The Provincial Grand Master Of Yorkshire On The " Three Hours' Service."

THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF YORKSHIRE ON THE " THREE HOURS' SERVICE . "

Dr . Bourne , Vicar of Christ Church , Doncaster , in response to the wishes of the Rev . E . Barbett , Vicar of Carleton , conducted the "three hours' service" in that church from twelve to three o ' clock , on Good Friday . The Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire , Bro . T . W . Tew , D . L ., vvas present during nearly the whole of the

. The church vvas all but filled vvith a devout congregation , and the Provincial Grand Master has since expressed gratitude for the service , both on behalf of himself and all in Carleton . Ihe PROVINCIAL G RAND MASTER intimated that the preacher ' s simple , touching language and feeling manner

were most appropriate to the solemn occasion , and that the service made a deep impression on the minds and hearts of the congregation , who , as one of the agricultural communities ( he further adds ) , often wish that the beaten track of the Prayer Book could , as in this instance , be departed from , and such services as the "three hours " be more frequently adopted , by which they would understand better the beautiful lessons of Holy Writ .

The "West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.

THE "WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .

The Liverpool Courier has the following article on the above Institution -. The really excellent and tangible work which is being accomplished in this district through the medium of _ that well-organised and most efficiently and economically

managed Charity , the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , is at once apparent by a casual glance at the annual report which , together vvith the statement of accounts and subscriptions , has recently been placed in the hands of the brethren in the province by the Secretaries , Bros . G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , Captain J . MacNab , R . N ., W . M ., and T . H . W . Walker , P . G . T ., and the

Treasurer , Bro . J . T . Callow , P . P . G . T . This beneficent organisation , which is the principal Masonic Charity in the Province of West Lancashire , and is perhaps the most prominent of any of the numerous charitable movements conduc' . ed by the Craft out of the Metropolis , has now entered upon its 3 8 th year . It vvas founded in 1 S 50 , the object sought after being the education , clothing ,

maintenance , and advancement in life of the children or distressed and deceased Freemasons . The President of the Insiitution is the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M ., P . G . M . The Committee , in their report , congratulate the supporters of the Institution upon another year of continued prosperity and usefulness . The income derived from donations and

subscriptions for the past year amounted to £ go 6 3 s . 4 d . The annual ball produced no less a sum than £ 208 gs . 3 d ., interest on invested capital yielded £ 727 4 s . 6 d ., making , with a few other small receipts , a total income from all sources ' * of £ 18623 s . 4 d . This amount , large though it be , is less by £ 600 than the total realised during the year 18 S 7 , although this abnormally large income vvas derived

on account of her Majesty's Jubilee . The promising activity displayed by several of the youngest lodges in the endowment of their chairs is commented upon . During the year two further rights of presentation to public institutions , for 21 years each , vvere purchased at the cost of £ 700 , making seven of such rights available . The benefits of the Institution had been extended to no fewer than 224 children

—namely , 19 6 on the Educational Fund at an outlay of £ 1286 3 s . iod ., and 19 on the Combined Fund ( which educates , clothes , and maintains them ) at a cost of £ 676 19 s . Sd ., besides which the sum of £ 40 was expended for the advancement in life of nine recipients who had gone off these Funds . The rigid economy which had ever characterised the conduct of the management continued

to exhibit itself in the smallness of the working expenses , and it is stated to be quite unique in the administration of large Charities . During the past year applications vvere made to the Institution on behalf of 3 6 children , all of whom were found to be duly qualified , and all of whom were elected . Twenty-eight children ceased to be on the Foundation , Which has now 23 6 beneficiaries .

During the year the Committee had had to deplore the loss of two Vice-Presidents , Bro . H . Younghusband and Bro . J . Cobham , whose truly Masonic zeal and munificence had rendered their names household words among the brethren . A number of Life-Governors had also passed away , but on the other hand it vvas gratifying to note the accession to the list of many worthy Freemasons .

The West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution.

THE WEST LANCASHIRE ALPASS BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution , which has for its object the relief of the distressed widows of brethren who had been Masons for nine years , or who had been subscribing members to lodges in this province for five years , has also been accomplishing a good work , although , of course , on a much humbler scale . The necessity for its existence and for increased support of its funds

is dwelt upon in the annual report given by the Hon . Secretaries , Bros . *[ . H . Barrow , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Foote , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . j and W . C . Erwin , P . M ., P . P . A . G . Sec . This , together with the financial statement prepared by the Hon . Treasurer , Bro . Robt . Wylie , P . M ., P . G . D . Eng ., P . P . G . W ., has also been issued recently . Thenumberof annuitantsonthefoundationof the Institution

has been increased from five to seven , while there are two candidate *; waiting election as soon as provision can be made for them . The extraordinary effort made last year on behalf of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls materially affected the income of the Alpass , as well as the other Charitable

Institutions throughout the province , but as the Masons of West Lancashire had shown their willingness to support the Metropolitan Masonic Institutions whenever occasion called for it , the Committee felt sure that they vvould do the same for local Institutions , ard make liberal contributions at the present juncture , in order to secure the success of the two candidates now appealing for election . It was

The West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution.

hoped that the festival to be held at Southport in June , under the presidency of Bro . Col . Tomlinson , M . P ., P . P . G'W ., would be productive of such results as to justify the Committee in at once recommending the election of both candidates . The brethren have not vet received copies of the annual

report of the management of the other important local Masonic Charity—the West Lancashire Hamer Benevolent Institution for Aged and Distressed Freemasons . This will probably be issued in the course of the next month , as the last of the financial statements from the various lodges has now been audited and passed .

Masonic Presentation At Reading.

MASONIC PRESENTATION AT READING .

At the installation meeting cf the Leopold Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 235 , held on Monday afternoon , under the presidency of Bro . Henry Creed , P . P . G . I . C , a handsome testimonial , subscribed for by the lodges and individual members of the Province of Berks and Oxon , vvas presented to Bro . T . J . Pulley in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him in the formation and subsequent

development of this province , in which he ably fulfilled the duties of Provincial Grand Secretary , until failing health compelled him to vacate the office about 12 months since . The testimonial consisted of a handsome illuminated address , enclosed in a splendid morocco case , the address being accompanied by a purse of money . The presentation vvas made by Bro . CHAS . STEPHENS ,

Dep . Prov . Grand Master , who read a letter he had received from the Earl of Jersey , Prov . Grand Master , regretting his inability to be present , and conveying his best wishes for Bro . Pulley ' s health and happiness . Bro . Stephens said he felt confident the biethren shared in the mingled feelings of regret and pleasure vvith which he came forward to perform the duty assigned to him . They

all regretted that impaiied health , caused by overwork , had compelled Bro . Pulley to retire from the office of Provincial Grand Secretary , which he filled for some nine years vvith so much credit to himself and advantage to the province j and it gave him great pleasure to be the medium of offering to Bro . Pulley some slight testimonial in recognition of the long and valuable services he had

rendered to Mark Masonry in the province . It vvas in a large degree owing to Bro . Pulley ' s untiring energy and perseverance that the Leopold and several other Mark Lodges , as well as the Provincial Grand Lodge , had been formed , and although Bro . Pulley had retired from the active duties be had so well discharged for some years , the brethren entertained the hope that he would be spared to

be amongst them , and be blessed with health and happiness for many years to come , and that the beautiful address , which he had the pleasure of presenting to Bro . Pulley , vvould descend to his children , and be treasured by them . Bro . EDWARD MARGRETT , P . M ., then read the address , which , with the purse , containing cheque , vvas handed to Bro . Pulley , who , in reply , said that words failed him in

his attempt to convey his thanks to the brethren for this beautiful and substantial token of their esteem and regard . It caused him great regret to be compelled to resign the office of Prov . Grand Secretary through ill-health , and he certainly never expected such an ample and pleasing recognition of his services . What he had done in connection

vvith Mark Masonry , had , indeed , been a labour of love , and he was glad to know that the province vvas in such a satisfactory state , and he had every confidence that his successor , Bro . Ravenscroft , vvould do his utmost to assure the continued prosperity of the province . The address was as follows :

"It having come to the knowledge of this Prov . G . Lodge that the health of Bro . T . J . Pulley , P . G . S . D ., Prov . G . Sec , P . M ., & c , was impaired , and he having intimated his desire that he should not be re-appointed as Prov . Grand Secretary in consequence ; at the annual meeting held in Reading , on the 17 th July , iSSS , it vvas unanimously resolved on the proposition of the R . W . the

Provincial Grand Master the Earl of Jersey , seconded by W . Bro . Jno . Tomkins , P . G . S ., P . P . G . W ., Provincial Grand Treasurer : " 'That this Provincial Grand Lodge conveys to W . Bro . T . J . Pulley its cordial thanks for the valuable services rendered by him in the formation and subsequent development of this province , and expresses the hope that by the

blessing of the G . O . O . T . U . he will speedily be restored to health . ' " It vvas unanimously resolved on the proposition of W . Bro . E . L . SHEPHERD , P . G . S ., Prov . G . W ., seconded by W . Bro . F . J . FERGUSON , P . P . G . W .: " 'That in recognition of the services rendered to Mark Masonry in this province by VV . Bro . T . J . Pulley in the office

of Prov . Grand Secretary during nine years , a presentation shall be made to him , and that the following brethren be appointed the Committee for the purpose : The R . W . Prov . G . M ., the V . W . Deputy Prov . G . M ., theW . M . of each lodge in Ihe province , W . Bro . VV . W . Ridley , P . M . 235 , P . Prov . G . W ., VV . Bro . Edward Margrett , P . M . 235 , P . P . G . W ., Treas . and Sec ' "In pursuance of these resolutions and in token of the

cordial sympathy with them expressed by the brethren of each Mark lodge in this province , the Committee have much pleasure in presenting to Bto . Pulley , together vvith this record , a purse containing 100 guines , accompanying the same with the heartiest best wishes of the brethren for his restoration and future prosoerity . "J ERSEY , Prov . G . M . M . M . "C STEPHENS , D . Prov . G . M . M . "E . MARGRETT , P . M ., Treas . and Sec . "

Both the D . P . G . M . and also Bro . PULLEY thanked the Testimonial Committee , and particularly the Hon . Secretary and Treasurer , Bro . Margrett , for the time and trouble they expended in the matter . The presentation ceremony vvas followed by the installation of Bro . Ravenscroft as W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year .

The offictri appointed and invested by Bro . Ravenscroft for the ensuing year vvere Bros . H . Creed , I . P . M . ; Rev . J . M . Guilding , Chap . ; C . H . Tench , S . W . ; W . Hickie , J . W . ; C . B . Tubbs , M . O . ; C Slaughter , S . O . ; j . W . Lindars , J . O . ; J . T . Stransom , Treas . ; F . Brown , R . of M . ; H . Creed , Sec ; B . W . Bennett , S . D . ; J . Miller , J . D . j J . E . Sydenham , D . C . j H . G . Sherwin , Org . j C . E . Hewitt , I . G . j G . S . Smallwood and J , W . Martin , Stewards ; and W . Hemmings , Tyler .

Masonic Presentation At Reading.

A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . H . CREED , the I . P . M ., who suitably acknowledged the compliment . In the evening the brethren sat down to a banquet provided by Bro . Flanagan , at the Great Western Hotel ' Bro . Ravenscroft presided , and the usual Mark Masons ' toasts were honoured , and some capital songs vvere sung by

Bro . Couzens and others . The attendance included the following : Bros . C Stephens , P . M ., D . P . G . M . ; Henry Creed , P . P . G . I . C . ' VV . Ravenscroft , Prov . Grand Sec , W . M . ; W . VV . Ridley , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; E . Margrett , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., P . P . G . W ., D . C ; T . J . Pulley , P . M ., P . G . D ., P . P . G . Sec ; Rev . H . Wells , P . P . G . Chap . ; C . H . Tench

, P . P . G . D . C ; W . Hickie , P . P . G . Org . j J . T . Stransom , P . P . G . Treas . j C B . Tubbs , P . P . G . I . of W . ; J . \ V . Lindars , P . P . A . G . Sec ; J . Slaughter , P . P . G . S . ; B . W . Bennett , P . P . A . G . D . C . j F . J . Cozens , P . G . O . ; J , Miller , P . P . G . S . ; G . S . Smallwood , P . P . G . S . ; F . Brown , C E . Hewitt , W . Hemmings , W . G . Flanagan , P . M .,

P . P . G . W . ; W . Bonny , W . Treverton , W . G . Miller , J . VV . Martin , N . F . Wells , Rev . J . M . Guilding , Reginald Bird , P . M . and W . M . elect 55 ; John Tomkins , P . M , 225 , P . G . Treas . ; H . J . Mount , P . M . 257 ; G . J . Cosburn , P . M . 27 , P . P . G . M . O . ; Woollett and A . Turner , of 376 ; Couzens , P . M . ; and others .

Bro. And Mrs. Higgs' Ball.

BRO . AND MRS . HIGGS' BALL .

On Monday evening last some 300 guests assembled in the Whitehall Rooms of the Hotel Metropole in response to the invitation of Bro . and Mrs . W . A . Higgs , of VVillen . hall Park , New Barnet , the occasion of the ball being the celebration of the " coming of age " of their third son , Mr . Edwin Higgs .

The palatial Whitehall Rooms vvere well decorated vvith tall palms and flowers , and the floor of the ball-room vvas in capital condition , the guests being sufficiently strong in numbers to amply fill the rooms without causing any crowding or inconvenience to the dancers . Bro . and Mrs , Higgs received their guests in the drawing-room . Dancing vvas entered upon with considerable spirit , the

scene in the ball-room during some of the more popular " rounds " being extremely animated and interesting . Shortly after midnight supper vvas served in the spacious dining-saloon of the hotel . Mr . EDWIN PALMER proposed the toast of the evening , that of " Mr . Edwin Higgs , " and spoke in high terms of his amiability and steady perseverance in the profession

which he had chosen , adding that in the recreation of life he is also making his mark , his two hobbies being music and cricket , in the latter of which amusement he is especially proficient . Mr . EDWIN HIGSS icsponded in a few words , well chosen and to the point . Alderman Sir H . E . KNIGHT proposed the toast of "The Host and Hostess , " and

Bro . W . A . HIGGS responded , meeting with a most enthusiastic reception . Bro . Sheriff NEWTON proposed "The Ladies , " and Mr . WALTER HARRIS replied briefl y in a few neat sentences , which just suited the taste of his auditory . Dancing vvas resumed after supper , and continued until after three o ' clock . The guests on entering the ball-room

had each received an invitation to sit for their portraits during the evening , and to accept a copy of their photographs as a souvenir of the occasion . This graceful act on the part of the host and hostess vvas much appreciated , no less than 2 G 0 of their guests being photographed during the course of the evening . Mr . Young , of Messrs , Fradelle and Young , 246 , Regent-street , W ., took every

one of these portraits vvith the aid of the " flash light , " and a very busy time he had for some hours . Examples of portraits taken under similar conditions vvere shown in the temporary studio , and reflect great credit upon the operator ; indeed , it is difficult to understand how some hundreds of sitters can be dealt with in the course of a few hours .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . F . G . BAKER . The brethren of the Prince Frederick William Lodge , 753 , have within the last few days sustained another severe bereavement by * the death of Bro . F . G . Baker , who expired altera short illness at his residence , Elm Lodge , High-road , Kilburn , on the 23 rd ult . The long association of our departed brother vvith the Craft , and the invaluable assistance

he at all times rendered the lodges vvith which he was connected , combined to render his name widely known in Masonic circles . Although an honorary member of the Robert Burns Lodge , 25 , and Preceptor of their Iodge of instruction , S . E . of the John Hervey Chapter , 1260 , and also for many years Preceptor of the Kilburn Lodge of Instruction , 160 S , it is vvith the Piince Frederick William

Lodge , 753 , that the name of Bro . F . G . Baker will generally be associated . He vvas P . M . and Secretary of tiie mother lodge , founder of the Iodge of instruction , and its Preceptor for the long period of 25 years . Bro . Baker was likewise P . Z . and S . E . of the Prince Frederick William Chapter , as well as Preceptor of the Chapter of Improvement . It is not surprising , therefore , that a large gathering

ot the brethren assembled in the old Willesden Churchyard on Monday , the 29 th ult ., to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of an honoured elder brother whose l ° they so sincerely deplore . Amongst those present were Bros . J . J . Thomas , VV . M ., W . J . Stratton , J . W ., C . «• Wickens , I . P . M ., W . D . Slyman , P . M . and Treas ., . Stephens , S . D-, R . T . Hill , P . M ., J . F . Wuest , P . M ., J-

Powell , P . M ., S . B . Nightingale , l . G ., R . T . Red / cam Steward , W . F . Stiles , and C . Stallibrass , of 753 ! f " Hunt , P . Z . 753 . There vvere also gathered round tne grave Bros . J . VV . Harvey , P . M . 25 ; N . Turner , P . " 72 ; Kew , P . M . and Preceptor 167 ; C . J . Biorn , I . P- " ' 733 ; O . Latreille , P . M . and P . Z . 1260 ; C . Kemptcji P . M . 12 S 7 ; J . Mickelburgh , P . M . 1425 ; R . »

Dillon , P . M . 1567 j J . W . Cuff , P . M . i <> > A . E . Carter , S . W . 1423 j W . J . Maso "' S . W . 2246 ; C . Coleman , J . W . 1 425 j G . Flint , SM-1287 j W . T . Dillon , 156 7 j L , N . Nerwich , 15 S J an " many others . Previous to the coffin , upon which n * a'J splendid wreaths , conspicuous amongst which was tn offering of the Prince Frederick William Lodge , ben's lowered into its last resting place , the brethren prese * " *