Grand Mark Lodge.

not have the brotherly love and charity towards each other to set as an example to the outer world . Bro . AV . W . B . BEACH would ever value the jewel so kindly presented to him . It would serve as a memento of many pleasant hours he had spent with the brethren when he had the honour of

presiding in the chair . He had always felt a deep interest in thc prosperity ancl progress ofthe degree of which thc Grand Master had given such an interesting account . Its importance could not be ignored ; but it had sufficient vitality in itself to exist by itself , if necessary , although friendly

relations with every other branch of the Craft should be cultivated . If it was not recognised by the constituted Masonic authorities , Mark Masons had a right to constitute an authority of their own , and it would be recognised wherever Mark

Masters congregated . All over the world it was held to be of importance , and in America no one was allowed to take the Arch degree unless he was previously a Mark Master . Brethren in this country should take this degree on that account , and cultivate Jvlasonic relations with brethren in other countries .

Bro . Stebbing was re-elected Grand Treasurer on the motion of Bro . NUNN , seconded by Bro . J . STEVENS . Thc following brethren were then appointed and invested by thc Grand Master as his officers for the year : — Earl Percy D . G . M .

Earl of Limerick S . G . AV . Major Adair J . G . AV . Capt . King G . M . O . Dr . Mudge G . S . O . Jas . Stevens G . J . O . Rev . AA ^ . Langley ) „ „ , . . Rev . AV . B . Church ... G' Chaplains . J . R . Stebbing G . Treasurer .

R . A . Benson G . R . M . F . Binckes G . Secretary . Rooke G . SD . Stokoe G . J . D . Lund G . S . AV . S . Rosenthal G . D . G . F . J . Cox Asst . G . D . C .

Roberts G . S . B . Codd G . S . B . Read G . Organist . Hayward G . I . G . CT . Speight Tyler . Bro . BINCKES read the report of the General Board .

On the subject of the propriety of working the degrees of "Ark , " "Link , " and " AA restle , " and of " Most Excellent Master , " a long discussion ensued , and it was ultimately referred to a committee , the Grand Master to select the members , who were not to exceed twelve in number .

Bros . Sabine , Meggy , Wan ; Wynn , and Nunn were elected to scats on the General Board ; ancl Bros . W . Richardson , Geo . King , Hammerton , Clarence Harcourt , Webb , H . Massey , R . Boncey , and Hudson were chosen Grand Stewards . Power was given to thc Grand Secretary to call in

additional assistance in his office , and the remuneration increased from ^ " 130 to . £ 150 a-ycar . The whole ofthe business on thc paper not having been completed when the banquet was announced , it was postponed for an especial Grand Lodge . Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form .

1 HE BANQUET . The Grand Master presided at the banquet , surrounded by most of the brethren who attended Grand Lodge . When the cloth was removed , " Thc Health of Her Majesty " was proposed by thc GRAND MASTER

and drank . The EARL of CARNARVON , in proposing the Grand Master ' s health , said he had known him for a much longer time than he liked to think of excepting with great pleasure at thc acquaintance . He had never found him wanting in sense and

judgment , in ability or courage , as a true-hearted friend or a good Mason . The Past Master's jewel was due to his archaeological skill and taste , and Mark Masonry might well be content to have him at its head , for he was as well calculated as any man to push on the Order to still further triumphs than it had yet achieved .

Ihe GRAND MASTER felt it a great honour to be the second time elected as Master , and to take the chair at a banquet characterised by such good temper and good feeling as this . He had many shortcomings for which to excuse himself to Grand Lodge ; but his reception would be a stimulus to

him to use his best endeavours during thc coming year for the success of the Order he was identified with . The GRAND MASTER then proposed " The Past Grand Masters , " and in doing so said that by

limiting the period of holding office to three years , the Master wss enabled to gather round him as distinguished a body of Past Masters as he had round him that night . AVhen other bodies were reduced o such expedients as conferring a rank upon a Ma-

Grand Mark Lodge.

son that he was not entitled to , the Mark Masons ought to rejoice that they had real Past Grand Masters who hacl performed their duties well . As no mortals were free from weakness , he hoped the Past Masters would be vain enough to like to come to Grand Lodge to display their P . M . jewels . If

thcydid , thebettcr pleased wouldall Mark Masons be . _ Lord LEIGH responded , and said he derived additional pleasure in the possession of his jewel , from the fact that it was made in his own province of Warwick , at Birmingham . He congratulated the Grand Master , Grand Lodge , and Mark Masons generally ,

on the progress made by the degree in the last 15 years , and trusted it would flourish as much in future . There were such business habits among them and such a right good spirit , that it must flourish . The GRAND MASTER , in giving the health of " The Deputy Grand Master , " ' alluded to one of the

badges of Earl Percy's family being a pair of handcuffs , ancl hoped they would be a link of amity which in future would bind this Grand Lodge to the Grand Chapter of Scotland in those fraternal bonds which all desired to see . Earl PERCY said he was very diffident of his own

powers in Ins new position , but he was less so when he found round him so many brethren ready to assist him . He hoped that the brethren would soon become better acquainted with his part of the country , ancl he trusted that when they were they would find a good deal ofthe link and very little o ' f the wrestle .

The GRAND MASTER proposed " The Grand AVardens , " and said that in Grand Mark Lodge the officers were chosen from all parts of the country . Major ADAIR replied . Bro . Benson responded for the rest of the " Grand

Officers and the Past Grand Officers ; " Col . Burdett for the " Visitors ; " Bro . Rosenthal for the " Grand Stewards ; " and Bro . Binckes for thc " Benevolent Fund Festival ; " and the brethren shortly afterwards separated .

The dinner was well served by Bro . Dowsing , the manager of the Freemasons' Tavern Company , and Bros . Barnby , Carter , ancl Distin , assisted by Madame Thaddcus AVells , enlivened the evening with some beautiful harmony .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

THE CRAFT .

METROPOLITAN . Israel Lodge , No . 203 . —The last meeting of the season of this prosperous lodge took place at Bro . Hart ' s ( Radley ' s ) on Tuesday last week , when the very efficient AV . M ., Bro . Michael J . Emanuel , initiated Mr . Thos . Cabb , and conferred the sublime degree on Bros . Willing , Streather , Ladd , and Boam . The lodge was called from labour to

refreshment , and partook of one of Iiro . Hart ' s sumptuous banquets , after which the usual toasts were proposed and responded to ; the brethren were then called on to Masonic duty , and the lodge was closed in the usual form . Neio Concord Lodge , No . S 13 . —This flourishing lodge held its last meeting for the season on Friday , the 20 th ult ., at the Rosemary Branch Tavern , Islington . Bros .

Bartlett , W . M . ; Atkins , S . W . ; Salisbury , J . W . ; Hart , P . M . ; Wilson , P . M . and Treas . ; Emmons , P . M . ; W . II . Main , P . M . and Sec . ; Blyth , S . D . ; Denny , J . D . ; A . Hill , I . G . ; Sinclair , D . C . ; McDavitt , Org . ; and C . J . Hill , S ., being present , together with Bros . Pync , Gallant , Harris , Gabb , Gain , Chesher , Abseil , Hotlauer , Faucquez , Wagner , Townsend , Spratt , Phillips , Cain ,

Bcnningfield ami Rhcin . Bros . Taylor 172 , and Sheppard 27 , were visitors on this occasion . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of thc previous lodge were confirmed ; thc lodge was opened in the second degree , and Bros , l'ync , King and Harris being candidates for thc third answered tlie usual questions , were entrusted and retired , and the lodge being opened in the third

degree they were severally raised to thc sublime degree of M . M . The lodge was then closed to the second degree and resumed lo the first , Bro . Wagner being a candidate for the second answered and retired , and thc lodge being again resumed to thc second he was passed to the degree of F . C . The lodge was resumed to the first degree . A petition was read on behalf of the child Jones , who lost

his election for the Boys' School by seven votes at the late election , and who would be ineligible ( being eleven years of age next September ) for the next election , soliciting assistance to raise a sufficient sum to purchase his admission . Several of the brethren promised to subscribe . It was unanimously resolved that the lodge have a summer banquet , and that the ladies be invited to dine with thc

biethren . It was also unanimously resolved that Bro . Emmens , P . G . P . and founder of the lodge , be an Honorary Member of thc lodge . All Masonic business being ended , thc brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , provided by thc worthy host , Bro . Gabb . The cloth cleared , the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . The P . G . Officers being acknowledged by Bro ,

Emmens , P . M . Bros . Taylor ancl Sheppard responded for the visitors , and expressed themselves pleased with the admirable working ofthe W . M . and his officers . Bro . J . Wilson , P . M . and Treas ., returned thanks for the P . M . ' s , and Main , P . M . and Sec ., and Atkins , S . AV ., for the officers ; and after a fitting compliment had been paid to Bro . Gabb and Mrs . Gabb , the brethren separated , having passed a very happy evening , enlivened by the singing of

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bros . Blyth , Hill and Cusworth , assisted by Bro . M'Davitt , Organist . Finsbury Lodge , No . 861 . —The last meeting of the season , of this prosperous lodge , was held at the Jolly Anglers Tavern , Bath-street , St . Luke ' s , on the evening of Friday , May the 27 th . After the opening ceremony thc minutes of the previous meeting were read and

confirmed , and the lodge was then opaned in the second degree , when the respected S . AV ., Bro . James Nicholls , was presented to the Installing Master , the AV . Brother Macky , P . M ., who conducted the ceremony of installation in such a style as lo earn the warm approbation of the brethren . The W . M . then invested his officers , viz . : — Bros . S . Hart , S . AV . ; Benjamin , J . W . ; Alfred Day ,

P . M ., Treas . ; T . G . Purely , P . M ., Sec ; Bilby , P . M ., Organist ; Stokes , S . D ., Maxwell , J . D . ; and Speight , Tyler ; adding a suitable address to each . After closing the lodge , the brethren retired to an excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Bond ( P . M . and Treas . 101 ) , when the usual loyal ancl Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Alfred Day ( P . M . 65 , 101 , S 61 ) , the Treasurer ,

proposed the health of the newly-installed W . M ., and in the course of a most eloquent speech adverted to the excellent qualities of the new Master , and wished him a happy and successful year of oflice . As the founder of the lodge , his own heart was with them , and so long as the G . A . O . T . U . granted him health and strength , he would work to promote the best interests of the lodge . —

The AV . M . expressed his acknowledgments for the very able and handsome manner in which Bro . Day had spoken of him , and assured the brethren that he was firmly resolved , to the utmost of his power , to fulfil the responsible duties of the proud aud honourable position in which they had placed him as should reflect credit on himself and honour to the Lodge . —The W . M . then proposed

the visitors ( who , as usual at this lodge , were numerous ) , to which Bro . Poole , AV . M . of the Egyptian Lodge , responded in suitable terms . —The W . M . then said he had another pleasing duty to perform in proposing the health of the Ofiicers , for of them he felt justly proud , and of this he was certain , that he would be ably and efficiently supported by them in the discharge of the onerous duties of his office . —Bro . Hart , S . A \ ., in responding , thanked

the W . M . for the high eulogium he had passed upon the officers of the lodge , and which had been most cordially and enthusiastically endorsed by the brethren ; it was highly gratifying to his feelings , as it also was to his brother officers . Their best endeavours would at all times be devoted towards supporting so worthy and excellent a Master . —The Tyler ' s toast brought a most happy evening to a close .

Southern Star Lodge , No . 1158 . —The anniversary and installation meeting of this highly flourishing lodge was held on Tuesday evening , May 24 th , at the Montpelier Tavern , Walworth . Bro . R . E . Clarke , A \ . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Bayfield , S . AV . ; C . E . Thompson , J . W . ; Towers , S . D . ; Varvill , I . G . ; II . Thompson , P . M ., Treas . ; T . II . Pulsford , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Thomas ,

P . M ., Dr . Goldsboro ' , and a numerous body of visitors . There was a heavy list of business to be disposed of , and the first in order was to raise five brethren to the sublime degree of M . M ., which ceremony was ably performed by the W . M . The lodge was then resumed to the first degree , and three gentlemen were initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry . The lodge was then resumed to

the second degree , and Bro . Thompson , P . M ., presented Bro . D . S . Bayfield , the W . M .-elect , to receive from his predecessor the benefit of installation . The retiring W . M . then proceeded with the ceremony , and installed Bro . Bayfield into the chair of K . S . as W . M . for the ensuing year . There were 17 P . M . ' s present to do honour to the new W . M ., and who formed the Board of Installed

Masters . The brethren below the chair having been admitted thc W . M . was saluted in thc customary manner , and he then proceeded to appoint his officers as follows : Bros . C . E . Thompson , S . W . ; H . R . Towers , J . W . ; lI . Thonqv-on , P . M ., Treas . ; T . II . Pulsford , P . M ., Sec ; R . Varvill , S . D . ; Kipps , J . D . ; G . V . Dean , Asst . Sec . ; J . C . Davenport , D . C . ; A . Wright , I . G . ; II . Potter ,

Steward ; and Laing , Tyler . Bro . Pulsford delivered the addresses , and the installing ceremony was brought to a close . The new W . M . immediately commenced upon his duties by initiating Mr . Thomas Blackwell and Mr . Robt . Harris into the privileges of Freemasonry . Some other business having been disposed of , the lodge was closed in due form and with solemn prayer , three or four candidates

for initiation being obliged to go away , as the statutable number had been received . The brethren then retired to a banquet in thc new hall which has recently been built by Bro . Allatt for Masonic purposes , and was used for the first time on this occasion . This building had become essentially necessary in consequence of the large number of members constituting the Southern Star lodge . The

hall is spacious , and well ventilated and lighted , and in erecting it for Masonic purposes Bro . Allatt has done all that possibly lay in his power for the accommodation of thc Craft , and it is to be hoped that his liberal conduct will meet with a corresponding return . The fare was bountiful and left nothing to be desired , to say nothing of thc elegant dessert which followed the more substantial

viands ; the tables were decorated with flowers , and flags adorned thc walls . On the removal of thc cloth the usual formal toasts were given , after which Bro . R . E . Clarke , I . P . M ., in very complimentary terms proposed thc health of Bro . Bayfield , W . M ., which was- very heartily received . The W . M . returned thanks , and expressed his determination to do his utmost to promote the prosperity of the lodge .

The health of thc five newly-initiated brethren was then drunk most enthusiastically , and duly responded to . The W . M . next proposed the health of Bro . li , E . Clarke , I . P . M . and Installing Master , to whom Bro . Pulsford , on behalf of several brethren , presented a P . M . ' s collar , in addition to the ten-guinea P . M . ' s jewel presented by the lodge . Bro . Clarke _ bricfly returned thanks , and said he