there wero present Bros . Bioitbart W . M ., Sims P . M . S . W ., Williams J . W ., Cbalfont P . M . Secretary , Cavers S . D ., Child P . M . J . D . ; P . M . ' s SpiegelGiUin-liam

, , J . Davies Preceptor ; aldo Bros . Stouuill , Moloney , Stroud , Marsh , Head , Gilbert , Mandors . Lod go was opened and tho minutes of previous meeting confirmed . Lod go was opened in tho second degree , and Bro . Stonnill offered himself as a candidate for raising . Tbat brother having answered the usual questions , was entrusted .

Ihe Lodge was opened in the third degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed . Lodgo was resnmed to tho first degree , and the second section was worked . Bro . Sims was ejected W . M . for next meeting . A voto of thanks was passed to tho W . M ., ancl tho Lod « o was closed in dne form . a

Freemasonry In York.

FREEMASONRY IN YORK .

FOR some time past , several prominent brethren in York have been anxious to establish iu that ancient centre of English Freemasonry a working body in connection with the Eoyal Order of Scotland ; but it was not until quite lately thafc the way became clear for the consummation of their wishes . A few months ago , however , application was made to the ruling body of the Order at Edinburgh

and the result was that a regular petition was forwarded to the Earl of Rosslyn Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Order , pray , ing him to constitute a Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire , and nominating Bro . the Rev . Wm . Valentine , M . A ., Rector of Whixley , near York , as the Provincial Grand Master . The petition was

signed by members of tho Order residing at York , Hull , Scarbro ' , Bedale , and Richmond , and , in due course , the request was granted , and the warrant was issued . The York brethren were very anxious to secure the presence of the Deputy Grand Master on the occasion of the ceremony of constitution , and , after some delay , the 10 th Jul y

was named by his lordship for the date of his official visitation . Several members of the Grand Lodge of the Order in Edinburgh were anxious to tako the chance of visiting York , and expressed a desire to have an opportunity of meeting some of their brethren in the Craft . Accordingly arrangements were made for an emer .

gency meeting on the 9 fch July of Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , afc the Masonic Hall , St . Saviourgate , for the purpose of wel . coming the visitors from the Northern kingdom . The Lodge was opened at 7 p . m . by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., who was supported by Bros . C . G . Faciei P . M ., G . Simpson P . M ., J . Blenkin P . M ., G .

Balmford P . M ., W . Brown S . W ., J . Kay Sec , W . Laokenby J . D ., W . Stephenson I . G ., W . Storey J . D ., Irving , J . W . Blenkin , W . Sharp , H . Mennell , J . E . Wilkinson , J . L . Spetch , and others . The visitors from Edinburgh consisted of Bros . J . T . S . Elliot , Grand Junior Warden , D . Murray Lyon Grand Secretary , J . Crichton P . M 1 , W .

Edwards P . M . 36 V . P . G . S ., R . S . Brown P . M . 145 G . S ., and J . Taylor P . M . 349 ; and there were also present Bros . D . Scott 219 ( S . C ) , J . Webster 160 ( S . C ) , and W . F . Tomlinson P . M . 304 ( Leeds ) . The acting W . M . welcomed the visitors to York , and expressed the pleasure it afforded the Eboracnm Lodge to greet so many

distinguished brethren upon classic ground ; and Bro . Elliot responded on behalf of the visitors . The lodge was then raised to the third degreo , and a candidate was conducted through the ceremony . The Lodge having been lowered , Bro . Whytehead presented to tbe Lodge threo valuable Masonic engraved portraits of Bros . Thomas Dundas

Prov . Grand Master , Bishop Wykeham of Winchester ,, and Thomas Locke , which bad been framed by Bros . Balmford and Halliwell , and , after interchange of good wishes , the Lodge was closed . An adjournment was made to the supper-room , where the brethren entertained their visitors , and subsequently in fcho smoke-room there was speech

making and harmony , aud a most agreeable evening was passed . On Saturday morning the Northern brethren were conducted by Bro . Whytehead to the gardens of the Philosophical Society , to the Merchants' Hall , and to other places of interest ; , and afc three p . m . they once more found themselves iu tho St . Saviourgate Hall , where

preparations had been made for tbo ceremony of tho Royal Order . Here were assembled the Right Hon . the Earl of Rosslyn , Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Order , Bros . W . Mann Deputy Grand Governor , Alexander Hay Grand Senior Warden , William Hay Grand Junior Warden , D . Murray Lyon Grand Secretary , C . S .

Dickson Grand Treasurer , William Edwards G . G . of the T ., J . T . S . Elliot Grand Standard Bearer , R . S . Brown Grand Ex ., James Crichton , 0 . F . Matier P . D . G . M . Lancashire and Cheshire , G . P . Brockbank P . D . G . M ., C Fendelovv Wolverhampton , G . J . McKay Deputy Provincial G . M . Lancashire and Cheshire . By

dispensation a Provincial Grand Lodge was opened by Bro . the Rev . W . Valentine , who was supported by Bros . J . W . Woodall , T . B . Whytehead , W . H . Cowper , William Brown , Donald Graut , George Simpson , and others , and thereafter the Grand Lodge was received and saluted . The throne was then taken by the Earl of Rosslynand

, several brethren were advanced to this ancient Order . The Patent of Bro . the Rev . William Valentine as Provincial Grand Master was read , the Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire was constituted , and the Provincial Grand Master installed . The Office Bearers were then presented , after which the Earl of

Rosslyn congratulated the York brethren upon the formation of tho body and wished them all success ; the Provincial Grand Master replied on behalf of his brethren . The Provincial Grand Master also thanked tho Deputy Grancl Master and the Officers of Grand Lod <* e

for tho compliment paid to York Masonry iu their attendance on this important occasion , and the Earl of Rosslyn , attended by his Officers , retired . Tho following are the Officers appointed by Brother Valentine : —

Bro . T . B . Whytehoad - . - Deputy Prov . Grand Master W . H . Cowper ( Middlesborough ) - Senior Warden Lieut . Donald Grant ( 19 fch Regfc . ) - Junior Warden W . H . B . Atkinson ( Pontefracfc ) . Standard Bearer Wm . Watson ( Lee h ) - - Examiner Wm . B . Dyson ( York ) . . Marischal Wm . Eraser ( Scarborough ) . Guarder .

A telegram was read from Bro . the Hon . W . T . Orde Powlefct , from Storen , in Norway , congratulating tho brethren ; also one from Bro . J . Chadwick , Prov . Grand Sec . for Lancashire and Cheshire , giving hearty good wishes from hia Provincial Grand Lodge , and other letters and telegrams of a similar nature •,,-,: re read , after which

the Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire wu . ; o ' osed . An adjournment was then niado to Harker ' s York Hotel , where the Prov . Grand Master presided at au excellent ; banquet , being supported by Lord Rosslyn and about 24 of the brethren . Afc its conclusion , Bro .

Valentine having to leave York for Scotland , the chair was taken by Bro , Whytehead , who proceeded to givo the usual toasts , and the health of the Deputy Grand Master of fche Order . . The Earl of Rosslyn replied , and in the courso of hia speech informed the brethren thafc