Original Correspondence.

to obtain the control of education ; hence the assertion bv the Bishop of Montpellier of her " absolute right to teach mankind . " She has , moreover , already tasted thc fruits of this control in Bavaria , where thc very liberality of an enlightened King led to the fatal mistake of confiding the schools of the kingdom to the " Doctors of Rome . " Your obedient servant , Athena-um , Dec . 16 . J TYNDALI ..

Consecration Of A New Chapter In Liverpool.

CONSECRATION OF A NEW CHAPTER IN LIVERPOOL .

Thc increase in Royal Arch Chapters has been as marked in the province of West Lancashire as amongst Craft Lodges , and the number of those already in existence within thc division was swelled on Wednesday , the 22 nd of December , when ihe De Grey and Ripon Chapte , No .

135 6 , was solemnly and duly consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool . The chapter stands attached to a highly influential lodge , and those identified with the principal offices and organisation of the newly-consecrated chapter are justly recognised as leaders in the Masonic Oreler . Its birth has taken place apparently under a " lucky star , " and there is little doubt that the new chapter

wil ! soon grow up to a * fine manhood , under the fostering care of those who ! havc the government in their hands . The ceremony of consecration was fixed to begin at thiec o ' clock , and shortly after that hour the interesting proceedings were commenced , the following being amongst those present : —Comps . H . S . Alpass , Prov . G . S . E . ; R . Wylie , P . Prov . G . D . C , M . E . Z . 292 ; B . B . Marson ,

Z . designate of the new chapter ; Joseph Bell , H . designate ; Richard Brown , J . designate ; J . A . Edginton , S . E . designate ; E . Kyle , 220 ; ] . Arellano Hall , P . Prov . G . S . N ., P . Z . 32 ; J . Holland , Z . 82 *; J . McKune , P . Z . 21 G , P . Prov . P . Soj . ; II . Nelson , P . Z . 1 * 7 . * , P . G . D . C . ; W . Fletcher , 292 ; J . Hilton , 20 , *; M . Corless , 673 ; A . Woolrich , 203 ; J . Beesley , Z . 216 ; II . Ashmore , ' 823 ; W . Doyle , P . G .

3 rd Principal ; J . P . McAithur , Z . 1086 ; J . Lunt , P . Z . 1086 :. mlZ . 241 ; T . Clark , P . Z . andZ . 6 73 ; J . Thornton , P . Z . 6 7 . 1 ; G . Pect , 241 ; J . Skeaf , 21 (>; W . Shortis . Z . 1094 ; T . Evans , J . 203 ; 1 ? . Roberts , 203 ; J . W . Baker , 241 ; J . Archdeacon , 249 ; J . Winsor , 241 ; P . M . Larsen , J . Keel , 203 ; F . J . Bailey , 680 ; H . Burrows , 673 ; J . W . Williams ,, ) . Williams , 220 ; [ . Wood , Treas . 249 (

Freemason ); J . T . Callow , P . Z . 673 ; R . Webster , 203 ; W . Morris ; E . Jones , 220 ; J . E . Jackson , P . R . Thorn , A . Samuels , H . 477 ; A . Winkup , T . Chesworth , P . Z . io 8 Ci ; J . R . Johnson , P . Z .. etc . ; and R . Pearson , 220 . Comp . II . S . Alpass took thc chair as Z . ; Comp . J . Mc Kune being H . ; Doyle , J . ; Hall , P . S . ; Goepel , First A . S . ; J . Lunt , Second A . S . ; J . W . Baker , S . E . ; Beesley ,

S . N . The chapter was opened according to ancient custom , and then Comp . 11 . S . Alpass proceeded to consecrate in a masterly style , assisted by Com . R . Wylie . Comp . J . W . Baker , acting S . E ., read the warrant constituting the D ^ Grey and Ripon Chapter , No . 135 6 , and the consecrating prayer was offered by Comp . Alpass . The corn , wine ,

oil , and salt were carried by Comps . Anions , Callow , Clark , Shoitis , and Baker , and the chapter was declared duly consecrated by Comp . R . Wylie . The Principals invested were Comps . 11 . B . Marson , Z . ; Joseph Bell , H . ; R . Brown , J . ; with Comps . J . A . Edgenton , S . E . ; Kcet , S . N . ; and P . M . Larsen , Janitor . After about twenty propositions for exaltation , the chapter was closed in

accordance wilh ancient custom . The majority of those present subsequently sat down to an excellent banquet , provided liberally and efficiently by Comp . W . Vines , of the Canton Hotel . Comp . B . B . Marson , M . K . Z ., presided , suppoitcd by the other Principals and officers ol the new chapter . About 50 special invitations had been issued , and the majority of these were

accepted . The M . E . Z . said . — 1 have the honour "of proposing "The Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty thc Queen , " and I well know this , the first toast upon our list , will be received and honoured wilh lhat enthusiasm which every feeling of love towards her person can prompt us to bestow . In

this country it is thc happy privilege ot Freemasonry to be intimately associated with thc throne , for whilst we gladly recognize the Prince of Wales as our supreme head , we are equally proud to mention the Queen as a liberal patroness of our Masonic Charities , and endeared as she is to all classes of her subjects , I am proud to know , in hoping she might long be spared , and blessed with

health and strength , that my words will only express the wishes of all true and loyal hearts . M . E . Comp . Marson , in giving " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Supreme Grand Principal , thc Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " said — Provincial Grand Officers , Chiefs , and Companions , — I have the honour and privilege of proposing " The

Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , " and I am quite certain this toast will be honoured with every demonstration of lojalty , for whether wc regard His Royal Highness as our future King , or in that closer bond cf union towards ourselves , as the Supreme Grand Principal of England , he is everyway worthy our esteem . Soj < urning now in that mighty Empire , where British

valour has often times been sorely tried , and as often amply proved , I know helms our best wishes for his health , and our prayers for his safe return to his native home . " The Health of thc Provincial Grand Supeiintcndent of West Lancashire , with the Provincial Grand Officers , " was proposed in a most happy and excellent manner by Comp ,

It . 1 ' niwne , thc M . E . Z . of thc new chapter . The name ol M . E . P . Grand Scribe , Comp . Alpass , was coupled with his toast , and it was received with the greatest warmth . Comp . Alpass , in replying 011 behalf of Lorel Skelmersdale and the Provincial Grand Officers , thanked the comanions present for the hearty manner with which the last

Consecration Of A New Chapter In Liverpool.

toast had been received , and , introducing thc subject of charity in a most elaborate speech , impressed on all present the necessity of supporting Lord Skelmersdale as Chairman of the Benevolent Institution in London in a manner worthy of the Province of West Lancashire , speaking in the warmest terms of the officers appointed to govern the De Grey and Ripon Chapter , and his belief that

it would be ruled in a most able and exemplary way under their supervision . He then proposed " The Health of its Chiefs and Officers , " the toast being received with the greatest enthusiasm . Comp . B . B . Marson , Z ., in returning thanks , said the founders of the De Grey and Ripon , remembering that happy Christmas time just drawing upon them , when

every heart grew larger and every generous impulse was increased , thought that some good deed on their jiart would convey better than any words they could utter how highly they estimated the good opinions of the companions present ; and he was proud and happy as their First Principal to place in thc hands of the P . G . Scribe the sum of £ 10 to represent the De Grey and Ripon Chapter ,

remarking that he was very glad to state that the foun ders of the chapter had given him that sum more than a week ago ; and he trusted the example set by the latest addition to the Province of West Lancashire would stimulate every chapter and lodge under Lord Skelmersdale ' s rule to support him at the Benevolent Institution , London , in such a manner that his lordship might justly be proud of his province .

Comps . Joshua Bell , H ., and Richard Brown , J ., each in a very able speech , supported the remarks of the Z . and the thanks he had given for the hearty reception accorded to their healths . Comp . B . B . Marson , Z ., proposed " The Consecrating and Installing Officers , " thanking them very warmly for their services , and the splendid manner in which those

ceremonies had been performed . M . E . Comp . R . Wylic , P . Prov . G . D . of C , returned thanks , and assured the companions hov / gratified he was to have done anything to forward the interests of the DeGrey and Ripon Chapter . The remaining toasts were "Thc Chiefs of other Chapters , " coupled with the name of Comp .

Hall , of Chapter 32 ; "Thc visitors , " coupled with the name of Comp . A . Winkup , and "The Provincial Grand Organist , Comp . Skeaf , " and remembering the last toast the Companions withdrew at 9 o ' clock , after spending a most enjoyable evening , which was greatly enhanced by the musical efforts of Comps . Brown , Woolrich , Winkup , Edginton , and Skeaf .

Presentation To A Worthy Liverpool Brother.

PRESENTATION TO A WORTHY LIVERPOOL BROTHER .

On Tuesday afternoon , the 21 st December , a number of gentlemen waited upon Bro . It . C . Yelland , W . M . 1094 , Superintendent of the Liverpool Salvage Brigade , at Hatlon-garden , Liverpool , for the purpose of making a presentation in recognition of his services for the last nine

years . The testimonial , subscribed for by Masonic and private friends , consisted of a splendid English gold keyless chronomenter , with 18-carat gold guard and seal , and a 21-day black marble dining-room timepiece inlaid with malachite and gold scrolls . Thc watch and timepiece both bore the inscription : — " Presented to R . C . Yelland , Esq ., Superintendent of the Liverpool Salvage Brigade , by

a number of friends and admirers , for services rendered to the town and as a token of esteem . " The handsome testimonial was entirely subscribed for by friends of Bro . Yelland ; and although a large number cf warehouse owners desired to subscribe , the committee thought it better to decline , so as to raise the presentation above suspicion . Bro . Alderman Taylor , P . M . 823 , who presided at the

presentation , said lhat while it was incumbent upon every man to discharge his duties without hope of reward beyond that of a good conscience , there were certain circumstances which deserved recognition in this way . When a man like Bro . Yelland risked life lo save the lives and property of others , it was felt that those services were worthy of notice . The subscribers to this

testimonial were therefore anxious to recognise the nine years faithful service of Bro . Yelland as the head of the salvage brigade , and more especially his services at the Larccloishey fire , where hy his brave tffoits he saved much valuable property . 'Ihe chairman referred to the good feeling which existed between the salvage corps and the police fire brigade , and conciudeel by expressing a desire for Bro .

lelland's long life and prosperity . Bio . lelland , in acknowledging thc presentation , said it had always given him pleasure to render assistance to every oue in a time of need , and he hoped that feeling would always actuate him in the performance of his duties . He had now been for nine years chief of the salvage brigade , and during that time they had worked harmoniously with the police , with a

desire to do good service to the best of their ability . Bro . Dr . Kisch moved a vole of thanks to the chairman , which was seconded by Bro . J . Clegg , and carried by acclamation . Bro . R . R . Martin moved , Bro . D . W . Winstanlcy seconded , and Bro . P . Macmuldrow supported , a vote of thanks to Bro . J . Clegg as chairman of the committee ; and after this had been carried the proceedings terminated .

Centenary Festival Of St. Thomas's Lodge, No. 142.

CENTENARY FESTIVAL OF ST . THOMAS'S LODGE , No . 142 .

This very interesting event took place on St . Thomas ' s day , at the City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , the ordinary place of meeting of the lodge , under thc presidency of Bro . G . A . Rooks , the VV . M . ; F . T . Dubois , P . M ., as S . W . ;

and J . Lewis Thomas , I ' . M ., as J . W . A lodge of emergency was called for the purpose , and the official document from Grand Lodge , acknowledging the continuous existence of the lodge for 100 years , and granting permission to wear the centenary jewel , was read by the Secretary , Bro . I-I . C . Levander , and ordered to be entered on

Centenary Festival Of St. Thomas's Lodge, No. 142.

the minutes . Letters were read from Lord Carnarvon , Lord Skelmersdale , Lord Hartingdon , Colonel Francis Burdett , Sir Albert Wood , and Dr . Woodrran , Grand Sword Bearer , expressing their regret at being unable to attend . Bro . Battye , P . M . and Treasurer , proposed that the event should be commemorated by voting the sum of £ 20 to be placed on the list of Bro . Thomas , who

was nominated to represent the lodge as Steward at thc forthcoming festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons ; this was seconded and carried unanimously , as was also the proposition to present an extraordinary Past Master ' s jewel to the W . M ., to mark the approbation of the brethren of his having so ably filled the chair for

two consecutive years . There being no other business , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the ban - queuing hall , being honoured by the presence of about 45 guests distinguished in the Craft . Amongst the number we noticed Bros . John Hervey , G . S . ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; Rev . Dr . Brette , Francis Robinson , O . Hansard , Rev . P . M . Holden , Colonel Peters , Major

Shadwell Clarke , Hyde Pullen , R . Wentworth Little , P . G . S . W . Midx ; J . Shervill , G . S . ; John Boyd , P . G . P . ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . ; Jchn Oliver , W . M ., Granite ; E . Letchworth , J . Terry , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; F . Hogard , H . G . Buss , P . G . T . Middlesex ; Magnus Ohren , and others . The lodge being limited by its rules to 2 S members , was well

represented by Bro . Rooks , W . M . ; Cockcraft , P . M . ; Battye , P . M . ; Thistleton , P . M . ; Huguenin , P . M . ; and representative from the Grand Lodge of Switzerland ; F . T . Dubois , P . M . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . M . ; Scarth , I . P . M . ; Levander , P . M . and Secretary ; Beattie , S . D . ; Macaulay , J . D . ; Powell , P . M . and I . G . ; Lea , Hannan , H . A . Dubois , Giles , Le Pays , and Bailey .

Illness prevented the attendance of the popular and esteemed VV . M . elect , Bro . William Dyott Burnaby . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . G . Carter , assisted by Bros . Monlem Smith , Lester , and Lawler , which gave great delight and satisfaction . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given in very appropriate terms by the VV . M ., who dilated upon the

immense impetus given to Masonry by the advent of II . R . II . the Most Worshipful Grand Master , and alluded to his present tour in India as likely to have a most beneficial and enduring influence on the Craft . Bro . Hervey respondeil in his usual well chosen terms for the " Grand Officers . " Bro . J . C . Parkinson proposed the toast of the evening , " Prosperity to St . Thomas ' s Lodge . " He

regretted that he was not better able to do justice to the toast , but acknowledged the pride he felt in being called upon to do honour to so distinguished a lodge , whose birthday they were then celebrating . He traced its history , as asceitained from its old minute books , by which , as an old Athol Lodge , it was proved to be in existence long before the date of its present charter in 1775 . 1 le mentioned

many names amongst its members not unknown to fame . Conspicuously foremost was that of Dr . Johnson , and , coming downtoour own day , the lamented Shirley Brooks and Albert Smith . The toast was drank with enthusiasm The other toasts , in their order , were " The Visitors , " proposed by thc Master , and responded to by Bros . Major Shadwell Clarke and Hyde Pullen ; "The Charities , "

proposed by Bro . James Lewis 1 homas , P . M ., and responded to by Bro . Terry ; " Thc Master , " pioposed by Bro , John Hervey , G . S ., and responded to by the W . M . ; "'I he Past Masters , " proposed by Ihe W . M ., and responded to by Bro . Battye , P . M . and Treasurer . Thc spirit of the meeting was well sustained by each of the speakers , and it is not too much to say , that the

speeches , which were not only strictly practical and suggestive , especially noticeable in the pathos which seemed to inspire the advocate of the chaiities , but at times attained and maintained the elevation of the highest eloquence . The Tyler ' s toast brought thc proceedings to a close . Tea and coffee were served in the drawing-room , and thc

W . M ., Wardens , and brethren of St . Thomas ' s Lodge were congratulated on the success of their centenary meeting . The Masonic body arc not unreasonably proud of the prestige and increasing importance of this lodge , which has held on its undeviatjng path for more than a century , and to the ' outer world we can only echo the lime-honoured motto of the lodge "Noli esse incredulus sed fidelis . "

Tnn MASONIC ANDGUKI - IIAI . LI in ASSCHANCE COMPANY , —We have received thc seventh annual report of this company , and note with pleasure the progress which it has been the duty of the * . Directors to communicate to the members . The business is not so large as should be done by an office appealing to so influential a class as the Masonic body . The office is well conducted , and what is

more , the assets are proportionate to the liabilities . From what has recently come to our knowledge , it appears that die business is rapidly extending , in fact , there is every reason to believe that the forthcoming year will be a most prosperous one . Wc , therefore , confidently call thc attention of our readers , ( most especially those who are about

assuring their lives ) to the special advantages afforded by the Masonic Life Oflice . The papers forwarded to applicants are worthy of the most careful perusal and consideration , hence wc would recommend that application be made to the Managing Director ofthe Company for any required information , which we feel sure he will most cheerfully supply .

H OLLOWAV ' S TILLS AND OINTMENT . —F . acli quarter of the year tests the constitution , and discovers its weakest link . By thc variable temperatures of tlie present season , the human system is severely tried ; chest complaints , disordered digestion , and' bilious * ness are- generally more or less frequent . Thc wisest will save both pain and hazard bv the early use of these infallible remedies ,

Holloway's Ointment , well rubbed upon thc skin nearest the scat of disease , exerts most wonderfully purifying- powers , never fails in expelling all noxious matters and removing all temporary ol ) . slructions , thus restoring healthy action to the organ . While the Ointment gently re-arranges disordered action , Holloway ' s Pills should be takeu to remove all contaminations from the blood . — A . HT .