Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Tunis And Malta.

afforded a model for the ceremonies , and laid the foundation of one of the most interesting Degrees of Christian Masonry . It will be impossible for me on this occasion to trace in detail th ? history of the Mark Degree ; still more to show its historical connection with this province , to which 1 firmlj believe it has of late years been merely restored * The practice of the Mark begins doubtless in

the earliest days of Op .-rative Masonry , when guilds of Tyrian workmen under Tyrian overseers built the Temple of King Solomon , and when their descendants constructed the walls and citidels and harbours of Carthage . The " marks" of these early Masons abound in the deep buried remains of the Phcenecian city , which now lie under the accumulated rubbish of more than two thousand years ;

they were perpetuated by the Roman occupants of the ancient site , and have descended to the operatives of the Moslem conquerors , whose victorious flag has waved for ten centuries over all that remains of the cities of Hannibal and Hamilcar , of Cato and Scipio . The city gates of Tunis still bear distinctive marks , familiar to every one present . Tl . e history of

Masonry in its most general sense may , I think , be truly described as operative in its birth , partly operative and partly speculative in its growth , and purely speculative in its maturity . The Degree of the Mark was from the first an essential constituent of Operative Masonry . It was doubtless worked from time immemorial in the operative lodges of Scotland , as well as in

the old semi-operative lodges of England and other countries deriving from us the origin of their Masonic systems . The Mark Degree forms an integral part of the pure and recognised Masonry of Ireland , Scotland , and the United States . In Scotland , even as early as 1598 , the annals of Masonry abound in allusions to the Mark Degree , and in England it was worked in many lodges

under one or other of the two Constitutions , as well as in others acknowledging the supremacy of the Grand Lodge at York . By the articles of union between the rival Grand Lodges in 1813 , the Mark Degree was excluded from , or perhaps more correctly , not included in , the symbolical teaching of the Crafr . In spite , however , of the newregulations the Mark was still extensively worked in many

lodges , and flourished m ^ re especially in the north and midland districts of England . About a quaiter of a century ago the attention of the Masonic world in general was drawn to this anomalous state of things , and more particularly to some lodges having obtained charters from the Supreme Chapter of Scotland . A rigorous attempt was made to obtain the recognition of the Degree by the

Grand Lodge of England , and on this effort failing the Giand Mark Lodge was established , having , according to the prtcedent afforded by the history of the Royal Arch , exclusive jurisdiction over the Degree of the Mark . To discuss to-day any linger the origin of this Grand Lodge is , entirely useless . A Grand Lodge , is nothing more nor less than a union of several lodges which vest in one the

power which each formeily had sepaiately , and any possible flaw in its original constitution is condoned by the adt . esion of the lawful lodges it has received . The " tims immcmoiial " lodges throughout the country , as well as those originally holding warrants from Scotland , have almost unanimously acknowledged its supremacy , and it now numbers 2 ; o lodges on its muster-roll , which

is , as a matter of fact , numerically stronger than that of the Craft Grand Orient of France and Italy , and many other Grand Lodges on the Continent . We find our Mark Grand Lodge to-day recognised as a legitimate governing body of the Degree of the Supreme Royal Arch C hapters of Ireland , Canada , Quebec , and many of the American States , and it is my agreeable task to inform you that on

the 18 th June last the Grand Chapter of Scotland resolved unanimously to acknowledge the Grand Mark Lodge of Englanel and VVales as lawful and supreme throughout these countries , and to refrain from hencelorth granting any charters for Mark lodges within its home jurisdiction . Thus , my brethren , we have the satisfaction of knowing that our Mark Masters will be recognised and our

certificates respected wherever the Mark Degree exists . I would fain say something of the illustrious rulers of the Grand Mark Lodge ( one of whom , Lord Carnarvon , became a K . T . in this very hall ) , of the admirable working of its various departments ; of its fast increasing Benevolent Fund , and its excellent scheme for assisting to educate the children of Mark Masters , but lime will not permit me .

As t" the intrinsic worth of the Degree itself , suffice it to say that its rapid progress is the best proof of its merits . Not only do we find in it practical illustrations of the truths taught in other Degrees , but it abounds in appropriate lessons for our rule in daily life . Tnis province has had the pleasure of introducing the Speculative Mark Degree and the rule of the Grand Mark Lodge of England

amongs : foreign brethren , of many nationalities and many languages , in the Regency of Tunis , and I see in their keen appreciation of its eloquent teachings , homely illustrations , and striking lessons , yet another attestation to its value ; and though necessity has sometimes compelled me to employ the medium of four languages in a single even ing , I have never heard any candidate do otherwise than

express himself gratified with the ceremony of his advancement . Your recommendation , and the approvement of the M . W . G . M . M ., has called me to the rule of this honoura ' ile Degree in this province , and I can only trust the progress it is elcstined to make in our midst will be commensurate with its rapidly increasing appreciation at the hands of the Craft at large . The inauguration of this

Provincial Grand Leidge has brought with it the consecration of our third subordinate Mark lodge . 1 feel sure both the one and the other has the best wishes ol every Mark Master present . I trust my assiduity for the best interests of the Degree in this province will justify the recommendation you made in my favour . The time seems to be approaching when each Craft lodge will have a Mark lodge attached to it , and wc venture to hope that the

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Tunis And Malta.

United Grand L-jdge of England will feel justified in extending its recognition to the Mark Degree , under its own particular government , as a portion of " pure and ancient Masonry . " May the activity of the Mark Masters of Tunis and Malta contribute to the general sprea- of Mark Masonry throughout the world . We cannot assist this end better than by carrying out in practice as well as in

theory the principles of humility , uprightness , self-control , and universal benevolence , inculcated in the Mark Degree . " The well-known sign we mark , and fly , The wound to heal , to still the sigh , And wipe the tear from sorrow ' s eye . For ours the aim is , ours the art , To meliorate the human heart

Of wild desires—to stem the flood , And act as if of kindred blood . " The ceremony of consecration of the Broadley Lodge was then performed , the musical parts of which , under the able direction of Bro . Major A . Ewing , P . G . Organist , were very effectively rendered . The P . G . M . M . M , dedicated and constituted the new

lodge , congratalating the W . M ., Bro . Coffey , on its formation , and delivering to him and his officers their respective collars . W . M . Bro . Coffey returned thanks in suitable terms . A collection , to form the nucleus of a charitable fund , was then made , and the P . G . M . M . M . having closed P . G . L ., retired in procession as on entering .

W . Bro . Read having closed thi Keystone Lodge , the P . G . M . M . M . and all the brethren present adjourned to the refreshment-room , where a magnificent banquet awaited them . The ceremonies , both of installation and consecration , were a great | success in ™ every respect ; they will long be remembered by all present as forming one of the greatest Masonic events ever witnessed in this island .

Consecration Of The Brixton Royal Ark Mariners' Lodge.

CONSECRATION OF THE BRIXTON ROYAL ARK MARINERS' LODGE .

The consecration of this lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , to be worked in connection with the Brixton Mark Lodge , took place on Saturday last at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell . The Mark lodge was opened by Bro . T . Poore , P . G . I . G ., W . M ., supported by Bros . C . P . McKay ,

S . W . ; H . Lovegrove , Prov . G . S . of Wks ., J . W . ; G . Clark , M . O . ; Pitt , acting S . O . ; H . Baldwin , Sec . ; Dr . Pcarce , S . D . ; Moss , J . D . ; G . S . Graham , Org . ; Axford , and Potter ( Tyler ) . After the transaction of some routine business the lodge was closed , and a lodge of Royal Ark Mariners opened , with Bros . Poore , as N . ; H . Lovegrove , as J . ; G . Clark ,

as S ., and others , when Bros . McKay , Graham , AIoss , Ptarce , Baldwin , Axtord , Anderson , and Potter w . re duly elevated , the ritual being most impressively delivered . The chair was then taken by Bro . Donald M . Dewar , the Consecrating Officer , who called upon the acting Scribe to read the warrant , after which he delivered an oration on the ancient Degree of Royal Ark Mariners . The usual ceremony of consecration was then proceeded

with , and in due course the W . C N . designate , Bro . H . Lovegrove , was presented by Bro . Poore , and the brethren below the rank of N . having retired , he was duly enthroned . The brethren on their return saluted in due form , and the officers were invested as follows : Bros . G . Clark , J . ; Poore , S . ; Pearce , S . D . ; McKay , J . D . ; Baldwin , Scribe ; Moss , I . G ; G . S . Graham , Org . ; and Potter , Tyler . The brethren unanimously approved of the vote of thanks to Bro . D .-war for his able rendering of the

ceremonies . The W . C . N , then closed the lodge in ancient form . The next meeting of the Brixton Mark Lodge will be held on the 8 th November , when Bro . C . P . McKay will be installed as W . M .

Freemasonry In Norfolk.

FREEMASONRY IN NORFOLK .

{ Continued from page 376 . ) Of the next lodge in the order of time , though it enjoyed only a brief existence , we have some particulars , extracted from the " Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Richard Gardiner , Esq ., " who was its first W . M ., and published in "Fieemasons' Magazine , " voL iv ., pp . 304-6 ( 1795 ) . The account begins by stating that "in the revived at

year 1704 , Freemasonry was owannam , uiougn the word " revived " seems out of place , as we have had no mention , thus far , of a Swaffham Lodge . Be this as it may , " the Great Lodge at the Crown Inn , " as it is described , was warranted by Lord BUney , Grand Master , on the 17 th December , 1764 , " being the 329 th Lodge

in Great Britain" (? England ) . Benjimin Nuthall , Alderman of King ' s Lynn , was appointed to instal the new Master , Bro . Richard Gardiner . " The Duke's Head" ( No . 283 ) " and White Lion Lodges" ( No . 31 ) , at Lynn , were present , as well as " many members of the lodges at Norwich , " After Divine service the installation ceremony was performed , and then " an elegant intertainment was

propared at the Crown . In the evening there was a brilliant assembly of ladies to celebrate the constitution of the new lodge . " This "Great Lodge" soon increased in numbers , and " many of the first gentUmen were admitted into the fraternity , " yet it bad disappeared from the roll when the numbers were closed up in 1792 . At least it became No . 267 in 1770 , and No . 213 in 1781 ; after

which it passes away , and all we have to remind us of its existence is this brief account in a defunct " Freemasons ' Magazine . " However , it seems to have played its part at the outset well . In 1765 , "the Lynn Company of Comedians coming to Swaffham , the members of the Great Lodge were requested to bespeak a play . " They bespoke the comedy of " Love for Love , " and on the 6 th of

Freemasonry In Norfolk.

May it was performed before a crowded audience " the members walking in procession , properly cloathed { sic ) to the temporary playhouse ( a barn ) , where a building on the stage was erected for their reception . " The officers of the lodge are given as follows : "Richard Gardiner , Esq ., Master ; William Pawlett , Esq ., Deputy Master ; William Mann , Esq ., and Sir Henry Peyton , Bart ., Wardens ; Sir

Clement Trafford , Bart ., Treasurer . The following occasional epilogue was written by W . Master Gardiner , and spoken by Airs . Dyer , and it has struck us as being sufficiently interesting to justify its reproduction in the columns of the Freemason : — While royal splendor and theatric state On princely Barry and king Garrick wait ,

How little can we hope an humble stage , Void of all pomp , can your appl au > e engage : For which among you ladies can discern A Covent Garden in a Swaffham barn . Yes , ' tis a barn—yet fair ones , tike me right , Ours is no play—we hold a Lodge to night 1 And should our building want a slight repair ,

You see we've friends among the Brethren there . [ Pointing to the Masons on the stage . Reply the Scalds * with miserable frown , ' Masons repair—they'd sooner pull it down . A set of ranting , roaring , rumbling fellows , Who meet to sing "Old Rose and burn the Bellows . ' Champaign and Claret , dozens in a jerk ,

And then , O Lord , how hard they ' ve been at work ! Next for the secret of their own wise making , Hiram and Boaz , and Grand Master Jachin ; Poker and tongs ! the sign I the word 1 the stroke 1 'Tis all a nothing , and ' tis all a joke . Nonsense on nonsense I let them storm and rail , Here ' s the whole hist'ry of their mop and pail .

For ' us the sense of more than half the town , Their secret is—a bottle at the Crown . " But not so fast , ye enemies to light , I , tho' no Mason , am their friend to-night ; And by your leaves ' tis something strange I trow , To slander that which none of you can know . We women , tho' we like good Masons well ,

Sometimes are angry that they will not tell : And then we flaunt away from rout to rout , And swear like you , we ' ve found the secret out . But O I vain boast ! to all enquiring eyes , Too deep the mine where that bright jewel lies . That Masons have a secret is most true ; And you , ye beauties , have a secret too .

Now if the Masons are so rigid grown , To keep their secret to themselves alone ; Be silent in your turns , ' tis that allures : Silence ! and bid the Masons find out yours . Thus far conjtcture in the comic way , Hut let not fancy lead your thoughts astray . The ties of honour only Masons bind ;

Friends to each other and to all mankind : True to their king , and for their country bold , They flew to battle like their sires of old : Banish'd the trowel for the barbed spear , And where loud cannons thunder'd , form'd the square .

Gallant and gay , at Minden ' s glorious plain , And the proud Moro storm'd , alas 1 in vain I In peace with honest hearts they court the fair , And most they triumph when they triumph there . Their actions known , their bitt'rest foes approve , For all that Masons ask is—LOVE FOR LOVE .

The year 1765 saw the constitution of two lodges , one of them being No . 357 , held at the Blue Boar , Norwich , ' and the other , No . 35 8 , at the Red Lion , Fakenham . The former became No . 282 in 1770 ; No . 225 in 1781 , by which year it had migrated to the Three Tuns j and No . 192 in 1792 , when it was held at the Black Horse . It was re-numbered after the Union as No . 236 , when it was

known as the Union . It died before 1832 . The Fakenham Lodge became No . 283 in 1770 ; No . 226 in 1781 , wheri its quarters were at the White Hart , Thetford ; No . 193 in 1792 , when it was known as the Royal Edwin Lodge , and was held at Bury St . Edmund's , in Suffolk ; and No . 238 after the Union . It has since passed out of existence . The Royal Alfred Lodge , of Diss , No . 404 , was founded

on the 26 th July , 1770 , and became No . 313 in 1781 . It had ceased to be when the lodges were re-numbered in 1792 , so that its existence was not a prolonged one . However , the next that was established was more fortunate . Though no longer an East Anglian—having migrated between the year of its foundation and the Union into Warwickshire—it still flourishes . When constituted in

1792 , it was distinguished as Lodge No . 501 , and was held at the Little White Swan , in the parish of St . Peter Mancroft , Norwich . In 1813 it was known as the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 501 , of Warwick , and was re-numbered No . 53 6 in 1814 ; No . 35 6 in 18 32 ; and No . 284 in 1863 . It is still on the roll of Grand Lodge . The next two lodges ceased working between 1814 and

1832 . They were the Lodge of Unity , No . 531 , of Great Yarmouth , founded in 1793 , and re-numbere < 1 in i 8 i 4 as No . 55 8 , and the Norwich Theatrical Lodge , No . 563 , of Norwich , which became No . 5 84 after the Union . Another 1797 lodge , to wit , the Lodg- of United Friends , No . 5 64 , of Great Yarmouth , became No . 585 in 1814 ; No . 392 in 1832 ; and No . 313 in 1863 . It is still on the roll . Two

other lodges , namely , No . 572 , Lodge of Attention , held at the Green Dragon at its foundation in 1798 , and No . 636 , Lodge of Perseverance , Great Yarmouth , founded in 1812 , became in 1814 Nos . 591 and 642 respectively , but were defunct at there-numbering in 1832 . These complete the tale of lodges holding under the Grand Lodgeof the Moderns , eir , to sum up the list , between the establishment of our Grand Lodge , in 1717 , and the union of the " Ancients " * The Scalds Miserable Society .