Grand Encampment Of The United States.

more securely kept ; the risk of loss or damage by frequent transmission from place to place yvould be avoided ; there would be more certainty of having all needful facilities for the transaction of business ; thc legislation yvould be calmly considered ; the expenses yvould probably be more lessened ; certainly there would be relief from the burden of entertaining felt by every city in yvhich we meet under the migratory lule . It is true , such expenditures are

self-imposed , but it is impossible to ignore thc fact that they are often burdensome . In making this suggestion , I do not forget the generous yvelcomes and bounteous hospitality yvhich have alyvays greeted us . Nor do I forget the stimulating effect upon commanderies meeting in fraternal rivalry upon these occasions , nor the interest yvhich is thus awakened in the uninitiated , and yvhich fills our ranks and gives to our Order yvhatever of prosperity and poyver that may

convey . The financial condition and prospects of this Grand Encampment have been discussed by at least two of my predecessors . And yet it becomes my duty to again press this subject upon your attention . Some of the sources of revenue are drying up , and no serious effort has been made to check the outflow . We must increase our receipts or

reduce our expenses , or both , if we do not wish to see an empty treasury , and the consequent humiliation and curtailment of the influence and effoits of the Grand Encampment . There is no doubt tbat our expenses can be curtailed yvithout parsimony , and that being possible , becomes a duty . In the early ages of the 'Order of the Temple , each

nationality had its distinctive head ; but all yvere united in one organisation and governed by one Grand Master . Those yvere years of wealth and poyver and glory of the Order . When the envy and avarice of civil and ecclesiastical potentates combined in the persecution and disruption of the Order , its scattered votaries preserved their faith anil fidelity , and practised their ceremonies in secret . The

golden chain yvas broken , but not all of its links yvere destroyed . And so , yvhen the night passed away , skilful artificers commenced to burnish off the rust and forge them together again . But the progress of time and the changes of civilisation renelered the original form of administration inexpedient , if not impossible . Still , in yvhatever clime , under yvhatever government , of yvhatever

nationality , belonging to whatever Christian sect , Knights Templar are drayvn together by a natural and inevitable sympathy . Thtir signs and symbols are the same ; their emotions , their aspirations , theirccremonials are analogous , and there is a universal recognition of their fraternity . There can be no reason against , and there are many cogent ones in favour of a closer and more intimate

felloyvship , especially between the English-speaking branches of the Oreler . The separate and independent governing bodies in England and Ireland have united in the Convent General , exercising jurisdiction over both countries , and also over Canada ; each , hoyvever , retaining a limited autonomy . Scotland has not yet joined the coalition , but hopes are entertained that she yvill not long

refuse . And thus all thc Templars in the British Empire yvill recognise one Grand Master . Sir Knights : My official report is ended . The great and varied interest of this vast jurisdiction must be the apology for so lengthy an address . Your patient attention has only been in keeping ivith the characteristic ecusideration and kindness I have alyvays received at your

hands , and for all yvhich I am profoundly grateful . Prouel of our illustrious Order , proud of the great oflice committed to my hands , my labours have been lightened by the earnest yvish t > advance the interests of this fraternity of Knights . The result is submitted to your generous judgment . With a full heart I congratulate you upon the fact that

fifty thousand syvords are mustered under our historic banners ; that fifty thousand brave men have voyved to wield them in the cause of justice , purity , and truth . I ask you to join yvith me in the * fervent prayer , that every one of us may live fully up to the high standard ol Christian Knighthood ; and thc world having been made better and brighter and happier thereby , that yve may cheerfully and unitedly exclaim , " Non nobis dominc , non

nobis , scd nomine tua ela glonam . " I now invite your calm , patient , and earnest attention to the important duties before us , invoking the fullest exercise of all those qualities of mind anil heart yvhich are befitting the National Legislature of our Order , and devoutly praying that Divine wisdom may direct us in all things , and Divine mercy may surround us noyv and for ever .

The encampment then adjourned to meet at 9 . 0 a . m , next morning . The evening yvas but a repetition of the day , as far as the crush of numbers upon the streets and the omnipresent band music were concerned . The main feature , oi course , was the grand reception concert tendered the citizens of Cleveland and visiting Knights , on the part of Apollo

Commandery , of Chicago . It yvas a brilliant affair vieyved fiom any standpoint , and croyvned with laurels the commandery yvhich conceived and carried it out . Men had been busy for over a week in decorating the large yvare-room of Sterling and Co ., formeily known as the old rink , in anticipation of the great event . Apeillo Commandery , iu connection yvith Oriental , of this city , two of the wealthiest and most powerful organisations in

the Order of Knights Templar , had undertaken the work with the intention of making such a display as is rarely seen on such occasions . No expense was spared where it could be advantageously expended . The spectacle presented on entering ! he room yvas something that the pen cannot adequately describe . Looking up from the entrance to the high roof the view is obscured b y countless flags and devices , some large and some small ; in every conceivable spot appears some

Grand Encampment Of The United States.

colour contrasting and blending with another , the evergreen filling up the interstices to the advantage of the whole . The large festoons so gracefully arranged in the form of billoyvs , leads the eye along to the far end of the vast room , where just above the stage is a large banner stretching across the entire end of the room . "Apollo Commandery , No . I , Chicago , Illinois , extends

their Knightly courtesies to the citizens of Cleveland , O . " This is so executed as to leave space in the centre , which is taken up by a large red cross and golden crown . Above all this two large national flags are placed so as to fill all the intervening space to the roof , and at either side tyvo flags of smaller size complete the design . Twelve thousand invitations had been issued to Knights

and citizens , who up to 8 . 30 o ' clock kept up a steady stream of visitation . At that hour Apollo Commandery entered the building . Following the entrance of the commandery came the Orientals , Cleveland , marching in fine style , their splendid appearance attracting attention on all hands . At this point a beautiful selection was executed by Nevins and Kretow ' s celebrated military band ,

of Chicago , after yvhich Sir V . B . Babcock , of the Oriental Commandery , expressed a few words of hearty welcome . Then Sir N . arman T . Cassette , Commander of Apollo Commandery , delivered a short address of a happy turn . Rev . J . W . Brown , Chaplain of Oriental Commandery , made a happy and eloquent speech . The band then admirably presented a musical

programme . Following the music the floor yvas cleared , and thc portion of the programme introduced for which many had been yvaiting—the dancing . It was a success—a grand success—and will always be counted a golden link of brotherly love betyveen Cleveland and Chicago , two sister cities of the West . Wednesday ' s programme was as follows : Tournament

on thc Fair grounds , beginning at 2 . 30 a . m ., the following named commanderies participating : Rapier , No . 1 , Indianapolis , Ind ., Henry C . Adams commanding . Monroe , No . 22 , Rochester , N . Y ., George F . Loder commanding . St . Louis Battalion , St . Louis , Mo ., John C . Bloomfield commanding . Cincinnati , No . 3 , Cincinnati , O ., H . H . Tateva commanding . Damascus

No . 1 , St . Paul , Minn ., D . A . Monfort commanding . Hanselmann , No . 10 , Cincinnati , O ., O . J . W . Foot commanding . St . Bernard , No . 35 , Chicago , 111 ., W . M . Burbank commanding . Columbia , No . 2 , Washington , D . C , Robert commanding . Ball , No . 1 , Detroit , Mich ., J . E . Saxton commanding . Hugh de Payens , No . 30 , Buffalo , N . Y ., Christopher G . Fox commanding . At

the conclusion of this drill , the Illinois commanderies gave a dress parade and review . The premiums awarded consisted of a magnificent standard or banner , a beautiful piece of artistic yvork ; a libation service , consisting of twenty-six pieces , embracing tankard , silver goblet , and candlestick ; and an elegant set of commandery jewels . St . Louis Battalion was ruled out on account of its not

being named as a distinct commandery . Each commandery yvas allowed thirty minutes to drill , which resulted in Detroit , No . 1 , winning the first prize ; Raper , No . 1 , of Indianapolis , second prize ; and Monroe , No . 1 » , of Rochester , N . Y ., thc third prize . —New York Dispatch .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Warwickshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WARWICKSHIRE .

On Wednesday the 26 th ult ., the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire was held at Rugby , under the presidency of the Provincial Grand Master , the Right Hon . and Right Worshipful Lord Leigh . The Toyvn Hall was fitted up for the occasion ,

the Court-room for the Provincial Lodge , and the large Assembly-room for the Lodge of Rectitude ( Rugby ) . There was a strong muster of the brotherhood , the yvhole of the lodges in the province being more or less strongly represented—which , yve are given to understand , is of somewhat rare occurrence . The Lodge of Rectitude having been opened in due aud

ancient form , and the visiting brethren ranged under their respective banners , the ceremony of receiving the Provincial Grand Master and his officers and lodge was gone through . A long array of high officials and dignitaries entered the lodge-room * , last of all the Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , preceeded by tyvo Pursuivants .

The W . M . of the Lodge of Rectitude thereupon vacated the dais , which his lordship occupied , surrounded by his officers . The business transacted was as folloyvs : The Provincial Grand Lodge opened in the Lodge of Rectitude . —The roll of the P . G . officers called . —The roll of Worshipful Masters and Wardens of Lodges in the

province called . —The minutes of thc P . G . Lodge held at the Guy ' s Lodge , Leamington , on the 3 rd of April , 1877 , and on the occasion of laying the foundation-stone of the Shakespeare Memorial Buildings at Stratford-on-Avon on the 23 rd of April last , were read and confirmed . —The Report of the Audit Committee was received . —Tne Reports of the different Charity and Benevolent

Committees were received . —The Reports from the Worshipful Masters , on the state of their respective lodges , were received . —The publication of the Masonic Calendar for the year 1878 was considered and determined upon . —The P . G . Treasurer was re-elected for the ensuing year . —The Tyler yvas also re-elected for the year . —The Right Worshipful the P . G . Master then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year , with the usual

. The business having been so far concluded , an adjournment was called , to attend divine service . The yvhole body proceeded , in double rank , juniors first , to Trinity Church , which had been placed at their disposal by the rector for the occasion . On arriving at the Church , the ranks were opened , the Prov . Grand Master

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Warwickshire.

and officers advancing up the aisle to the front seats . The two centre rows were reserved for tbe brethren ; the congregation beside was rather limited . The service was a choral one , the prayers being intoned by the Rev . P . Llewellyn . The lessons of the day were read by the Rev . T . Northcrte Smith . An eloquent sermon yvas preached by the Prov . Grand

Chaplain , the Rev . T . N . Rigby , of Birchfield , Birmingham , yvho took for his text Malaehi , chap , ii , 10 verse : " Have yve not all one Father ; hath not God created us ?" The discourse was a most eloquent exposition of the principles of the Order , and yvas delivered with much earnestness of tone and manner . After the Old Hundredth Psalm had been sung , and a

collection taken up for the Masonic Charities , the brethren returned to the lodge-room at the Town Hall , where the concluding business was transacted — including a unanimous Ve ; te of thanks to the P . G . Chaplain for his excellent sermon ; also to tbe Rector of Rugby , for so courteously giving the use of Trinity Church , and a grant of five pounds to the Trinity Schools , Rugby . The Right

Worshipful the P . G . Master and his officers then retired in procession as they had come , and the Lodge of Rectitude was closed by the W . M . in due and ancient form . The banquet was held in the Assembly Room at the Eagle Hotel , which had been tastefully and profusely decorated for the cccasion , and presented a charming appearance . The Prov . Grand Master presided , supported

right and left by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Col . Machen and Bro . Brooks , Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Rectitude , Rugby ; the company numbering about 80 . The menu—under the direction of Bro . Hards , of the Royal George Hotel , yvas in the highest style of the gastronomic art . The toast-list was as follows : —1 . The Queen and the Craft . — 2 . The Most Worshipful the

Grand Master of England , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ; Bro . H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught ; Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold ; Bro . H . R . H . the Imperial Prince of Germany ; and the rest of the Royal Family . —3 . The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Right Worshipful the Deputy-Grand Master , Bro . the Earl of Skelmersdale ; and the Grand Lodge of England . —4 . The Right Hon . and Ri ght

Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Lord Leigh . 5 . The Very Worshipful the Deputy-Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Lieut .-Colonel Machen , and the Provincial Giand Lodge of Wanvickshire . — 6 . The Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Rectitude ; and Success to his Lodge . —7 . The Visitors . —8 . The Masonic Charities . —9 The Tyler ' s Toast ( " To all poor and distressed Masons . " The company separated at an earlv hour .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . R . J . SPIERS , P . G . S . B ., PAST DEPUTY GRAND MASTER OXON , F . S . A ., and F . R . C . S . The fraternity in general , but the brethren of the province of Oxfordshire in particular , have learnt with the deepest regret of the unexpected death of Bro . Richard J . Spiers , Past Grand Sevord-Bearer of England , PastDeputy Grand Master of Oxfordshire , intelligence of which

reached us by special telegram on Friday . Bro . Spiers yvas initiated in the Alfred Lodge , No . 340 , on the 28 th of May , 1844 , so that at the time of his death he had been a Mason upwanls of 33 years . In December of the same year he became Junior Warden , afterwards serving as Senior Warden . He yvas unanimously elected and installed Worshipful Master of the Alfred

Lodge on December thc 20 th , 1846 . Bro . Spiers took the Royal Arch degree on the 16 th of July , 1845 , in the Chapter attached to his mother lodge , and yvas in the year 1850 appointed M . E . Z . Bro . Spiers yvas , at an early stage in his Masonic career , favoured yvith Prov . Grand Lodge honours , being appointed P . G . D . of C , and , after serving the offices of Senior Grand Deacon , Grand

Registrar , Junior and Senior Grand Warden , te was ultimately appointed to the distinguished and envied position of Deputy Grand Master of Oxfordshire , which honour yvas conferred upon him in the year 1855 . This office he resigned in favour of Bro . Reginald Bird , in 1871 ! . It may l . e remembered that on the occasion of Piince Leopold ' s installation as R . W . Grand Master for

Oxfordshire , H . R . H . presented Bro . Spiers with a massive silver inkstand , a purse of 50 c guineas , and an elegant album , containing the names of the subscribers , as a token of esteem and regard for his great zeal and energy on behalf of Freemasonry , Prince Leopold accompanying the presentation yvith some very kind remarks . Our late brother was also connected with the Mark Degree ,

the Knights Templar , Rose Croix , Eoyal Order of Scotland , the 30 ° , 31 , 32 ° , the latter of which he was the senior member . In 18 50 he was one of the founders of the Cocur de Lion K . T . Encampment , and First Eminent Commander . Bro . Spiers was a member of the folloyving lodges , Nos . 10 , 340 , 478 , 599 , 945 , 1036 , and 1515 . He served Stewardships to the

three Institutions , the Benevolent in 1847 , ' Girls' School in the same year , the Boys' School in 1848 , and the Benevolent again in 1850 . Several civic dignities were conferred upon our late distinguished brother . He yvas a Toyvn Councillor in 1847 , Sheriff and Alderman in I 8 ; I and Mayor of Oxford in

1853 . In 1856 , 810 . Spiers was appointed a Justice of the Peace . At the expiration of his year of office as Mayor , the citizens of Oxford , presented him with a service of plate of the value of 500 guineas , also an album containing contributions from upwards of 100 artists and literary friends .

THE LATE BRO . DR . WHITTLE . Bro . Alfred Whittle , M . D ., aged 54 , a member of the Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , died suddenly at his