Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

H . B . Harding , W . M . ; J . Duncan , S . W . ; J . Speller , J . VV . ; W . Hancock , Preceptorj J . Petch , P . G . Std . Br . Herts , Treas . ; C . M . Coxon , Sec . ; J . VV . Clarke , S . D . ; R . VV . Nicole , J . D . ; H . J . Kimbell , jun ., I . G . ; D . P . Holness , P . M . ; A . Wolter , T . Williams , and R . Loomes . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The

ceremony of initiation was then rehearsed , Bio . Holness being the candidate . The VV . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Holness , P . M ., andthe lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Loomes answered the questions leading to the Third Degree , and vvas entrusted . The lodge vvas opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising

rehearsed , Bro . Loomes being the candidate . The lodge vvas resumed tothe First Degree . Bro . Duncan vvas elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed the officers in rotation . Nothing further offering , the lodge vvas closed . A meeting of the Third Islington Masonic Charities Association vvas then held , and a ballot taken for a Life Governorship in the Masonic Charities .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , S . W ., on Thursday , the ist inst ., when there vvere present Bros . G . H . Foan , W . M . j J . R . Harnell , S . W . j C . O . Burgess , J . W . j VV . C . Smith , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , Treas . and Sec . ; G . H . Reynolds , S . D . ; J . Rowe , J . D . j T . C Seary , I . G . j T . E . Weeks , Tyler j A . Cogliati , VV . Valian , and H . Matthews .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the meeting held on the iSth December were read and confirmed . Bro . T . C . Seary having offered himself as a candidate for initiation , the W . M . rehearsed the ceremony . Bro . W . Valian offered himself as a candidate to be passed to the Second Degree , and having answered the necessary questions , vvas entrusted and retired . The lodge vvas

opened in the Second Degree . The VV . M . rehearsed the Degree of F . C . The lodge vvas resumed to the First Degree . On rising for the second time , Bro . J . R . Harnell vvas unanimously elected W . M . for the 15 th inst ., the ceremony of installation , in accordance with the minutes of the 4 th December last , being worked by the W . M . and the VV . M . elect of the mother lodge on the following Thursday .

The W . M . elect appointed his officers in rotation . On rising for the third time , Bro . G . Reynolds proposed that the annual New Year's gifts of £ 1 is . to Bro . T . E . Weeks , Tyler , and 5 s . to Bro . Tooley , the serving brother , be voted to those brethren from the funds of the lodge of instruction . Seconded by Bro . G . H . Reynolds , and

carried unanimously . Bro . T . E . Weeks thanked the brethren for the kind gift . Bro . VV . C . Smith , the past Preceptor , received the hearty congratulations of the brethren present on the improved state of his health , and they hoped to see him amongst them often . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge vvas closed .

KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., at the Scarsdale Arms Hotel , Edwardes-square , Kensington , W . Present : Bros . J . R . Hubbard , W . M . j James Wiggins , S . W . j A . Ellenden , J . W . j Geo . Read , P . M ., Preceptorj R . H . Williams , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Middx ., Treas . j F . Craggs , Sec . j T . W . Heath , S . D . ; B . Kenyon , J . D . j G . A .

Knight , I . G . j W . C . Williams , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . Middx . j G . Swann , W . M . S 65 j VV . B . Neville , J . H . Neville , A . G . Talbot , W . J . Rendall , VV . Hillier , D . Boyce , E . J . Green , and W . Dresden . l'he lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed , Bro . W . B . Neville acting as candidate . The W . M . gave the charge . The lodge vvas

opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . J . H . Neville having been previously examined and entrusted , the ceremony vvas rehearsed , Bro . Neville acting as candidate . Lodge vvas then resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Wiggins vvas elected W . M . for the next meeting . A vote of condolence and sympathy was passed vvith the relatives of the late Bro . W . E . Macey , whose death had occurred so suddenly . The lodge vvas then closed .

CREATON LODGE ( No . 1791 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Thursday , the ist instant , at the Wheatsheaf Hotel , Goldhawk-road , Shepherd ' s Bush , W . Present : Bros . W . Hillier , W . M . j J . Brown , S . W . j H . P . Gilbert , P . M ., J . W . ; John Davies , VV . M . 16 9 , Preceptor ; E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . j F . Craggs , Sec ( pro tern . ); Alfred Love , S . D . j T . S . Stevens , J . D . j W . G . Jennings , I . G . j James Sims , P . M . j and others .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the ist Section of the First Lecture was worked by the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . A brother offered himself as a candidate for passing , and having been examined , vvas entrusted . The lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed . The lodge vvas resumed to the First Degree , and Bro . Davies rehearsed the addresses incident to the installation . Bro . Brown was elected VV . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge vvas closed .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Saturday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Windsor Castle Hotel , Hammersmith , VV ., when there vvere present Bros . VV Hillier , W . M . j T . W . Biggs , S . W . j J . N . Baxter , J . W . j E . Ayling , P . M ., Preceptorj J . Sims , P . M ., Deputy Preceptorj J . Brown , Secj VV . S . Whiteley , S . D . j W . A . Pocock , 59 , ( visitor ) , J . D .: F . A . Barth ,

I . G . j J . Cox , Slvvd . j A . Williams , P . M . j E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., Prov . G . S . B . Surrey ; F . Walden , Dr . Stanley-Mansfield , J . Wilson , and G . VV . Kirkham . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The VV . M . rehearsed the ceremony of initiation , Bro . Mulvey being the

candidate . Ihe ist Section of the Lecture vvas worked by thebrethren , under the direction of Bro . A . Williams . On the usual risings , Bro . Pocock , 59 , vvas elected a member of the lodge , and Bro . Biggs vvas elected VV . M . for the 17 th inst . As the next meeting is the officers' night , the installation ceremony will be worked by the VV . M . of the lodge . The lodge vvas then closed .

THE ABBEY ( WESTMINSTER ) LODGE ( No . 2030 ) . —A meeting of this lodge vvas held on Friday , the 2 nd instant , at the Town Hall , Westminster , when there vvere present Bros . Roberts , W . M . j Barber , S . W . j Hobbs , J . W . j Gibson , P . M ., Preceptorj Coughlan , P . M ., Sec . j Budd , Asst . Sec j Piper , S . D . ; Smith , J . D . j Badderley , I . G . j Balchin , Stwd . j Brindley , P . M . j Maloney , Holland , White , Bristow , Bates , and Bradley ( visitor ) .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed , Bro . .. Brindley being candidate . Bro . Bristow , a candidate to be passed to the Second Degree , answered the usual questions , and vvas

entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . The ceremony of passing vvas rehearsed , Bro . Bristow being candidate . The lodge was closed down . Bro . Barber was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed .

STAR CHAPTER ( No . 1275 ) . — The usual weekly meeting of this chapter was held at the Stirling Castle , Camberwell , on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., when there vvere present Comps . T . Grummant , P . Z ., M . E . Z . j Benedetti , H . ; North , J . ; F . Hilton , P . Z ., Preceptor and S . E . ; Vincent , P . Z ., S . N . j G . L . Moore , P . Z ., P . S . j Davis , Martin , Halls , Marsden , and Addington .

The chapter vvas opened , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation vvas ably worked by the M . E . Z . The three installation ceremonies will be worked this ( Friday ) evening by Comp . Hilton , Preceptor . All Arch Masons will be welcomed , especially Principals and Past Principals . Installation at 7 p . m . j exaltation ceremony , S p . m .

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

STONEHOUSE . Sincerity Lodge ( No . 35 ) . —The annual meeting was held at St . George's Hall , on the 6 th instant . VV . Bro . A . Trout , the W . C . N ., vvas installed . The officers invested vvere Bros . F . R . Thomas , I . P . W . C . N . j Sholto

H . Hare , J . j A . VV . White , S . j Rev . Dr . Lemon , Chap . ; A . VV . VVhite , Treas . ; J . Parker , Scribe ; F . M . H . Somerville , S . D . j VV . Blight , J . D .- ; G . Dunsterville , D . C ; E . Aslat , O . ; J . B . Moulder , Guardian j J . Buchan and T . Lillicrap , Stewards , - and J . Gidley , VVarder .

Scotland.

Scotland .

EDINBURGH . Scone and Perth Lodge ( No . 3 ) . —The annual Festival of Holy St . John was celebrated by this ancient and prosperous lodge on Friday , December 26 th , Bro . J . Smail , R . W . M ., presided , and there were also present Bros . A . D . Clive , S . W . ; J . F . Gowans , J . VV . j A . J . Stephenson , I . P . M . j Rev . J . M . Strachan ,

Chap . j D . C . Smith , Sec . j J . McDiarmid , Treas . j T . Hunter , P . M . ; J . Wallace , P . M . ; McCallum , Dempster , Elliot , Martin , Glover , Alexandra , Rodman , Liebow , Bryson , Wilson , Macdougall , Pine , and others . An excellent dinner was served by the Steward , Bro .

McLean , King's Arms Hotel , which vvas much appreciated by all present . After dinner the brethren adjourned to the Masonic Hall , High-street , where the remainder of the evening was spent in song and harmony . The musical part of the programme vvas carried out by Bro . Miller ' s quadrille band .

The Re-Union Of Melrose Lodge With Grand Lodge.

THE RE-UNION OF MELROSE LODGE WITH GRAND LODGE .

The Edinburgh Evening Dispatch gives a sketch of the old Masonic Lodge of Melrose , vvhich stands in the village of Newstead , a mile to the east of the modern structure in the Hi gh-street . The union of the lodge vvith the Grand Lodge of Scotland , after a separate existence of upwards of a century and a half , vvas

celebrated on St . John ' s Day vvith more than the customary festivities . The lodge has maintained an isolated existence from time immemorial . When in 1736 the other lodges decided to band themselves together in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , the Melrose Lodge stood aloof . A copy of the circular then sent out is in the

possession ot the lodge at Melrose , but there is no record as to what steps , if any , vvere taken in consequence of its receipt . Having regard to the desirability of uniting the Lodge St . John to the Grand Lodge , endeavours have from time to time been made to effect a union , and as the result of certain overtures begun

at the close of 188 7 , the G . Lodge has recently submitted the terms , vvhich vvere under consideration by the Melrose Lodge on Saturday . These provide that the Grand Lodge will not interfere with the funds or property at present belonging to the Melrose Lodge , but that these remain as formerly the exclusive property of that

lodge ; that the Melrose Lodge makes certain specified payments to the Grand Lodge , by the constitution and laws of vvhich the members of the Melrose Lodge shall after date of union be bound ; and that in consideration of the documentary evidence of the antiquity of the lodge the position of No . i-i- be assigned to it on the

roll of the Grand Lodge . Equitable though the terms appear , considerable opposition to the proposal for union vvas apprehended , and to prevent any error it vvas deemed expedient to discard the old practice of taking the feeling of the meeting by a " plurality of voices " in favour of a vote by ballot . The case having been laid before the brethren and both sides heard , the

vote vvas taken , vvith the result that there voted for the union 6 9 , against 20 ; majority in favour of union , 49 . And thus , in the words of the Committee of the Grand Lodge , the union of this ancient independent body with the Grand Lodge will efface the last vestige of Masonic schism in Scotland . Bro . William Hart has been re-appointed R . W . M .

I he Duke of Clarence and Avondale arrived at Osborne on a visit to the Queen on Saturday last , coming over from Portsmouth with the Duke of Connaught , vvho is unable to take up his residence in that town till his house has been set in order .

Annual Festival Of The Langton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1673.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE LANGTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1673 .

The annual festival of the Langton Lodge of Instruction , No . 16 73 , vvas held on Thursday , December 18 th , at the White Hart Tavern , Abchurch-lane , E . G ., when the following brethren vvere present , Bro . J . D . Langton , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey , being in the chair : Bros . Gordon Smith , P . G . S . ; C . W . Mapleton , S . W . and W . M .

elect 256 ; G . Anderson , P . G . S . ; F . Knight , 1185 ; H . M . Hobbs , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey ; J . S . Fraser , P . S . G . D . Surrey ; E . A . de Paiva , J . W . 176 ; C . H . Simmons , J . D . 168 ; G . F . Marshall , P . M . 6 9 ; R . C Sudlow , G . S . B . ; S . Lea-Smith , S . W . 1159 ; H . J , Gates , 16 73 ; P . H . Smiles , W . M . 1361 ; C . W . C .

Webb , P . S . G . D . Surrey ; B . Gardner , 6 9 ; J . G . C . Bull , 1194 ; and H . H . Leigh , 16 73 ( visitor ) . This being a special evening no work was done in the lodge , and after the monthly meeting of the Second Langton Benevolent Association the brethren sat down

to an excellent repast , provided by Bro . Anderson . The usual Masonic toasts , interspersed vvith songs , were duly proposed , and a very pleasant evening was spent , in the course of vvhich the SECRETARY gave a short account of the position of the lodge , vvhich was a very satisfactory one from all points .

Masonic Ball At Northampton.

MASONIC BALL AT NORTHAMPTON .

The brethren of Northampton held a grand ball at their new hall , on December 24 th , under the auspices of the Pomfret Lodge , No . 3 60 ; the Eleanor Cross Lodge , No . 1764 ; the DelaPre Lodge , No . 1911 ; the Right Hon . the Earl of Euston , D . L ., Prov . Grand Master Northants and Hunts ; Bro . Butler Wilkins , P . G . S . B . England , D . P . G . M ., and was in every way a complete success .

Dispensations vvere granted by the authorities of the Craft , Royal Arch , Mark , Royal Ark Mariners , Rose Croix , Knights Templar , and other Masonic bodies to wear the clothing of their respective Degrees , and the officers of the Army , Navy , and Reserve Forces vvere requested to appear in uniform .

The arrangements vvere carried out by the following Committee , and vvere all that could be desired : Bros . T . P . Dorman , H . W . K . Markham , C . E . Thorpe , H . Manfield , G . Ellard , R . Croft , G . Butcher , A . F . Mulliner , E . Fletcher , A . Jones , W . H . Peirce , and T . Emery . Bro . W . H . Smith undertook the arduous duties of Hon . Sec , and did his utmost to promote the comfort and pleasure of the guests .

The dancing took place in the large lodge-room , and the company numbered about 100 . The programme contained 21 selections of the newest music , and the band was under the able direction of Mr . Louis Warnes . Supper , supplied by Bro . W . F . Tipler , vvas set out in excellent style in the grand hall . Dancing commenced at eight o ' clock , and was continued until between two

and three in the morning . Bro . A . F . Mulliner , 176 4 , efficiently acted as Master of the Ceremonies , and the following as Stewards : Bros . E . B . Fletcher , W . M . elect 3 60 ; C . E . Thorpe , J . D . 3 60 ; W . H . Peirce , 3 60 ; T . P . Dorman , W . M . 1764 ; H . Manfield , Treas . 1764 ; H . W . K . Markham , Sec . 1911 ; and W . H . Smith , Hon . Sec . 1764 .

Masonic Auxiliary Bazaar In Glasgow.

MASONIC AUXILIARY BAZAAR IN GLASGOW .

In connection with the Grand Lodge Benevolent Annuity Fund , a three-days' auxiliary bazaar for the disposal cf " numerous van-loads of unopened goods consigned to the Edinburgh bazaar , " vvas opened b y Bro . Sir Archibald Campbell , M . P ., Grand Master of Scotland , on the 2 nd inst ., in the Trades' Hall , Glasgow .

In performing the ceremony , Sir ARCHIBALD said that it vvas now four weeks since he opened the bazaar i . i Edinburgh , vvhich terminated in a very great success , and in the addition to the funds of Freemasonry of no less a sum than £ 16 , 150 . The efforts that vvere made by the ladies and gentlemen then to assist their Craft

and craftsmen vvere now to be supplemented by this bazaar in Glasgow , and he trusted that their efforts upon this occasion would be crowned vvith success , and that they would be able to add to the sum already at their disposal in aid of the Craft in Scotland . After paying a tribute to the work done b y his predecessor ,

Bro . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , vvhich made it , he said , all the more easy for him and the Craft of the Grand Lodge to appeal to the Craft of Scotland , he urged that every assistance be given in the good work . Bro . J GRAHAM , of Broadstone , Prov . G . M ., in

moving a vote of thanks to Bro . Sir Archibald Campbell , said they trusted to be able to raise the Benevolent Fund to £ 20 , 000 before they vvere done . Indeed , he hoped they would be able in time , as they did in England , to spend £ 50 , 000 in Charity .

Bro . the Earl of Wharncliffe has received a reply from the Marquis of Salisbury to the memorial he forwarded praying that the good offices of the British Government might be used vvith the Khedive , to induce his Highness to appoint an official to look after the monuments of ancient Egypt , and prevent their further mutilation by the Arabs . Lord Salisbury states that the memorial has been forwarded , and will be presented to the Khedive , but that the nationality of the official to be appointed is a matter vvhich rests with the Khedive .