Pleasures Of Refreshment.

PLEASURES OF REFRESHMENT .

Labour is instructive , very ; delightful , very ; but for solid enjoyment , for unadultered pleasure , give us refreshment . In this chilly , stony , work-a-day world , where our bodies are continually sveaiied and our souls fretted , we need something to make us oblivious for a time of the cankering cares of life . The profane world has offered many

specifics to accomplish this purpose—the pleasures of the theatre , thc ball room , the card table , thc saloon , and so on , down grade , lo the lowest level of dissipation . Some of them are ihelpful , but more of them are hurtful . Freemasonry has something better than any or all these to offer its initiates —it is refreshment , Masonic refreshment .

The average Craftsman performs each day , in the round of business duty , from six to ten . hours of solid svork . This obligation to himself , his family , and his and their future require this . But this is a means , not an end . We do not labjur for the sake of labour , but in order one day to enjoy refreshment . Therein lies the mis ' akc . Labour and refreshment should be sandwiched together ; they should be companions . Freemasonry understands this , and hence it provides regularly for calling the Craft from labour to refreshment .

The nearest approach to Utopia which can be found on the globe is in a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons . The old anatomist , Burton , he who with his pen dissected melancholy , said : " Live merrily as thou canst , for by honest mirth sve cure many passions of the mind . A gay companion is as a wagon to him that is wearied by the way . " Freemasonry not only practices , but possibly

inspires this doctrine . We remember an old indenture which was mide svith the Master Mason of York Minster in the 15 th century , which provided that after his mid-day luncheon he should have an after-dinner nap in the wooden lodge set up near the rising edifice ! This was Masonic refreshment . The Master Mason could rest , and sleep , and snore if he wished to , and rise to his labours to exhibit a new zest in their performance .

Every human being ought to be able to be glad that he is alive . But how can he , if he is alsvays on the treadmill of care ? The average Freemason is glad that he is alive . Behold him as he enters his lodge . His hand is wide open , offering a fraternal grasp . His eyes are beaming in anticipation of the mingled instruction and pleasure he is about to enjoy . He realises that he is in a new world , a higher world , a bette : r

svorld . Every one around him is his brother . Every one feels a sincere interest in his welfare . Something akin to tragedy and comedy , both of a superior class , are before him . There is to be labour and refreshment . G id bless them both ! They arc blessed , and have been from time immemorial . Some labour and some refreshment are belter than others , but all are

good , very good . We are of the number of those who think that " the gladne . s of the spirit is an index of its power . " Freemasonry thinks so as a Craft . Did you ever meet a morose Freemason , unless he was overloaded svith dyspepsia , or knocked down in the battle of life ? Freemasonry furnishes the only reliable specific for " the blues . " In this respect it is homerpathic . Blue is the symbolic colour of Masonry , and thus " like cures like . "

That lodge makes a mistake which seldom or never indulges in actual refreshment . Of course there is the opposite extreme , so that it is also true that that lodge makes a mistake which indulges always , at all hazards , in refreshment , that is in expensive luxuries of the table . But refreshment need not involve great expense . Its main advantage is to bring a large company of brethren together around the social board . The table is the

means , not the end . It only affords material refreshment ; but there ii something higher and better than this . There is the enlivening of the spirits , the awakening of the fancy , the inspiring of ihe voice to break forth into speech and song , the inciting of the merry , healthful jest . This is what Freemasons enjoy . This is what attracts them to the table . Not the luncheon , but the dessert that follows it for the intellectual and social man .

No one can exaggerate the pleasures of refreshment . They are rational , satisfying , delightful . Contentment sits as a crown of joy on every countenance . The cares and troubles of life are forgotten . The brethren feel that they are in a charmed family circle . There is no one present to make afraid . AH are embraced by the Mystic Tie , and all are alive to the enjoyments of the hour . Sancho Panza said , " God bless the man svho invented sleep . " We say , "God bless the brother who invented Masonic refreshment . "— Keystone .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The usual monthly Council Meeting was held on Friday , the 2 ( ith ult ., at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Richard Eve svas in the chair , andamong .-. t those present were Bros . Fairchild , Stephens , J . J . Thomas , C . W . Hudson , Dr . W . H . Kempster , J . E . Le Feuvre , H . Pritchard , J . Glass , J . VV . Burgess , John Strachan , U . P . Hodgson , G . Motion , Arthur Adams , H . Woodrosv , Geo . Cook , Harold Imray , and W . H . Saunders .

After the usual routine business had been taken , a resolution of sympathy with Mrs . J . L . Mather , on the death of her husband , was passed . Bro . EVE ' notice of motion to increase the salary of the Head Master 'r 0 m £ 525 t 0 iX' 3 ! was seconded by Bro . LE FEUVRE , and carried nem con .

Wedding Of Bro. E. C. Phillips.

WEDDING OF BRO . E . C . PHILLIPS .

On the 24 th ult ., at St . John's Church , Upper Richmond-road , Putney , the wedding took place of Bro . E . C . Phillips , of St . Mark ' s Lodge , No . 857 , with Miss Beatrice West , the adopted daughter of Bro . R . T . West , of Putney .

The bride , who was attired in svhite satin and crcpon gown , svas given away by Bro . R . T . West , and Bro . R . E . Colegrave , 1622 , was the bridegroom ' s " best " man . There svere tsvo bridesmaids , Miss F . West and Miss Kate West , sisters of the bride .

After the ceremony breakfast svas partaken of at Bro . West ' s residence anel was attended by upwards of 20 friends , amongst whom svere several mcmbi * rs of '" fi Craft , and many telegrams ss * ere received from Masonic friend * and others Wlt " best wishes . . After several toasts Ihe happv pair drove away .-midst Ihe heartiest congratulations and the good svishes of all to spend the honeymoon at Heme Bay .

Masonic Garden Fete At Lewisham.

MASONIC GARDEN FETE AT LEWISHAM .

A most picturesque al fresco cntcrlainment in aid of the Royal Masonic School for Girls svas given in the grounds of Manor Lodge , Hisher Green , Lewisham , the residence of Charles Lamb , Esq ., on Thursday , the 25 th ult . The fete being held in the evening , the grounds were very prettily illuminated svith fairy lamps , Chinese . ' anterns , & c , the effect produced being exceedingly charming .

Ihe entertainment , which , it shoulel be mentioned , svas under the auspices of the Ravensboume Lodgeof Instruction , consisted of the performance of a nesv and original comedy in one act , entitled " The Postscript , " the characters being most creditably sustained by Mrs . Knight Arnold , Miss E . Robinson , and Messrs . Henry R . A . Robinson and Rowbotham . In addition to this histrionic

contributution , a series of living pictures were much appreciated , as svas tho musical bill of fare and recitations . A stringed orchestra , under the baton of Mr . Harry White , kindly volunteered their services and added an additional charm to the proceedings . The Craft ss * as largely represented by a number of Past Masters and brethren , the svhole affair passing off in a most satisfactory manner .

Masonic Picnic Of The Lodge Of Relief.

MASONIC PICNIC OF THE LODGE OF RELIEF .

No . 42 . On Tuesday , the 30 th ult ., in beautiful weather , the brethren of the above lodge , svith their svives and friends , celebrated their usual annual picnic , leaving Bury by the 8 . 56 a . m . train for Skipton , Grassington , and district . On arrival at Skipton about 10 . 30 a . m . they proceeded to the Black Horse Hotel , where a substantial breakfast asvaited them .

Leaving Skipton about 12 noon in svaggonettes , the party drove through the villages of Airevillc and Thorby to Gargraves ; thence by Eshton Hall , Flashy , and Winterburn to Grassington , svhere the luncheon svas provided , after svhich the party visited the famous Linton Falls and Bridge . On returning the drive svas through the villages of Freshlisld , Lintonthorpe , Gracoe , Helton , Rylstone , and Norton Towers , to Skipton ( Black Horse Hotel ) , svhere a splendid knife and fork tea svas provided for them , tu svhich ample justice svas done .

The party left Skipton by the 7 . 10 p . m . train , and arrived at Bury about 9 . 15 p . m ., svhen they adjourned to the Grey Mare Hotel , svhere light refreshments , tea , coffee , & c , had been provided for them , and after several toasts , songs , & c , at 11 p . m . they separated and wended their sv . ey to their respective homes , every one being highly pleased at such a successful ler . iiiiution of the outing .

The arrangements for the above svere very admirably made and carried out by Bros . Sam . Cox , P . M ., and Henry Pollard , I . G ., to whom a hearty vote of thanks svas passed .

Annual Outing Of The Molesey Lodge, No. 2473.

ANNUAL OUTING OF THE MOLESEY LODGE , No . 2473 .

The members and friends of the above lodge svenl , on the 24 th ult ., for their annual launch party up the Thames . Saloon carriages svere provided from Paddington to Reading ; Ihey then boarded the splendid new launch " Bonafide " ( Bro . IJonas ) , and enjoyed the ; lovely scenery up lo Walliford , returning to Caversham ; then by train to London . All refreshments svere partaken of on board , Bro . Trongi being the caterer .

At the luncheon " 'the Health of the W . M . " was very eloejuently proposed by Bro . C . O . BURUESS , P . S . G . D ., I . P . M . Bro . J . R . CLEAVE , W . M ., responded . The toast of '' The Ladies " svas proposeel by Bro . li . L . BERRY , S . W ., who , in a fesv funny remarks , spoke of the joy the presence of the fair sex gave them by gracing their party that day . Bro . HORNER-PKICE , in a maiden speech , replied on their behalf .

A large number of visitors svere present , and their health svas proposed by Bro . BURGESS . Mr . F . KEUK . SLI . and Bro . W . V . BALES , P . M ., Preceptor 1321 , responded . The musical arrangements svere very ably carried out by the new Organist of the lodge , Bro . H . J . Foan . Bros . Samuel Hewett and li . L . Berry svere ] lhe ] Secretaries , and gave general satisfaction in the arrangements made .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . ALFRED GRAY . Bro . Alfred Gray ( the third son of the late Mr . John Gray , Kingston-street , Hsill ) , died at his resilience , 13 , Harold-street , Sunderland , on the iSth ult ., at the age of 63 . Bro . Gray had resided in Sunderland for something like 30 years , and was highly respected . He was one ol" the oldest members of the Williamson Lodge , No . 949 , and served as W . M . in 1 S 75 . He svas also a P . P . G . S . of W . in P . G . Lodge and a R . A . By profession he was an engineer anel marine surveyor ,

and , together svith his son , conducted a business in Sunniside under the style of " Messrs . A . Gray and Son . " He served his apprenticeship at Hull . The funeral took place at Mere Knoll Cemetery , Monkwearmouth , on Monday , the 22 nd ult ., the cortege proceeding from the late residence of the deceased , Harold-street , shortly after tsvo o ' clock , in the following order : First carriage : The Rev . G . Hargreaves , Dr . Modlin , and Dr . Robinson ; second : Mr . George Gray , Mr . F . Kruger , Mr . J . Maddison , Mr . T . W . Mitchell , and Mr . Alfred Grey Roope ;

third : Mr . W . Benson , Mr . H . Roope , Mr . li . Maddison , and Alderman Shad-: ' orth , J . P . ; fourth : Mr . Watson Hunter , Mr . W . Smith , Mr . R . Brydon , and Mr . John Hunter ; fifth : Mr . V . Hunter , Mr . Robert T . Cutler , jun ., Captain Watson , and Mr . Josepn Wright . The coffin svas of solid oak , svith brass mountings , the shield bearing the follosving inscription : "Alfred Gray , died July 18 th , 1895 , aged 6 3 years . " In addition to the mourners and several prominent local gentlemen

interested in shipping and engineering , the following members of the Sunderland Williamson Loelge attended the funeral : Bros . K . I . autebach , VV . M . ; F . W . Ingram , I . P . M . ; T . Harrison , S . VV . ; K . VV . Halfnight , P . M . ; J . G . Kirtley , P . M . ; G . B . Hall , P . M . ; L . K . Davis , P . M . ; D . L . Smith , Sec . ; Grayson , Org . ; J . W . Donovan , E . R . Cherrit , and A . Donovan . Each wore a sprig of acacia , which was aflcrsvards laid upon the coffin ,