Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF HERTFORDSHIRE .

A Provincial Grand Lodge for Herts was held on Wednesday last , at Berkhampstead , in the Town Hall . The Provincial Grand Master , Bro . W . STUART , P . S . G . W ., presided , and he was supported by a large number of provincial and metropolitan brethren , among whom we noticed Bros . Francis , D . G . M . : Geo . Lanibert , acting as G . S . W . ; Cox , as

J . G . W . ; Rogers , P . G . Treas . ; Sedgwick , P . G . Sec . ; Finch , P . G . Chap . ; H . C . Finch , P . G . Reg . ; John Havers , P . G . W . ; Wilson , P . G . Dir . Cers . ; Walter Gompertz , W . M . ( 869 ) , P . G . Purst . ; Winter , G . Sup . Works ; J . H . Adams , P . G . S . B . ; R . Bruce ( 869 ); Jas . Terry ( 869 ) ; H . Mandeville ( 259 ); E . A . Simson , J . W . ( 403 ); R , T . Andrews , W . M . ( 403 );

T . S . G . Carter ( 403 ) ; Thos . Laxton ( 504 ) ; W . Wyman ( 403 ); F . Evans ( 187 ) ; G . F . Foster ( 504 ) ; T . B . Harvey ( P . P . G . C . Herts ) and P . M . ( 504 ); John Cheese , P . P . G . O ., Hereford ; G . F . Swan ; A . S . Copeland , W . M . ( 404 ); Edgar Lewis , ( 196 ) ;

and W . A . Skinner , ( 504 . ) The lodge having been opened in ample form , Prov . G . Secretary read the minutes of last Prov . G , Lodge which were put aud confirmed . The Prov . G . Secretary then read the accounts of the Province , which shewed a balance of £ 33 6 s . 6 d . in hand .

Bro . C . SWAN , P . P . G . D ., moved , and Bro . LAMBERT , seconded the motion , that these accounts be received . The motion was put and carried -unanimously . The Pitov . D . G . M . moved that Bro . W . Rogers ,

Junr ., be Prov . G . Treasurer for the ensuing year . Bro . HEATII seconded it , and it was carried unanimously . Tlie following brethren were then appointed , and invested by the Prov . G . M . as his officers for the

year : — Bro . Francis , Deputy Prov . G . Master ; Bros . Heath , Pro . G . S . W . ; Andrews , Pro . G . J . AV . ; the Rev . Geo . Finch , G . Chaplain ; W . Rogers , Juiir ., Pro . G . Treasurer ; H . C . Finch , Prov . G . Registrar ; Sedgwick , Prov . G . Secretary ; Wright , Prov . G . S . D . ; Bruce , Prov . G . J . D . ; W . H . Rowe .

Prov . G . Sup . AVorks ; Wilson , Prov . G . Dir . Cer . ; . Tnmes Terry , Prov . G . S . B . ; Olney , G . Purs . ; G . F . Swan , P . G . Steward ; Goodliffe , P . G . Steward ; Thomas , Prov . G . Tyler . The PROVINCIAL G . S . AV . proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Rogers , Senr ., the late Prov . G . Treasurer , who had for many years performed the duties of

that office . He was sorry that that officer had felt that hisageprevented himfromdischarginghisduties satifactorily to himself , but he trusted he would live many years among his brethren and see the progress of the Grand Lodge . The G . M ' . seconded the vote , which was carried . Bro . LAMBKRT proposed that as the funds of the

Prov . G . Lodge were so flourishing a portion of them should be devoted to defraying the expenses of the restoration of Berkhampstead Church . The DEFT . P . G . M . thought that as the Prov . G . Master had presided for twenty-five years over the

Province , some testimonial should bo presented to him from the funds of the Prov . G . Lodgo ; yet he was very glad to hear it proposed that the beautiful Church of Berkhampstead should benefit by this meeting . Bro . GOMPERTZ seconded the motion .

_ Bro . LAMBERT thought the sum of £ 10 should be given , in the Prov . G . Master ' s name , towards the restoration of the church . They all appreciated the services of the G . Master , and wished to mark their sense of his conduct , and he thought this was a good opportunity of shewing it . The DEP . P G . M . said a sum might be given to

one of the charities , in the Prov . G . M . 's name , and so accomplish this object . The Rev Bro . HERVEY explained that the expense of restoring the church was very great , but as Secretary to that fund , ho felt bound to say , that even a small sum from such a distinguished body as the Hertfordshire Masons , would be highly appreciated , and as recognizing the efforts of the Prov . G . M . in

the cause of Masonry , he should be happy to see the money applied to such an excellent purpose . The motion that £ 10 10 s . be given in the name of the Prov . G . Master , towards the restoration of Berkhampstead church was then carried . Bro . GOMPERTZ proposed that a committee of brethren of the province bo appointed to consider how best to recognise the services of tho Prov . G . Master .

Bro . WIUOIIT seconded it . The PROV . ( i . MASTER said he was quite satisfied alread y with tho good opinion of the brethren , and did not wish any further recognition of his services . He was at all times ready to serve the brethren , and he hoped for some years he should bo able to

preside over them . The lod ge was then closed with solemn prayer , and the brethren adjourned to the King ' s Anns , where a splendid banquet was provided , and which we brethren thoroughly enjoyed . When the banquet was over the room was close

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

tyled , and grace having been sung by the vocalists , the Prov . G . Master proceeded to give the usual toasts , which were drunk with that warmth and enthusiasm which characterises all meetings of Freemasons . The toast of "the Deputy Grand Master and the rest of the Grand Officers" was associated with the name of Bro . John Havers , and

-was drunk with great fervor . Bro . J . HAVERS , in responding , said that on behalf of the Earl de Grey and his brother Grand Officers he begged to render the brethren his most respectful thanks . Of Lord de Grey he need scarcely say one word , for any more energetic or business-like nobleman , or one more attached to the

great institution of masonry it would be difficult to find . He ( Bro . Havers ) had often said , and he said it again , that it was a grand thing for Freemasonry that noblemen , the highest in the land , and statesmen holding positions in the councils of the sovereign were willing and found time to become Deputy Grand Masters of Masons . It told well for

the institution , and told well for the men . With regard to the rest of the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , they held a position parallel to that of the Past Masters of a Lodge . They were appointed to their offices on account of the services rendered to the Graft , and on account of what was expected of them in future ; and he

could say with certainty that they always fulfilled those expectations . For himself , he had been received so well , even since he had been made a Mason thirty years ago , that he hardly thought he deserved it ; but during that time he had seen carried out the dearest wish , the greatest object of his Masonic life , the great institution of

Freemasonry possessing not only the finest building of any Masonic Grand Lodge in the world , but finer than all the other Grand Lodges put together . He bad seen that noble property separated entirely from tavern influences , and standing out preeminently as the grandest in the world . He did not wish to speak for himself in this work , but of

those who were associated with him and so nobly assisted him . It was more than ten years ago that he first proposed this scheme of building Freemasons' Hall , and he was laughed to scorn when he said that it would cost . £ 30 , 000 , and that that sum could be easily spent without being missed . And now , what had Masonry done ? AVhy , within

eight years the work had been completed , and in addition , not only had that sum been spent , but with the charities , which he held to be part and parcel of Freemasonry—the brightest jewels in the diadem of Freemasonry—Freemasons had spent in that time £ 100 , 000 . It had been spent well , and what was more , as far as Grand Lodge was concerned ,

they had never missed it . He was looking yesterday over the income accounts , and he found that of the threo charities was £ 18 , 300 , and of Grand Lodge £ 47 , 000 . There never was found in any part of the world any such wealth obtained by such means . But there was one thing wanted . What they wanted

was not more money , nor more masons , but men to administer the funds . If he wanted to-day or tomorrow a contribution of £ 500 for any case of distress he could pick upon fifty men who would give it , or any other amount , but if he wanted to find half a dozen men to givo him two or three days a month to administer the funds of the charities he

could not get them . Now , they must look to their charities or they might bring great trouble and distress . He had but one more word to say . Some time ago he was in : i bad state of health , and he came down to Hertfordshire , to his little place here , as he thought to die , but it had agreed with him so well that he was daily getting better , and he hoped ,

if the brethren thought hun worthy of it , to join some Hertfordshire Lodge . In his little way he might be ablo to work out some useful plans for them . On the part of the Grand Officers ( Br . Havers continued ) , I thank you , and especially for myself I thank you . Before sitting down , permit me to refer to another subject . I have read , and

there may be those among you who have read also that dreary book , the Book of Constitutions . In it we are told that Freemasonry is founded upon two facts , brotherly lovo is the first ; and I am sure if I were to search Masonry through a better example of it than that set this evening could not be given , for a more kindly , friendly , brotherly body I could

not find than those I have met here . But we are also told it is founded on refreshment . Now I think your refreshment is perfect ; your soup , your fish , your entrees—your everything has been perfect ; and you are perfect patterns , both iu brotherly love and refreshment . Permit me to proposet he health of your most valued , most respected Provincial Grand Master ( cheers ) . I assure you it needed not that

cheer to tell me that which I knew before , how entirely that worthy brother most deservedly reigns in your affections . The perfect readiness you have shown him , the thought and attention you pay him , and the affectionate regard every one feels for him tells mo how much you appreciate him . May your lodgo prosper , and may our worthy Brother Stuart long live to preside over you .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Hertfordshire.

The toast having been most enthusiastically drunk , and " the Brave old Tremeraire" ; having been sung : — The PROV . G . MASTER said ! I must return thanks for the very kind way in which you have received my name , aud I thank Bro . Havers for his high terms in proposing it . I cannot help thinking that the song which has just been suug fits my own

case . It is nearly forty years since I first became a Mason in this country , and I am no longer so young as I was , but my greatest desire has been to conduct the affairs of this province properly , and I hope I may long live and be among you . " Our friends depart and are forgot As time goes fleeting by ; In af ; er years none , none are left ,

For them to heave a sigh " And I feel that I , too , must depart soon . After seventy we cannot expect to live much longer in this world , but I hope when it pleases the Great Architect of the Universe to take me , I shall be found ready . I thank you for the high honor you have done me .

The toast of " The Deputy Prov . G . Master , " was responded to by Bro . FRANCIS , and that of " The Masters of the different lodges in the Province , " by Bro . WHIGHT . Bro . ROGERS , Past Prov . G . Treas ., had a separate toast drunk in his honour , and after he had returned thanks , the brethren departed for London .

The meeting was a most successful one . The arrangements had been entrusted to a committee , consisting of Bros . Wright , Heath , Wilson , and Adums , and their work was done to perfection . Bro . George Ltimbert , of Coventry-street , also had a large share of the labour of bringing the meeting np to the point of satisfying every one . By him the

tables , which were most tastefully arranged , were adorned with a superb silver service of candelabra and vases . The mantle-pieces were also supplied with rich gold and silver ornaments , and over the entrance to the room was a handsome display of banners . Bro . Lane of Berkhampstead sent some magnificent flowers and fruit , which won praises

from all . The whole company expressed their satisfaction , and the admiration of the taste which all these brethren had displayed . During the evening the brethren were favored with beautiful harmony , by Bros . W . J . Fielding , Donald King , and W . Winn . Among the songs sung was a capital Masonic song by Bro . D . King

entitled "Our Song , " " The Biave Old Temeraire , " bv Bro . Winn , " The Birth of St . Patrick , " by Mr . Fielding , " Mynheer Vanduuck , " sung as a glee , " The Mac Gregor ' s Gathering , " by Bro . D . King , a Masonic glee " Hail to the Craft , " and that capital song "The Vicar of Bray , " by Bro . Winn , all of whom were heartily cheered .

Hungary.

HUNGARY .

Eljen Magyar ! Progress of Freemasonry in Hungary . It is with heartfelt pleasure at the progress of our Craft—and , with it , that of freedomthat we report the following : The Lodge of The Three White Lillies " zu den 3 weissen Lilien , " at Temesvar , Hungary , which had existed already in 1784 , but suppressed by the progress of imperial

tyranny in the lands under the Hapsburgs of Austria , has been resucitated on the 3 rd April , 1869 . Bro . Professor Dr . Lewis Levis , AV . M . of the Lodgo of Unity in Fatherland , " zur Einigkeit im Vaterlande , " at Pesth , together with two other officers of the same lodge , were delegated to perform the edifying ceremonies of reinstating the ancient lodge at Temesvar . Our venerable brother is identified

with the struggles of Freemasonry in Austria . In Vienna ho established a lodge in 1848 , which cost him his professorship in the Academy of Engineers , being ejected from it by the reactionary ministry of Thun and Bach . He lives now to see the labors of his hands blest in autonomic Hungary . It was natural that Bro . Levis should have gone to

Temesvar to conduct the re-opening of the lodge of the Three Whito Lilies there . The ceremony was conducted with the deepest solemnity and earnestness , and culminated with an address by Bro . L . to the brethren assembled . He spoke of tho nature and importance of Freemasonry , and showed that the noble aims of the Fraternity arc the promotion of

humaneness , ennobling of humanity , the achievement and spread of true freedom , equality , and fraternity . His masterly speech culminated in tho sentence , that true freedom can only be attained through education and culture , and true prosperity only through freedom . AVith these noble words the venerable brother ended his speech . After this tho Lodge of the Three AVhite Lilies , tit Temesvar , was

declared as lawfully constituted , and thc nomination of a AV . M . and other officers was proceeded with . AVith this act the solemnities closed , and the second lodge of Freemasonry in Hungary is now duly constituted . AVhileour Masonic feelings aro gratified at thia auspicious event , our liberty-loving heart prompts us again to repeat to all Hungarians—Eljen Magyar — Exchange .