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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and retired until the lodge was opened in the third degree , when he was raised to the sublime degree ' of M . M . The lodge was then closed down and the meeting declared duly adjourned until the Monday nearest the full moon in January , emergencies excepted . Irswicil . —Prince of Wales Lodge , No . 959 , held their monthly meeting at the Masonic Hall , Ipswich , on the
3 rd instant . Between twenty and thirty brethren , including two visitors , were present . After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous lodge , two gentlemen were ballotted for and accepted , one of whom was regularly initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . The office of Treasurer having become vacant , the brethren were summoned to elect a successor to the retiring Brother ,
when their choice fell upon Bro . G . S . Golding . The Secretary read a letter from H . R . Highness the Prince of Wale ' s , M . W . P . G . M ., expressing " the satisfaction it will give him to be enrolled as an Honorary Member of the Lodge , Prince of Wales , No . 959 , of Free and Accepted Masons in the Province of Suffolk . " Whereupon the W . M ., the Rev . R . N . Sanderson , P . Prov . G .
Chaplain , Suffolk , proposed , and P . M . Towusend , P . Prov . S . G . W ., Suffolk , seconded , "That His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince of Wales , Past Grand Master of England , be elected an Honorary Member of this Lodge . " which proposition was carried unanimously aud by acclamation . There being no other business before the lodge , it was closed in ancient and solemn form .
SCOTLAND . HAMILTON . —Kilwinning Lodge , A o . 7 . —The annual meeting of this excellent lodge was held in the Masonic Lodge ' Hall in Bro . Arkle ' s Hotel , Hamilton , on Monday the 27 th ult ., ( St . John ' s Day ) , for the election of officebearers for the ensuing year , and their installation . The Right Worshipful Master having opened the lodge in the
first degree ,, the quarterly accounts were read and approved of , when the following brethren were elected : — Bros . J . C . Forrest , R . W . M . ; D . G . Dunn , S . W . ; J . Allan , J . W . ; Rev . A . C . M'Phail , Chaplain ; Wm . Moffat , Architect ; R . Archibald , Secretary ; James Mackie , Treasurer ; J . Brodie , P . M . ; Thomas Minto , B . B .: S . S . Robertson , D . M . ; William Munro , S . M . ;
A . Naismith , P . D . ; Wm . Bowie , P . Keith , J . W . Thomas , and Wm . Sumerville , P . M . ' s ; J . F . M'Kenzie , Auditor ; Thomas Welling and B . Mitchell , Tylers . The lodge having been called from labour to refreshment , the brethren adjourned , and afterwards repaired to the banquet table , over which Bro . J . C . Forrest presided , supported by the Rev . Bro . M'Phail and Bro . R .
Archibald , Bro . D . G . Dunn acting as Croupier . Bros . A . King , C . Spalding , and D . Macnaughton were present as a dejratation from the Provincial Grand Lodge , and amongst those present we observed a large number of brethren belonging to Lodge No . 233 . With toast , song , and sentiment a very harmonious evening was spent , during which a handsome harmonium was presented to
the lodge in name of the subscribers by Bro . Sumerville . STIRLING . —Antient Stirling , No . 30 . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday evening , the 27 th ult ., when the following office-bearers , previously elected , were installed into office , viz .: —R . W . M ., William M'Leary ; D . M ., Archibald Merrilees ; S . M ., fohn Stevenson ; S . W ., E . M'Lally ; J . W ., Daniel Luke ; Treas ., William
M'Gregor ; Sec , G . N . Paler . son ; S . D ., George Stony ; J . D ., James Lennie ; Chaplain , II . Wood ; J . G ., IT . F . Karrigan ; Tyler , J . Costello . COLTNESS . —St . Mary s Lodge , A ' o . 31 . —The members of this lodge held their annual festival on Monday the 27 th ult ., in Bro . Pender ' s hall . The following were the office-bearers elected : —Bros . Forrest , R . W . M . ; Nicol ,
D . M . ; Scolt , S . M . ; Wright , S . W . ; Davidson , J . W . ; M'Pherson , Treasurer ; Muir , Secretary ; Rev . James Dunn , Chaplain ; Bcattic , 11 . B . ; Binnie , S . D . ; Kerr , J . D . ; Wood , S . S . ; Ballantync , J . S . ; More , S . B . ; Pender , I . G . ; and Young , Tyler . After business , the lodge went to refreshment , when the usual Masonic loasts were duly given from the chair , and the evening spent in
a very happy manner . STIRLING . —Royal Arch , A ' o . 76 . —A meeting of this lodge was held in the Guild Hall , ou thceveningof the 27 th ult ., when the following office-bearers , previously elected , wercinstalledintooffice , viz .: —R . W . M ., T'homasTurnbull ;
P . M ., G . Morrison ; D . M ., William Stretton ; S . M ., J . Anderson ; S . W ., John Vance ; J . W ., Lambert Hopting ; Chaplain , Robert Forbes ; Treas ., Hugh M'Kay ; Sec , James Brown ; Clerk , John Davie ; S . D ., J . L . M'Gill ; J . D ., Hugh Crawford ; Steward , R . M'Lachlan ; Tyler , Thomas Robertson .
PAISLEY . —St . Mirrens Lodge , No . 129 . —On Monday the 27 th ult ., the members of this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John . The brethren met about half-past six o ' clock in the evening , in their Hall in Moss-slrcct , and after having masonically clothed themselves they marched , headed by the instrumental band of the Paisley Volunteer Corps , accompanied by flag and torch bearers ,
through the streets of the northern part of the town and thence to the new town , where the procession halted at the residence of Bro . Ex-Bailie Hamilton , in Threadstreet . The Ex-Bailie is the oldest Mason in the town , and , as may be supposed , he was right heartily greeted . Leaving there , the procession recrossed the river to Causcysidc-street , and refreshed themselves at the
residence of their R . W . M . Bro . A . Wallace . The R . W . M . then joined in the procession , which proceeded to the west end , and returned by way of High-street to the Globe Hotel . Here the lodge was opened for a time , and several deputations from sister lodges ^ YCra received
in true Masonic style . Thereafter a large number of the members of the lodge and their friends sat down to dinner , and were presided over by the R . W . M . Bro . Wallace , the Senior and Junior Wardens , Bros . W . Foulds and G . F . Paton . The chairman was supported by Bros . A . M'Lcod , P . M . ; Hamilton , P . M . ; J .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Wallace , D . M . ; Gilmour , Hill , IT . S . Edmonds , Secretary ; W . L . Mair , Advocate , and others . After dinner , which was excellently served up and well purveyed , the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drank with full honours , and then a deputation from the Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge , No . 370 , were received with great enthusiasm . A number of toasts followed . During
the evening Bro . Gilmour presented to Bro . A . M'Leod , in the name of the lodge , a massive gilt timepiece , as a token of their respect for him , and in consideration of the faithful manner in which he had discharged his duties during the period he filled the office of R . W . M . Bro . Gilmour made a very appropriate address , and remarked that he was sure none deserved the esteem of the Craft
more so than their worthy Ero . P . M . M'Leod . A handsome silver cake basket was also presented to Mrs . M'Leod . Bro . M'Leod returned his thanks for the tribute of recognition so kindly offered to him , and said that although his duties had been somewhat onerous from the fact that during his period of office he had had to assist in the opening of the Fountain Gardens and the laying the foundation-stone of the New Museum , still
they were not to think that he was now going into the shade , for he was determined to devote his best services for the welfare of the lodge . ( Applause ) . He also thanked them on behalf of Mrs . M'Leod . Several other toasts were afterwards drunk , and song and sentiment prevailed throughout a very convivial evening . The members of the Renfrew County Kilwinning lodge , 370 , dined in the George Hotel .
Oban Commercial Lodge . —On Monday night , the 27 th ult ., the brethren of the Oban Lodge Commercial , held their 78 th anniversary in their lodge , Bro , John Hunter , R . W . M ., in the chair , the duties of which he discharged throughout in a most satisfactory manner . Besides the Right Worshipful Master , the Rev . R . L . Macgeorge and the Rev . P . M'Kercher , ALA ., of Kilmore ,
Chaplains , and Bros . Gavin and Hardie , delivered most excellent and sensible addresses to an attentive and appreciative audience . The concert part of the proceedings included Gaelic and English songs , and was much relished . An assembly followed the soiree and concert . The hail was decorated with evergreens . A procession of the brethren of the lodge took place during the dav .
MELROSE , —Lodge St . yu //« . —This ancient lodge met on St . John ' s Day , 27 th December , 1869 , according to the custom of many years and even of centuries . It is one of the most ancient lodges in Scotland , dating its origin from A . D . 1136 , the time of the building of Melrose Abbey ; and is totally independent , having no connection with the Grand Lodge of Scotland . At the time of the
formation of the Grand Lodge , in the early part of last century , the Melrose Lodge , although requested to join in it , refused to do so , and although oflers of terms have since been made on the part of the Grand Lodge , they have always beeu rejected . The present position of the Melrose Lodge is that such its members have cause to congratulate themselves on the independence which they
have continued to maintain , and may even be envied by the brethren of other lodges , who find the arbitrary despotism of the Grand Lodge rather hard to bear . There are at present on the roll of the Melrose Lodge , more than four hundred members , many of whom are men of high standing in that part of the country . The funds of the lodge are also iu a very flourishing condition , and it has
at Us disposal m property and money more than one thousand pounds . This lodge has always been liberal in relieving the necessities of any poor brother , from whatever jurisdiction he may hail . It is enough that he is a brother and in want . The stranger is relieved as readily as if he were one of themselves . Members of other lodges , of whatever country , or jurisdiction , arc also received in
( he kindest possible manner , and admitted ( o all Masonic privileges along with the brethren assembled in the lodge . For a long time it has been the custom of this lodge to celebrate the festival of St . John the Evangelist , and on that day the annual election and installation of officebearers take place . There is also in the evening , a torch light procession through the town and through the still
splendid and beautiful ruins of the ancient abbey , coeval with the lodge itself , the Freemasons who built ( he abbey having been also ( he original founders ol the lodge . This torchlight procession is an impressive sight , and may be regarded as an interesting link between the present and the distant past . The poet tells us that to " view fair Melrose aright" we must " visit
it by the pale moonlight , and go alone to the grey ruins that are still so magnificent , so exquisitely beautiful , and so fraught with associations of other ages . But all the circumstances in which they are visited on the evening of the Festival of St . John are so different from what he describes , while the whole scene is one powerfully lo affect the mind and never to be torgottcn . The meeting of the lodge
of St . John s Day , 27 th December , 1869 , took place as usual , and may be termed its 733 rd anniversary , in their own Hall , High-street , Melrose . The lodge having been opened , the annual state of the funds was made up and laid betore the brethren , after which they elected the following office-bearers for the year 1 S 70 : —Bros . Andrew Hart , R . W . M . ; John Mathcson , P . M . ; William Myles ,
D . M . ; Thomas Banyan , S . W . ; Robert Renton , T . W . ; John Rcnwick , S . D . ; Andrew Scolt , J . D . ; William Johnson , John Rcdpalh , Standard Bearers ; John Scott , William Romanes , R . While , C . Brunton , T . lioston , John Cochrane , John Mahone , Andrew Murdison , Stewards ; James Fairbairn , Secretary ; William Scolt , Treasurer ; Peter Jardine , Bible Bearer ; Robert Tacket , Tylcy .
Immediately after the election and installation of these office-bearers eighty-six of ihe brethren sat down to a sumptuous dinner . Dinner being over many other brethren gathered at the door of the hall and were joined by those present at the dinner , and everyone being provided with a lighted torch , the remarkable annual procession already noticed took place ; the li ght ( lashing on the houses
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
as the procession passed through the streets , and on the partially dilapidated walls , the beautiful ornaments and tracings , the ivy , and the gravestones of the abbey . Thus has the ancient Lodge Melrose St . John kept the Festival of St . John the Evangelist for hundreds of years , and perhaps it may be said that every year the occasion becomes more interesting than before . The banners of
the lodge waved in the air as they have done in many years gone past , as the procession moved along through the streets of Melrose and the devices upon them were clearly- visible , even in the darkness of a moonless night , by the light of the numerous torches . The custom of the lodge is that the brethren march three times round the abbey , halting each time at the grave where the heart of
King Robert the Bruce is buried , whilst the band plays the national air of " Scots wha hae . " Patriotic ardour could hardly but be excited in such circumstances , the glorious remembrances of the past mingling with the facts of the present and animating hope for the future . After the procession the brethren returned to the lodge and spent the evening in harmony . During the evening Bro . Graham , S . W ., presented a jewel of solid silver , indicating
the five points of fellowship , to the R . AV . Masters in all time coming . The lodge was then called from refreshment to labour , and closed in due form . This ancient Melrose Lodge deserves to be better known than it has hitherto been amongst Freemasons in general . Its whole history is interesting , its condition is extremely flourishing , and whilst maintaining a perfect independence , it has always done so in a manner honourable to the Masonic Order , and highly tending to the advancement of its interests .
Orders Of Chivalry.
ORDERS OF CHIVALRY .
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR . SCARnOTLOVCH . —GeoJfrey-de-Bouillou Encampment . — This Encampment met at the Old Globe Inn , Globe-street , on Thursday , the 30 th ult . The following Sir Knights were present : Sir Knts . W . F . Rooke , E . C ; J . W . Woodall , P . E . C . ; Walter Reynolds , P . E . C ; W . H . Garnett , 1 st Capt . ; J . O . Surtees , 2 nd Capt . ; H . C .
Martin , Registrar and Treas . ; J . F . Spurr , Captain of Lines ; J . Kendall , Expert ; Verity , Equerry , and J . A . Chapman . The Encampment was opened at 7 . 30 p . m . •The minutes were read and confirmed . Sir Knts . Armitage and Kendall were balloted for , and unanimously elected joining members . Sir Knt . Walter Reynolds , P . E . C , ( of the Hull Encampment ) , now took the chair
as Installing Master , and installed Sir Knt . Surtees , as E . C . for the ensuing year , after which he appointed the following Knights as Officers : —E . IT . Newton , 1 st Capt . ; J . Kendall , 2 nd Capt . ; IT . C . Martin , Registrar ; S . IT . Armitagc , Expert ; Rev . IT . Blane ; Prelate ; J . A . Chapman , Captain of Lines ; J . Verity , Equerry . Sir Knt . Surtees returned thanks in a hearty manner for the honour
done him , in electing him the E . C . Sir Knts . Woodall and Rooke , P . E . C . 's , proposed a vote of thanks to be recorded on the minutes to Sir Knt . Reynolds , the Installing Master , for having attended from Hull , a distance of nearly sixty miles , in very inclement weather , to perform the duties of Installing Master , which was carried unanimously . Sir Knt . Reynolds returned thanks in his usual
kind-hearted fraternal language , assuring the Sir Knights he should always be most happy to render them such assistance in this , and the other degrees , as might at any time be required . The Encampment was now closed , and the E . C . retired , under the Arch of Steel , and the Sir Knights retired lo their annual banquet , which was served
up in Sir Knt . Chapman s usual very superior and satisfactory style . Ample justice having been done to the plentiful supply of good things , the cloth was removed , and the usual toasts were given and responded to . The Sir Knights separated at a seasonable hour , much pleased with the evening ' s business and enjoyments .
" Not being a Freemason , to my great regret , I may be guilty of some indiscretion , but I can give that holy and secret body some news . France , as well as Norway and Sweden , has declined to accept the King of Prussia as a member of any lodge or lodges . It is on account of a feeling against the Jewish race which is strong in the breasts of that very refined ,
clever , quick-sighted , intelligent people of Prussia . Heaven and earth ! could Prussia possibly get somehow a little Oriental life into her ? Professor Oppert , of " arrowhead" celebrity , has been making brilliant speeches on this subject at many meetings of Freemasons in the North of Europe . " —Paris Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph .
THE BLOOD IN OLD AGE . — As age advances the blood becomes thin and cloudy—or , in a full habit , thick and cloudy . The failing of the powers of life requires extra nutrition and support , and the blood yielding the excess required is soon overcharged with carbon , which gives to it the cloudy appearance . Being then impure , dav by day the vitiated matter increases , and the body
suffers from a thousand ailments . "The Blood Purifier , " old Dr . Jacob Townscnd's Sarsaparilla , supplies the extra nutrition to the blood and restores to it its florid hue , and then the progress of decay is arrested and ( he ailmenls disappear—man lives out his days , and the sunset of life is unattended with suffering . Testimonials with each bottle from the Hon . the Dean of Lismore , General Wm .
Gilbert , of the Indian Army ; and Rev . Francis Monck , of "The Gospel Evangelist . " Ordered also for Apothecaries' Hall , London . Sold by all druggists , in bottles 2 s . 6 d ., 4 s ., 4 s . 6 d ., 7 s . 6 d ., lis . Pills and Ointment , each in boxes is . i ^ d ., 2 s . pd ., 4 s . 6 d . —Caution : Get the red and blue wrappers , with the old Doctor ' s head in the centre . No other genuine .-- [ Advt . ]
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and retired until the lodge was opened in the third degree , when he was raised to the sublime degree ' of M . M . The lodge was then closed down and the meeting declared duly adjourned until the Monday nearest the full moon in January , emergencies excepted . Irswicil . —Prince of Wales Lodge , No . 959 , held their monthly meeting at the Masonic Hall , Ipswich , on the
3 rd instant . Between twenty and thirty brethren , including two visitors , were present . After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous lodge , two gentlemen were ballotted for and accepted , one of whom was regularly initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . The office of Treasurer having become vacant , the brethren were summoned to elect a successor to the retiring Brother ,
when their choice fell upon Bro . G . S . Golding . The Secretary read a letter from H . R . Highness the Prince of Wale ' s , M . W . P . G . M ., expressing " the satisfaction it will give him to be enrolled as an Honorary Member of the Lodge , Prince of Wales , No . 959 , of Free and Accepted Masons in the Province of Suffolk . " Whereupon the W . M ., the Rev . R . N . Sanderson , P . Prov . G .
Chaplain , Suffolk , proposed , and P . M . Towusend , P . Prov . S . G . W ., Suffolk , seconded , "That His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince of Wales , Past Grand Master of England , be elected an Honorary Member of this Lodge . " which proposition was carried unanimously aud by acclamation . There being no other business before the lodge , it was closed in ancient and solemn form .
SCOTLAND . HAMILTON . —Kilwinning Lodge , A o . 7 . —The annual meeting of this excellent lodge was held in the Masonic Lodge ' Hall in Bro . Arkle ' s Hotel , Hamilton , on Monday the 27 th ult ., ( St . John ' s Day ) , for the election of officebearers for the ensuing year , and their installation . The Right Worshipful Master having opened the lodge in the
first degree ,, the quarterly accounts were read and approved of , when the following brethren were elected : — Bros . J . C . Forrest , R . W . M . ; D . G . Dunn , S . W . ; J . Allan , J . W . ; Rev . A . C . M'Phail , Chaplain ; Wm . Moffat , Architect ; R . Archibald , Secretary ; James Mackie , Treasurer ; J . Brodie , P . M . ; Thomas Minto , B . B .: S . S . Robertson , D . M . ; William Munro , S . M . ;
A . Naismith , P . D . ; Wm . Bowie , P . Keith , J . W . Thomas , and Wm . Sumerville , P . M . ' s ; J . F . M'Kenzie , Auditor ; Thomas Welling and B . Mitchell , Tylers . The lodge having been called from labour to refreshment , the brethren adjourned , and afterwards repaired to the banquet table , over which Bro . J . C . Forrest presided , supported by the Rev . Bro . M'Phail and Bro . R .
Archibald , Bro . D . G . Dunn acting as Croupier . Bros . A . King , C . Spalding , and D . Macnaughton were present as a dejratation from the Provincial Grand Lodge , and amongst those present we observed a large number of brethren belonging to Lodge No . 233 . With toast , song , and sentiment a very harmonious evening was spent , during which a handsome harmonium was presented to
the lodge in name of the subscribers by Bro . Sumerville . STIRLING . —Antient Stirling , No . 30 . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday evening , the 27 th ult ., when the following office-bearers , previously elected , were installed into office , viz .: —R . W . M ., William M'Leary ; D . M ., Archibald Merrilees ; S . M ., fohn Stevenson ; S . W ., E . M'Lally ; J . W ., Daniel Luke ; Treas ., William
M'Gregor ; Sec , G . N . Paler . son ; S . D ., George Stony ; J . D ., James Lennie ; Chaplain , II . Wood ; J . G ., IT . F . Karrigan ; Tyler , J . Costello . COLTNESS . —St . Mary s Lodge , A ' o . 31 . —The members of this lodge held their annual festival on Monday the 27 th ult ., in Bro . Pender ' s hall . The following were the office-bearers elected : —Bros . Forrest , R . W . M . ; Nicol ,
D . M . ; Scolt , S . M . ; Wright , S . W . ; Davidson , J . W . ; M'Pherson , Treasurer ; Muir , Secretary ; Rev . James Dunn , Chaplain ; Bcattic , 11 . B . ; Binnie , S . D . ; Kerr , J . D . ; Wood , S . S . ; Ballantync , J . S . ; More , S . B . ; Pender , I . G . ; and Young , Tyler . After business , the lodge went to refreshment , when the usual Masonic loasts were duly given from the chair , and the evening spent in
a very happy manner . STIRLING . —Royal Arch , A ' o . 76 . —A meeting of this lodge was held in the Guild Hall , ou thceveningof the 27 th ult ., when the following office-bearers , previously elected , wercinstalledintooffice , viz .: —R . W . M ., T'homasTurnbull ;
P . M ., G . Morrison ; D . M ., William Stretton ; S . M ., J . Anderson ; S . W ., John Vance ; J . W ., Lambert Hopting ; Chaplain , Robert Forbes ; Treas ., Hugh M'Kay ; Sec , James Brown ; Clerk , John Davie ; S . D ., J . L . M'Gill ; J . D ., Hugh Crawford ; Steward , R . M'Lachlan ; Tyler , Thomas Robertson .
PAISLEY . —St . Mirrens Lodge , No . 129 . —On Monday the 27 th ult ., the members of this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John . The brethren met about half-past six o ' clock in the evening , in their Hall in Moss-slrcct , and after having masonically clothed themselves they marched , headed by the instrumental band of the Paisley Volunteer Corps , accompanied by flag and torch bearers ,
through the streets of the northern part of the town and thence to the new town , where the procession halted at the residence of Bro . Ex-Bailie Hamilton , in Threadstreet . The Ex-Bailie is the oldest Mason in the town , and , as may be supposed , he was right heartily greeted . Leaving there , the procession recrossed the river to Causcysidc-street , and refreshed themselves at the
residence of their R . W . M . Bro . A . Wallace . The R . W . M . then joined in the procession , which proceeded to the west end , and returned by way of High-street to the Globe Hotel . Here the lodge was opened for a time , and several deputations from sister lodges ^ YCra received
in true Masonic style . Thereafter a large number of the members of the lodge and their friends sat down to dinner , and were presided over by the R . W . M . Bro . Wallace , the Senior and Junior Wardens , Bros . W . Foulds and G . F . Paton . The chairman was supported by Bros . A . M'Lcod , P . M . ; Hamilton , P . M . ; J .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Wallace , D . M . ; Gilmour , Hill , IT . S . Edmonds , Secretary ; W . L . Mair , Advocate , and others . After dinner , which was excellently served up and well purveyed , the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drank with full honours , and then a deputation from the Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge , No . 370 , were received with great enthusiasm . A number of toasts followed . During
the evening Bro . Gilmour presented to Bro . A . M'Leod , in the name of the lodge , a massive gilt timepiece , as a token of their respect for him , and in consideration of the faithful manner in which he had discharged his duties during the period he filled the office of R . W . M . Bro . Gilmour made a very appropriate address , and remarked that he was sure none deserved the esteem of the Craft
more so than their worthy Ero . P . M . M'Leod . A handsome silver cake basket was also presented to Mrs . M'Leod . Bro . M'Leod returned his thanks for the tribute of recognition so kindly offered to him , and said that although his duties had been somewhat onerous from the fact that during his period of office he had had to assist in the opening of the Fountain Gardens and the laying the foundation-stone of the New Museum , still
they were not to think that he was now going into the shade , for he was determined to devote his best services for the welfare of the lodge . ( Applause ) . He also thanked them on behalf of Mrs . M'Leod . Several other toasts were afterwards drunk , and song and sentiment prevailed throughout a very convivial evening . The members of the Renfrew County Kilwinning lodge , 370 , dined in the George Hotel .
Oban Commercial Lodge . —On Monday night , the 27 th ult ., the brethren of the Oban Lodge Commercial , held their 78 th anniversary in their lodge , Bro , John Hunter , R . W . M ., in the chair , the duties of which he discharged throughout in a most satisfactory manner . Besides the Right Worshipful Master , the Rev . R . L . Macgeorge and the Rev . P . M'Kercher , ALA ., of Kilmore ,
Chaplains , and Bros . Gavin and Hardie , delivered most excellent and sensible addresses to an attentive and appreciative audience . The concert part of the proceedings included Gaelic and English songs , and was much relished . An assembly followed the soiree and concert . The hail was decorated with evergreens . A procession of the brethren of the lodge took place during the dav .
MELROSE , —Lodge St . yu //« . —This ancient lodge met on St . John ' s Day , 27 th December , 1869 , according to the custom of many years and even of centuries . It is one of the most ancient lodges in Scotland , dating its origin from A . D . 1136 , the time of the building of Melrose Abbey ; and is totally independent , having no connection with the Grand Lodge of Scotland . At the time of the
formation of the Grand Lodge , in the early part of last century , the Melrose Lodge , although requested to join in it , refused to do so , and although oflers of terms have since been made on the part of the Grand Lodge , they have always beeu rejected . The present position of the Melrose Lodge is that such its members have cause to congratulate themselves on the independence which they
have continued to maintain , and may even be envied by the brethren of other lodges , who find the arbitrary despotism of the Grand Lodge rather hard to bear . There are at present on the roll of the Melrose Lodge , more than four hundred members , many of whom are men of high standing in that part of the country . The funds of the lodge are also iu a very flourishing condition , and it has
at Us disposal m property and money more than one thousand pounds . This lodge has always been liberal in relieving the necessities of any poor brother , from whatever jurisdiction he may hail . It is enough that he is a brother and in want . The stranger is relieved as readily as if he were one of themselves . Members of other lodges , of whatever country , or jurisdiction , arc also received in
( he kindest possible manner , and admitted ( o all Masonic privileges along with the brethren assembled in the lodge . For a long time it has been the custom of this lodge to celebrate the festival of St . John the Evangelist , and on that day the annual election and installation of officebearers take place . There is also in the evening , a torch light procession through the town and through the still
splendid and beautiful ruins of the ancient abbey , coeval with the lodge itself , the Freemasons who built ( he abbey having been also ( he original founders ol the lodge . This torchlight procession is an impressive sight , and may be regarded as an interesting link between the present and the distant past . The poet tells us that to " view fair Melrose aright" we must " visit
it by the pale moonlight , and go alone to the grey ruins that are still so magnificent , so exquisitely beautiful , and so fraught with associations of other ages . But all the circumstances in which they are visited on the evening of the Festival of St . John are so different from what he describes , while the whole scene is one powerfully lo affect the mind and never to be torgottcn . The meeting of the lodge
of St . John s Day , 27 th December , 1869 , took place as usual , and may be termed its 733 rd anniversary , in their own Hall , High-street , Melrose . The lodge having been opened , the annual state of the funds was made up and laid betore the brethren , after which they elected the following office-bearers for the year 1 S 70 : —Bros . Andrew Hart , R . W . M . ; John Mathcson , P . M . ; William Myles ,
D . M . ; Thomas Banyan , S . W . ; Robert Renton , T . W . ; John Rcnwick , S . D . ; Andrew Scolt , J . D . ; William Johnson , John Rcdpalh , Standard Bearers ; John Scott , William Romanes , R . While , C . Brunton , T . lioston , John Cochrane , John Mahone , Andrew Murdison , Stewards ; James Fairbairn , Secretary ; William Scolt , Treasurer ; Peter Jardine , Bible Bearer ; Robert Tacket , Tylcy .
Immediately after the election and installation of these office-bearers eighty-six of ihe brethren sat down to a sumptuous dinner . Dinner being over many other brethren gathered at the door of the hall and were joined by those present at the dinner , and everyone being provided with a lighted torch , the remarkable annual procession already noticed took place ; the li ght ( lashing on the houses
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
as the procession passed through the streets , and on the partially dilapidated walls , the beautiful ornaments and tracings , the ivy , and the gravestones of the abbey . Thus has the ancient Lodge Melrose St . John kept the Festival of St . John the Evangelist for hundreds of years , and perhaps it may be said that every year the occasion becomes more interesting than before . The banners of
the lodge waved in the air as they have done in many years gone past , as the procession moved along through the streets of Melrose and the devices upon them were clearly- visible , even in the darkness of a moonless night , by the light of the numerous torches . The custom of the lodge is that the brethren march three times round the abbey , halting each time at the grave where the heart of
King Robert the Bruce is buried , whilst the band plays the national air of " Scots wha hae . " Patriotic ardour could hardly but be excited in such circumstances , the glorious remembrances of the past mingling with the facts of the present and animating hope for the future . After the procession the brethren returned to the lodge and spent the evening in harmony . During the evening Bro . Graham , S . W ., presented a jewel of solid silver , indicating
the five points of fellowship , to the R . AV . Masters in all time coming . The lodge was then called from refreshment to labour , and closed in due form . This ancient Melrose Lodge deserves to be better known than it has hitherto been amongst Freemasons in general . Its whole history is interesting , its condition is extremely flourishing , and whilst maintaining a perfect independence , it has always done so in a manner honourable to the Masonic Order , and highly tending to the advancement of its interests .
Orders Of Chivalry.
ORDERS OF CHIVALRY .
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR . SCARnOTLOVCH . —GeoJfrey-de-Bouillou Encampment . — This Encampment met at the Old Globe Inn , Globe-street , on Thursday , the 30 th ult . The following Sir Knights were present : Sir Knts . W . F . Rooke , E . C ; J . W . Woodall , P . E . C . ; Walter Reynolds , P . E . C ; W . H . Garnett , 1 st Capt . ; J . O . Surtees , 2 nd Capt . ; H . C .
Martin , Registrar and Treas . ; J . F . Spurr , Captain of Lines ; J . Kendall , Expert ; Verity , Equerry , and J . A . Chapman . The Encampment was opened at 7 . 30 p . m . •The minutes were read and confirmed . Sir Knts . Armitage and Kendall were balloted for , and unanimously elected joining members . Sir Knt . Walter Reynolds , P . E . C , ( of the Hull Encampment ) , now took the chair
as Installing Master , and installed Sir Knt . Surtees , as E . C . for the ensuing year , after which he appointed the following Knights as Officers : —E . IT . Newton , 1 st Capt . ; J . Kendall , 2 nd Capt . ; IT . C . Martin , Registrar ; S . IT . Armitagc , Expert ; Rev . IT . Blane ; Prelate ; J . A . Chapman , Captain of Lines ; J . Verity , Equerry . Sir Knt . Surtees returned thanks in a hearty manner for the honour
done him , in electing him the E . C . Sir Knts . Woodall and Rooke , P . E . C . 's , proposed a vote of thanks to be recorded on the minutes to Sir Knt . Reynolds , the Installing Master , for having attended from Hull , a distance of nearly sixty miles , in very inclement weather , to perform the duties of Installing Master , which was carried unanimously . Sir Knt . Reynolds returned thanks in his usual
kind-hearted fraternal language , assuring the Sir Knights he should always be most happy to render them such assistance in this , and the other degrees , as might at any time be required . The Encampment was now closed , and the E . C . retired , under the Arch of Steel , and the Sir Knights retired lo their annual banquet , which was served
up in Sir Knt . Chapman s usual very superior and satisfactory style . Ample justice having been done to the plentiful supply of good things , the cloth was removed , and the usual toasts were given and responded to . The Sir Knights separated at a seasonable hour , much pleased with the evening ' s business and enjoyments .
" Not being a Freemason , to my great regret , I may be guilty of some indiscretion , but I can give that holy and secret body some news . France , as well as Norway and Sweden , has declined to accept the King of Prussia as a member of any lodge or lodges . It is on account of a feeling against the Jewish race which is strong in the breasts of that very refined ,
clever , quick-sighted , intelligent people of Prussia . Heaven and earth ! could Prussia possibly get somehow a little Oriental life into her ? Professor Oppert , of " arrowhead" celebrity , has been making brilliant speeches on this subject at many meetings of Freemasons in the North of Europe . " —Paris Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph .
THE BLOOD IN OLD AGE . — As age advances the blood becomes thin and cloudy—or , in a full habit , thick and cloudy . The failing of the powers of life requires extra nutrition and support , and the blood yielding the excess required is soon overcharged with carbon , which gives to it the cloudy appearance . Being then impure , dav by day the vitiated matter increases , and the body
suffers from a thousand ailments . "The Blood Purifier , " old Dr . Jacob Townscnd's Sarsaparilla , supplies the extra nutrition to the blood and restores to it its florid hue , and then the progress of decay is arrested and ( he ailmenls disappear—man lives out his days , and the sunset of life is unattended with suffering . Testimonials with each bottle from the Hon . the Dean of Lismore , General Wm .
Gilbert , of the Indian Army ; and Rev . Francis Monck , of "The Gospel Evangelist . " Ordered also for Apothecaries' Hall , London . Sold by all druggists , in bottles 2 s . 6 d ., 4 s ., 4 s . 6 d ., 7 s . 6 d ., lis . Pills and Ointment , each in boxes is . i ^ d ., 2 s . pd ., 4 s . 6 d . —Caution : Get the red and blue wrappers , with the old Doctor ' s head in the centre . No other genuine .-- [ Advt . ]