Craft Masonry.

Bro . Thomas Briggs , J . W . and W . M . elect , desired to add a few words to what had been so well said by the W . M . In common with all the members of the lodge , he deeply regretted that they were losing their S . W ., and that Bro . Briscoe had just missed the important position of W . M . He himself would have been proud to serve under him in that position , and glad to wait his due turn . Still he hoped that the change of circumstances would be to the advantage of their brother ; they wished him all happiness and prosperity , and would be always glad to see him amongst them upon his revisiting this country . With great pleasure he endorsed all the good wishes of

the W . M . Bro . Briscoe , in replying , said that it was impossible for him adequately to thank the W . M . and the brethren for all their kindness . They had added to his obligations by being so good as to attend there that day , no doubt at some personal inconvenience , to do him the honour of presenting to him that most handsome testimonial . It was in itself perfect in taste and artistic merits . Whenever he felt a bit homesick it would do him good tollook at it , especially seeing that it took the idealised and beautiful form of the summons by which they were called to their happy meetings . As to the language of

the resolution , and the generous terms in which the Worshipful Master and Bro . Briggs had referred to him , he knew that he was quite unworthy of it , but _ after taking off the large discount made necessary by their kindness and generosity , he should always be proud to believe and to cling to the belief that he had been so fortunate as to secure a large measure of their goodwill . He was very proud of his association with that distinguished lodge , and he was specially gratified to see present his friend Bro . Fuller , who had done him the honour of proposing him for membership of the lodge . Throughout his association with it he had experienced nothing but

brotherly kindness from all ; he was under special obligations to the W . M ., such obligations as had grown from year to year with the course of their old-standing friendship ; to him he gave his heartfelt thanks , as also to all the brethren , from that glorious and distinguished band of Past Masters , of whom they were so proud , down to their newest initiate , whom they were glad to welcome . He desired to mention in particular Bro . White , their stand-by as Treasurer , and Bro . Kenning , to whom they owed so much for undertaking the duties of Secretary and helping them at a peiiod of great difficulty , and in reference to that he must bring to their affectionate remembrance the

name of dear Bro . Jolliffe , the unselfish friend of all . It was , of course , a matter of disappointment to him that he had not achieved the highest dignity of the lodge , but his withdrawal had brought forward a most capable W . M . elect in the person of Bro . Briggs , who would both do and look the post admirably . He should always follow the fortunes of the lodge with interest and sympathy , and since he was allowed to retain his membership as a country member , he hoped from time to time to be amongst them . All this kindness made him feel very grateful and very humble—to all of them , to his old friend the W . M ., to the seniors of the lodge , to his brother officers , and all the members he bade a grateful farewell and wished them all happiness and prosperity .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Prudence Chapter , No . 2069 , When , in 18 S 4 , the Prudence Lodge was formed in Leeds , a new departure was made in West Yorkshire Freemasonry . Though the reproach of being " gluttonous " and " wine-bibbers , " under which the Masonic body had so long and so undeservedly suffered , may be said at this period to have passed away , yet the promoters determined to show that a lodge might not only exist , but might also flourish exceedingly , notwithstanding that its members , like the followers of Jonadab , the son of Rechab , were forbidden the use of alcoholic refreshment . In other words , they decided to try the

experiment of conducting a lodge on temperance principles . Looked askance at by some , and condemned by others , they yet kept steadily on their way , and they have proved to demonstration that the consumption of spirituous liquors is by no means essential to the well-being of a Masonic community . From the first- Prudence Lodge has been a success . It has even undergone that sincerest from of flattery—imitation ; for in 1 SS 9 , Acacia Lodge , No . 2321 , Bradford , was set on foot on exactly the same lines . It should in fairness be added that in both instances the abstinence is only exacted whilst the brethren are within the four walls of the building . They may , or may not be

socalled teetotaller . * , in any case ; outside the lodge they are entirely free and unfettered . In 1 S 92 , the members finding their position assure ! , applied for , and obtain : d a Royal Arch charter , and Prudence Chapter , conducted on the same principles , was founded in that year . The chapter has not , perhaps , met with such full measure of success as the lodge , though there are indications of brighter days in the near future , ft would be interes'ing to inquire why , in many instances , not one-half , and never more than twothirds of the members of a Craft lodge become Royal Arch Masons , but it is too large

a subject to open out here . Perhaps correspondence in the columis of the Freemason might throw light upon it . Be that as it may , quoting from the official calendar , whilst the Prudence Lodge numbers 41 members , the chapter cf that name only shows 15 . From the success of the annual meeting which was held at the Masonic Hall , Great George-street , Leeds , on Saturday , the 2 Sth ult ., and the hopeful , not to say confident tone then manifested , it may be inferred , however , that tlu companions are in goad heart , and are determined both to win as well as to deserve success .

The chapter was opened by the three Principals—Comps . C . Middleton , M . E . Z . ; F . G . Dimery , H . ; and B . Svkes Bailey , J . —assisted by Comps . C . Letch Mason , P . Z ., P . P . G . H . ; T . Atkinson , P . Z ., P . G . S . ; Tudor Tre / or , P . Z ., P . P . G . D C . ; W . Smith , P . Z . 1042 , P . G . Treas . ; and E . Wailes Smith , M . E . Z . 2 S 9 . Amongst othercompanions afterwards present were Comps . C . Scriven , S . E . ; James Buckley , S . N . ; A . Butterworth , P . S . ; J oseph Matthewman and J . C . Kirk , acting 1 st and 2 nd Asst . Sojs . ; J . H . Newton , Janitor ; J . O . Hall and Robt . Turton . There were several visitors in addition to these named , amongst whom were Comps . A . Turner , 387 ; Robt . Tasker , 1042 ; and H . Banks , 1042 .

The first business , after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , was the exal tation of Bro . W . H . Rendell , 2069 , for whom a successful ballot had been taken at a pr vious meeting . The ceremony was most reverently conducted by Comp . C . Letch Mason , P . P . G . H ., the work of P . S . being entrusted to Comp . A . Butterworth , who e rendering cf that somewhat trying part won universal admiration . As other import int business impended , the lectures were postponed , but Comp . Mason gave to the newlvexalted brother a brief epitome of portions of them . The companions having retired , the installation of the elected Principals took place . Comp . F . G . Dimery succeeded

Comp . C . Middleton as M . E . Z ., whilst Comps . B . S . Bailey and C . Scriven were placed in the chairs of H . and J . respectively . The other officers invested were Comps . J oseph Matthewman , S . E . ; James Buckley , S . N . ; A . Butterworth , P . S . ; J . C . Kirk , ist A . S . and Treas . ; T . A . Hall , 2 nd A . S . ; and J . H . Newton , Janitor . The ptccetdings being ended and the chapter closed , the companions withdrew to refreshment . Comp . Dimery , M . E . Z . presided , and was supported by Comps . ts . S . Bailey and C . Sciiven H . and J . After "( The Health of the Queen , " the usual Masonic tcasts were given .

"The Principals of the Prudence Chapter" was proposed by Comp . Tudor Trevor , P . Z ., who , though a founder , through removal to the South of England , had not for some j e . rs visited the chapter . Comp . Trevor had a most hearty reception , and expressed the pleasure he experienced in being again present amongst them . He congratulated Comp . Dimery upon his rapid promotion , and was delighted to find that the chapter was prospering . He complimented them upon the recent acquisitions to membership , and expressed his ( trat lication that those companions for whom he had acted as sponsor had shown

themselves so worthy of the trust imposed in them . He believed that Prudence Chapter had a great future before it , and enjoined upon the companions application , diligence and regulir attendance , for by these means their interest in this beautiful degree would be stimulated , and their appreciation of Royal Arch Masonry increased . Comp . Dimery , M . E . Z ., replied , as did Comps . B . S . Bailey , H ., andC Scriven , J ., after which Comp . C . Middleton , P . Z ., gave "The Visitors . " Comps . E . W . Smih , M . E . Z . 2 S 9 ; R . Tasker , 1042 ; and Alfred Turner , 3 S 7 , responded . Other toasts were "The Past Principals , " and "The Officers . "

The former , Comp . T . Atkinson , P . Z ., and the latter Comp . Josh . Matthewman , S . E ., and others acknowledged . When the time of departure arrived it was admitted all round that it was one of the most successful meetings Prudence Chapter had yet seen , and that it augured well for the coming year .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . GAMBLE , W . M . 2086 . Dacre Lodge , No . 20 S 6 ( which meets at Stevenage ) , has sustained a severe loss by the death of its W . M ., Bro . Gamble , who commenced his year of office last June . Our deceased brother held a unique position in the esteem and respect of all who had the pleasure of coming in contact with him and this was emphasised on Wednesday , the 1 ith ult ., when he was laid to rest in Hitchin Cemetery . The funeral service was held in the Parish Church , which was densely packed . A

bearer party was furnished by N . C . Officers of the 12 th Hussars , in which regiment he served with distinction in the last Afghan War , especially at the affair of Ali Musjid , the firing party was furnished by the Herts Yeomanry , of which he was Squadron-Sergeant-Major . The Herts Yeomanry and Rifle Volunteers followed in large numbers . Under dispensation from the Prov . G . Mister of H jrtfordih / ire 15 brethren took part in the ' procession , craped clothing being worn . Brethren of the Hitchin Lodge and companions of the Hitchin Chapter also followed . AT immense concourse of his fellow townspeople lined the route .

Our Portrait Gallery.

Our portrait Gallery .

BRO . JOHN TWEEDY , P . M . No . 659 , who was invested with the collar of Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works by the V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland ( Bro . Aid . R . H . Holmes , J . P . ) , who presided at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland , held at Alnwick , on the 24 th ult ., was well

deserving of such hJnour , and he received the hearty congratulations of his many Masonic friends . Bro . Tweed y is a most enthusiastic Mason . On his relinquishment of the office of W . M . in the Blagdon Lodge , he was presented by the brethren with a beautiful Past Master ' s jewel , as a mark of respect ani esteem . He is at present one of the trustees of the Blagdon Lodge , and a member of the finance committee , and secretary to the building fund for the proposed Masonic

Hall at Blyth . In Royal Arch Masonry , Bro . Tweedy his taken a very great interest . Joining the Tyne Chapter , No . 991 , he served in several offices ; he was also one of the founders of the Blagdon Chapter and has served for two years as an officer in the Prov . G . Royal Arch Chapter of Northumberland , he having been twice invested by the Grand Superintendent of the province ( Cono . the Right Hon . Sir W . Ridley , Bart ., M . P . ); and he is at present Director of Ceremonies in the Blagdon Royal Arch Chapter . Bro . Tweedy is a frequent visitor to other lodges , and was one of the party of 26 Freemasons belonging to

Newcastle and district who visited Ireland four years ago . This was the first international visit of English Freemasons to Ireland , and the visitors received a most hearty and hospitable reception from the Irish brethren . The lodge visited by the party was Lodge of Israel , No . 126 , on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , the meeting being held in the Freemasons' Hall , Dublin , Bro . G . Metcalfe being the then W . M . Bro . Tweedy is also a member of the Industry Lodge of Mark Masons at Gateshead , and is well-known amongst the brethren in the province . He is 48 years of age , and carries on the business of a printer and publisher at Blyth .

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