Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Tunis And Malta.

effect in staying the revolutionary tendencies now too current in the lodges of Europe . Hc concluded his remarks by thanking the D . P . G . M ., Bvo . Westrup , for his hearty co-operation , and by expressing his gratification at the unwearied exertions of the P . G . " Secretary , Bro . Coffey , in the discharge of the important duties of his office . Bro . Watson expressed the pleasure felt by Lodge No . 107 at

entertaining P . G . L . R . W . Bro Bedford briefly addressed the brethren , remarking he was truly delighted with all he bad seen of Alasonry in Malta , especially as regards his favourite Degree of the Alark . He paid a grateful tribute to the labours of his colleague , their P . G . AI ., who ruled over the Province of Tunis and Alalia with such skill and ability . What he had seen and heard that evening would

certainly induce him on his return to England to put forth fresh efforts t ' o promote the progress and popularity of the Degree in his district , where he hoped soon to welcome Bro . Broadley . The charitable collection having been made , the P . G . Lodge was closed , and the P . G . AI . and his Grand Officers retired in procession .

The Keystone Lodge was then closed . The brethren , at the invitation of Lodge No . 107 , adjourned to a banquet , under the presidency of the P . G . AI . Tlie usual toasts belonging to Mark Alasonry were given and responded to , and a most enjoyable evening spent . The Ark Alarincrs Degree is also making rapid progress in Tunis and Alalia , the two lodges , Saint Elmo , No . 24 S , and Charles the Fifth , No . 254 , having a total of fifty-eight

members . The P . G . AI . AL , being also ex-officio P . G . Commander of the Ark , has made the following appointments to provincial rank , viz .: Bros . Lieut . C . E . Coffey , R . A ., D . P . G . Cj Capt . C . J . Blake , R . A ., G . S . W . J . ; j . E . L . Baker , G . J . W . S . ; " J . W . Starkey , G . Scribe ; | . Segond , G . Treasurer : Rev . G . N . Godwin , G . Chap . ; T . R . Beechey , 30 ° , G . Dir . of Cir . ; J . Walker , G . S . D . ; E . They , G . J . D . ; H . Stilon , G . Guardian ; A . Ewing , G . Organist ; Mortimer , and Curleito , G . Stewards ; and Beck , G . Warden .

Masonic Ball At Gibraltar.

MASONIC BALL AT GIBRALTAR .

The rejoicings of the Easter week worthily commenced here with a grand ball given by the Freemasons of Gibraltar at the Theatre Royal . To say that it was a success would scarcely do justice to tbe care and forethought which had been bestowed on all the arrangements , of which the result was satisfactory to the full . Alasonic balls seem to have no exception to success , ancl as they occur in their

turn each one is in some respects better than the last . 'I he ball of Easter week will hold a high place in the list , and thc pleasant memories of the great trouble taken by the brethren of the Craft to worthily entertain their numerous guests will scarcely be lost sight of for a long time . What made the entertainment particularly noticeable was the care with which even the minutest details had been thought oi and provided for , even the dance programmes , the supper

menus , and the badges worn by Stewards being perfect works of art . As to the decorations and embellishment of our theatre the transformation is hardly to be described , all was clean , bright , and glittering ; dark blue and white in stripes were the prevailing colours , and these were delightfully blended with emblems of Hie Craft , banners ane ! Alasonic decorations , all no doubt bearing some meaning to the initiated , but quite obscure to those less fortunate .

Anyhow lhey were charming , as brightening up the somewhat sombre theatre , in which also the happy introduction of mirrors , ( lowers , and evergreens most judiciousl y disposed , added to the general effect , the result being a charming tout ensemble . The roof of the body of the theatre was tented in with a blue and white canopy , surrounded by bannerets , from which the great chandelier descended , a line of the same colours running round thc

boxes and their pillars . 1 he stage was roofed in a similar way , but fiat and illuminated by hundreds of wax lights , the proscenium being marked out by . 1 succession of Aloorish arches and Masonic emblems in the prevailing colours , ancl this with the happiest effect . Entrance , staircases , reserved boxes , & c , were ali carefully draped and carpeted , and large minors on the different landings gave a light and brightness to the staircases , comfortably covered with dark

red , while groups of beautiful flowers in pots relieved any coiner where the light failed lo reach . Air . J . Benatar bad charge of the furnishing , which left nothing to be desired . By half-past nine o ' clock the boxes were filled with a large number , the body of the theatre being kept clear for the procession , ancl shortly afterwards His Excellency the Governor , with Lady Napier of Alagdala and patty , arrived , accompanied bv Rear-Admiral Hood , Rear-Admiral

Waddilove , and a number of officers . His Excellency was met at the door by Bros . Middleton and Johnson , conducted to his box by Bro . Cottrell and the two Deacons , Bros . Brcbber ancl Tigar , and after the strains of the " National Anthem " had died away , the Alasonic march was begun , the curtain was raised , ancl tbe brethren , in their highest jewels and regalia , which made a dazzling display , advanced round the theatre , ultimately forming two lines facing

inwards and ended by the Arch of Steel , at the exit of which was stationed the D . G . AI ., Bro . Cornwall . His Excellency thc Governor was conducted through the double line of brethren by Hie D . D . G . AI ., Bro . Alajor Gilbard , and Bro . Glassford , AI . W . S . of the Europa Chapter , and welcomed in the name of the brethren by the D . G . AI ., who presented Bro . Cottrell , the W . AI . of thc Friendship Lodge , the members of which had inaugurated the ball . The lines then

broke up , dancing was immediately commenced and continued with the greatest spirit till four o'clock in the morning , to an excellent programme by the band of the 7 ytli Highlanders . Supper was served nt twelve o ' clock , in the saloon of ( he theatre , ancl it i . s almost needless to say it was most plentiful and good . It was furnished by Alessrs . J . . Miranda and Canovas , ancl the display ancl the excellence of the viand ; left nothing lo be desired . It was remarked in our bearing that if Alasonic riles , so inscrutable

and dreader ] by tlie uninitiated , were ahvays accompanied liy surli an amount of hospitality ancl courteous attention , they must be rather pleasant than otherwise to undergo . We have all heard , indeed , that hospitality arid good feeling were Alasonic virtues . 'They were freely displayed on that night ; but we must not further dilate on them in the small space at our disposal . Several other points , however , of arrangement and decoration deserve to be mentioned , the first noticeable one being at the entrance hal ) , where a large painting of the two great pillars of Alasonry ,

Masonic Ball At Gibraltar.

with the blazing star and the cornucopia of plenty , witli other Alasonic emblems , was effectively displayed , while at the end of the stage , and only discovered when tbe curtain drew up for the march of the brethren , was a perfect trophy of the Alasonic symbols , representing various Degrees and Orders , among them those of Craft Alasonry , Rose Croix , and Red Cross being most prominent . These , covered by a handsome crimson and white and gold canopy ,

ancl illuminated with countless wax lights , encompassed with flowers , had a charming effect , and was the object of great admiration during the evening . The guests at this most successful and enjoyable ball numbered nearly 350 , among them being H . E . the Governor and Lady Napier of Alagdala , who were accompanied by a large party , Major-General Anderson , the Chief Justice and Mrs . Phillippo and party , Rear Admirals Hood , commanding the Channel

Fleet , and Waddilove , second in command , who were accompanied by their flag officers and a number of naval officers , not so many as would have been invited had not all the arrangements been completed before the arrival of tbe Fleet , and the Committee wisely declining to jeopardize the success of their ball by overcrowding it . His Highness the Duke of Braganza , who is here in his yacht , was also present , Captain and Mrs . Edye , Colonel and Airs , fiwart ,

Colonel and Mrs . Harris , Air . and Airs . Cornwall , and others . The arrangements which we have had much pleasure in so deservedly praising were carried out by a Committee , the result of whose exertions was the more surprising when we hear that the theatre was only handed over to them at six o'clock the morning before the ball , from which time everything had to be brought to the theatre and

arranged . Air . Cottrell , as usual , was indefatigable , and by his energy and talents for administration diffused such zeal into the busy workers that all was in perfect readiness in good time , and nothing was wanting . Committee and Stewards ' : Bros . Cottrell , President ; Henry , Treasurer ,- Middleton , Secretary ; Brcbber , Cook , Glassford , Haynes , Johnson , Smith , and Stanley . —Gibraltar Chronicle .

District Meeting Of Grand Lodge Of Quebec A.F. And A.M.

DISTRICT MEETING OF GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC A . F . AND A . M .

In accordance with a previously announced plan , the AI . W . the Grand Alaster Alason of Quebec has been attending meetings of the Craft in the several Alasonic districts of this province , and on Ihe evening of Wednesday a very large assemblage of the brethren of Alontreal

district took place in their liall , coiner of Place d-Arme ssquarc . Accompanying the Grand Alaster were a number of the most distinguished brethren in the Order , among whom were AI . W . Bro . VV . B . Simpson , P . G . M . Grand Lodge of Canada ; M . W . Bro . AL Al . Tait , P . G . AI ., G . L . of O . ; R . W . Bros . C Judge , of Quebec , D . G . AI . ; Col . Alacleod Aloore , of Laprairie , P . GdW ., G . L . of C , and

Great Prior of the Order of Knights 'Templar of the Dominion of Canada ; W . AI . Lemesurier , D . D . G . AI . ; Rev . John Scrimgeour , Grand Chaplain , and others . The Grand Alaster , AI . W . Bro . John Hamilton-Graham , LL . D ., of Richmond , delivered an able ancl instructive address , in the course of whicb hc dwelt upon the importance of the duties devolving upon the brethren in the

selection of materials for the building up of tbeirlodges ; a faithful adherence to thc landmarks of the Order ; a careful , persevering , and systematic study of the symbolism of the Order as exemplified in the ritual , and especially in the lectures of the several Degrees ; he discussed also the historical data of the Craft with special reference to recent discoveries in Egypt , and sketched in clear nnc ! forcible

language the evidences of the universality of the Order from cast to west and from pole to pole . A brief allusion was made to the present difficulties with the Grand Lodge of Scotland , which he hoped ere long would be amicably and honourabl y adjusted towards both parties , and announced the probability of his being able to visit the mother land during the coining summer , when personal

intercourse would , doubtless , accomplish ( hat most earnest desire of all good Alasons , viz ., harmony in the Craft in this jurisdiction . A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Graham for his able and eloquent address , after which Bros . Simpson , 'Tait , Judge , Aloore , Scrimgeour , and others briefly addressed the " meeting , all eulogising the sentiments embodied in the Grand Alaster's address , and a strong

desire was manifested for a continuance of such meetings . On Thursday evening Bro . Graham , who is also Grand Z , of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , met the Royal Arch Companions of the district , and discussed with them matters pertaining to Capitular Alasonry , to the edification of

all who were present . Alany of the younger brethren met Bro . Graham for the first time , and likewise Bro . Alacleod Aloore , and great pleasure was evinced by all in thus enjoying personal intercourse with the rulers of thc Craft in this jurisdiction . — Montreal Gazette , Alarch 22 .

Report Of Col. Macleod Moore On Templary.

REPORT OF COL . MACLEOD MOORE ON TEMPLARY .

Thc annua ! report of Col . AlacLeod jAIooie , G . C . T ., as the Great Prior of the 'Temple for Canada , 10 th of October , has been printed , and a copy now lies before us . As usual , the report is an able one , and of that comprehensive character which basso long distinguished the annual addresses

of that learned and enthusiastic Knight Templar . It seems that our Canadian fraters have not found the scheme of annual "Convents General" to work well , as they provided too many opportunities ( o make changes without sufficient time having elapsed to test the new laws . 'The Great Prim- quotes with favour the . suggestions of the Great Sub Prior of England , 1 S 77 , as to each nationality

having full power to frame its own regulations 1 ) 1 every i ; . iy . Col . Aloore thinks ( hat it would answer very well lor the Convent General to meet tricnnially ; and lie states that the want of uniformity renders inoperative any proposal to form a treaty with United States Templars . "As an appendage to Frccmasonrv the Order of the 'Temple is , and must be ,

respected . " The 'Templars of Canada declare themselves independent of all governing Templar bodies , owning allegiance , however , tothe Grand Alaster , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , but only as the peer of all oilier such societies ; and they claim authority over the whole Dominion of Canada . Colonel Aloore says be is not an officer of the Great Priory , but the representative and alter ego of thc

Report Of Col. Macleod Moore On Templary.

Srand Alaster , " liable to be removed by him at pleasure . "

\ Vc fail then to see clearly the independence of the Great Priories , when those who once were their chief officers , and so elected b y tliem , are now the appointees simply of the head of the Convent General for the time being . In this respect they are less independent than formerly , and some such reason mayhave prevented Scotland from joining-, as England , Ireland , and Canada have done . Col . Moore , inconsequence of this fact , declined most gracefully to appoint the Great

Sub Prior , but left it to the fraters to elect that officer . The test as to a belief in the Trinity is common to all the Great Priories of the Templars , save in the United States ; and Col . Aloore says : "If the Grand Orient of France is no longer a Alasonic power , Templary , which rejects a belief in the Holy Trinity , is not , and never was , Templary . " We should like to hear the views of our fraters in the United States on this point , as much is involved on the point pro

and con . The following view by the Great Prior we endorse most heartily : " Alore harm has already been done to Alasonry by parading it before the world , and by senseless show and parade and reckless expenditure of money , than ever can be remedied . " Thc Grand Lodge of England many years ago abolished their annual processions , and in that country there is a growing objection to Alasonic parades of any

kind , as they do not advance the real objects of tbe society , and tend to foster a love for the mere tinsel , wholly derogatory to the grand aims of a universal fraternity . We were not aware before " that much of the opposition by the Craft in England to Christian Alasonry , and Templary in particular , arises from the restrictions required , and the dislike is , no doubt , inherited from tlieir late respected Grand Alaster , the Earl of Zetland , who was a Unitarian . "

The Great Prior of Canada wisely deprecates any further attempt to add to the titles of the Order , and quotes our opinion favourably to the effect that there arc too many absurd ancl objectionable titles already in our Society which it would be well to drop . He also approves of the decision of that learned scholar , jurist , and Alasonic author , Albert Pike , to eliminate many of the grandiloquent titles . —Bro . W . J . Hughan in the Masonic Review .

The Consecration Of The Worsley Lodge.

THE CONSECRATION OF THE WORSLEY LODGE .

Thc following oration was delivered at the consecration of the above lodge recently by Bro . the Rev . L . R . Ayrc , P . G . Chaplain : It is customary on such an occasion as tbe present , when we are assembled together in due form to dedicate a new temple to the purposes of Afasonry , for an oration to be

delivered on the nature of our Institution , and the principles on which it is based . This duty on the present occasion , in virtue of tbe office which I have the honour to hold , it devolves on me to discharge , and 1 undertake it with feelings of sincere satisfaction ; for I am one who entertains a very high opinion of tbe excellence of our mystic art when its principles are truly comprehended and properly carried out . I believe it to be admirably adapted for thc

accomplishment of high ancl noble objects—indeed , 1 question whether it would be possible to name an institution , not distinctively religious , more valuable than this is , whilst al the same lime , 1 rejoice to think that the true spirit of religion breathes throughout it , and that all its mysteries and teachings are in every respect consistent with the purest maxims of the Christian revelation . It cannot be denied that there are many who , not having been admitted

to a participation of the mysteries of Alasonry , are of opinion that our ceremonies and practices are trivial and meaningless . I know , too , that there are imperfectly instructed brethren who share this opinion . But assuredly such opinions are due to want of acquaintance with our principles and the purport of our teaching . The genuine and well-instructed Alason knows that our emblems , both architectural and otherwise , embody truths of momentous

importance , ancl that every part of our ceremonial teaches lessons which must commend themselves to the judgment of every right thinking , moral , ancl religious man . He knows tbat if its principles are faithfully taught and systematically acted on it will assuredly foster the kindliest feelings of goodwill one towards another , and be esteems it an honour and privilege to have his name enrolled in the ranks of an Order whose origin is lost in the dim distance

of antiquity , whose ranks have been recruited from every gradation of rank ancl wealth , from men of every profession and variety of occupation—men of letters , of art , of science—an Order which is spread so widely over the surface of the habitable globe tbat a worthy brother in Alasonry , go where he will , may find a brother , and rely upon receiving the fraternal help and sympathy of which lie may stand in need . I have just alluded to the

antiquity of our Order . This feature , though it comprises elements which are to a considerable extent uncertain and obscure , is one of great interest to all who find a pleasure in attempting to discover the beginnings and past history of existing institutions . When Alasonry was first organised as an established and well-compacted association no authentic documents remain to prove . That in some form it dates from a period at least as early as the building of

Solomon ' s 'Temple I certainly cannot doubt ; that it originated at a much earlier period I sec no reason to disbelieve . As to its principles , these may most certainly be traced very far back—indeed , even to the time when man came pure and spotless from the hands of his Creator ; and its object , as 1 take it , was to provide some remedy for the deplorable mischiefs which had becn wrought in the world by transgression . We have been taught , brethren ,

that man was' formed alter the Great Creator ' s image , and was endowed with the highest excellences of which human nature is in any way ( capable . His heart was the unpolluted home of all the virtues , and to hold communion with his Alakcr was his honour ancl delight . 'The mysteries of nature were open to his comprehension , and pleasures the purest and the most elevated were within his reach ; but by transgression he fell from his high estate . 'The

knowledge he possessed of his Creator , which originally formed the noblest endowment of his mind , was thereby obscured , and among bis descendants to such an extent did evil gain the mastery that the whole earth became hateful in the Creator's sight . And yet the first parents of our race retained some elements of that perfection with which they had been endowed , and memory would preserve th c impression of much that had been originally revealed-This revelation , comprising such fundamental doctrines - >