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The Order of Knights Templar is very popular in the United Templar States , especially as compared with this Country . The proin America . ceedings of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts , just issued , by Frater A . F . CHAPMAN , of Boston , forms a most instructive

volume , and is ably compiled . The Tabular statement is exceedingly interesting , and appears to have been most carefully made from the official returns of the various bodies , The figures are quite startling in character , exhibiting as they do 69 , 814 active members enrolled in the United States , whereas , the estimate for England and Wales are but 2850 , Ireland , 1300 ,

Canada , 880 , and Scotland , 450 . There is a clear increase of 2449 Knights Templars in the United States for 1886 , or in other words , nearly as many as in England altogether . The largest Grand Commandery is New York , with 7562 Knights , followed closely by Pennsylvania , with 7413 , and Massachusetts , with 6813 . The Grand Encampment , therefore , of the United States can reckon on some 70 , 000 members in active service .

United Grand Lodge Of England.

UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND .

The March Quarterly Communication of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . On account of this being the evening for the election of Grand Treasurer , and there being two candidates for the office in the field , Bro . Richard Eve and Bro . A . F . Godson , M . P ., there was an enormous concourse of brethren present , the total number being between 1200 and 1300 , and the hall was consequently inconveniently crowded . The arrangements , however , were

forthe best , and the inconvenience was reduced as low as it couid be . Bro . Earl Amherst , Prov . Grand Master for Kent , occupied the throne . Bro . Lord Herschell , S . G . W ., occupied theS . G . W . ' s chair , and Bro . Lord Chas . Beresford , M . P ., J . G . W ., occupied the chair of that officer . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , Prov . G . M . of Hants and the Isle of Wight , acted as Deputy Grand Master , and Bro . General Brownrigg , Prov . G . M . for Surrey , acted as Past Grand Master . Amongst those who attended were :

Sir Edmund Lechmere , P . G . M . Worcestershire ; T . W . Tew , P . G . M . West Yorks ; Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; Aubrey Saunders , P . D . G . M . Madras ; Theodore H . Tilton , P . D . G . M . ( New York City ); S r John B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; Victor A . William , son , P . G . W . ; Sir R . N . Fowler , P . G . W . ; Lt .-Col . Hon . W . E . Sackville West , P . G . W . ; Ai . J . Mclntyre , P . G . W . ; Rev . 1 . N . Palmer , G . Chap . ; Rev . W . Mortimer Heath , G . Chap . ; Rev . J . E . Cox , P . G . C . ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , Dep . P . G . M . Suffolk , P . G . C . ;

Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C ; Rev . T . Cochrane , P . G . C ; Rev . R . N . Sanderson , P . G . C ; Rev . Canon Poital , P . G . C ; D . P . Cama , G . Treas . ; J . D . Allcroft , P . G . Treas . ; H . B . Marshall . P . G . Treasurer ; J . W . Woodall , P . G . Treasurer ; F . A . Philbrick , G . Registrar ; T . Fenn , Pres . Board of Gen . Purposes ; Col . Shadwell H Clerke , G . Secretary ; E . E . Wendt ( D . C . L . ) , G . Sec . of Ger . Correspondence ; Robert Grey , President Board of Benevolence ; Sir Bruce Seton , S . G . D . ; S . Pope ,

S . G . D . ; R . Clutton , J . G . D . ; J . E . Le Feuvre , J . G . D . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; Baron de Ferrieres , P . G . D . ; Peter de Lande Long , P . G . D . ; Lieut .-Col . Somerville Burney , P . G . D . ; J . M . Case , P . G . D . ; R . Gooding , P . G . D . ; Brackstone Baker , P . GD . ; R . Costa , P . G . D . ; G Plucknett , P . G . D . ; W . E . Gumbleton , P . G . D . ; H . 1 . Dumas , P . G . D . ; R . W . Stewart , P . G . D . ; E . Letchworth , P . G . D . ; Dr . A . Meadows , P . G . D . ; - F . H . Goldney , P . G . D . ; R . C . Else , P . G . D . ; J . S . Eastes ,

P . G . D . ; F . Davison , P . G . D . ; E . J . Barron , P . G . D . ; ,. E . Saunders , P . G . D . ; Sir Horace | ones , G . S . of Works ; Sir Albert Woods , G . D . of C ; R . G . Glover , Dep . G . D . of C . ; A . Richards , P . Dep . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Paul , P . Dep . G . D . of C . ; H . Tiueman Wood , A . G . D . C . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C ; R . H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C . ; Magnus Ohren , P . A . G . D . C . ; G . Burt , P . A G . D . C ; C . Harding , P . A . G . D . C ; \ V . Roebuck , G . S B . ; Majcr G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; Col . James Peiers , P . G . S . B . ;

Dr . W . R . Woodman , P . G . S . B . ; C . Hammeiton , P . G . S . B . ; E . Bowyer , P . G . S . B . ; Dr . E . M . Lott , P . G . Org ., as G . Org . ; W . Ganz , P . G . Org . ; A . Lucking , G . P . ; W . H . Perryman , A . G . P . ; James Brette , P . G . P . ; Henry Garrod , P . G . P . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; T . Cubitt , P . G . P . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . P . G . W . N . & E . Yorks ; George Kenning , P . G . D . Middx . ; B . L . Barnett , Dep . D . G . M . Queensland ; Richard

Eve , P . G . W . Hants and Isle of Wight ; A . M . Broadley , P . D . D . G . M . Malta ; F . Binckes , C . F . Matier , Dowling , G . Wyatt , J . Lane , C . Lane , A . F . Godson , M . P ., D . G . M . Worcestershire ; W . Nicholl , J . Stevens , C . W . Meiter , Dr . G . Mickley , A Pendlebury , Beaufort Hinks , W . McQueen , Carpmail , E . Walford , W . C . Smith , W . Lake , Rev . J . A . Lloyd , C . Arkell , J . Clever , James Taylor , H . Smith , D . P . G . M . West Yorks ; Charles Belton , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; A . Tisley , P . G . Stwd ., & c .

After Grand Lodge had been opened in form , Grand Secretary read the minutes , and on their being put for confirmation Bro . W . Nicholl , P . M . 317 , moved that that portion of them be not confirmed which related to an alteration of Nos . 307 and 308 of the Book of Constitutions . Bro . PHILBRICK said the motion was not in order . If the worthy brother desired to have a resolution not confirmed he must strike at the

whole resolution ; he could not alter it on the confirmation ol the minutes . The minutes were then put and confirmed . Bro . Sir PHILIP CUNLIFFE OWEN in moving the re-election of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M . for the ensuing j ear , said it was his pleasing duty to fulfil the pledge he made at last Grand Lodge , when he made a proposal which he was sure met wilh the approval of the whole Crait , the

nomination of the Prince of Wales as Grand Master . He would not attempt to enumeiate the many distinguishing characteristics which had endeared H . R . H . the Prince of Wales to the hearts of Masons , and he felt sure that no words of his would be necessary to obtain the approval of Grand Lodge . H . R . H had endeared himself to all Masons in the world . His position as Grand Master of Freemasons , was one of no merely

ornamental character , for he was on all occasions to the fore in Masonic work . Since H . R . H . had been G . M ., some 700 lodges had been added to the roll of Grand Lodge , and some £ 40 , 000 or £ 50 , 000 a year collected and subscribed to the Charities of the Order . Besides this , £ 10 , 000 a year was distributed by the Board of Benevolence . The geniality and kindheartedness of the Prince of Wales endeared him to everybody , and , as he was such a popular Grand Master , he would propose his re-election .

Bro . BAYLIS seconded the motion ^ which was put and carried unanimously , amidst loud applause . The election having been unanimous , Bro . Sir ALBERT WOODS ( Garter ) , P . G . W ,, then proclaimed the Prince of Wales as Grand Master for the

ensuing year . The brethren then proceeded to elect a Grand Treasurer . Bro . BERRIDGE proposed Bro . A . F . Godson , D . P . G . M . Worcestershire . Bro . Sir E . A . H . LECHMERE , Prov . G . M . of Worcestershire , seconded the proposition .

Bro . G . A . VENNELL , W . M . 165 , proposed Bro . Richard Eve , and the motion having been seconded , scrutineers of votes were appointed and entrusted , and the balloting papers were collected , with which the scrutineers left Grand Lodge .

United Grand Lodge Of England.

Bro . ROBERT GREY , P . G . D ., who was appointed at the December Quarterly Communication , by the Grand Master , as President of the Board of Benevolence , was next invested with the clothing and insignia of the office of President of the Board of Benevolence . The following recommendations of the Board of Benevolence were confirmed . The widow of a brother of the Manchester Lodge , No . 179 ,

London ... ... ... ... ... £ 50 o o The widow of a brother of the Samson Lodge , No . 166 S , London 50 o 0 A brother of the Lodge of Unanimity , No . SQ , Dukinfield ... 50 o 0 The widow of a brother of the John Carpenter Lodge , No . 1997 ,

London ... ... ... ... ... 75 o o A brother ot the Bank Terrace Lodge , No . 462 , Accrington ... 50 o o A brother of the Lodge of Industry , No . 1 S 6 , London ... ... 75 o o A brother of the Lodge of Probity , No . 61 , Halifax ... ... 50 o 0 The widow of a brother of the Duke of Connaught Lodge , No .

1524 , London .. ... ... ... ... 50 o o A brother of the Globe Lodge , No . 23 , London ... ... 50 o 0 The widow of a brother of the Kent Lodge , No . 15 , London ... 50 o o The widow of a brother of the Eccleston Lodge , No . 1624 , London ... ... ... ... ... 50 o 0 The widow of a brother of the Royal Jubilee Lodge , No . 72 ,

London ... ... v > ... ... ... 50 o o A brother of the Oriental Lodge , No ; : ' G 87 , Constantinople ... 50 o o A brother of the Prince Leopold Lodge , No . 15 S 8 , Stretford ... 75 o o A brother of the Alexandra Lodge , No . 9 S 5 , Holbeach ... 50 o o

A brother of the Bangalore Lodge , No . 1043 , Bangalore ... 60 o o On the motion of Bro . J AMES STEVENS , seconded by Bro . F . W , POTTER , W . M . Great City Lodge , these recommendations were taken en bloc , and not moved and seconded separately , Earl AMHERST stating that it met with his entire approbation , as he thought the suggestion an excellent

one . The following report of the Board of General Purposes was adopted , after being taken as read , and ordered to be received and entered on the minutes * . — To the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England .

The Board of General Purposes beg to submit a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts , at the meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , the nth day of February instant , showing a balance in the Bank of England of £ 4615 14 s . 7 d ., and in the hands of the Grand Secretary for petty cash , £ 100 , and for servants' wages , £ 100 , and balance of annual allowance for library , £ 2 is . 3 d .

( Signed ) THOMAS FENN , President . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 15 th February , 1887 . The report of Bro . John Smith , Auditor of the Grand Lodge accounts , of receipts and disbursements during the year 1886 was read and received , Bro . C . W . MEITER , W . M . Mizpah Lodge , No . 1671 , London , moved : ist . That , in order to perpetuate the memory of the Jubilee of the glorious reign of

her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoua and Empress of India , it be resolved that the Grand Lodge of England do prepare forthwith a foundation stone , and the same be consecrated by our present Most Worshipful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , or his nominee in London . Ihe foundation stone to be ultimately firmly placed , if possible , upon the ground in , or near , the original site of King Solomon ' s Temple in Jerusalem , and that the rebuilding of the said Temple as a "House of Prayer for all Nations " shall be proceeded vvith as soon as necessary funds be provided .

2 nd . That with a view of providing the funds as speedily as possible for the rebuilding of King Solomon ' s Temple as a " House of Prayer for all Nations , " it be resolved that all present at the consecration of the foundation stone by the most Worshipful Grand Master shall be allowed to place contributions on the stone , the same to be publicly acknowledged ; that the slone shall remain in London for a given time , the general public to enjoy the same privilege of subsciibing and placing their subscriptions on the stone as those present at the consecration .

The foundation stone to be then forwarded to the principal cities of the United Kingdom and other Countries , and that the custodians , composed entirely of Free and Accepted Masons , to be nominated by the Grand Lodge of England , shall be responsible for the safe custody of the stone , and the amounts placed thereon or otherwise subscribed for this object at each resting station , and to forward all contributions to the Treasuier , or as may be directed by order of the Grand Lodge of England .

In moving the resolution , Bro . MEITER said * . I have been told that the resolution I have the honour to submit for your consideration has nothing whatever to do with Freemasonry ; indeed , louse the language of one of the Grand Officers , "it is simply idiotic . " I need not tell you how grieved I am that brethren who have had the opportunity of witnessing the ceremony of opening Grand Lodge should have met my resolution in such a manner . You have heard the Junior Grand Warden say this evening whom he

represents , and the Senior Grand Warden whom he represents , and also the Deputy Grand Master , and the M . W . Grand Master . What does all this mean if my proposal is idiotic , and nothing to do with Freemasonry ? I tell you , brethren , whether you are willing to receive it or not , that you have been privileged by the G . A . O . T . U . to preserve the symbols of the Temp le of the Royal Solomon , the King of the Chosen People , until now , and that the

Society to which you belong has , in the order of the Divine Providence , been allowed to fill the broad gap of time between the last Temple and the one I propose should be rebuilt . The time has now arrived for the work to be undertaken , and , in my opinion , there is no other Society under Heaven that can accomplish it . Brethren , the work is yours—either now or hereafter . Men of all colours and climes are ready to assist you , and you

cannot , and must not , resist it . Then wh y hesitate to commence and make the Jubilee year of our great and glorious Queen , who is , in my op inion * quite equal in glory to King Solomon , and whose son and heir ( our future King and most Noble and Worshipful Grand Master ) are both equally worthy of being remembered by all future generations . I shall not trouble

you further with any remarks , but I shall simply move my resolution . - * ask you to receive that motion ; but , before moving it , I wish you to remember that you will simply vote the cost of a foundation stone , and in ' other way will you be taking money out of the funds of Grand Lodge . ' * will only be about £ 25 , and I hope you will consider it in that light . There was no seconder to the motionand it fell to the ground .

, Bro . W . NICHOLL , P . M . 317 , Manchester , then moved "That Pas 1 Masters shall be entitled to wear a distinctive collar , " contending that t he collar was an insignia of rank and distinction . He thought it rather churlis " to say to Past Masters— "What do you want these distinctions lor ? ^ ° are better without them . " Very likely those who said this knew much m "

about the matter than he did , but he felt himself pledged by his action o » a former occasion to bring the matter forward now . He did not care whal the distinctive mark was , whether a silver cord or not ; he had no feeling in . the matter in that respect , but he would give the brethren the opportunity voting on the point . Bro . GEORGE HUNT , W . M , 1009 , seconded the motion ,