Craft Masonry.

DC . ; R- * "' Singleton , Almoner ; Lewis Crossley , Deputy D . C . ; J . E . Hartley , Organist ; A . S . White , Deputy Organist ; L . P . B . Murgatroyd , E . Scarborough , VV . H . Smith , Geo . E . Robinson , Geo . D . Buckley , A . Scarborough , R . W . Shoesmith , i , p . A . Davis , J . Young , and J . E . R . Jones , Stwds . ; and J . Sagar , Tyler . Bro . Hcn * y Smith , who is retiring from the oflice of Deputy Prov . Grand Master of W- Yorkshire , and is making a series ot farewell visits in this capacity , took occasion to deliver a brief address to the brethren during the evening , which we give -verbatim . He

said : Brethren , it is with much pleasure that I lind myself a guest this evening at this good old Lodge of Probity . For ioo years it has borne that honourable namo . The title by which it was distinguished ' prior to that date is doubtless better known to you than to me ; but I am informed that previous to 17 S 3 it was called St . John the Baptist Lodge . Assembling first at the Black Bull Inn , then known as the Bull's Head , it has changed its habitation many times ; but it has never left Halifax , and in iSflj it made its home in the beautiful building in which we meel to-night . Founded in 173 S , it has

had an existence extending over 15 S years . It has kept one centenary , celebrated three jubilees , and is now on its way rejoicing towards the bi-centenary anniversary of Its birth . Could we carry ourselves back those 150 or 160 years , and see the quaint old town of Halifax as it was then , with its few and narrow streets , its homely , unpretentious buildings , how strange it would appear to us . Not a single long chimney to be seen , not a puff of steam , no summoning bell , nor sounding mill steam whistle . All cloth produced by hand-loom , and much manufactured in the neighbouring villages . Such in

half a dozen words was Halifax then . What it is now you know more fully than I , and the contrast is indeed striking . Just , too , as this good old town has made commercial and material progress , so it has also made Masonic advancement . Compare the upper chamber of the Bull's Head and the customs of those days with the splendid hall and the Masonic pomp ( if I may so call it ) and ceremony of to-day . It is a retrospect which , whether we view it from a business , or social , or a Masonic point of view , is equally encouraging and cheering . The Probity Lodge ( to come to recent times ) since I have

kr . ownit has enjoyed exceptional prosperity . During the last 2 S years it has admitted 1 S 6 new members into its society—an . average of six a year through all that time . It has had as many as 102 members on its roll , has never hed less than 62 , and now numbers between So and go . It has at this moment 26 Past Masters , 16 of whom have attained provincial rank and honours . Nor can I forget that Probity gave to West Yorkshire one of the most genial and popular Prov . Grand Masters which it has ever had . I refer , of course , to the late Sir Henry Edwards . As with Leeds , Huddersfield , Wakefield ,

and Harrogate , the Chief Magistrate of Halifax is a Freemason , and I take it , Sir ( turning to the Mayor in the chair ) , that whilst the position you hold in your . civic capacity undoubtedly reflects lustre on this Iodge ; the collar of W . M . which has been placed round your neck to-night adds further brightness and still higher honour to the olfice which you have been selected to fill . Well , brethren , I am detaining you . You will think me long , even tedious , but bear with me yet a moment as this is the last time that I shall address you as Deputy Prov . Grand Master of VVest Yorkshire . You are

proud of your Iodge , justly proud , proud of its antiquity , its integrity , its prosperity , and doubtless also of its collective and individual Masonic capacity . It is , I consider , an exceplional privilege to call Probity your mother lodge , but , brethren , you must not forget that with your prestige and your privileges you have all the consequent responsibility . To you as , shall I say ? the premier lodge in the province , all turn , all look for examples of Masonic conduct , for models of Masonic working , for , in a word , all that is good in Freemasonry . You have raised your lodge to a high standard , keep it there .

Strive to maintain your just reputation . Strive to make your lodge the home of Misonic Charity and the school of Masonic propriety and it will continue to hold up in the van the banner of Masonic progress . Do this and its success is assured . Do this and Probity Lodge , when we , like our predecessors , shall have gone to our rest , will continue to show its resplendent light from generation to generation . Brethren , I thank you for your patient attention . Need I say that my best good wishes go with venerable old Probity . At the dinner which followed upwards of 80 brethren sit down , and the

proceedings were characterised by Yorkshire fervour and enthusiasm . We are told on very excellent authority that Yorkshiremen are stern of mood . That may be so on occasion , but when the said Yorkshiremin intends to enjoy himself he does it with a heartiness and a desire to please which can only be described as native . The usual toasts , with the additional one of "The Army , Navy , and Reserve Forces , " were honoured in the customary way , and "The Health ofthe Worshipful Master , the Mayor of Halifax , " was received and drunk in a manner which must have

been eminently flattering to him . " He's a jolly good fellow " was sung , with three cheers to follow . Nor was the Mayoress forgotten . A special feature of the charming scene which the banqueting hall presented was the table decoration . This , we were told , was directed and largely carried out by the

fair hands of the Mayoress herself . Unable to join otherwise in the well-von Masoiic honours of her husband , she could with dainty touch and delicate arrangement contribute her share to the success of the evening—a share which wa are sure was duly appreciated by all those whose privilege it was to be present . The installation of Bro . George Henry Smith will not soon be forgotten in Masonic circles in Halifax .

Jordan Lodge , No . 201 . The installation meeting of this Iodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queenstreet , on thc 22 nd ult ., and was well attended . There were present Bros . F . S . Chaplin , W . M . ; Alfred Davies , S . W ., W . M . elect ; A . J . T . Tate , J . W . ; J . Martin , Treas . ; R . T . Elsam , P . M . 201 , SSo , and 222 . ' , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey , Sec ; A . C . Buchanan , S . D . ; H . J . Abrahams , J . D . ; H . Rigby , I . G . ; H . Berghoff , D . C ; J . H . Frye , P . M . ; F . J . Hannan , M . D ., P . M . ; A Hardy , PM . ; B . Douthwaite , I . P . M . ; C G . Zander , A . B . Rickards , W . Freeman , G . C . Peacock , W . J . Deacon , A . Andrews , F . W . Allen , V . Lazarus , J . R . Ubsdell , A . II . Robertson , T . Burges- * , F . Boothby , E .

H . Clements , A . White , and W . Simpson , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . R . Blackwill , 1672 ; G . J . Trustrome , 1 O 35 ; D . J . Chinnery , 1306 ; VV . D'Acy . 62 ; S . Lewi ? , -374 J J- Bird , 19 G 3 ; A . Streeter , S . VV . 2157 ; H . Batton , VV . M . 94 6 ; J . F . Saunders , VV . M . 1507 ; C J . Coombs , P . M . 7 S 0 ; S . Dancyger , W . M . 205 ; H . E . C-omme , P . M . 94 6 ; W . H . Pocklington , P . M . 12 SS ; A . Skinner , P . M ., S . VV . 2458 , P . P . G . S . B . Bucks ; J . Saleth , 459 , Punjab ; and R . T . West , 1714 . Ihe minutes of the previous meeling having been read and confirmed , the W . M . passed Bro . A . B . Rickards . The VV . M . elec * , Bro . Alfred Davies , was then presented installed

ano into the chair bv Bro . | . M . l'rye , P . M ., in a very impressive manner . Ihe following brethren were appointed officers : Bros . A . ] . T . ' Tate , S . W . ; A . C . Buchanan , J . W . ; Jas . Martin , Treas . ; K . T . Elsam , P . M ., Sec . ; H . I . Abrahams , j "/ i i * . K ' 8 * ' * J ' * *; H * Berghoff , I . G . ; J , R . Ubsdell , D . C ; H . J . Frye , P . M ., and C . G . Zander , Stwds . ; and W . Simptun , P . M ., Tjler . The customary addresses J * "" ? 'y ably rendered by Bro . Frye , P . M . The report of the Audit Committee having been received ar . d adopted , and after other business the Iodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to a recherche banquet , for which the Manager , Bro . J . H . Gcrards , siDle

« as reipcr . , and it was admirably served under his personal superintendence . . At the dose of the repast Ihe W . M . gave " The Oueen and the Craft , " alluding in pathetic teims to the sad death of Prince Henry of battenberg . In giving " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H ., the Prince of Wales , " ' the Worshipful Master re n-aikcd that -0 kr . g as h < - held the reins the Craft must and would prosper . the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " having been honoured , . br ° * l ' - S . Chaplin , I . P . M ., proposed "The VVorshipful Master , " which , he WM l ** * as toast of the eve "" ng . Most heartily did he congratulate him as the vv . fti . His career was a modern one , as , immediately after he was raised , he qualified ouice in the

" •"" " » " «« any loJge , which was somewhat unique for one so young in i > iascnry to go forward as he had done . He ( the W . M . ) had occupied all the principal nces , and had acquitted himself admirably ; his great services were appreciated uy the members , and there was no doubt that he would be the ideal of a VV . M . He IK iJ ** -. T " * 6 plcnt "* * ot initiates , and that the lodge would thrive under his genial and able Masteish ' p . The 'cast was received with much enthusiasm , and 1 - 1 ,, ° ; , * . - " -ayes , W . M ., on rising to respond , had unite an ovation . He stated that

¦ eiv ' rUT nk n V klnd in his 'anguage in relerring to his ( the W . M . 's ) past the W M 1 . L . f ™ . of thc " B reet'ng nude him feci somewhat nervous . He missed lor Wm V ; u . , nlt'ated him , and he would have been proud if it had been possible tann , ^ t * J . ? if , een P 1 sent . He would do his very utmost , both in the ritual and at the MaV-Pr ^ ' ' , ™ aUethelodje a big success . He was honoured by being the TL w « , ! an old and distinguished lodge , of which they were all proui . * r . c W . M . gave " Ihe Immediate Past Master , Bro . F . S . Cha ; ilin . " He said thi

Craft Masonry.

members well knew the splendid working 0 Bro . Chaplin , which had never been excelled in the Iodge , but that was not all , for immediately after he was installed he became an ardent worker , and had done good service for the Charities , and his great efforts in that direction were acknowledged . His year of office hid one excellent result , which was to place a substantial sum to the benevolent fund of the lodge , and his great serv ' c * s and many virtues would never be forgotten . He then presented him with a Past Master's jewel , remarking he hoped he would weir it for many years , and it would ever remind him of his happy year of office and of the appreciation and great estee . n of the members .

The jewel bore the following inscription : "Presented to Bra . F . S . Chip'in , P . M ., by the Brethren of the Jordan Lodge , No . 201 , as a token of esteem an 1 resp : ct for his efficient services as W . M . for the year 1895-90 . " Bro . F . S . Chaplin , I . P . M ., on rising to respond , received a very hearty welcome . He said that when he occupied the chair for tbe first time , just 12 months ago , he felt he had reached the zenith of his fame , but now he had gone on the shelf the manifestation that night and the beautiful jewel he had received made him , if anything , more proud

than when he was installed . He took that opportunity of thanking his offi .-ers and all who had assisted to make , what had been said that evening , a very successful year of office ; anyway , if it was not so , it had been a very happy one so far as he was concerned , and it would never be effaced from his memory , as he considered it was a great privilege and honour to hold the position of VV . M . in a London lodge . Masonry was the same that day as it ever was , as Masons were always anxious to support theCharites , and he hoped it would always be so .

In submitting the toast of " The Installing Master , Bro . rrye , P . M ., " the Worshipful Master stated that he had performed the ceremony in a masterly manner , and he was honoured by having been installed by him . Bro . Frye was well-known , and respected in Masonic circles . The Jordan Chapter would not have been founded if it had not been for him , and he was beloved by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance , and especially by the members of the lodge and the Jordan chapter . In response , Bro . Frye , P . M ., thanked the VV . M . for his kind , but flattering wards . He did not feel up to the mark in the installation ceremony , but he had done his very best . He was honoured by being asked to act that evening , as he was the first to receive

the W . M . when he entered the Iodge as an initiate , and if ever his services were again required as Installing Master he hoped to give it better justice . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Visitors . " He said that many of their guests were very old and dear friends of his , who had come from a long distance , and he appreciated , and was honoured with their presence . He made special mention of Bro . S . Dancyger , P . M . 205 , who had given him all his Masonic knowledge , and if the members were satisfied with what he had gone through that evening , he was glad , and he had to thank Bro . Dancyger for his great services , which had enabled him to occupy the chair . He joined with the toast the names of Bros . H . Barton , W . M . 946 ; j . F . Saunders , W . M . 1507 ; S . Dancyger , P . M . ; and W . H . Pocklin gton , P . M .

Bro . Barton responded . He stated that he was extremely pleased with what he had seen . He had followed the W . M . through his various Degrees and his work that night was , he thought , a good augury that he would be one of the best of Masters in the Craft , and he quite agreed that Bro . Dancyger was responsible for the efficiency of the

VV . M . Bro . J . F . Saunders , W . M . 1507 , said that he had had the pleasure of meeting the W . M . in lodges of instruction and he had no doubt he would be perfect in his high office , and when his reign expired the verdict would be that he had been one of the best Masters in the annals of the Jordan Lodge . Bio . S . Dancyger , P . M ., also responded . He was more than gratified to see the W . M . in the chair as it was the duty of all Masons to aspire to that office . If the W . M . had not been able to carry out the duties appertaining to his office the members would not have elected him , and he was certain that he would be a great success , which

would be very pleasing to him as Preceptor of the lodge of instruction which the W . M . had attended . Bro . Pocklington , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast in a humorous speech . | The W . M . gave "The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " and said the lodge was favoured with a splendid body of Past Misters , who were all good fellows , and their services were not forgotten . Then as to the Secretary , Bro . Elsam , he had held that oflice fot many years , and he hoped , so did the members , that he would continue in that office for many more years , and as to the Treasurer , Bro . Martin , the members knew his worth .

Bro . R . T . Elsam , responded . He said that he was honoured by again being appointed Secretary . He was the oldest Past Master and the oldest member of the lodge , and so long as he held his office he would do his ( duty , please or offend . He wished the W . M . a happy and prosperous reign , and he would do everything in his power to enhance what he had done , and , he hoped , by the Masters before him . Bro . F . J . Hannan also replied in very happy terms . He was pleased to see the

great progress the W . M . had made in the lodge , and had proved himself to be a sterling Mason and would be able to do everything asked ot him , and be a credit to their wellknown lodge . The W . M ., in very appropriate terms , gave "The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . A . J . T . Tate , S . W ., and A . C . Buchanan , who both responded . The Tyler's toast closed a very happy gathering .

The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . I'red . Stephens , W . M . 134 S , assisted by Bros . R . B . Hopkins , Stuart Walker , T . F . Noakes , Master Tom Fussell , C . P ., violinist , and Miss Phyllis Hope , who deserves special mention for her sweet and exquisite singing , which was much appreciated . Bro . Stephens received a well-deserved encore for his great efforts .

Urmston Lodge , No . 1730 . The installation meeting of this very successful lodge was held at the Victoria Hotel , Urmston , on Monday , the 13 th inst . There was a large attendance of brethren present , especially visitors , and there were no less than 28 Past Masters present during the installation ceremony . The lodge was opened by Bro . John Walton , jun ., W . M ., assisted by his officers ; he also installed his successor in the chair in a manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the lodge to which he belongs . He appointed as his Installing Ollicers Bros . John Slyman , as S . VV . ; J . Hardwicke Marsh , P . M ., as J . W . ; G . A . Mye * s , P . P . G . D . C , as D . C . ; J . Swindells , P . M ., as I . G . j and John Bowers , as Organist .

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and Bro . Walter Bowers , S . W ., VV . M . elect , was presented by his brother ; Bro . John Bowers , P . M ., and duly inducted into the chair of K . S ., and he was proclaimed and saluted in the various Degrees , under the direction of Bro . G . A . Myers . The following officers were invested and addressed by Bro . John Slyman : Bros . j . Walton , jun ., I . P . M . ; G . G . Mends , S . VV . ; J . Ormrod , J . W . ; E , L . Littler , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst ., Treas . ; ti . K . Lloyd , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., Sec ; J . S . Whitley , S . D . ; H . H . Jones , J . D . ; John Bowers , P . M ., Org . ; G . A . Myers , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , D . C . ; A . Hawkins , I . G . ; VV . Kirk , W . H . Ashworth , E . W . Barratt , and J . F . M ends , Stwds . ;

and E . Roberts , P . M ., Tyler . The W . M . was addressed by Bro . Rowland Swindells , P . M ., and the Wardens and brethren by Bro . T . W . Bone , P . M . The working tools were presented by Bros . E . L . Littler , P . P . G . P . ; j . Hardwicke Mirsh , P . M . ; and John Bowers , P . M . Bro . E . L . Littler proposed that a vote of condolence be conveyed to Bro . Peter Heaton , P . M ., P . P . G . S ., he being unable to be present on account of an accident . This was unanimously agreed to . "Hearty good wishes" were expressed from the numerous visiting brethren present , and compliments were paid to the Installing Master and others who assisted in the installation upon the admirable minner in which the whole ceremony had been performed .

The lodge was closed by the W . M ., and thebrethren adjourned to a banquet , at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to in the heartiest manner possible , and a very pleasant evening was spent . The following were present : Bros . | ohn Walton , VV . M . ; Walter Bowers , S . W . ; Geo . G . Mends , J . W . ; E . L . Littler , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; Geo . R . Lloyd , P . M ., P . P . G . T . W . Lanes . ; j . Ormrod , S . D . ; Wm . Goodacre , P . M ., P . G . S . B . England , P . G . S . ; John Slyman , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; G . A . Myers , P . P . G . D . C , D . C ; John Bowers , P . M ., Org . ; J . Hardwicke Marsh , P . M . ; T . W . Bone , P . M . ; A . Swindells

P . M . ; John Walton , sen ., P . M . ; E . Roberts , P . M . j J . F . Mends , E . W . Barrett , W . H , Ashworth , and John French . Visitors : Bro * . H / . Nail , P . VI ., P . G . Treas . ; W . Bowden , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; Robt . Wardle , P . G . Std . Jr . ; G . <¦> . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . li . and VV . Lines . ; Alf . Hibbert , W . M . 325 ; John Ambler , W . M . 134 . 5 j J . B . Wolstanhouse VV . M . 13 S 7 ; VV . Toombs , W . M . 15 SS ; J . Lee Potter , W . M , iSi . y ; Edwin Faulkner , W . M . 2231 ; J . . VI . Veal , P . vl . ms ; J . Challenier , P . M 1055 ; Jno . Insch , 14 S 9 ; Jno . Rathbone , P . M . 1495 ; Fred . Batty , P . VI , 2231 ; F Riasdale Bjwley , P . M . 221 OJ anj R . H . Moss , P . M . 143 ( 0 .