Memorial Service For The Late Bro. Major-Gen. Yeatman-Biggs, Dist. G.M. Bengal.

service in India he made rapid strides in Masonry , and he died as Grand Master 0 f the District of Bengal . The deceased general also assisted in founding several lodges in India , more than one of which is named after him . Moreover it was not in Craft Masonry alone , but also in tha higher Degrees that found in him a staunch and active supnnrter . Still it will be with the former that his memory will remain more

intimately associated in Aldershot . He ever attended with regularity at his own lodge , and he was at the same time a constant and ever-welcome visitor to the neig hbouring lodges . He took great interest in the Camp Lodge , No . 1321 , and wherever he went , ore must say he was ever ready of speech and endeared himself to all . We learn with regret that there are very few brethren who were ofiicers of

the lodge during his connection with it who are now amongst its members in Aldershot ; but there is Bro . Capt . V . Pager , E Battery , R . H . A ., who was then J . Bro . E . Foster , who was then Secretary ; Bro . Col . Meade , who was then S . W . ; and Uro . Dr . Coleman Barr , who was then Treasurer . Other well-known ofiicers who were in the Iodge at the firm * were Bros . Colonel G . M . Fox , Colonel Onslow , 20 th Hussars , and Lundell , R . E .

As regards the memorial service , a Committee was formed to make the necessary arrangements , composed of Bros . Surgeon-Major Giier , Col . Pickance , and VV . E . Foster , with Major Jeffries , R . A ., and Capt . Pagett , representing the officers of the Artillery . Unfortunately , however , two of the brethren of the Committee , namely , Bros . Colonel Piclcance and W . E . Foster were placed hors dc combat , the former by influenza , and the latter by an old ailment that

occasionally lays him by the heels , so that the whole of the work in connection with the arrangements fell upon the shoulders of Bros . Surgeon-Major Grier , Major Jeffries , and Capt . Pagett . One side of the church was ljppt apart for the Masons , civilian brethren wearing their Masonic clothing , and the other portion of the church for the officers of the Royal Artillery , who were in full dress uniform , but wore no Masonic clothing .

The lodges represented which had accppted the invitations sent by the Army and Navy Lodge were the Panmure , Camp , Ubique , North Camp , and Border Lodges , and many representatives from each were present , including Bros . R . Eve , P . G . Treas . ; Colonel Davis , A . D . C . ; Surgeon-General Prescott , Surgeon-Major Grier , Rev . J . Blackbourne , M . H . Chester , Lieut .-Colonels Eustanc 2 and Hunt , R . H . A ., and R . A ., Major Jeffreys , Brigade-Major R . A ., Major Marshall , R . A ., Major Jarvis-White-Jarvis , R . A ., Major Prinsep , Capt . Victor Pagett , Capt . Paton , and Lieut . Cunningham .

Around the chancel walls were draped the magnificent banners of the Past Masters of the lodge , these including banners of Bros . Col . Davis , A . D . C , W . E . Foster , Col . Cook , the late Maj . Newcome , and Surgeon-Maj . Harwoor * , whilst the handsome banner of the lodge , recently presented by Bro . Col . Davis , was also there . Within Ihe chancel rails had been placed a bier , draped with the Union Jack , and by its side was the Past Master ' s chair of the lodge , with the deceased's banner , draped over it with large bows of cn-pe . The near .. lOurners present were Lady Barbara and Miss Yeatman .

The solemn service began with Chopin's funeral march by the full string band of the Royal Artillery , under Mr . Sims , with the addition of the grand organ , this being played as the procession of R . A . mourners , officers , and Masons filed into their seats . Then the congregation joined in sin-ring the hymn .

Now the labourer's task is o ' er , Now the battle day is past , " and the service was proceeded with . The address was to have been given by thc Right Rev . the Lord Bishop of Southwark , Bro . H . Walcott Yeatman , D . D ., but , to the regret of the brethren , he could not fulfil his promise , and the memorial address was given by Bro . the Rev . F . B . N . NORMAN LEE , M . A ., P . G . Chaplain Hants and Isle of Wight , & c . He prefaced his address by reading the following feeling lines from the Lord Bishop of Southwark :

" I wish to express , if opportunity favours , my deep regret at not being able to join in the service which has been so touchingly arranged in memory of my beloved brother . The cause for my absence is that one of my closest friends is dying , and has sent for me . I seriously balanced the conflicting duties and judged , I hope rightly , that whereas the service at Aldershot could proceed without my presence , there was only one man who could elsewhere satisfy my dying

friend , and I therefore thought that 1 ought to go to him . Had I made my address , I should have tried to point out that my brother lived and died an honourable man , a Christian , a gentleman , and a soldier . Throughout life I , who have been his close friend from first to last , have known in him magnificent adherence to duty , his powers of work , and his charm of companionship , and the loss is irreparable . But these lives do preach to us Englishmen eloquent sermons ,

more convincing than words . They tell us high things of manhood and purpose , and when I leave with you his last message , sent to us by telegraph after he had accomplished the march down the Bara Pass , before he sank exhausted to eternal rest ; if I leave even that message , ' I have brought my division through , ' I hope that it will be more than a memory of one who did his duty to the last . I trust that it may lead us so to live that men , nay , angels , may give testimony that man has not lived in vain . "

And then speaking from the 4 th Chapter of the Epis . of St . James , part of the 14 th v ., " For what is your life ? " the preacher proceeded to deliver a befitting oration upon the deceased General . His life had been pure and noble ; God had given to him a bright jewel that he had kept unblemished and which had now been given back to the Divine Architect of the Universe still polished and bright . His had been a life well spent , and to-day Ihey not only mourned the loss of a

personal friend , but also one whose life , for all one knows , had been spent in honour , virtue , and prudence . He was a Christian man in the highest sense of the word , and a gentleman loving , kind , and courteous to all with whom he was connected , and that day they indeed mourned his irreparable loss . He had served in China , South Africa , Egypt , and then again in India . Whilst in China he teemed to have caught some of the godly influence of that saint General Gordon , and it ever influenced his life . His last messaee to his dear ones at home was

'juite characteristic of the man so simple , yet so loving . After passing through the Kyber Pass , he sank down exhausted , but before he was taken for the worse he wired home "Thank God , I have got my division through . " It reminded one "' Nelson ' s dying words , and of that young naval officer who , when dying , exclaimed " Didn ' t I lead them straight ' •*" They did not mourn for their brother as though they would see him no more , for they would meet him in that vale

oeyond , but meanwhile let them emulate his fine courage , his deep devotion , and square their actions by him that had gone , so that one day the Great Architect , seeing their deeds , would give us our reward . Don ' t let us value our lives more •-nan honour , and while we pray that God will comfort the afflicted ones , let us g've thanks to Him that one more Saint lias been gathered home , and ask Him to hasten the day when all shall meet around His great white throne . " Another

r 7 ,. . " -saints who from their labours rest " having been sung , the benediction was pronounced by the Rev . Mr . Murphy , and the baud and organ P-ayed the |* Dead March "in 'Saul , " after which the Misons passed the bier , each depositing a sprig- of acacia , saying" Friend of our hearts , there rest in peace . \ diteil by the Grand Master ' s word , niay ' st thou share the blessing 0 [ iiirnuil . il Br ut £ *** K «* "ry ! " The relatives and visiting brethren were the guests of ro . W . E . Foster , both before and after the impressive service .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . Mark ' s College Lodge , No . 2157 . This successful lodge gave convincing proof of its prosperous condition at the installation meeting held in the handsome new Masonic Hall of the Holborn Restaurant , on the 21 st ult . * At these meetings it is refreshing to notice the resumption of old associations and firm friendships which were first established in the college , and a remarkable feature of the proceedings is the collective glee singing of the members . All the assembled brethren take part in the various glees and madrigals sung and woithily sustain the musical traditions of this eminent college .

Lodge was opened by Bro . Alfred Streeter , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . J . Longhurst , S . W . ; W . T . Thompson , B . A ., J . W . ; G . W . Stevens , P . M . ; J . O'Connell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Surrey ; R . H . Catling , P . M . ; J . K . Phillips , P . M . ; W . R . Carter , P . M . ; Rev . C . J . Smith , M . A ., Chap . ; Rev . J . Henry Smith , B . A ., P . M ., P . P . G . Chap ., Treas . ; T . Simpson , Sec ; J . Parry , S . D . ; H . R . Elltin , A . G . Flemming , P . P . D . G . D . C ; T . Gunning , Steward ; and others . Visitors : Bros . T . L . Wilkinson , P . D . G . Reg . J . R . Cleave , P . P . G . D . Surey ; R . Wricht , P . M . 1305 ; H . A . Howe , I . P . M . 1362 ; J . King , 2020 ; 1 . W . Randall ,

I . G . 1707 ; W . J . Green , P . M . 2422 ; W . Punton , I . G . 1362 ; E . J . Feild , Sec . 1362 j C . P . King , P . M . 2422 ; R . A . Morrow , 2513 ; T . K . Pearce , S . W . 1362 ; W . S . Ogilvie , 51 ; W . Fowles , P . M . 134 S ; VV . Cox , P . P . G . P . Essex- G . Lewarne , LG . S 65 ; H . W . Clemow , P . M . 15 S 0 ; C . H . Kempling , S . D . 170 G ; A . J . T . Tate , W . M . 201 ; G . A . Jones , 1927 ; J . Packham , 3 ; C . Jerome , 2350 ; VV . B . Cochrane , IO . ; A . Ritchie , C . C , J . P ., S . W . 173 ; J . Campbell , 1507 ; Rastell Davison , P . P . G . D . ; G . Wall , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . Clare , P . M . S 65 ; W . W . Lee , P . P . G . D ., and others .

The minutes were confirmed , and the report of the Audit Committee adopted , in which reference was made to a satisfactory first ladies' night recently held . Bro . J . Longhurst was presented as W . M . elect , and duly instal'ed , the following officers being afterwards invested : Bros . A . Streeter , I . P . M . ; W . T . Thompson , B . A ., S . W . j J . Parry , J . W .: Rev . C . I . Smith , M . A ., Chap .: Rev . I . Henry Smith . P . M ., Treas . :

T . Simpson , Sec . ; H . R . Elkin , S . D . ; Leo H . Walker , l . D . ; R . West , LG . ; J . O'Connell , P . P . G . D ., D . C . ; A . G . Fleming , P . P . D . G . D . C , Org . ; T . Gunning and E . VV . II . Cox , M . A ., Stewards ; and J . Whiteman , Tyler . The anthem " Behold , how good and joyful a thing it is , " was sung by the brethren , and a Past Mister ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Streeter , I . P . M ., in recognition of his services as W . M .

Lodge was closed , and at the conclusion of the banquet which followed , due honour was rendered to the customary loyal and Masonic toasts . In proposing " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . said that his Royal Highness made his first public appearance as an operative Mason at the age of 17 , when he laid the foundation-stone in a set of schools on the site of the old Vau xhall

Gardens . It would be interesting to the members to know that two St . Mirk ' s men were present at that function . There were to be erected an Upper and Lower School and two men left St . Mark ' s College to be masters of those two schools . One was Rev . Allen Freeman , at present vicar of Prest , and the other was the humble individual then addressing them . Bro . Clare , P . M ., was also present as a choir bay on that interesting

. Bro . T . L . Wilkinson , P . D . G . Reg ., replied for "The Grand Officers , " and thanked the W . M . for his graceful remarks and the brethren for their cordial reception . To return thanks for those formal toasts was too often a mere perfunctory duty , but it was not so with him because it was a genuine pleasure to meet so many connected with a college to which he felt personally under a great debt of gratitude , as it had given him

many of his oldest and most valued friends . The only fault he had ever found with St . Mark ' s College was that it did not train its members to become Masons , but with the example of that lodge he thought that fault would soon be ended . The skill and accuracy with which the work was done would have relhcted credit upon the Emulation Lodge itself , whilst the music—which had evidently entered into their soul—and the entertainment following were worthy of St . Mark's College itself .

Bro . A . Streeter , I . P . M ., next submitted " The Health of the Worshipful Master , '' and said he felt quite at home by the side of the W . M ., as they were , initiated together , and had kept together at all gatherings until separated for a time by the occupancy of the Wardens' chairs . He felt quite sure from what they had seen of the W . M . that Ihey could predict a very successful year of olli : e , that his work would be admirably performed , and that the lodge would increase and prosper under his auspices .

Bro . James Longhurst , W . M ., in his response , after returning thanks , said he had done what he could during the short time he had been a Mison , to prepare himself tu be Master of his mother lodge . He could not command success , but would do his best to deserve it . He had been told that the post of W . M . was an important trust . He should regard it as such , and frame his conduct accordingly . He had no doubt he should make mistakes , but being amongst fiiends and brethren , he knew he could rely upon their generosity . He thanked them again most sincerely .

Bro . J . O'Connell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Surrey , D . C , proposed " The Visitors , " to whom he extended a hearty welcome . Amongst the visitors were Bro . J . R . Cleavethe VV . M . of the Marcians Lodge who was closely allied to this lodge—and Bro . Ritchie , S . W . Ph * xnix Lodge , who took an active part in Masonry and in the government of London . Bto . E . Clare , P . M . S 65 , expressed his pleasure at seeing the installation of an old friend , from a long acquaintance with whom he could cordially congratulate the lodge on having him as VV . M .

Hro . A . Ritchie , C . C , S . W . 173 , slid he had known the VV . M . for [ 5 years as one of the most earnest workers in the cause of philanthropy in South London . He was gratified that he had been placed with two other Scotchmen . They had all enjoyed the working , which was perfect . Bro . J . R . Cleave , P . P . G . D . Surrey , said it was a great pleasure to be at theii meetings and meet so many with whom he had been associated in former times . As a fairly old Mason he must say the work done in the beautiful temple was everything he could desire . Uros . Davison , Pearce , and King also replied .

The VV . M . next gave " The Installing and I . P . M ., " and said they could not havc a better testimony of the I . P . M . ' s worth than the successful year of office he had had . Bro . A . Streeter , I . P . M ., said he took the chair with some trepidation ; but every meeting had been a great treat to him , and the climax was the ladies' night a short time ago . All the ladies had said they had enjoyed themselves , and it therefore looked as though they would have a ladies' night every year . Bro . Rev . J . Henry Smith , P . M ., Treas ., responded for "The Past Masters" in eloquent terms .

" The Officers " was duly honoured , the Tyler's toast concluding a successful and enjoyable meeting . Reference has already been made to the excellent glee singing by all the members , and the following brethren alsj assisted with so ' . os : Bros . E . J . Siinsbury , F . Handel Thomson , W . G . Mortlcck , H . Mangham , and Kimpling .

Barnet Lodge , No . 2509 . A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 13 th ultimo , at the Assembly Rooms , New Birnet . Present : Bros . J . Falconer , W . M . ; R . Cranston , P . M ., S . W . ; VV . Baddeley , P . G . Stwd . Herts , J . W . ; the Rev . G . E . Gardner , Chap . ; F . T . Plowright , Sec . ; II . T . Matthews , S . D . ; VV . Fitch , J . D . ; H . Imray , D . of C . ; F . Attrec , I . G . j H . De C . Matthews , Stwd . ; Goddard , sen ., Tyler ; J . A . Witthaus , I . P . M . ; Dr . Roughron Marchand , P . M . ; Captain Crane , W . II . Cannon , J . M . Rainsford , W . Woad , J . A . Brown , T . J . Winn , vV . Letts , Hamilton , F . W . Harvey ,

and 'I * . Turnbull . Visitors : Bros . F . G . Mason , P . J . G . W . Herts ; W . Pattison , P . P . G . Org . Herts ; J . Briscoe , P . P . G . Org . Surrey ; J . Moss , Crimp , Burden , and others . Lodge was opened and the minutes of thc previous meeting read and confirmed . Uros . Harvey and Turnbull ivere passed , after which Mr . W . VV . Gabcll was initiated in a must impressive manner by the VV . M ., Uro . Falconer . _ ft was proposed and seconded that ill .: sum of £ 1 is . be sent to the Guy's Hospital Fund . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment .