Scotland.

hall , which is a beautiful building , both extenorally and from an inside point of view , is capable of accommodating 500 persons . It is treated in the Gothic style , in harmony with the traditions of Scottish Masonry , and over the main doorway is the name of the lodge and engraved Masonic symbols . The main hall measures 56 feet by 34 feet , and is 19 feet from floor to ceiling . The latter is of open

timber , supported by strutted and arched principals , which spring from carved stone columns along the walls . Light is admitted by triple-arched windows , filled in with softtinted cathedral leaded glass . The dado of the walls is of g lazed tiles , and the timber is varnished . The dais is artistically light , and bears the motto , " In the Lord is all bur trust . " The ventilation and acoustic properties are

excellent , and altogether the building reflects much credit on Bro . G . M . Craig , the R . W . M . of the lodge , who is the architect , and on Mr . Shryun , the contractor . The proceedings commenced with the opening of the lodge in the old lodge room in Bernard-street . The Master and most of his officers and about a hundred members of the lodge were present , and after the lodge had been opened

all these , dressed in Masonic [ costume , and bearing the jewels and other paraphernalia of the lodge , formed into procession , and walked to the new lodge rooms . Numerous torches were borne by the brethren , and the townspeople turned out in large numbers to witness what they could of the function . Arrived at the new buildings , the brethren took their

p laces in the lodge . The chair was occupied by Bro . Craig , R . W . M ., and he was supported by BrosuStalker , P . M . ; J . Johnston , Depute Master ; C . Ritchie , Substitute Master ; W . Mills . S . W . ; Rev . J . Park , J . W . ; J . Fair , Chap . ; VV . B . Naismith , Treas . ; G . Shedden , Sec ; and other officers of the lodge . Shortly thereafter they received the Visitation Committee of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , to whom had been entrusted the duty of

consecrating the iodge rooms . Bro . James Crichton headed the deputation , and there were also present Bros . D . Murray Lyon , G . Sec . ; W . Officer , S . S . C . ; | . Davidson , W . J . C . Abbott , H . Munro , and others . The ceremony of consecration vvas then proceeded with , and vvas carried through with much impressiveness . Thereafter the members of the lodge and others , to the

number of about 200 , dined together ; and afterwards deputations were received from lodges of the province , headed by their Masters . These included—Bro . Drummond , R . W . M . Lodge Canongate Kilwinning ; Bro . Cuthbert , R . W . M . St . David Lodge ; Bro . Hunter , R . W . M . Rifle Lodge ; Bro . Young , R . W . M . Kilwinning Lodge ; Bro . Douglas , R . W . M . Journeyman Lodge :

Bro . Jones , R . W . M . St . Andrew ' s Lodge ; Bro . Miller , R . W . M . Roman Eagle Lodge ; Bro . Drysdale , R . W . M . North British Railway Lodge ; Bro . Oliver , R . W . M . Defensive Band Lodge ; Bro . Reid , R . W . M . St . Stephen Lodge ; Bro . Bruce , R . W . M . St . Clair Lodge ; and Bro . Webster , R . W . M . Lodge of Edinburgh . After dinner , the MASTER proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , including that of "The Grand Lodge . "

Bro . CRICHTON , in replying to the latter , referred to the new Benevolent Fund , and said he believed it vvould afford comfort and happiness to many an old Mason , to many an old Mason ' s widow , and to the children of many a decayed brother . If it achieved that , it would be a credit to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and vvould enable it to vie , in some degree , with the Grand Lodge across the border .

Referring to the occasion of the meeting , he spoke of the beauty of the new building , congratulated the Master on being the architect of it , and him and the members on owning such a home for the lodge ; and expressed a hope that their example vvould be followed by many of the lodges in the province . Bro . WEBSTER , R . W . M . of No . 1 , replied for the

Metropolitan lodges , and expressed a similar hope . Bro . CRAIG , in replying to a toast to the long-continued prosperity of Lodge Trafalgar , which vvas proposed by Bro . Crichton , and enthusiastically drunk , gave an outline of the history of the lodge from its formation in 1 S 08 on the anniversary of the battle from which its name is derived . He gave all honour to his predecessors for the

inception of the idea of having lodge rooms of their own ; expressed his hope that soon all the lawyer ' s bonds vvould be in the fire ; and said that if the lodge succeeded as it had done in the past ten years it vvould soon have a surplus which they might dedicate to the New Scottish Masonic Benevolent Fund , or to a fund in connection with their own lodge . The toast of the surviving members [ of thejlodge at its

resuscitation in 1859 was replied to by Bro . STALKER , P . M ., who also proposed a toast to " The Building Committee . " This vvas . acknowledged by Bro . SHEDDEN , Sec , as convener of the Committee ; and toasts were also drunk to "The Wardens and Officers , " and to "The Contractors . " Several songs vvere excellently sung , and the evening was very pleasantly passed .

Dedication Of Masonic Rooms At York.

DEDICATION OF MASONIC ROOMS AT YORK .

An event of very great interest in the Masonic history of this city took place on Monday , the 22 nd ult . — the dedication of new rooms in Castlegate to be used by the Agricola Lodge , No . 1991 . The Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , Provincial Grand Master North and East Ridings of York , was the Consecrating Officer , supported by the following Present and

Past Prov . Grand Officers : Bros . Lieut .-Col . the Hon . W . T . Orde-Powlett , J . P ., D . L ., P . G . W . Eng ., Dep . Prov . G . M . ; M . C Peck , 1040 , G . Std . Br ., P . P . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec ; Rev . G . L . M . Rees , 630 , P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Henry Greeves , M . A ., 566 , P . P . G . W . ; Denis j . O'Donoghue , 57 , P . P . G . W . ; Rev . Wm . Valentine , M . A ., 236 , P -P . G . Chap . ; Rev . J . E . M . Young , M . A ., 236 , P . P . G . Chap ¦ Geo . Garbutt , 236 , P . G . D . ; I . Marshall , 660 ,

P -P . G . R . ; G . Kirby , 236 , P . P . G . D . C ; T . M . Goldie , 6 G o , P . P . G . S . B . ; A . Sample , 236 , P . P . G . O . ; and many brethren of the York , Eboracum , and other lodges in the Province . ___ . After the ceremony was completed , the Prov . G . Sec ,

Bro . M . C . PECK , gave the following appropriate oration The three great principles upon which our Order is founded are Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth ; the Masonic triple triad is completed by the three architectural orders J ^ hich are assigned to the Master and Wardens—the Ionic , "oric , and Corinthian—which represent wisdom , strength ,

Dedication Of Masonic Rooms At York.

and beauty . As the Ionic column displays perfect harmony of design decorating a strong capital , the Doric column shows a neat , but massive , support , and the Corinthian exhibits a most beautiful and artistic arrangement of foliage to decorate the head of a column ; so vve expect to find in the three principal officers of a lodge that combination of wisdom , firmness , and culture of mind

which should pre-eminently distinguish those who are advanced above their fellows and placed in responsible positions . Every brother who pursues steadfastly the study of the Craft , and makes himself thoroughly acquainted with its science , is eligible to become an officer of his lodge ; the most expert are chosen to be the Wardens , from whom , by the suffrages of their brethren ,

the Worshipful Master is elected . When a brother has been elected to the Master ' s chair , and has discharged his duties zealously and faithfully for twelve months , the higher positions in the Craft become open to him , for merit alone is the passport to Masonic promotion . Thus Masonry presents the picture of a perfect republic . My dear brethren ,

let me exhort you to practise , both within and without the lodge , our three great principles—first , Brotherly Love what an expression that is ; how comprehensive and how vast ; brothers in lodge may find brothers throughout the world . If we all practise this virtue , what a powerful factor for good might not Freemasonry become ! Our Order spreads over every part of the globe .

" How vast the scope of Masonry , From earth to heaven t'will soar ; Its roots run under every sea , It blooms on every shore ! " And vve might ( if only we could ) stretch a Masonic chain of linked hands and mutual assistance to encompass the C'lobe , which in time vvould embrace all true and honest

hearts that beat fervently for the welfare of the human race , for the true Craftsman views in every son of Adam a brother of the dust . Secondly , Relief is a theme which includes Charity , ever the distinguishing characteristic of a Mason ' s heart . Here I am happy to say we can display to the wondering world a little of our value , our Charities being deservedly famous . Yet , still , brethren all might do

more . By a little self-denial here and there contributions could be sent from our province more liberally than is customary , and if you could personally see ( as I have done ) the blessings bestowed by our Masonic Charities , you would indeed agree with me that Relief is truly the greatest of the three Masonic virtues . Truth comes last . How valuable and how conspicuous it is when met with in the days in

which . we live . I have known a few worthy brethren whose lives vvere marked by perfect justness and uprightness of character , whose deaths vvere holy and peaceful , and upon whose memory not the slightest tinge of reproach could ever lie . Like the saints of old , they walked with God upon earth ; they walk with Him in Heaven . O , then , dear brethren , strive in your daily life to act up to these grand

principles ; to be indeed Masons throughout ; and when the last dread summons shall come , no fears will trouble you , but quietly laying down your implements of labour , your square , your level , and your plumb rule , you may cheerfully follow your guide through the dark valley of the shadow of death to shine as the stars for ever and ever . The musical portion of the ceremony vvas very effectively

rendered by Bros . J . E . Wilkinson , T . W . Dow , J . Sutcliffe , J . Wilson , and T . Laverack , of the Agricola Lodge , Bro . A . Sample presiding at the organ . The music selected for the occasion was " Atkinson's Dedication Service , " and the rendering thereof formed a marked feature of the proceedings , the solos being efficiently given by Bros . J . E . Wilkinson and J . Wilson .

Jubilee Of A Subscribing Member To The Craft.

JUBILEE OF A SUBSCRIBING MEMBER TO THE CRAFT .

A very interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday evening , the ioth ult ., at the Lodge of Hope , No . 54 , Rochdale . In the absence of the W . M ., Bro . R . Collinge ( who was suddenly called away to London on business ) , the chair vvas occupied by Bro . James Hadfield , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . After the usual business of the lodge had been gone through ,

Bro . HAOFIELD said that , owing to the absence of the W . M ., he had been asked to take the chair , but he vvould rather their VV . M . had been in his usual place , for he would have gone through the business he had to do much better than he ( Bro . Hadfield ) could find words to express . In the first place , he had a very pleasant duty to perform in the presentation of an address to a very old and respected

member of the Craft . He had known Bro . Hulme for a period of 25 years , and had always found him truthful , upright , and honest , and in every way an ornament to Freemasonry . It vvas true that he had not been in office much in the lodge ( once he served that of Steward ) , but perhaps that in a measure was accounted for by his having to travel about a good bit in his younger days , and so vvas unable to

attend his lodge with that regularity that all officers ought to aim at . Bro . Hadfield then , in the name of the W . M ., officers , and brethren of Hope Lodge , formally presented Bro . Hulme with a beautifully engrossed testimonial , in a very neat gold frame , and said he [ hoped that Bro . Hulme vvould live many years to look upon it hanging upon his walls . Bro . HULME , in reply , said they all knew as well as he

did that hejwas no speechmaker , and if he vvas , the unexpected presentation of that beautiful testimonial would have completely knocked it all out of him , and he could only thank them from the bottom of his heart for so grand a gift . Bro . Hulme , who was completely overcome , then sat down , amidst the plaudits of his brethren . The following is a copy of the testimonal : " Hope Lodge , No . 54 Anti ? nt Free and Accepted Masons

, of England . To Bro . George Hulme . "Theofficers and brethren of the Hope Lodge of Freemasons desire to tender to you their hearty congratulations on the attainment of your fiftieth year as a subscribing member in Freemasonry . "They feel assured that the annals of our ancient Institution have seldom recorded such an achievement ; and

although your career in the Craft has not been marked by the performance ef official duties . stillyou have at all times taken an interest in its transactions , displayed a feeling of goodfellowship towards the brethren with whom you have for so long a time been associated , and have always been disposed to stretch out the hand of Charity to those of your brethren who may have been so unfortunate in life as to require assistence .

Jubilee Of A Subscribing Member To The Craft.

" On having reached your Jubilee of membership , their fervent desire is that you may for the rest of your life ( which they trust may be prolonged for some years to come ) , enjoy health and happiness , and that many opportunities may yet be afforded to you of participating in the amenities of your brethren , who now most cordially

reciprocate the good feeling you have for so long a period exemplified towards them . —We are , dear Sir and brother , your fraternally , "ROBERT COLLINGE , W . M . ; J AMES TAIT , S . W . ; J ATHERTON , J . W . ; R . L . COLLINGWOOD , P . M ., Treasurer ; ROBERT COLLINGE , P . M ., P . P .

G . S . B ., Secretary . Rochdale , October , 18 SS . " The following visitors were present representing neighbouring lodges : Bros . W . Whitehead , P . M . ; L . Chadwick , P . M . ; E . T . Fletcher , P . M ., of 1129 ; J . Hepworth , 367 ; and J . Tonge , 298 . Bro . J . Tait was in his usual place as S . W ., and the J . VV . ' s duties vvere performed very creditably by Bro . T . Slott , the J . D ., in the absence of the I . W .

Investment Of The Prov. Grand Secretary For Middlesex.

INVESTMENT OF THE PROV . GRAND SECRETARY FOR MIDDLESEX .

On Friday , the 26 th ult ., Bro . Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C , Deputy Prov . Grand Master for Middlesex , attended , on behalf of the Prov . Grand Master , at the installation meeting of the Royal Hanover Lodge , Twickenham , for the purpose of investing Bro . Howard H . Room as Prov . Grand Secretary for Middlesex . The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER stated that he

wished to inform the brethren of the province of the manner in which the selection of Bro . Room had been arrived at . On hearing that Bro . Woodward vvas compelled to resign the position of Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Sir Francis Burdett , being-aware that if that fact became known there vvould be numerous suggestions on behalf of the many experienced brethren in the province , several of whom had

special qualifications for the post , and that that would involve considerable correspondence and delay , took counsel with him ( Bro . Thrupp ) , Bro . Woodward , and others , and after carefully considering the merits of the brethren eligible for the post , selected 12 , and these were , after further consideration , reduced to three , f rom amongst whom it appeared to the Prov . Grand Master that Bro . Room vvas the most

eligible . Then , and not until then , he offered the position to Bro . Room , who accepted it . The D . P . G . M . then stated that he had much pleasure in investing Bro . Room with the collar and badge of his office , at the same time expressing his gratification of being enabled to do so in the Royal Hanover Lodge , that being the lodge in which Bro .

Room vvas initiated . The D . P . G . M . told Bro . Room that he was succeeding one of the best Secretaries the province ever had , viz ., Bro . Woodward , and counselled him to take Bro . Woodward as his guide in the future . Bro . ROOM thanked the D . P . G . M . for attending for the purpose at some personal inconvenience , and pledged himself to do all in his power to promote the welfare of the province .

Annual Banquet Of The Lewises Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1209.

ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE LEWISES LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1209 .

The annual banquet of this lodge of instruction vvas held on Thursday , the nth ult ., at the Castle Hotel , Ramsgate . The chair vvas taken by Bro . Wm . A . Valon , C . E ., W . M . 1209 . The most recherche banquet , which the brethren thoroughly enjoyed , vvas placed before them by Bro . J . O .

Eve , P . M . 429 and 1209 , P . P . A . G . D . C After the removal of the cloth , the W . M . gave the usual toasts proposed at Masonic gatherings , and it is needless to say they were received with enthusiasm and duly honoured . "The Health of the Worshipful Master" vvas proposed by Bro . A . H . HALE , P . M . 1209 , who sa 'd that but few words were needed on his part to secure the toast a hearty reception at their hands . The W . M . while he had been in

the chair had gained the esteem and affection , not only of the officers , but every member of the lodge . His genial and cordial manner , as well as his ability , in the conduct of the business of the lodge , had secured to him the admiration of every brother , and he sincerely hoped that he might continued health to persevere in hisduties in thesameexemplary and able manner up to the time of his having to resign the chair to a successor .

The toast was drank with all the usual honours . The W . M ., in replying , said that the easiest way of overcoming a difficulty vvas to face it , and certainly the flattering manner in which his health had been proposed by Bro . Hale , and the very cordial manner in which it had been received by the brethren present , vvas calculated to inspire anything but the right words to express suitably his

thanks . He need not assure them he duly appreciated the high honour of the Mastership , but he might say that the occupation of the chair had deepened his affection for everything in connection with Craft Masonry . He would endeavour to deserve , during the remaining term of his office , the high eulogiums they had been pleased to pass upon him . The W . M . then proposed " The Health of the Visitors , "

coupled with the name of Bro . F . W . Willett , W . M . 127 , whom he characterised as a Mason in act , as well as in word . Ke set to his lodge an example that might be followed by them all , viz .: constant attendance at the regular lodge meetings and the conscientious discharge of his Masonic duties in general , and he ( Bro . Valon ) hoped that Bro . Willet would be a guest at their banqueting

tables for many years to come . Bro . F . W . WILLETT , in replying , said that the eloquence of Bro . Valon completely robbed him of any power to return thanks to them as he should desire . 1 he towns of Margate and Ramsgate were sister towns , and some of the members of the Margate lodge belonged to the Ramsgate lodge . It always seemed the proper thing when he

could look round and see some of the Ramsgate brethren present at their ordinary meetings . He hoped that as many of them as possible would make it convenient to come over with their W . M . on the Tuesday following , when they had a little work to do , and he should be glad to give

them a hearty welcome . Bro . EDWARD WOTTON , J . W ., then proposed " The Lewises Lodge of Instruction . " Its vitality , he said , was proved by the fact that they had two Life Subscriberships to ballot for that evening . He himself derived the greatest pleasure from attending those weekly gatherings . There