Reviews.

REVIEWS .

S . DURHAM . THE FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY FOR THE PROVINCE OF DURHAM . 18 S 9 . Whatever Bro . Hudson , the Prov . G . Sec . of Durham , does , he does well , whether it be in relation to the annual reports of the Prov . G . Lodge , the general duties of his office , or the editorship of the calendar . This issue is the largest and most useful of the series , and now deals with the

adjoining Province of Northumberland , so that 54 lodges are duly attended to , besides the other numerous Masonic bodies . We refer our readers to our review of the work for iSSS for full details of the plan or method followed by the editor . We only now have time to deal with additions and improvements since then . There are some 30 pages more in the edition for 18 S 9 , a portion being devoted to

the Province of Northumberland , and the remainder being most useful additions for the information of the Durham brethren . The tables of the meetings of all the lodges , chapters , & c , which must have been a most laborious compilation , cannot fail to prove most acceptable to the members , also the roll of Durham Stewards for Masonic Charities from 1879 to iSSS . Of course , the Chairman of

the Charities' Committee makes the largest total , but we had no idea his services as Steward had realised so much , viz ., £ ' 1142 15 s . for the Boys , £ 4 6 9 7 s . for the Girls , and £ 410 is . for the Benevolent—total , £ 202235 . ! It is no wonder that the brethren of Durham refuse to let our esteemed Bro . Charles S . Lane , P . Prov . G . D ., retire , after such a noble record and such continuous labours on

behalf of their province . The Durham Masonic Education Fund continues to flourish , as it truly deserves , the balance in hand being £ 104 is . 2 d ., as compared with ^ S 10 s . lid . on the previous account . There are 17 children receiving support from this admirable local institution at an annual cost of £ 103 10 s . The capital account is over £ Soo , so

that even more children might be elected to its advantages , in view of current income and substantial reserve . Again , that page respecting Knights Grand Cross of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem comes before us to tantalise 01 puzzle , as we cannot understand its character or constitution . Who will help us ?

HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER OF UNITY , No . 72 , AND THE ALFRED CHAPTER , No . 30 G , LEEDS . 1 SS 9 . Bro . C . L . Mason , P . Prov . G . Treas . and P . Prov . G . H . West Yorkshire , delivered an address to the members of the present Alfred Chapter , No . 306 , Leeds , on November gth , 1 SS 8 , and we are much pleaied he has consented to

have it printed . It makes a very readable pamphlet and is doubtless much appreciated by the companions of the chapter more immediately concerned , besides being of interest to West Yorkshire brethren generally . The "Unity , " No . 72 , was granted by the Grand Chapter of the " Moderns" in 1 790 , and it is therefore the senior in Leeds as respects date of origin . It did not , however .

assemble for work apparently until 179 6 , in which year the by-laws were agreed to , and are duly printed , with Bro . Mason ' s capital address . As Bro . Mason explains , and for which he quotes from Bro . Hughan ' s "Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry , " the United Grand Chapter having been formed in 1817 , it became necessary to apply for a new warrant . This the members did by petition on

May 17 th , 1819 , and nominated the " Alfred Lodge , " then No . 571 , as the one under whose wing they desired to work . On payment of certain arrears , amounting to £ 5 17 s . 6 d ., sent" by the bearer , Bro . Black , the Guard ol the Leeds Rockingham Coach , " the new charter was granted and bears date April 3 rd , 1 S 19 , a copy of which is given in the pamphlet . The continuity of the chapter is clearly

established by Bro . Mason , but unfortunately the charters so issued are silent as to the numbers and origin of the chapters prior to the existence of the United Grand Chapter . Unless , theufoie , the records are preserved , especially during "the transition period , " it is almost impossible to ( race their continuity , the old numbers being according to a consecutive and separate arrangement , and

the new ones , simply those of the lodges under whose wing they decide to work . The name was changed from " Unity " to "Alfred " about 1 S 19 . An unfortunate hiatus occurred from 1 S 43 to 1 S 60 , but on December 12 th of latter year it was revived under specially pleasing surroundings , our lamented Bro . Woodford being one of the number who

attended . There were , at least , four surviving members . Since then its career has been a prosperous one , and it is now . " second to none in the large and important metropolis of the West Riding of West Yorkshire . " Numerous tables add much to the usefulness of the lecture , and Bro . Mason may well be proud of the pleasing duty he has so ably discharged .

ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN DARLINGTON . By Dr . C . D . HILI .-DRURY . ISSS . This paper was read at the celebration of the Centenary of the Chapter of Vigilance , No . in , Darlington , by Dr . Drury , the ever courteous and esteemed Scribe Ii ., and has already had a large circulation , having been printed in the excellent reports issued by Bro . R . Hudson ( the

indefatigable Prov . G . Ssc . of Durham ) of certain Provincial Grand Meetings , including a condensed account of Kro . Hughan ' s special Masonic lecture at Sunderland . The paper is now printed in a separate form in consequence of the great interest taken in its contents , and no wonder , for in some respects there is not its equal . The address deals not only with the eventful History of the Chapter , but gives a digest of the evidence respecting the origin of the

Royal Arch Degree , in a popular form , and so brief as not to frighten anyone away from its study . We think it should be published with the by-laws of the chapter , and thus prove a sure guide and instructor for all new companions , who else would not know where to look for reliable information , either as to the ceremony itself , or the history of their own chapter . After reciting the main facts relating to the early history of Royal Arch Masonry , Dr . Drury enters upon that of his own chapter , which begins

Reviews.

so early as August 27 th , 1769 , being thus one of the oldest in England . The volume preserved is called " Transactions of the Hierarchical Lodge , at Darlington , " and at that date the chapter was formed by six members of the lodge , so that they must have previously been exalted , but whether in Darlington or not we cannot tell . These minutes continue on to 17 S 5 , but " record little beyond the

admission of several brethren to the Royal Arch Degree . ' Then ten pages have , mo ? t unfortunately , been cut out , but for why is not apparent . These missing records clearly referred to additional " exaltations , " as the names of brethren occur , in subsequent minutes , whose admissions , not being noted prior to 17 S 5 , must have occurred during the subsequent period , now , alas , unaccounted for .

According to Bro . Hughan ' s work , previously noted , the "Vigilance" Chapter was formed in 17 SS , as No . 56 , but Bro . Dr . Drury proves , beyond question , that prior to this event , which regularised the members , the chapter had been working from the year 1769 . The present warrant , exchanged as required by the Grand Chapter ( formed in 1 S 17 ) , is dated Nov . 5 th , 1 S 23 . Bro . W . Logan in his

interesting history records the formation of the "Concord Chapter , No . 51 , Durham , in 17 S 7 , as the senior in the province , followed closely by Darlington , the companions of the latter town being possibly led to take the step because of the exarrple set by the Durham brethren . There are several old chapters still waiting to have their histories written by some competent brethren , and we trust that the

publication of several of these histories of late will induce others to follow in a similar way , so that we may soon have particulars of all the Royal Arch Chapters whose records are preserved of the last century . Who will be the next ? "A little bird" has whispered that the history of the "Royal Cumberland , " No " . 41 , Bath , may soon be expected . We hope the rumour is correct , and that others also are in progress .

MADRAS MASONIC RECORD , Vol . 1 , No . 1 . Madras : Addison and Co ., Mount-road . We heartily wish success to the proprietors of this new Masonic journal and trust the " Madras Masonic Record " may meet with an ample and regular support from the brethren in the district . It has made a good beginning , and there is no reason why its contents should not continue to

be as interesting as are thoss of its opening number . Moreover , as the Editor reminds his readers , since the installation of Bro . Lord Connemara as District Grand Master , there has been a great revival of activity among the lodges under his authority . The time choncn , therefore , for the publication of the first number is an auspicious one , and we trust . the new "Masonic Record" has a long and prosperous career to run .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

& raft jSlagonrg . FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This old lodge met at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 26 th ult ., when there were present , among others , Bros . Hakim , W . M . ; E . Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., acting S . W . ; Wetzlar , J . W . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; Langdale , S . D . ; Bye , J . D . ; Sheppard , I . G . ; Green , P . M . ; C . Dairy , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . W .

Middx . ; Jordan , P . M . ; Hudson , P . M . ; Cobham , P . M . ; Longstaffe , Tyler ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . A long discussion ensued upon the advisability of increasing the annual subscription to the lodge , but ultimately it was agreed not to do so . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to refreshment . " The Health of the W . M . " was heartily proposed by Bro . Hudson , I . P . M ., who , in the course of his remarks , praised the VV . M . for the excellent manner in which he had performed his work during the year . He also congratulated the W . M . upon the happy and pleasant way in which he had from time to time presided over thein at the

banquet table . The W . M ., in reply , expressed his acknowledgments to Bro . Hudson for the very kind way in which he had alluded to his services . His year of office , unfortunately , had not yet been signalised by the advent of an initiate . There were other matters to which he would not allude that had operated very much against his liberally treating the brethren to those creature comforts that they had

received more or less from his predecessors in the chair . He hoped , however , that ere long No . 141 would be as prosperous as ever . No efforts would be wanting on his part to enhance its prosperity , and he felt confident that in his endeavours to gain that end he should receive the sympathy and support , not only of the Past Masters , but of every member of the lodge . The other toasts quickly followed , and the proceedings terminated at an early hour .

LODGE OF UNITY ( No . 183 ) . —This lodge met at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , on Monday , the 25 th ult . Present : Bros . E . A . Francis , W . M . ; M . Hooper , R . Corsham , G . P . Britten , G . W . Speth , J . W . Oliver , G . H . Lindsey-Renton , S . Richardson , G . R . Langley , G . W . Pinnock , F . VV . Zimer , A . J . Mirsch , R . P . Angel , W . E . Watson , W . Newbold , G . Pragnell , W .

J . Godwin , J . A . Goudge , J . D . E . Tarr , T . C . l ' asseli , A . Cook , E . Wareham , A . O . Side , W . F . B . Watts , F . W . Mcllwraith , and T . Heath . Visitors : Bros . J . Doiton and C . R . Higgins , of 107 G ; VV . Hopekirk , G . Purst ., and J . Kew , of 179 ; F . P . Lester and H . Nilson , W . M ., of 1293 ; R . Kolley , W . M . 1524 ; J . Godwin , 1343 ; F . A . Smith , W . M ., J . H . Hastie , and T . Edmonston , of 166 9

H . Sprake , 2192 ; Raymond Ihrupp , P . A . G . D . C ; H . H . Room , P . G . Sec . Middx . ; N . F . Dalville , 1607 ; W . B . Trick , 1366 ; L . Hirsch , ISIS C . J . Axford , 1949 ; W . P . Brown , 90 ; J . Harling , 30 ; P . Sullard and H . G . Cubitt , of 202 O ; J . S . Tavener , 1044 ; VV . A . Brown , 15 ( 5 7 ; A . Blenkarn , 1558 ; C . Quilter , 51 ; and P . Phillips , S 20 . The report of the Permanent Committee was read and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

adopted . Bro . J . A . Goudge was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . H . Hooper , S . W ., was installed as W . M ., and invested and appointed his officers as follows : Bros . R Corsham , S . W . j J . W . Oliver , J . W . ; G . P . Britten , Treas . ; G . VV . Speth , Sec . ; G . H . Lindsey-Renton , S . D . j F . VV . Zimer , J . D . ; J . D . E . Tarr , I . G . j S . Richardson , D . C ; G . VV . Pinnock and A . O . Side , Stwds .:

G . W . Speth , Org . ; and L . G . Reinhardt , Tyler . The presentation to the I . P . M ., Bro . Francis , of a Past Master ' s jewel , by the VV . M ., on behalf of the ledge , evoked great enthusiasm , and , after the ordinary routine work , the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The toasts and speeches were of the usual kind , and need no special comment , but the applause with which the W .

Master was greeted was remarkable for its warmth and spontaneity , and was perhaps even excelled in , both these qualities when the health of the I . P . M . was proposed . Harmonious as this lodge has ever been , it is evident that these two officers are special favourites . The vocal miisic provided by the members and visitors was above the average of amateur work , aud the evening , from beginning to er . d , was one of the pleasantest and

most successful we have ever spent . One little fact mentioned by the Secretary struck us as curious , viz ., that although this old lodge has been uninterruptedly at work for 120 years , doing its duty staunchly and bravely in every respect , it has never had a Grand Lodge collar conferred upon one of its members . As one of the visitors remarked , this is possibly owing to its great modesty .

UNITED PILGRIMS LODGE ( No . 507 ) . —This old lodge held its installation meeting on Thursday , the 2 Sth ult ., and had a remarkably good muster , there being some 30 Installed Masters to form the Board . The lodge met , as usual , at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , and was opened by Bro . Joyce , the W . M . The business of the meeting was not confined to the installation of the

W . M . elect , bro . C . H . Sharman , S . W ., but was preceded by two passings and two initiations . As the candidates were relatives of Bro . E . N . Levy , P . M ., and father of the lodge , the privilege of performing the ceremonies was yielded to hun by the Master , Bro . Joyce . The two brethren who were passed to the Second Degree were Bros . William John and Sydney lacobs . The inhiates were Mr .

B . Jacobs and Mr . Edward Jacobs . When Bro . Levy had concluded his work , the chair was resumed by Bro . Joyce , and Bro . C . H . Sharman was presented for installation , a ceremony which was carefully performed by the VV . M ., and Bro . Sharman then proceeded to invest his officers for the year as follows : Bros . Cockell , S . W . ; Marshall , J . W . j Grellet , Treas . ; Peters , Sec . j Ellson , S . D . ; Thomas ,

J . D . ; Stone , I . G . ; lerry , D . C ; Bincks , Collecting Steward ; Joyce , I . P . M ., Steward ; and Harrison , Tyler . The business on the agenda having been disposed of , Bro . Watts , I . P . M ., referring to the care with which Bro . Peters , the Secretary ot the lodge , had managed his department of its affairs during the five years he had held that office , proposed a vote of thanks to him in the following

terms : " lhat the brethren desire to express their high appreciation of the services rendered by Bro . E . W . Peters , P . M ., as Secretary during the past five years , and ' of the manner in which he has discharged the duties of that office , and the interest that he has always taken in the welfare of the lodge , and , at the same time , to present him with a Secretary's jewel , as a mark of such appreciation , as well

as of the respect in which he is held by them , and that such jewel be obtained and presented forthwith . " Bro . Watts said he ought perhaps to apologise for not having taken all the brethren into his confidence about this matter ; but the fact was that this little presentation was intended to be a

surprise to Bro . Peteis . " The best laid schemes of men and mice , " however , as the poet said , "gang oft agley , " and it had so happened that the parcel containing the secretarial jewel had been delivered to the Secretary himself , who therefore was not much taken by surprise , as was intended .

The motion was seconded by Bro . Joyce , P . M ., and carried unanimously . Bro . Sharman , in presenting the jewel to Bro . Peters , said that , as good wine needed no bush , so no words from him would be required to emphasise the deserts of Bro . Peters . He should therefore content himself with presenting him with the jewel that had been voted by the Iodge ,

and , in investing him with it , would express the hope that Bro . Peters would live many years to enjoy it . Bro . Peters said that he was very much indebted to the brethren for the honour they had put upon him . It had come upon him as asurprise , and therefore , without making a speech , he would say that he hoped his future conduct to the lodge would merit a continuance of their goodwill .

1 he Iodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet table . When dinner was concluded , and the waiters had retired , the remainder of the evening was passed Masonically in proposing , drinking , and responding to the evergreen toasts , without whicn the formalities of a Masonic banquet would be incomplete .

The intervals between the speeches were agreeably filled up with the very excellent singing of some ot the members and their friends , the performers being Bros . H . E . Cockell , Capt . Watson , C M . Ohren , and others . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " "The Grand Master [ and the Grand Officers , " may be passed with the remark that , in proposing the Grand Officers , the Master

referred with regret to the absence of Bro . Magnus Ohren , who was prevented by illness from being present . Bro . Levy , the senior Past Master , proposed " The Health of the Worshipful Master , " in doing which he said that it was a very , very pleasing duty that devolved upon him in having to propose Bro . Sharman ' s health . He was quite sure that there was not a member of that lodge

who did not hold Bro . Sharman in the highest possible esteem . Bro . Sharman was initiated some six years since , and had worked his way up through the various offices until he had arrived at the high position conferred upon him that evening . Everything he had done had been satisfactory to the lodge , and he was sure must have been gratifying to Bro . Sharman himself . It was seldom a brother made

such rapid progress as Bro . Sharman had made—to be Master of his lodge in six years and to have won the esteem of the brethren . The brethren must feel as he , the father ot the lodge , felt , that they had the right brother in the Master ' s chair . He hoped that Bro . Sharman ' s year ot office would be a very successful one , and he was sure that the W . M . would do his very utmost for the improvement