One Hundred And Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Lodge Of Industry, No. 48.

Carr , J . T . Coelling , W . Stafford , W . W . Ferguson , T . Swan . T . Shepherd , R . Brason , M . R . Wright , C . G . Nicholl , I . T . Harrison , W . B . Greene , T . Graham , and T . L . Hall . Visitors : Bros . R . Luck , P . M . in , P . P . G . Reg . ; John Spearman , P . M . 4 S 1 , P . P . G . J . W . Northumberland ; W . S . Armstrong , W . M . 1342 ; W . Smith , P . M . 1342 ; G . Brown , J . S . 1342 ; J . Livingstone , J . S . 1712 G . ForsterI . G . 1119 ; G . Hardy , P . M . 16 43 ; J .

; , Stokoe , 541 , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . McCulloch , P . M . 1643 , P . P . G . J . W . ; W . Atkinson , J . W . 16 43 ; VV . Eckford , P . M . 1643 ; D . Lewars , 541 ; Thos . Dinning , P . M . 4 S 1 , P . G . A . D . C . Northumberland ; T . S . Wraith , P . M . 124 ; and VV . Mathieson , 4 S 1 . During the evening Bro . R . B . REED , P . M . 4 S , P . G . Treasurer , delivered an historical address . One hundred and fifty years ago , he said , the Lodge of Industry

joined the London lodges . Freemasonry was then emerging from a cloud that had enveloped it for nearly three centuries . In the third year of the reign of Henry VI . an Act was passed for the abolition of the societies of Masons . The Art was not altogether extinguished , however ; in secret and by stealth , our glorious principles were kept alive . Upon the achievement of the great Revolution of 16 S 8 , the surface of society became calmer , and learned

and good men had time to turn their attention to the principles of Masonry , which continued to develope from that time . Having referred to the labours of Sir C . Wren , who was permeated with a love of both practical and speculative Masonry , he said it was not till the year 1717 that the London lodges met together , at the sign of the Goose and Gridiron , when they resolved upon electing a Grand Master . In 1721 , a Deputy Grand Master and Wardens were

appointed for the hrst time , and tnen oegan tne organisation of the Grand Lodge of England as we now know it . How the Lodge of Industry began , and how it was begun , they did not know ; but , by tradition and inquiry , they found that in 1690 , or about that time , when Sir Ambrose Crowley , an ironmonger , of London , established his works at Winlaton , in the county of Durham , the Operative Masons also practised the Speculative Art . Minutes of this date were

perhaps the rarest things to be got in Masonic lodges , because if was dangerous to keep them while Masons were under the ban of the law . The minutes of Industry Lodge went back to 1723 , however , two years after the commencement of the Grand Lodge , and thc first entry was dated 29 th September , 1725 : "Then Matthew Armstrong and Arthur Douglass had their names registered as Entered Apprentices . " In 1735 , they joined the Grand Lodge , and

in 1 S 67 , when the lodge resolved to apply to tlie Grand Master of Engiand for permission to wear a centenary medal , -which was granted , the then Grand Secretary , Bro . W . G . Clarke , in reference to the age of the lodge , stated that the Lodge of Industry first appeared in the books of Grand Lodge in 1735 , and had continued on the roll of Grand Lodge regularly since then . They might well ask themselves how , when Masonry was in such a

languishing condition , the voice spoken in London found an echo in this obscure village in the North . He attributed it in a great measure to the establishment of the fortnightly packets between London and the Tyne by Sir Ambrose Crowley , who had works at both places . He had gone over the roll of lodges in JS 13 , when the Union of York and the Grand Lodge of England took place , for the purpose of snowing the very honourable and distinguished position

Industry Lodge occupied . There were about 14 London lodges in existence . As to the strength the Grand Lodge of England had in the provinces , the lodges were as follows : Medina , Cowes , 1731 ; Anchor and Hope , Bolton , 173 U St . John the Baptist , Exeter , 1731 ; Royal Cumberland , Bath , 1733 ; Relief Lodge , Bury , 1733 ; St . Paul ' s , Birmingham , 1733 ; Lodge of Industry , Swalwell , 1735 ; AngelColchester 1735 . With the exception of the Relief

, , Lodge , Bolton , and the Anchor and Hope , Bolton , Industry was the only provincial lodge connected with the Grand Lodge of England prior to that time . It would thus be seen that Industry Lodge was one of the few lodges in the country that had been an Operative as well as a Speculative lodge . In turning over the ancient records he found the following entries : "That no Master or Fellow shall take an apprentice for

less term than seven years , and one that is able of birth , fiee born , whole of limbs , and as a man ought to be . " " That no man go into the town at nights except he hath fellows with him that may bear witness he was in good company . " - "That every Master and Fellow shall cherish strange fellows when they come out of strange countreys , and set them on work if they have any , and they willing to

workif not , to supply them with money to the next lodge if need be . " After a while the lodge meetings were held at Swalwell , a village contiguous to Winlaton , and Swalwell was first mentioned in an entry on June 24 th , 1735 : " A lodge was held at Bro . Thompson ' s , at Swalwell , when the lodge was constituted by Joseph Laycock , Provincial Grand Master . " loseoh Lavcock was mentioned in the Grand Lodge as

being the first Provincial Grand Master for the county of Durham . The minutes also recorded the election by the lodge of the Provincial Grand Master—the privilege being claimed from a charter granted to them in 1734 by the Earl of Crawford , then Grand Master . When the Provincial Grand Lodge was formed on its present basis , and William N . Lambton was made Provincial Grand Master , negotiations had to be entered into with Industry Lodge , to

which some little privileges were accorded . In 1845 the lodge was removed from Swalwell to Gateshead . Bro . Richard Bennett was the last Master at Swalwell , and Bro . ] ohn E . Wilkinson was instrumental in removing the lodge from Swalwell to the town of Gateshead . Bro . Bennett was present at his ( Bro . Reed ' s ) installation , and he had also had the pleasure of meeting Bro . Wilkinson in the lodge . The lodge met first at the Black

Bull , and afterwards at the Grey Horse . In 1 SG 9 thc Masonic Hall was built . They left that place for reasons he need not enter into , and were for a while located in Denmark-street . In March , 18 S 1 , the foundation-stone of the present hall was laid , and in January , 1 SS 2 , the hall was opened . They had been a prosperous lodge since then . Amongst the valuables of the lodge were the shear

legs from the old lodge at Swalwell , the scagliola pillars , presented by the late Earl of Durham , a Bible , dated I 6 IS a copy of the Constitutions of Freemasonry , published " in 1723 , edited by Dr . J . T . Desaguliers , They had also Entick ' s Constitutions of Freemasonry , 1767 . The Master ' s chair , a very valuable one , was presented to them by the Duke of Sussex , the first Grand

One Hundred And Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Lodge Of Industry, No. 48.

Master after the Union in 1 S 13 . He urged upon the brethren individually to promote the welfare of such a lodge , and eloquently pointed out that the working tools were only the symbols of rules of moral conduct . He was one of those who believed that Speculative Masonry began when Operative Masonry began . He had no doubt that while the building of the Tower , prior to the confusion of tongues , was going on , Speculative Masonry had its

beginnings . It was carried on by the Phoenicians , the Egyptians , and the Israelites ; and just as architecture was developed , and great and material buildings were erected , so Speculative Masonry was developed . They knew the position it occupied in reference to King Solomon ' s Temple . While the Temple grew , another unseen temple was rising —a temple founded on the claims of brotherly love , relief , and tiuth—a house perfect in its parts—a house not made

with hands , eternal in the skies . The real lodge was not the building . The lodge was found in the principles they imbibed . Their Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Tristram , the greatest living authority upon Masonry , had done a great deal to elucidate the manner in which Masonry had spread . In the course of his ( Bro . Reed ' s ) own researches , he had come across a curious piece of information , which he had not seen communicated to any

lodge hitherto . In the journal of Mr . John McDouall Stuart , the celebrated Australian explorer , and a brother Mason , kept during his fourth expedition in 1 S 60 , for fixing the centre of Australia , he spoke of encountering some natives . " One was an old man , and seemed to be the father of these two fine young men . He was very talkative , but I could make nothing of him . 1 have endeavoured by signs to get information from him as to where the next water

is ; but we cannot understand each other . After some time , and having conferred with his two sons , he turned round , and surprised me by giving me one of the Masonic signs . I looked at him steadily ; he repeated it , and so did his two sons . I then returned it , which seemed to please them much , the old man patting me on the shoulders and stroking down my beard . They then took their departure , making friendly signs until they were out of sight . " So

that where a white men or a civilised man had not been before , they found the Masonic signs in use amongst the heads of the tribes , for no doubt the natives put the Masonic sign to Mr . Stuart to see if he were a headman . " Go on and prosper , old lodge , beneficent mother , " concluded Bro . Reed , " that through all these years has brought generation after generation to drink the philosophical truths that are embodied in Speculative Masonry ;

that has brought the brethren together tor social reunion and social enjoyment ; which has helped to cultivate the finer feelings by the great Masonic philosophy which underlies all our rites and all our ceremonies . I hope when the next jubilee of the lodge arrives—the 200 th anniversaryit may be our privilege , those of us who are not here , to look down from the ' Grand Lodge above' to see this lodge more and more prosperous . " ( Applause . )

Bro . COOK , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Reed for his address , and remarked that Degrees had been given in that lodge in three foreign languages . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER seconded the motion , which was carried by acclamation . Bro . J . G . SMITH , P . M ., afterwards presented to the lodge a Parian bust of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , showing him adorned with the collar of G . M .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER thankfully acknowledged the gift . After many hearty congratulations from the numerous visitors , the proceedings terminated at S . 30 p . m ., when an adjournment was made to the banqueting hall , and about 70 brethren partook of a substantial repast , provided by Bro . J . S . Tait , Crown and Mitre , Newcastle . A pleasant evening was passed in harmony , and all present enjoyed themselves heartily .

The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

The management of the Novelty have announced the withdrawal of " Vanderdecken , " and the substitution for it of " The Babes " for a few weeks . We think they will find they have made no mistake in changing the programme , and the theatre will be again full .

* * * Mr . Edgar Bruce has announced that Mrs . Langtry has exercised her option , and will resume the management of the Prince ' s Theatre for six months from February , where she will appear in , we believe , a new

play . This lady has now made her mark in the profession she has adopted , and seems likely to hold the reputation she has gained . "The Great Pink Pearl " will probably be moved to another theatre , as it still is in the height of its popularity . # #

* "On 'Change" has quitted theatre number two , and is now being played at the Opera Comique . It speaks well for its popularity , as a play has frequently been done for by its removal to another theatre , especially one whose fortunes are not of the brightest . Any one who goes to see "On 'Change" will have a couple of hours ' hearty and harmless laughter .

# # # Miss Minnie Palmer has returned to London from a successful tour in the provinces . On Monday she re-opened in " My Sweetheart , " at the scene ot her former occupation—the Strand—and was received with as much applause as ever . The piece has been much improved , and certain suggestions of the press when Miss Palmer

was last in London have been carried out . It is now a happy-go-lucky play . No misery , only natural events . Shatwell , the Old Sport , who was such a popular character , has been transferred to the last act . Miss Grey , Mr . Hawkins , and Mr . D'Orsay still play their old parts . A new character has been introduced , which we think will be

cut out , as on Monday the black man was greeted with groans , why , we could not make out , but audiences are not always easy to please , and it is difficult to gauge their taste . Miss Baldwin , who plays Mrs . Hector , is a decided acquisition to the cast . Miss Minnie Palmer was in good form on Monday , vivacious , bright , and charming as ever , and we think improved , both in singing and dancing . A

The Theatres.

very pretty chorus of children on a see-saw , with song ( Mr . Arnold ) , is a new and beautiful introduction . We do not notice the name of Miss Palmer's indefatigable and impressible manager , John Rogers , on the bills this time . Certainly , for the variety style of entertainment , Miss Minnie Palmer has the field all to herself , and we should say will draw for some time .

ss * * "The Mikado" was visited on Monday by Bro . H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , P . G . S . W ., the Duchess of Connaught , and H . R . H . ' s brother , the Prince Leopold of Prussia , who is the son of the late Prince Frederick Charles , commonly called the "Red Prince . " "The Mikado , " on account of its excellence , both in dialogue and music , holds its own at the Savoy . Even with all the counter and many attractions of Christmas , there is the

greatest difficulty in getting seats unless one books far ahead . We think the opera goes better than ever ; specially we notice how Mr . Grossmith has improved his part with his familiarity with it . "The Mikado" is one of those theatrical pieces one can go and see over and over again . Mr . Beckwith is now installed as manager in succession to Mr . Edwardes . We are sure Mr . Beckwith will discharge the duties of his position with the same courtesy as did his predecessor . The comforts of the audience are perfectly safe in his able and experienced hands .

With respect to the pantomime of " Aladdin " at Drury Lane it is not a question whether Bro . Augustus Harris has eclipsed every one else—of that there can be no doubt , for no West-end theatre ventures now to produce a pantomime' against such a formidable rival ; but we go further , and assert that Bro . Harris has eclipsed himself , for as a spectacular piece Drury Lane has never had its

equal . And so evidently thought the hundreds and hundreds who assembled outside its walls on Boxingnight . It is not our intention Tto explain , or try to explain , the story of " Aladdin . " It has been told many a time and oft , and in various renderings . Mr . E . L . Blanchard , who has again written the pantomime for this Christmas , as he has done so many times , has added all sorts of additional interest ; Mr . Oscar Barrett has

composed and arranged music to suit the dialogue and to tickle the ears of the audience ; the ladies and gentlemen of the company put a deal of enthusiasm into their parts ; and Bro . Augustus Harris , assisted by his brother Mr . Charles Harris , has produced the whole on a scale of extraordinary magnificence , and , it would seem , lavish expenditure . On the first night everything went without a hitch , for which much credit is due to the stage management , the scene

shifters , and the excellent rehearsals the piece has had . The comic business and topical songs are much weaker in this year ' s pantomime than in those of recent date , but probably as the run extends additions will be made and more fun added thereto . There are only one or two songs touching upon things of the current period . One song by Mr . Herbert Campbell , who is the base magician , Abinazar , is very funny , but we think there is a verse which

might well be left out . Allusions to the private lives of public men at their expense to raise a laugh from tbe public is , we think , not in the best of taste . We are not referring to the politics of the gentleman who is the subject of this jest . Scene VII . is the grandest of all—it is the procession of famous beauties from the earliest ages down to the last generation . Mother Eve , Venus , Diana , Cleopatra , Helen of Troy , Queen Eleanor , Fair

Rosomond , Lady Godiva , and Nell Gwynne , all are there . Each representative is accompanied by attendants clothed like herself in the garments of the period the heroine lived in , which tend to give a characteristic colour and effect to the whole group . We thought that Georgina , Duchess of Devonshire , who kissed the butcher for his vote , was received the best . This scene winds up with a gorgeous ballet , and the stage sparkles as though lit up

with the precious stones of the East and West Indies . Another scene , sure to be popular , is that of the building of Aladdin ' s Palace . There the little pupils of Madame Katti Lanner display their marvellous training . The liliputian wives of the liliputian gardeners , masons , & c , wheel on their perambulators and dance with their husbands in a

most sedate manner . Mr . Harry Nichols is the Widow Twankay , and plays with much taste . Miss Grace Huntley makes a " . graceful " Aladdin , and all the characters are thoroughly satisfactory . For weeks and months the auditorium of Drury Lane will be crowded by both old and young to witness Bro . Harris's latest and best achievement .

The New Argosy Silver.

THE NEW ARGOSY SILVER .

The inventors claim for Argosy silver the merit of being the most perfect substitute for silver yet discovered . The brilliancy of this metal is surprising , and the prices are absurdly low , as will be seen on inspecting the goods ; the appearance of the tea-spoons at four shillings the dozen would lead the uninitiated to the inference that they were worth at least six times that amount , so that no one need

now make use of articles in the presence of their friends which at once betray the worthless character of the family plate . It is pleasing to note that the merits of this newlydiscovered metal have not been altogether overlooked , being used by ten of thousands of persons in the United States of America and Canada , and will be as generally used in this country and elsewhere when its good qualities are more widely known . It has also earned for itself thc

highest award at the New Orleans Exhibition , and at many of the chief Continental Exhibitions . The reputation it has acquired has necessitated the erection of extensive works at Sheffield , the industrial home of hardware goods of this description , as it has been found impossible to supply the growing demand for the goods , which so closely resemble sterling silver as to defy detection . The head quarters of the Argosy Silver Company are at Chicago ,

United States , the London agents being the Gilding and Silvering Company , 113 , lidgware-road , of which Mr . S . Gorer is the manager , and Irom whom all particulars can be obtained . The introduction of this metal into England is a step in the right direction , and before long its popularity will be spread throughout the length and breadth of

the kingdom . All discoveries merit reward , and we trust an ample fortune awaits the inventor . The Queen lias been pleased to confer the distinction of a Companionship of the Bath upon Bro . Howard Vincent , M . P ., formerly Director of the Criminal Investigation Department , London .