Masonic Notes And Queries.

" You would pluck out the heart of our mystery . " Hamlet .. " . Oh , that Heaven would put in every honest hand a whip , To lash the rascal naked through the world . "

Shakcsp . Othello . _ London : Printed for J . Cooke , at Shakespeare's Head , in Paternoster-row , 1762 . " It is in the British Aluseum , according to the valuable list of Alasonic works publishing in the " Alasonic Magazine" ( 112 and 4 i , Jan ., 1 SR 0 ) . W . J . HUGHAN .

As it is very evident , to my great satisfaction , that Alasonic literature is becoming every day more appreciated by the Fraternity at large , I should like to mention that at small cost a very important book , hitherto commanding " collectors ' prices , " can bc obtained through the enterprise of Bro . James Burns , of Southampton-row , who has several other such \ Vorks in the press . As an instalment of what he proposes to do he has republished , with entire

accuracy , the costly work of Bro . Godfrey Higgins , formerly of Skellow Grange , near Doncaster , entitled "Anacalypsis , " and the first volume is now complete , to the advantage of the archa : ologist and Mason , comprehending the ' first seven books of that enormous work at a moderate price . At a time like the present , when confirmatory evidence of the antiquit y of Masonry—as long since recorded by Bro . Dr . Oliver—is pouring in , this book

will be welcome . It is impossible in the few lines to which I am about to limit myself to describe , in an adequate manner , the range of subjects which Bro . Higgins illustrated with rare acumen and true scholarship , but I think I may fairly draw the attention of my brethren to one of the most singularly suggestive books ever written . Brethren from the south , west , and east will find in it materials for serious consideration , and brethren of the north-east corner

would do well to avail themselves of its pages . " Anacalypsis " is a book indispensable to all who would learn , for the author enjoyed the friendship and confidence of . the greatest Grand Alaster we ever had—H . R . H . the late Duke of Sussex—whose acquaintance with the various rites of Masonry has never since been equalled . I possessed a copy of the original quarto edition at one time , for which I gladly paid something like seven guineas . In

the present octavo form , and published , as it is , in parts , it will not be a quarter of that price ; so will " come light , " as the old phrase hath it , " to thc publick . " Here you may read of every topic that interests the Freemason , written by the hand of the great Freemason whose noble endeavours put an end , half a century ago , to the cruelties then committed on insane persons , and who did real good in his generation and for posterity .

KENNETH R . H . AIACKENZIE

SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . Bro . Jacob Norton , some time since , kindly referred me to the " Freemasons' Magazine , " 1 S 59 , p . lCS , where the following appears : "The Post Boy , No . 5425 , from Saturday , Alarch 2 nd , to Tuesday , Alarch 5 th , 1723 , states : 'This evening thc corpse of that worthy Freemason , Sir Christopher Wren , Knight , is to bc interred under thc dome of St . Paul's Cathedral . ' " I am sorry not to have

noticed this reference at an earlier date ; but I desired to verify the quotation by examining thc number of the Post Boy alluded to . This , however , I have been unable to do , as " it is not to bc found amongst the collection of old news-Fapers preserved in the British Aluseum Library , and which have , therefore , searched to no purpose . Having no theory to sustain or side to keep up in this or any other inquiry bearing on Alasonic research , I gladly myself avail of

Bro . Norton's fraternal reference , and shall he obliged to any brother who will inform me where a copy of the Post Boy No . 5425 , can be inspected . The foregoing citation supplies , no doubt , some evidence in confirmation of the prevalent view of Wren having been a Freemason . But what does it amount to ? We have the statement of one London paper ( published , it must be recollected , a few weeks after the appearance of the first Book of Constitutions , wherein ,

though not cited as a Alason , Wren's name is very much mixed up with those of alleged Freemasons in thc same walk of life—Inigo Jones to wit ) , but the other metropolitan journals ( their comparative reliability 1 leave experts to determine ) from ifigi until after the publication of thc Constitutions of 173 S , though discussing continually " the curious whim of Freemasonry , " as it was commonly termed , never allude , pithc ; nearly or remotely , to Wren ' s

membership of the Society , lt is also possible that the term Freemason as applied to Wren by the Post Boy was used in the strictly technical sense of a superintendent of Masonic labours . Even , however , assuming the expression to have been employed as directly significant of Wren ' s connection with the Society of Freemasons , the opinion expressed in the Post Boy was evidently so opposed to the truth that , during the fourteen years which elapsed between the

appearance of the assertion now under examination and Anderson's romance ot 173 S , no writer , Alasonic or non-Alasonic , claimed Sir Christopher as a member of the Craft . Freemasonry became very fashionable as time went on ; a Prince of Wales ( 1737 ) was initiated by Desaguliers . Very great noblemen became Grand Alasters , great men of science were Deputies and Wardens , yet we find in the

family record of the Wrens ( Parentalia ) no attempt whatever on the part of Christopher , the son , or Stephen , thc grandson , to claim for their illustrious ancestor the honour of having presided over ( or belonged to ) a society into which the heir to the throne had sought admittance , and amongst whose members were numbered such world-wide celebrities as Desaguliers , Alartin Folkes , and Alartin Clare .

R . F . GOULD . Since last week I have looked into the "De AlchemiA , " "Dialog ! duo , " published at Lyons , 1548 , and which professes to contain the opinions of " Geber , " and " Raymond Lully . " It is , of course , in Latin . I find in it no trace of an "Hermetic Society , " nor any allusion to Rosicrucian emblems . At the same time , as the reading is not very profitable , the perusal of such like work is not necessarily very close . I shall be happy to lend the book to any fraternal and Hermetic Student . EDITOR " FREEMASON . "

MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic Songs , set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots , M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now read y , forming a handsome volume bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or P . O . O . value 3 s . 2 d . —[ ADVT . ]

Masonic Notes And Queries.

( Continued from page 306 J . done me this evening—from my heart I thank you ; and , having obtained this proud position , I now ask for the kind co-operation of our worthy Past Alasters , far it is my intention to give them some work to do , for I think it is not fair for the W . AI . to monopolise the working of the lodge to himself , as it gives the Past Alasters no heart to attend the lodge . What 1 intend to do is—if we have the First and

Second Degrees on our next night of meeting , I shall call on the senior P . AL to work the Second Degree , and j-our humble servant will endeavour to give the First Degree ; and I shall so take them in seniority , from the first to last . I also hope to have the kind co-operation of the officers , without which I cannot hope for a successful year , for they will give me encouragement by attending regularly and punctually . Let them be animated with one desire—the

welfare and prosperity of the lodge . Thc Derby Lodge , No . 724 , stands high in the Craft and in the Province of South-west Lancashire . Let them endeavour to raise itstill higher , and you may be assured 1 shall endeavour to discharge my duties in connection with the chair . It shall be my constant endeavour to maintain the dignity and character of the lodge in every respect—not only socially , but as regards the working—for that is the fundamental secret of

Alasonry . I am also thankful for the good opinion of the members , and I can assure them that it shall be my constant aim to secure it , for you have this evening conferred upon me the highest honour it is in thc power of a lodge to bestow on any of its members , and I wish to assure you of my profound gratitude and appreciation of it ; and I sincerely pray that the Alost High will be pleased to give me health and strength to return the trust you have bestowed in me with honour to the Craft in general and with

satisfaction to the Past Masters and brethren of the Derby Lodge in particular . "The Health of the I . P . AI . " was next proposed by Bro . Ballard , and was duly honoured . Bro . Ballard , P . AL , then , in a short speech , presented to Bro . T . Chesworth , the retiring Treasurer of thc lodge , a handsome testimonial that had been accorded him by the brethren , in the shape of a splendid portrait , in oil , of himself , by Bro . Vandyke , in recognition of his many years' services as Treasurer . Bro . Chesworth returned thanks , and stated that it never entered'into his mind that he should ever be

presented with such a mark of the esteem of the brethren . "The Health of the Past Alasters , " "The Installing Officers , " "The Visitors , " and other officers were also proposed and responded to ; and thc toast of " All Poor and Distressed Alasons " was divided with the officers and well received . The brethren then retired . On Thursday , the 24 th ult ., the brethren met to hold their annual picnic at West Kirby . They assembled at

10 . 30 , and were driven through the beautiful country of Moreton , Aleols Hoylak , to West Kirby , where they sat down to a banquet , which was served -n splendid style by Bro . Hart , of West Kirby Hotel . The usual toasts were Eroposed and very heartily responded to . The ladies and rcthrcn then withdrew to the Green , where they held their sports , dances , & c , up to G . 30 , and , after a substantial tea , returned home well pleased with their outing .

HELPER . —Beaureper Lodge ( No . 7 87 . )—The twenty-first anniversary and installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Red Lion Hotel , on Thursday , the i ? tii ult . Present : Bros . W . T . Palmer , W . AL ; Joseph Pym , I . P . AI . ; Septimus Stone , P . M . Treasurer ; Joseph Fcgg ; F- W . Walter ; Lovcrock , P . AL ; Benjamin Cooper , P . AL ; John Clexton , P . M . ; John Crossley , S . W . ; W . Lytic , I . W . ' ; Rev . E . A . Hillyard , Chaplain ; W . K .

Webster , Organist ; W . S . Bowler , Secretary ; T . ] . Taylor , S . D . ; J . Wheatcroft , as J . D . ; F . Bennet , I . G . ; I . Stanhope , JTylcr ; IT . R . Hibbcrt , N . Gaylor , T . J . W . Alarsden , W . H . Winterborne , Thomas Johnston , Radford , Pym , and F . Buxton . Visitors : Bros . Sir ] . G . N . Alleync , Bart ., P . AL 1-524 , P . P . G . S . W . ; Wm . Milligan , P . AL 8 S 4 , P . P . I . G . ; W . Fitzherbert Wright , W . AI . ' 1324 ; F . VV . Henstock , W . M .

1 495 ; ( ames Hindle , W . AI . SS 4 ; W . Burrows , W . M 1 794 ; ' G . J . Wood , VV . AI . 172 S ; A . Frazer , W . M . 711 ; J . Ilousley , S . W . 1 S 02 ; Thomas Wragg , S . W . 102 S ; Thomas Day , S . W . 731 ; A . Schofield , ' P . M . 102 R ; H . H . Lewis , 731 ; Josiah Allen , P . M . 1324 ; II . Fisher , P . AL 1324 ; Jesse Henstock , 149 G ; Thomas 11 . Orme , 10 S 5 ; J . Swain Scriven , 413 ; W . C . Hall , SS 4 ; G . Bunting ; 1025 ; Al . Hill , 149 . 5 ; W . Lennox , P . AI . 1495 ;

Thomas Parker , 1 495 ; and G . Brown . The lodge was opened at 2 . 45 p . m ., and the minutes ot the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , anil the W . AL elect , Bro . John Crossley , S . W ., was installed into the chair of K . S . ; the ceremony being performed by the retiring W . AL , Bro . W . T . Palmer . ' The W . AL having been saluted by the brethren , appointed and invested the

following officers : Bros . Wm . Lytic , S . W . ; W . S . Bowler , J . W . ; the Rev . E . A . Hillvard , Chaplain ; F . Bennett , Secretary ; E . Gaylor , S . D . ; | . J . W . Alarsden , J . D . ; J . Wheatcroft , I . G . ; and j . " R . Hibbcrt , Steward . After thc transaction of other business tlie lodge was closed , and the brethren re-asseinblud at a banquet of recherche description , provided by the host , llro . F .

Bennett . Ihc lust toast , " lhe Oueen and the Cralt , was proposed by the W . M ., and received with great heartiness by the brethren present . Bro . the Rev . K . A . Hillyard , on being called upon to reply on behalf of the Craft , delivered ' an eloquent and impressive oration . The speaker traced Freemasonry from its origin , and briefly sketched

its history to the present day . 1 he other Alasonic toasts were duly proposed and responded to . Numerous brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening by some excellent singing . The Tyler ' s toast terminated a most happy gathering , which will not readily be forgotten by the brethren present .

MANCHESTER—De Grey and Ripon Lodge ( No . 1161 ) . —The installation of the Worshipful Alaster of this lodge was held at the Brunswick Hotel , Piccadilly , on Wednesday , the ifith ult ., being also the first meeting since its removal . A goodly array of brethren mustered , amongst whom were Bros . Ellis , P . G . T . IC . L . ; Vaughan , P . ' G .

Registrar ; Caldwell , P . G . S . B . ; Arensberg , P . G . Purst . ; Parker , P . AL ; Ilinrhliffe , P . AL ; Norton , ' P . M . ; Hayes , P . AL ; Sturm , P . AL ; Anderton , P . AL ; Hargreaves , P . AL ; Davies , P . M . 163 ; Davies , P . AL 1011 ; Dutton , P . AL ; Mines , P . AL ; J . Heywood , W . AI .. Mullock , W . AL ; Browbridge , P . AL ; and others . Bro . James Burgess was installed in a most impressive manner by Bro .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

S . P . Bidder , who also invested the officers , viz ., Bros . Dottie , S . W . ; Cowen , J . W . ; Armstrong , Treasurer ; Walker , Secretary ; Cadman , Chaplain ; Radford , S . D . ; Irlam , J . D . ; Jeffries , Organist , I . G . ; Hall , Hurst , Nicholson , and Abbot , Stewards ; and Daniels , Tyler . The banquet was a most sumptuous one , and reflected the highest credit on the establishment for its catering facilities—in fact , the universal satisfaction it invoked must

have been gratifying to Bro . Falshaw , and proved the brethren had done wisely in placing themselves under his care . The toasts were given and duly honoured . In proposing " The Retiring Alaster , Bro . Sturm , " the Worshipful . Master , in the name of the brethren , presented him with a beautiful gold jewel , as a token of their brotherly

love for him , to which he very feelingly responded . Thc proceedings were interspersed with songs and recitations to a late hour , Bros . Dunville , Lister , " Batchelder , & c ., contributing much to the ever . ing ' s enjoyment , ending in one of the most successful and enjoyable meetings of this prosperous lodge .

SOUTHPORT . —Fermor Lodge ( No . 1313 ) . — The brethren connected with this lodge met on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., in their new and spacious rooms , Bank-buildings , Eastbank-strect , when the W . AL elect ( Bro . C . E . Bryan ) was most effectively installed bv Bro . Dr . Benson Baker , W . AL , and Bro . Roberts , P . AL , P . P . G . A . D . C . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Dr . Benson Baker , I . P . AI . ; Benjamin Wyles , S . W . ; J .

H . Welsby , J . W . ; J . F . Roberts , P . AL , Treas . ; James Piatt , Sec . " ( re-appointed ); Hobbs , P . AL , AI . C ; Rev . I . C . Porter . LL . D ., Chap . ; P . At . Hunter , S . D . ; R . H . lohnson , J . D . ; W . Twist , I . G . ; G . S . Smith , Org . ; W . W . P . Shatwell , S . S . ; J . C . Evans , J . S . ; and G . Rockliffe , Tyler ( re-elected ) .

A handsome Past Alaster ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . AI ., on behalf of the lodge . A special anthem , composed for the occasion by llro . J . P . Bryan , 1035 , was effectively rendered by Bros . Smith , Boyce , Twist , and others . At thc close of the proceedings the brethren adjourned to the banquet , when the usual toasts were honoured .

. LIVERPOOL . —Hamer Lodge ( No . 1393 ) . —The members of this most ancient and honourable section of the Fraternity , which bears a name that still holds a high place in the esteem of the brethren of West Lancashire ( giving a title to one of our noblest benevolent funds ) , gathered in strong force at the Alasonic Hall , Hope-street , on Thursday afternoon , the 17 th ult ., for the purpose of assisting at the annual installation of the Worshipful Master .

The business commenced at two prompt , at which hour the chair was taken by Bro . R . Leason , W . AL , and he was ably supported by the following full complement of officers : Bros . j . Houlding , I . P . AI ., ' P . G . S . ; John McCarthy , P . AL ; T . Sammons , P . AL ; Henry Jackson , P . M . ; VV . C . Erwin , S . W . ; Dr . B . Price , J . ' W . ; I . Pilling , Secretary ; R . H . Evans , P . G . S . D ., " P . AL , Treasurer ; W . H . Jewitt , I . D . ; AL Callaghan , I . G . ; S . Speedy ,

S . S . ; | . J . Smith , J . S . ; T . Pierrepont , Organist ; and AI . Williamson , Tvler . The members present on the occasion were Bros . W . Rule , R . L . Stockton , W . Clarke , H . Davidson , W . J . Henderson , T . Roberts , W . T . Oversby , II . II . Bradford , Arch . Gilfillan , fohn Price , I . Flavall , and J . Tntlnck . There were present as visitors : Bros . I ) . Oliphent , 249 ; F . T . Foulkes , 292 : Dr . C . Wadsworth , J . D . 292 ; A . H .

Carnuchael ifco ; J . Ilocken , P . AI . 673 , and 1505 ; R . Reader , W . AL 292 ' ; Rev . R . T . Leslie . S . W . 1713 ; G . Alusker , W . AI , 11 S 2 ; II . Hindle , P . AL 1620 ; VV . Savage . 241 ; J . P . Bryan , 1035 , 203 , & c . ; T . IC . Tomlinson , | . W . 1013 ; ] . C . Robinson , P . AL 249 ; Charles Tvrcr , W . AL 1620 ; Dr . II . Pitts , S . W . lfco ; T . Webster , VV . M . R 23 : J . Boyle . S . W . and W . AI . elect , R 23 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes

confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . D . A . Henderson , who was unanimously elected , and solemnly initiated . The chair was then taken by Bro . John Houlding , P . AL , P . G . S ., who proceeded with the installation of Iiro . Walter C . Erwin , as W . AI . of the Hamer Lodge , the presentation being made by Bro . John McCarthy , P . AL , and Bro . R . 11 . Evans , P . G . S . D . After the retirement of " all below thc rank of Installed Alasters , " the chair was taken bv Bro

J . II . Jackson , P . AL , P . P . G . A . D . C , who opened the Board of Installed Alasters , and placed Bro . Erwin in the chair of K . S . with the usual ceremony . The installation work was most admirably performed by Bros . Houlding and Jackson . The following officers were subsequently invested bv the W . AL , Bro . Robert Leason , I . P . M . ; Dr . Benjamin Price , S . W . ; James Pilling , J . W . ; R . II . Evans , P . AL , Prov . G . S . D ., Treas . ( unanimously re-elected to the important

office ); R . | . L . Kynaston , Sec . ; W . H . ] cwitt , S . D . ; AI . Callaghan , J . D . ; J . J . Smith , I . G . ; T . Pierrepont , R . L . Stockton , Stewart Speedy , and VV . J . Henderson , Stewards ; Thomas Sammons , P . AL , D . C . ; and AL Williamson , Tyler . " 1 learty good wishes " were given by the representatives of sister lodges , and the brethren adjourned to the old lodge room , where an excellent banquet was served by Bro .

Chaplin , House Steward . In the course of the pleasant after-banquet toasting , Bro . John Houlding , P . AL , presented in the name of the lodge a very handsome Past . Master ' s jewel to Bro . Robert Leason , I . P . AI ., and to further mark the esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the lodge , as well as a fitting recognition of the faithful performance of onerous duties during the year ( in the discharge of whicli he had travelled all the way from Leeds to

attend each meeting ) , Bro . Houlding , on behalf of private subscribers , also presented Bro . Leason with a gold albert chain and album , containing portraits of the members ( the latter being intended for Airs . Leason ) . The album bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . Robt . Leason by the members of the Hamer Lodge , 1393 , as a token of their appreciation of his services as W . AL during the vears 1 R 79 and 1 RR 0 . ( Signed ) VV . C . Erwin , W . AL ; R . It . Evans , P . AI . ; II . Jackson , P . AI . ; J . McCarthy ,

P . AL ; Thos . . Sammons , P . M . ; John Moulding , P . M . June , 1 SR 0 . " After Bro . Leason had suitably acknowledged the presentation , "The Health of the Installing Alasters " was given by Bro . R . II . Evans , P . AL , P . G . S . D ., Treas ., who , at a previous period of the evening had responded for "Bro . the Right lion . Colonel Stanley , R . W . Deputy P . G . AL , and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " A capital musical programme was given by Bros . Webster Williams , Gilfillan , Roberts , Handforth , and others . " The Health of thc Alusical Bre-