Opening Of A New Freemasons' Hall At Exeter.

OPENING OF A NEW FREEMASONS' HALL AT EXETER .

Since the disastrous fire which broke out on Christmas Eve in Gandy-street , Exeter , and the virtual destruction of the Masonic lodge-room in the efforts to arrest the flames , the brethren at Exeter have been put to much inconvenience and have been obliged to imitate the earlier Masons in having < i moveable lodge . The site , which is off the main streets , is central , and by a rearrangement of the plan greater accommodation has been secured , both for the lodge-room and the other rooms necessary to a meeting place for Freemasonry in Exeter and the Masonic club in connection therewith .

To open the new hall a joint meeting of the three lodges—St . John the Baptist , No . 39 , St . George , No . 112 , and Semper Fidelis , No . 1524 , was held on the 16 th ult ., when over 100 brethren were assembled under the gavel of the W . M . of 39 , Bro . T . Pitts ; Bro . Russell Coombe , 112 , occupied the S . W . ' s chair ; and Bro . F . J . Shapcott , W . M . 1254 , occupied the J . W . ' s chair ; Bro . H . Jerman ,

112 , M . E . Z ., acting as I . P . M , The subordinate offices were filled by the Wardens of the three lodges so that the meeting was of a representative character . On the rig ht of the W . M . was the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Davie , who is the acting ruler of the province until the installation of Bro . Sir Stafford Northcote , as Prov . Grand Master , takes place .

On the lodge being opened , the DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER gave an address of an historical nature , reviewing the traditional history of the Craft from the building of the temple , the Pyramids , and on through medireval times to the erection of the stately cathedrals and ecclesiastical buildings on the Continent ,

and then through the traditional history of the York Masons to the written records of Mother Kilwinning Lodge in Scotland . Coming to modern Freemasonry Bro . Davie spoke of the invaluable additions to the store of Masonic knowledge by Bros . Hughan , Gould , Woodford , and other modern writers , and to the unearthing in recent years of so many of the old Masonic charges .

The address , masterly in composition , full of detail , and breathing throughout a true and broad Masonic spirit , was heartily applauded and evidently highly appreciated . Bro . J STOCKER , at the close , asked if it could not be printed , and as a result it is probable that it will be reproduced . Bro . Vinniccmbe presided at the organ , and a choir of 25 voices rendered n Masonic anthem with superb effect .

The architect of the new hall is Bro . James Jerman , P . M . 39 . The Exeter brethren may be congratulated on now having a meeting place worthy of the Craft . After the lodge vvas closed the brethren dined at the New London Hotel , under the presidency of the W . M . of 39 ; the Mayor , Bro . Pople , being present , and many W . Ms , from the surrounding neighbourhood .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . Marylebone Lodge , No . 1305 . The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Criterion , Piccadilly Circus , on the 13 th ult ., when a large number of members and visitors attended to honour Bro . A . C . Bonham , the W . M . elect . There were present Bros . L . Harcourt Coles , W . M . j A . C . Bonham , S . W . ; W . Humphrey . J . W . ; J . Chaplin , Treas . , * J . J . Pope , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Brett , S . D . ; J . G . Head , J . D . i J . L . Syrne , D . C . ; B . H . Head , I . G . j I . Hume , Stwd . j K . Couchman , Tyler j R . Wright , I . P . M .: F . J . Bonham , P . M . j H . Hill , P . M . j E . White , P . M . j F . Spurgin . P . M . j W . D . Schwa-z , P . M . j H .

Ansell , P . M . j R . Raymond , P . M . j H . T . Adams , C . J . Webb , W . H . Read , A . Wheeler , Syney R . J . Chapman , D . F . Tuffill , W . J . BenneU , J . J . Gomm , H . W . Williams , T . Durrans , F . Durrans , A . G . Renninson , H . W . Ricketts , W . A . Smith , H . Par felt , E . C . Lane , F . Hucklebridge , H . Greenfirld , W . A . Shaw , H . T . Schwarz , W . C . Hetderson , and G . S . Berchirg . Visitois * . Bios . C . W . Mayo , W . M . 1 GS 6 j M . Joidor , 245 6 ; J . N < i ! son , W . M . 1791 j R . Pierpoint , P . M . 1 S 2 S ; W . Wilkinson , P . M . 1298 j 1 . 1 hem , P . M . 2331 j L . C . Best , 91 . T . G . Pinpoint , S . W . 533 j E . G . Packman , " P . M . 1260 ; T . Moreton , P . M 410 J J . M . Klempner , 1632 j W . T ,

Mort , 144 ; Carl T . Fleck . P . M . 172 j G . K . Bishop , 172 ; G . F . Vine , D . C . 2271 j S . Lucas , P . M . 2395 , * A . H . P . Snuw , I . G . 2191 j H . C . Carter , 733 ; Jno . Bartlett , Org . 2030 J A . Appleby , 1706 j F . H . Cczens , Org . 907 j and R . T . West , 1744 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read , after which the Auditors' repoit was received ' and adopted . The VV . M . elect , Bro . A . C . Bonham , was then presented and installed into the chair by Bro . L . Harcourt-Colesin an able and impressive manner . The new W . M . then appointed and invested the following as his officers : Bros . W . Humphrey , S . W . j W . Brett , J . W . j J . Chaplin , Treas . j J . J .

Pope , P . M ., Sec . j J . G . Head , S . D . j B . H . Head , J . D . j J . L . Syme , I . G . j C . E . Lane , D . C . j J . Hume and R . G . Smilh , Stwds . ; . ' chartau , Org . j and G . Couchman , Tyler . The W . M . afterwards initiated Mr . W . A . Shaw and Mr . Frank Hucklebridge . Bro . Bonham's working of the ritual was performed in an excellent manner , and it proved beyond dcubt that the members had elected a mnst competent ruler . The Secretary reported the death of Bro . T . C . Artaud , formerly S . W . of the lodge , which

took place on the 7 th March , and it was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence should be sent to the family of Bro . Aitaud . » A gentleman was proposed as a candidate for initiation at the next meeting and other busines-s followed , after which the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to a superb banquet , which was admirably served under the personal superintendence of the manager , Bro . Mantel .

After full justice had been done to this pirt of the proceedings , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured in an adequate manner . Bro . L . Harrcurt-Coles proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He said that it was the toast of the evening and would be cordially received . From his past experience they expected excellent working of the ritual , and looking to the way he had performed the initiatien cenmony that evening they were not disappointed and they cculd with for no better W . M . The members could not forget the time his brother , Bro . F . 1 . Bonham . P . M ., occupied the chair , and there was everv reason to believe that the

W . M . would be as successful as was his brother . Thet ( aft was enthusiastically received , as was Bro . A . C . Bonham , W . M ., on rising to respond . He thanked ihe members for the cordial manner the toast had been received and for having placed him in the chair , but the I . P . M . had over-rated his capabilities . He had only missed attending three meetings of the lodge in seven years , and he trusted the members would rally round him during his year of office , and if they would bring him plenty of initiates he would do his best to surpass himself on every occasion . In giving the toastof "The I . P . M . and Installing Master , Bro . L . Harcourt-Coles "

, the W . M . stated that all the members were pleased with his great services , and in presenting him with a Past Master's jewel observed that it was a little return for the admirable and efficient way he had acted as W . M ., and the manner he had performed trie installation ceremony was creditable to any lodge . The jewel bore the following inscription : " Presented by the St . Marylebone Lodge , No . 1305 , to Bro . Lewis Harcourt-Coles , P . M ., fcr his valuable services as W . M .

for the year 1895-6 . " In replyirg , Bro , L . Harcourt-Coles , I . P . M ., said that the W . M . had spoken too well of him , but he had done his best as W . M . He should esteem the handsome jewel , not only for the little he had done as Master , but for his long connection with the lodge , having been a member for 21 years . The W . M . gave " The Initiates . " He stated that they were always pleased to have fresh blcod , ar . d he was proud to have commenced his year of office by having two initiates who were of excellent quality , and they would be an acquisition to the lodge .

Craft Masonry.

He had known Bro . Shaw for many years , and lie had done him ( the W . M . ) the bono to wait joining the Order until he was installed , so that he could initiate him . Bro . W . A . Shaw replied in eloquent terms , remarking that it was a great privilerrj . to be one of them , and to be initiated by his dearest friend , the W . M . It appeared tn him tbat in Masonry all things ra ne to those who wait , and it would be his eirnest desire to be a good Mason , and he HnnprI fhpv would npvor hp nchatnp / 1 nf him

Bro . F . Hucklebridge also responded . He appreciated the kind sentiments of the W . M ., and was very much impressed with the beautiful ceremony he had gone thcouol , and he should never forget the many times he had to rise at the bir . qu' -ting tabU . ' "The Visitors" was next given , the W . M . stating that they were favoured with a great number , many of whom were Past Masters , and several of them he knew well They were always glad to have plenty of visitors , and , if he might say so , the lodge »« renowned for its hospitality to their guests .

In response , Bro . S . Lucas , P . M . 2395 , said that the visitors had had a very hearhwelcome , and it was always so in the St . Marylebone Lodge . That was his 24 th annmi visit , and in attending there was to be among very old and dear friends . The workimr of the W . M . and the I . P . M . could not have been done better . ' ¦ Bro . R . Pierpoint , P . M . 1 S 2 S , stated that he was the father-in-law of the W . M ,, atuj he was proud to see him installed and to witness his excellent working , and he ventured to think that he would not be found wanting in anv way .

Bros . C . T . Fleck , P . M . 172 j J . Neilson , W . M . 1791 j and E . G . Packman , P . M 12 C 0 , also acknowledged the toast in appropriate terms , bearing testimony to the good working , and the way the visitors had been received and entertained . The W . M . proposed " The Past Masters , " observing that not for years had they had such a gocd assembly of Past Masters as that night . They were a body they a 1 looked to for assistance , and he hoped the time would come when Past Masters would each propose a toast at installation meetings , and so relieve the W . M ., as in his case he felt the members must be tired of hearing- his voice .

Bro . E . White , P . M ., responded . He said the Past Masters were accustomed to hear good things said of them , which they appreciated , and they were aUays realy to assist , but the last few Worshipful Masters did not require any help from them . He congratulated the W . M . on the efficient way he had done his work that evening . He initiated the father of the W . M . now 20 years ago . The Past Masters were proud that the lodge was successful , and he hoped it would continue its prosperity .

Bro . VVright , P . M ., also responded , remarking that he should never forget the happy time while he was the Master of the lodge , and if ever he could do anything to promote its interests he should be glad . Bro . F . J . Bonham , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast in very happy term ' , testify . > ng _ to the excellent working and dignified bearing of the W . M . He had the honour of initiating the W . M ., and he was proud to see him installed , and it went without saying lhat he would make an excellent ruler .

In submitting the toastof "The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . stated that the Treasurer had been with them for many years , and during his long term of office the lodge had been in a prosperous condition . He was held in high esteem by every one in the lodge , and he hoped he would continue in ofiice for many years to come Then , as to the Secretary , Bco . Pope , P . M ., he was the last one left of the founders , and the " Father " of the lodge . It would be impossible to have a better Secretary , who did his duty in such a nice pleasant manner , and they were all pleased that he had consented to retain his office . Bro . Chaplin , Treas ., responded .

Bro . Pope , P . M ., Sec , thanked the VV . M . for his kind words , and so long as he had the honour of being appointed Secretary he would carry out his duties to the best of his ability . The W . M . gave "The Officers . " He had worked with them hand in hand for some years , and he knew their worth . The S . W . had been working very hard of late , and when his time came to go into the chair , he would be found efficient in every way . He also referred to the other officers , and urged them to be punctual and regulir in attendance .

Suitable responses were made by Bros . W . Humphrey , S . W . j VV . Brett , I . W .: J . L . Syme , I . G . j and C . E . Une , D . C . The Tyler ' s toast ended a grand evening . The musical entertainment was of the very best , in which the'folloiv ' ng took pirt : Bros . J . Bartlett , Arthur Appleby , Pierpoint , and F . Russell .

Addiscombe Lodge , No . 1556 . INITIATION OF THE MAYOR OF CROYDON . An emergency meeting WJS held , under the Worshipful Mastership of Bro . Sydney G . Edridge , P . M . 53 S , on the 17 th ult ., at the Greyhound Hotel , Croydon , f . ir the express purpose of initiating into Freemasonry Mr . Frederick Thom is Edridge , Mayor of Croydon for the second year . Very great importance was attached to the event , which had been looked forward to for a considerable time with much interest by the

brethien of the Province of Surrey . To witness the ceremony , numerous brethren had been invited , and as a result , nearly 120 members of the Order were present . These included Bros , the Rev . H . H . Pereira , Dr . H . J . Strong , James Terry , Walter Hope-Kirk , James Kench , the Rev . H . VV . Turner , the Rev . T . Bentham , J . H . Price , j . 0 . Langton , Frederick West , D . P . G . M . Surrey j Dr . S . Parsons-Smith , S . L . Rymer ( Deputy Major of Croydon ) j A . T . Layton , E . Mawdesley ( Town Clerk ); Stampa W . Lambert , Dr H . G . Thompson . J . Chumley , W . G . Fenn , R . G . Hall , Frank

falmer , Mooke , Ur . Nicholls , b . Cambridge , W . r-jmale , A . H . Cole , B . Jones , C . H . Howlett , J . J . Lamigenn , W . J . Millington , W . Howe , A . V . Hyland , S . W . j Fox Hawes , V . J . Wiliby , Hammond , Magnus Ohren , F . Flood-Wasch , Volney Keen , R . Durtnell , F . T . Ridpath , Dr . J . Wayte , Dr . Reid , G . A . King , Kilvington , Harry Lee , F . Hellings , P . A . Ransom , J . Harrison , S . D . j E . Anderton , G . Rawlinson , S . Shorter , Dr . Gripper , L . W . Westwood , J . Bolton , H . Holmes , J . Stodell , Dr . Adams , A . C . Crowley , J . R . Mosse , A . Dinn , B . Williams , H . J . Thrift , W . D . Hayward , VV . I ' . Noehmer

Hunter , I . , A . Lambert , Sec . j F . Foss , W . W . Duflitt , J . Chapman , E . J . Allen , W . J . Russell , W . Gunner , J . Jones , Joslyn , F . S . Long , H . Massey , VV . Hooker , W . Webb , J . B . Shakespeare , W . J . Owen , W . J . Day , Alfred Pusey-Keith , I . G . j RF . Grundy , Percy Paul , J . D . j Layton A . Richardson , P . M . 157 , - H . Lemon , A . S . Hatchett-Jones , C . March , A . Smith , C . L . Tarry , T , Craven , H . Burgess , F . B . Smith , J . J . Pittman , R . W . Price , W . R . Hatton , F . Batchelor , M . Taylor , A . Bullock , B . R . Paul , J . M . Newnham , J . W . j B . Colbron , J . Rhodes , l . S . Streeter , A . S . lipson ,

H . C . Houndle , the Rev . E . L . Houndle , W . Hood , F . Horsey , H . Baber , W . H . Liscelles , D . C . j and Thomis Bowler , Tyler . The hall presented a very attractive appearance , the banners of the Past Masters being erected along each side of it . The lodge was called for five o'clock in the evening , but long before that hour most of the brethren who had bten invited had assembled , and business was almost promptly commenced . After the opening of the lodge , the W . M . ' s fiat of emergency was read by Bro . Lambeit , the Secretary , and Mr . Frederick Thomas

Edridge was announced , and on being admitted , was regularly initiated by his brother , the W . M ., in excellent style , the Wardens and Deacons also performing their part to perfection . The W . M ., to complete the ceremony , gave the charge , and the lodge was afterwards closed . . A banquet , over which no pains had been spared to make it complete , followed , and the usual toasts were subsequently submitted , Miss Venning and Bro . Edgar Barnes pei forming vocal music between the toasts , Bro . Htnry Lee giving a beautiful violin performanceand Bro . JChapman reciting .

, . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given , Bro . S . G . Edridge , W . M ., in proposing ' " The Pro G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said he believed it was a fact that there were lodges still in existence which had no Grand Officer of England among their members or visitors ; but on that occasion tbe festive board of the Addiscombe Lodge was graced with several , there being with them the Deputy Provincial Grand Mister for Surrey , Bro . F . West , P . G . D .: Dr . Strong . P . A . G . D . C .: Walter Honekiil-. P . G . P . ; James

Kench , P . G . P . j and James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . Bro . Dr . Strong brielly responded . Bro . S . G . Edridge , W . M ., in proposing "The Provincial Grand Master for Surrey , Sic ., " expressed his regret that the Earl of Onslow was not able to be present , because , he ventured to think , his lordship would never meet a more representative gathering of Masons . However , his lordship ' s sympathies were with them , and he conveyed his best wishes to the initiate .

Bro . Frederick West , Deputy Prov . G . M . for Surrey , acknowledged the toast , and said he did not know any occasion when it had afforded him greater pleasure to do so . The first time he was asked to respond to it was in thc Addiscombe Lodge , and he then had the right hand of fellowship extended to him in a way he should never forget . * >* "