Consecration Of The Prince Edward Lodge, No. 2109, At Heaton Moor.

polished oak chest , in which to store the lodge jewels , collars , & c . A very beautiful Bible was also presented to the lodge by Bro . W . Webster , first Senior Warden . It is scarcely necessary to say the whole of the presents were thoroughly appreciated by the VV . M ., and much admired . In reply to a letter addressed to his Royal Highness , Bro . Edwin Barton ,

the Junior Warden of the Prince Edward Lodge , received the following telegram , unfortunately too late to be read at the gathering referred to : — " St . James-street VVest . To Edwin Barton , Esq ., Rydal Mount , Heaton Chapel , Manchester . Your letter received too late . Please conve } - my most hearty wishes to the lodge . —Albert Victor . " The furniture , jewels , & c , were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Excelsior Chapter, No. 1042.

CONSECRATION OF THE EXCELSIOR CHAPTER , No . 1042 .

A large and distinguished gathering of companions look place on Thursday evening , the 28 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Great George-street , Leeds , to assist in the consecration of Excelsior Chapter , No . 1042 , the

petition for which had been supported by Philanthropic Chapter , No . 304 . Many years had elapsed since the formation of a new chapter in that town , and the Excelsior Lodge , after a prosperous existence of 21 years , may be congratulated on crowning its majority not only by a munificent contribution to the Charities , but by the attachment of a Royal Arch Chapter .

The M . E . Grand Superintendent of West Yorkshire , E . Comp . T . VV . Tew , J . P ., having deputed E . Comp . C . L . Mason , P . Z . 304 , 306 , 3 80 , and P . P . G . H ., who is known throughout the province as a skilful and zealous worker , to undertake the ceremony of consecration , the proceedings commenced in the presence of the following companions : Comps . C . L . Mason , P . Z ., as Prov . G . Supt . ; J . Barker , P . Z . 25 S , as Prov . G . H .

W . Gankroger , P . Z . Ci , Prov . G . J . ; Henry Smith , P . Z . 302 , Prov . G . S . E . ; A . Williamson , 2 S 9 , as Prov . G . S . N . ; VV . F . Tomlinson , P . Z . 304 , Prov . G . Prin . Soj . ; A . Austin , P . Z . 306 , Prov . G . ist Asst . Soj . ; W . VV . Macvay , P . Z . 495 , Prov . G . 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; G . Marshall , P . Z . 521 , Prov . G . Treas . ; Rev . VV . C . Lukis , P . Z . S 37 , as Chaplain and Acolyte ; R . Williamson , P . Z . 521 , as Prov . G . Reg * . ; J . B . Hargreaves

Z . 304 , as Prov . G . Swd . Br . ; VV . Watson , P . Z . 304 , as Prov . G . Std . Br . ; H . G . E . Green , Prov . G . Sec . VVest Yorks , J . 154 , as Prov . G . D . C . ; F . Carr , 289 , as Prov . G . Org . ; VV . T . Beanland , P . Z . 14 G 2 , Prov . G . Stwd . ; J . W . Turner , P . Z . 521 ; J . Dodson , P . Z . 2 S 9 ; E . Lee , Z . 265 , as Prov . G . Stwd . ; | . Lee , P . Z . 290 , Prov . G . Janitor ; VV . J . Beck , P . Z . 2 SG , P . P . G . S . ; R . Craig - , P . Z . 304 , P . P . G . A . S ., * VV . F . Smithson , P . Z . 289 , P . P . G . J . ; and others .

The usual formalities having been gone through , letters of apology from the M . E . Grand Supt . ( who expressed great regret that important business elsewhere prevented his presence ) and others , were read . The ACTING GRAND SUPERINTENDENT , in delivering his preliminary address , complimented in eloquent terms the new chapter on their good fortune in securing as First Principal a companion who had rendered such

long and eminent services to his Craft and country at home and abroad . After briefly alluding to the solid progress of Masonry during past ages , Comp . Mason went on to remark : We find our Order steadily pursuing its way ; we see the rise and fall of nations ; we see great changes taking place , socially and politically , in our own land—changes which are still going on . Yet our Order remaineth the same . Without , we have the clamour of

strife and bitterness . We cast these behind , and enter the portals of our lodge or chapter to find harmony , tranquillity , and peace . He then related a remarkable incident which occurred to Dr . Smyth whilst in 1 S 53 visiting Muttra , some 36 miles from Agra . He was challenged by some of the natives as a member of a "Jadu Ghar , " or " House of Enchantment , " and he was surprised to find them saluting him as an E . A . and F . C ., the

knowledge of which Degrees they declared had been handed down to them by their forefathers from time immemorial ; but they had no acquaintance with higher Degrees . In giving further illustrations , Comp . Mason asked : What is this mysterious bond of union and friendship ? Is it the love of eating and drinking ? It is something higher and nobler , and of a loftier character . It is the dignity , the grandeur of our Order , founded on the

sublime basis of virtue—nay , even on the sacred name of the Great God Himself , the Ruler and Governor of all . This is why our Order can * ' resist the destroying hand of time , " has afforded consolation to many in the time that is past , and we trust to many in years to come . Comp . Mason concluded by giving a highly interesting explanation of the Royal Arch jewel , illustrated by diagrams .

The Consecrating Officer , E . Comp . Mason , displayed a fine exemplification of the sublime ritual , and the most lethargic companion would have felt some degree of enthusiasm kindling in his breast had he witnessed the devotional and impressive ceremonial in the beautiful Masonic Hall at Leeds .

The ceremony of installing E . Comp . T . C . Smyth , D . D ., LL . D ., P . Z ., & rc , asZ . ; E . Comp . Stead , P . Z ., as H . ; and E . Comp . Tyers , as J ., was then conducted by E . Comp . Mason . Thc new chapter has been fortunate in securing as its First Principal such an illustrious Mason as Dr . Smyth . From a little pamphlet lately published by E . Comp . Watson , P . Z ., of Leeds , we learn that Dr . Smyth

was exalted over 40 years ago in the Sussex Chapter , at Newcastle-on-Tyne . He filled numerous offices , and received many honours from the Craft in this country and in India , where he subsequently resided , amongst the rest that of Deputy District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago . He became some 30 years ago founder and First Principal of the Dalhousie Chapter , Mussoorie , and later held the same relations towards Zetland in the East Chapter , at Singapore . Dr . Smyth also greatly

distinguished himself at Mccrut by his courage and devotion during the Indian Mutiny . As a champion against the anti-Masonic attacks , so rife a generation back , he became famous as the author of ' ¦ ' Freemasonry Represented and Misrepresented , " which , with many others of his writings , will leave an enduring mark on Masonic literature . Under the skilful guidance of such a veteran worker , stability and success should be assured to the Excelsior Chapter for a long time ahead .

The Principals , E . Comps . Stead , H ., and Tyers , J ., are also old and highly respected supporters of Royal Arch Masonry in Leeds , and the words of loyally and good feeling uttered by them during the evening may be relied upon as genuine expressions from the heart . The following form the first staff ol officers * . Comps . Dr . Smyth , Z . ; Stead , H . ; Thos . Tyers , J . ; VV . Tyers , S . E , ; Heuthwaite , S . N . ; Crowbro' , Treas . ; Bingham , P . S . ; Flockton , A . S . ; and Barrand , Janitor . The M . E . Z . staled how greatly they all were indebted to thee fforts of Comp . Bingham in bringing matters to a successful issue .

Warm congratulations were also offered to the Prov . G . S . E ., Comp . Henry Smith , W . D . P . G . M . of VVest Yorks , who has in the cause of our Charities rendered noble and incalculable services during the past 30 years .

Consecration Of The Excelsior Chapter, No. 1042.

E . Comp . Smith has recently recovered from severe illness , and the prayer will be echoed by all , that he be long spared to ornament and serve the Craft he loves so well . A vote of thanks to the acting Grand Sup ., E . Comp . Charles Mason , was carried by acclamation , and suitably responded to .

I he usual questions having been asked , and several new candidates proposed , the chapter was closed . The companions afterwards gathered in the banquet hall , where refreshment was served , and the auspicious day ended in the most brotherly feeling and harmony .

Consecration Of The Wouldhave Lodge Of Mark Master Masons, No. 362.

CONSECRATION OF THE WOULDHAVE LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS , No . 362 .

On Tuesday , the 26 th ult ., a new Iodge in Mark Masonry was consecrated at South Shields by the W . Bro . T . Y . Strachan , D . P . G . M ., acting as Prov . G . M . in the absence of R . W . Bro . the Rev . Canon Tristram , D . D ., F . R . S . There was a numerous attendance on the occasion , among those present being Bros . R . B . Reed , as Deputy-Prov . Grand Master ; Adam Robertson , P . G . S . W . ; D . Sinclair , P . G . J . W . ; VV . Ii . Franklin ,

P . G . Treasurer ; J . Straker Wilson , P . G . Secretary ; A . S . Fowler , P . G . D . of C ; G . Carter , P . G . M . O . ; J . Carr , P . G . S . O . ; John Strachan , P . G . J . O . ; T . M . Watson , P . G . S . D ., T . J . Johnson , P . G . J . D . ; H . B . Olsen , P . G . I . G . ; Wm . Green , P . G . Organist , assisted by Bro . Daniel Whitehead of Durham Cathedral choir ; J . G . Smith , P . G . S . B . ; R . Craik , P . G . Standard Bearer ; VV . Atkinson , P . G . Tyler . Among other

provincial officers present were * . —Bros . John Wood , C . S . Lane , J . Ferguson , F . H . Bennett , H . Baumann , J . G . Youll ; and there were also present Bros . Addison Potter , C . B ., W . M . 346 ; T . G . Mabane , T . Coulson , G . Robson , and the founders of the new lodge ; Bros . J . C . Moor , R . J . Pattison , J . Wethrall , F . S . Cowper , and J . A . Hall . The lodge was opened by W . Bro . T . Strachan , D . P . G . M ., who expressed his regret at

the unavoidable absence of the P . G . M . M ., the R . VV . Bro . Canon Tristram . The Acting Provincial Grand Master ( Bro . Strachan ) was the consecrating officer , and in the course of the ceremony , which was most ably and impressively performed , he delivered an oration upon the origin and progress of Mark Masonry , pointing out in a clear and lucid manner its relation to the other degrees in Masonry . The new lodge , the Wouldhave

No . 362 , was duly constituted and dedicated . It will meet at the Freemasons' Hall , Ingham Street , and Bro . T . G . Mabane was duly installed as its first VV . M . The other officers were afterwards appointed as follows : Bros . R . Hudson , P . G . M . O ., I . P . M . ; Thomas Coulson , S . W . ; George Robson , J . W . ; W . Davidson , M . O . ; W . Ross , S . O . ; M . J . Wheatley , J . O . ; J . H . Penny , Treasurer ; Colin Wawn , Reg . of M . ; J . Heppell ,

Secretary ; L . Inkster , S . D . ; C F . ' Sutcliffe , J . D . ; T . D . Marshall , I . G . ; Henderson and Brown , Stewards ; T . Potter , Tyler . In the course of the ceremony the acting P . G . M . ( Bro . Strachan ) referred lo the pleasure it gave him to take the part he had done in the consecration of this Mark lodge , which introduces Mark Masonry in South Shields , and marks an era in the progress of the degree in the Province of Northumberland and Durham . —In the evening a dinner was held in the dining room of the hall .

Provincial Grand Lodge For The Isle Of Man.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE FOR THE ISLE OF MAN .

In our issue of thc 2 nd January we were able lo announce that four out of the five Manx lodges , working under the English Constitution , had petitioned for the appointment of a Provincial Grand Master for the Isle of Man . VVe have now pleasure in announcing that the M . W . Grand Master has been pleased to appoint Bro . Major John Senhouse Goldie Taubman , P . M ., of the Nunnery , near Douglas , as the first Provincial Grand Master of such island .

Bro . Taubman , who is now in the prime of life , was initiated into Masonry in the Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 , Douglas , of which lodge he is still a member . In this lodge he served the offices of Secretary , Junior Warden , and Senior Warden in consecutive years , and in December , 1 SS 3 , was installed in the chair of K . S . He was also one of the promoters and founders , and is a member of the Elian Vannin Lodge , No . 2049 , and also is a member of the Athole Chapter .

The Isle of Man is emphatically a " Home Rule " country , having preserved its legislative independence from time immemorial . It is governed by a Governor , a Council , and a House of Keys . The Governor , Council , and Keys , when sitting together , form the Tynwald Court . The measures passed by them are called Acts of Tynwald , and are the Statute Laws of the island . The House of Keys is the representative Chamber , the members being elected by the ratepayers . Over this Chamber Bro .

Taubman has long presided as Speaker , and sits as Member for Douglas , by far the largest and most important constituency . In the House he has the reputation of being an excellent Speaker ; fair and impartial , and thoroughly versed in the duties of the chair . He is also a Justice of the Peace , and captain of the parish of Braddan ; he occupies a leading social position , being frequently alluded to as " the First Commoner " of the Island . From the amiability of his character he is deservedly very popular among his fellow countrymen .

Although Bro . Taubman has not hitherto taken a very active part in the ceremonial work of Freemasonry , he has always shown himself an active sympathiser in every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the Craft which has come under his notice .

It may be confidently expected , therefore , that , with the useful experience gained in his legislative capacity , Bro . Taubman will preside over his Provincial Grand Lodge in a thoroughly creditable and satisfactory manner . The appointment seems to be an excellent one . VVe heartily congratulate Bro . Taubman on his attaining such a high position in thc Craft—a position that Princes of the Blood and noblemen are proud to occupy—and trust he

may long be spared to fulfil the duties of his exalted position svith honour to himself and advantage to Masonry . VVe also congratulate the insular lodges on the successful result of their petition . A Provincial Grand Lodge is practically made up of the leading members of all the lodges in the province * , members of different lodges thus mix togetherinterchange ideas

, , and get to know and understand one another in a manner quite impossible where they do not meet on common ground . The bond of brotherly union between lodge and lodge is thus drawn closer , and local Masonic work facilitated . Union is said to be strength , and we trust it nviy prove so in the Isle of Man .