Correspondence.

Correspondence .

Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents but we wiftb , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

DISCOVERY OF AN ANCIENT MASONIC MS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Having recently discovered , and rescued from the oblivion in which it has been lying for at least 120 years , a most interesting , as well as ancient MS ., that is , a roll , or , as it calls itself , a " Boke" of the ancient charges ,

setting forth " how this science was first invented , " & c , I shall be glad to learn from some of our antiquarian brethren particulars of similar documents that are in existence at the British Museum and elsewhere , and also of any Reprints of same , besides those of Halliwell and Cooke , copies of which I have before me , that I may judge of the advisability of publishing in Facsimile , or other form , this my discovery .

It may interest some , if 1 note here , that this scroll is composed of several pieces of vellum , five inches wide , attached , and making in all a length of 105 inches , and that the MS ., commencing thus : " { TbC IllfgbtC of the father of heaven and earth .... his glorious son .... the Holy Ghost , " & c , is written in a distinct and uniform hand , and apparently at a date anterior to that which seems to be a form of obligation written on the back of the last sheet , and bearing date " Anno Dm 1629 "—Yours truly and fraternally , HENRY BROWN , P . M . 360 , 1764 ,

3 , St . George-street , P . P . J . G . Warden Norths and Hunts . Northampton .

LODGE MUSIC . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Being about to re-arrange and draw up a programme of suitable music for opening and closing , also for initiation , passing , raising , and installation ,

I should feel extremely obliged to any brother who would forward to me a copy of his lodge programme of music . I shall be happy to return it to him—if he so desires . —Yours fraternally , JNO . CONSTABLE , Sec . 2259 . Thorne Grammar School , Doncaster .

Reviews.

Reviews .

"FREEMASONS' CALENDAR AND DIRECTORY TOR THE PROVINCE OF ESSEX , 1 S 9 S . —This excellent compilation , now in its 14 th year of publication , has been very carefully edited by the esteemed Prov . G . Sec , Bro . Thomas J . Railing , and printed at the "Essex County Standard Office , " Colchester , as usual , the typography being all that could be desired . The particulars of the 38 lodge ; , nearly 2330 members , are well arranged ; but the roll really musters 39 lodges , No . 2707 , Brentwood , not having been consecrated in time for insertion . There are the same number of Royal Arch chapters and Mark lodges as last year , viz ., 13 and seven respectively , and one conclave of the

" Secret Monitor . There are short titles to each division printed on a coloured leaf of paper , which adds much to the facility for reference , and the whole plan of the Calendar or Directory cannot be improved upon , save as to one matter , which we press upon the attention of the already over-worked Prov . Grand Secretary . The special need to make this Directory complete is a table exhibiting the number of members under each lodge and chapter , and the total numerical strength of the province . The very full table of the votes for the Central Masonic Charities is a most useful compilation , the total showing the very large number of S 52 S votes held by the province . The frontispiece and memoir this time are devoted to Bro . Andrew Durrant , of Chelmsford .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Industry Lodge , No . 48 . There was a large and influential gathering of brethren at the first meeting of this prosperous lodge , under the rtgime of the new W . M ., held on Mondiy , the 2 G : h ult . The chair was occupied by the W . M ., Bro . W . C . A . Holzapfel , who was supported and assisted by the following : Bros . A . Simpson , I . P . M . ; Wm . Stafford , P . M . ; Wm . Brown , P . M ., O . C ; W . J . Jobson , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Whitfield , P . M . ; M . Corbett , P . M . and W . M . 274 G ; T . R . Jobson , P . M . : 1 . Armstrong , S . W . ; J . T .

Pragnell , J . W . 1 Rev . Wm . Bowker , Chap . ; T . Douglass , Sec . ; G . T . Bootes , as S . D . ; W . E . Peacock , J . D . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; R . Hewett , l . G . ; R . Laverick andT . H . Armstrong , Stwds . ; P . Cash , T . W . Wray , R . Dobson , John Carr , John Snowdon , J . Rhind , E . Hinton , Rev . E . II . McEwell , Wm . John , I . Ivison , E . Elliott , J . Stronghair , T . W . Dickinson . J . Neil , J . Gow , J . Charlton , Wm . Turnbull , T . E . Niciolson , Joe Moffatt . G . Gillespy . F . Hastie , T . W . Stokoe , S . Brown , W . W . NicholU , C . H . T . Pelmear , H . Coulson , and others . The visiting

brethren were Bros . | . B . Clark , W . M ., W . Pickering , I . D ., J . G . Alder , ] . D . Walker , A . Ahlers , D . Robertson , and R . Irving , all of 24 ; Tindili , W . M ., J . Howe , J . W ., J . Burrell , P . M ., J . Ross , I . G ., T . N . Richardson , S . D ., R . Horsley , W . Dixon , N . Knox , G . Short , W . Howe , and J . Wilkinson , all of 424 ; R . Stephenson , W . M . 16261 H . A . Wand , 541 ; J . Routledge , 2674 ; R . Renwick , S . W . 541 ; C . P . Laidler , P . M . 1 G 54 ; I . A . G , Ross , P . M . 4 S 1 ; M . Marks , J . W . 2557 ; J . J . Wright , Asst . Sec . 424 ; H . Bartlett , S . D . 405 ; and others .

After the introductory business , Messrs . Robert Richardson , Wm . Watson , and J . M . Clapperton , were duly initiated by Ihe W . M . The working tools and charge were explained by the J . W ., and the whole ceremony wis done s-noothly ana correctly by all concerned . On the proposition of Bro . Wm . Stafford , P . M ., seconded by Bro . A . Simpson , I . P . M ., the Treasurer ' s balance sheet shown j a credit balance of £ 75 10 s . was adopted . It was resolved on the motion of Bro . Robert Whitfield , P . M ., seconded

by Bro . Wm . Stafford , P . M ., that the following sums be voted for charitable purposes , viz .: T 5 to the widow of a deceased brother ; Masonic Institution for Boys , 1 ) guineas ; Masonic Institution for Girls 10 guineas ; Hudson Benevolent Fund 10 guineas ; and Durham Masonic Education Fund 10 guineas . Seven propositions for initiation were made , and , after receiving the good wishes of th : visitors , the proceeding j were closed in the usual manner .

St . Marylebone Lodge , No- 1305 . "Ihe installation meeting of this well-known lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus , on the iSth ult . Bio . Wm . Humfrey , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . J . G . Head , J . W . and W . M . elect ; J . Chaplain , Treas . j J . J . Pope , P . M ., Sec . ; R . II . Head , S . D . ; J . L . Syme , J . D . ; E . C . Lane , I . G . ; A . Wheeler and C . J . Webbe , Stewards ; ) . Kift , Org . ; A . C . Bonham , I . P . M . ; R . Wright , P . M . ; R . Raymond , P . M . ; F ' . W . Spurgin , P . M . ; 11 . Ansell , P . M . ; W . D . Schwarz , P . M . ;

Craft Masonry.

L . H . Coles , P . M . ; E . White , P . M . ; F . C . Mouflet , P . M . ; Stebbing Russell , H . T . Adams , S . R . J . Chapman , T . F . H . Phelps , W . C . Tully , R . Tyler , A . Edwards , A . Orrom , J . Ellis , W . J . Bennett , L . E . Macqueen , W . C . Tree Wheaton , J . J . Gomm , W . A . Shaw , W . Dimond , G . Couchman , Tyler ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . J . Mason , P . G . S . B . ; T . Parker , S . W . 2271 ; W . Hanes , S . W . 177 ; L . B . Hall , 33 ! J . J . Lindsey , 157 ; T . J . Ritson , 2647 ; Lewis Ferguson , P . M . 1797 ; S . J . Taylor , 23 G 0 ; J . Hudson , P . M . 2206 ; D . Kozminski , tSS ; A . C . Doughty , I . P . M . 12 S 7 ;

T . G . Doughty , W . M . 12 S 7 ; A . Ellis , 24 SS ; S . Lucas , P . M . 2395 ; L . Gunzell , W . M . 2021 ; T . B . Roberts , W . M . 55 ; G . B . Bishop , 172 ; J . H . Chandler , W . M . 753 ; A . H . Snow , S . D . 2191 ; W . R . Davis , P . M . 87 ; J . Edmonds , P . M . 242 ; G . B . Fluke , 2157 ; W . J ., Lawrence , 157 ; H . R . S . Pulman , 3 ; A . J . Dalton , S 34 ; C . W . Jordan , 144 ; j . B . Galloway , P . M . 159 S ; A . Becher , 47 ; E . W . Ellis , P . M . 1314 ; A . T . Salisbury Jones , Thos . Moreton , P . M . 410 ; R . T . West , 1744 ; and others .

After the usual routine business , Bro . A . C . Bonham , I . P . M ., occupied the chair , and the chief business of the day was at once proceeded with , and Bro . John G . Head was installed W . M ., the ceremony being performed in a manner that was perfect . The newly-installed W . M . then appointed and invested the following as his officers : Bros . W . Humfrey , I . P . M . ; R . H . Head , S . W . ; J . L . Syme , J . W . ; J . Chaplin , Treas . ; J . J . Pope , P . M ., Sec . j E . C . Lane , S . D . ; A . Wheeler , J . D . ; C . J . Webbe . I . G . ; Stebbing Russell , D . C . ; H . T . Adams and S . R . J . Chapman , Stewards ; J . Kift ,

Org . ; and G . Couchman , Tyler . Bro . A . C . Bonham gave the customary addresses in a most eloquent and impressive manner , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way in which he carried out the installation ceremony . The W . M ., Bro . J . G . Head , afterwards initiated Mr . R . T . Nelson , and his excellent working of the ritual was ample proof , if any were needed , that he would well maintain the great reputation of the lodge for its working . After some discussion , it was resolved that , in lieu of the

June banquet , a summer outing—without ladies—be held , and a Committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements . The Auditors , on giving their report , spoke in the highest praise of the Secretary , Bro . J . J . Pope , P . M ., of the way he had kept the books and accounts of the lodge . Bro . R . Raymond , P . M „ having stated that he would represent the lodge as Steward at the forthcoming Centenary Festival of the R . M . I . B ., the sum of 20 guineas was unanimously voted from the lodge funds to be placed upon his list .

Two gentlemen were proposed as candidates for initiation at the next meeting , and other business followed , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a superb banquet . At the close of the repast , the W . M . gave the usual loyaljtoasts , which were duly honoured . In giving " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . stated that the maintenance of the Craft was a work of great importance , and the duties were ably performed

by the Grand Officers . They were honoured with the presence of Bro . J . Mason , P . G . S . B ., and he had much pleasure in coupling his name with the toast . In response , Bro . J . Mason , P . G . S . B ., said that he would be brief as he would not like to delay the beautiful harmony . He appreciated the honour of his name being associated with the toast . He had had the great honour of knowing the Pro Grand Master , and the Deputy Grand Master for 25 years , and he gave some interesting details ot the great things they had done for the Craft . Then as to the Grand Secretary , Bro . Letchworth , who was a harder worker ? He would be at his office the first thing

in the morning and at night , perhaps , miles away consecrating a lodge . He ( Bro . Mason ) had been 33 years in the Craft , and he was glad to visit the St . Marylebone Lodge again , but that was the first time he had attended as a Grand Officer . Might he mention that it was six years ago since they gave anything for the Old People . He believed in constant givings , and as they knew that the Old People ' s Institution wanted every help , he hoped , that after the Boys' Festival , they would again remember them next year . The work in the lodge of the ritual was splendid , and , in concluding an able speech , he stated that he hoped the W . M . would have a happy year of office , and that their good old lodge would continue to prosper .

Bro . W . Humfrey , I . P . M ., in proposing " The W . M ., Bro . J . G . Head , " said the toast appealed to the brethren in every way . The W . M . was not only a good fellow , a good nei g hbour , and a good Mason , but he would make an excellent and painstakinz Master . The members had made a grand selection in electing him , as he would uphold the dignity of Masonry , and the lodge would flourish under his reign . They had had a sample of his working in the ritual that evening , as he had performed the initiation ceremony in a perfect manner , and he had no doubt that he

would make one of the best Masters in the annals of the lodge . The toast was enthusiastically received , as was Bro . J . G . Head , W . M ., on rising to respond . He thanked the members for the very cordial manner the toast had been received and the I . P . M ., Bro . Humfrey , for his kind but too flattering words . He appreciated highly the great honour of having been elected Master , and nothing would be wanting on his part to carry out the duties of his office to their entire satisfaction . In giving the toast of "The I . P . M ., Bro . Humfrey , and Installing- Master , Bro . A .

C . Bonham , P . M ., " the W . M . stated that the I . P . M . had had a record year of office , having had a large number of initiates and two joining members . He had worked very hard , and had often done the three Degrees in one evening . It was his ( the W . M . ' s ) privilege to ask him to accept a Past Master ' s jewel as a small return for his great services to the lodge and as a mark of the esteem and great respect they had towards him . Then , as to Installing Master , Bro . A . C . Bonham , he was an exceptionally brilliant Master and a tower of strength in the lodge , and he was also connected with 14 lodges of instruction . It was well known the great things he had done for the Craft , and he

hoped that some day he would receive grand honour ; , which he richly deserved . Bro . W . Humfrey , I . P . M ., on rising to respond , was received with much warmth . He said that no doubt they remembered that a year ago when he was installed he stated that he would do his utmost to make his year of office a success . It was now gratifying to him to learn from them that not only had it been a success , but a record . He was grateful for the handsome jewel , which he much appreciated . He was greatly indebted to his I . P . M ., Bro . A . C . Bonham , and his other officers , who had rendered him every assistance . He hoped the W . M . would have a happy term of office , and might the good old St . Marylebone Lodge ever flourish !

The jewel bore the following inscription : "St . Marylebone Lodge , No . 1305 . Presented to Bro . Worshipful Master Humfrey for extremely valuable services rendered . 1 S 97-9 S . " Bro . A . C . Bonham , Installing Master , also acknowledged the toast , thanking the W . M . for his kind remarks . He took a great interest in Masonry , and it was a labour of love to him to work the installation ceremony , and if he had given them satisfaction he was more than repaid for what he had done .

The W . M . said , might he again remind the members that Bro . Raymond , P . M ., was going up as Steward for the Boys , and as it was six years since the lodge had been represented at any of the festivals of the three Institutions , he earnestly hoped that they would all give liberally to Bro . Riymond ' s list and he felt sure they would never regret it . In response to the appeal , Bro . C . J . Webbe said that he would gladly subscribe live guineas , and later in the evening it was announced that the sums given amounted to the substantial amount of jCGo .

The W . M . gave " The Initiate . " He stated that they were always glad to welcome initiates , as they were the life blood of the Order . He was honoured to have initiated Bro . R . T . Nelson , to whom he tendered a hearty greeting and remarked that it was a step he hoped he would never regret having taken . Bro . R . T . Nelson replied , observing that he could not attempt to make a speech after what he had gone through and heard that evening , but he was honoured to be made a Mason ; it was an event he had long wished for , and he hoped they would never have occasion to regret making him one of them .

The toast of "The Visitors" was , the W . M . stated , a very important one in the lodge , 1 hey were indebted to the visitors-3 1 in all—for their presence , and he gave them all a hearty welcome . Time would not permit for all of them to respond , and he would have to content himself by associating the names of Bros . Lewis Ferguson , P . M-1997 , and J . II . Chandler , 753 , with the toast . Bro . Lewis Ferguson , P . M ., responded . He said that on behalf of the visitors he

tendered his hearty thanks for a great evening and unadulterated enjoyment . In the lodge they had had a rich treat , as the installation ceremony was performed by Bro . A . C . Bonham in a very admirable manner , and it was hard to find words to express what they thought as to the other work they had witnessed in the lodge . From what he knew of the W . M ., he had no hesitation in congratulating the members on having such an excellent ruler . Bro . J . H . Chandler also acknowledged the toast , observing that he had no idea he