Laying The Foundation-Stone Of Langside Parish Church.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF LANGSIDE PARISH CHURCH .

On Saturday afternoon last , the foundation-stone of a new church , which is being built for Langside Established congregation , was laid with Masonic honours by Sir Archibald C . Campbell , of BIythswood , M . W . G . M . of Scotland . The new church is situated at the south-west corner of the

recreation ground , Queen's Park , adjoining the village of Langside , historically associated with the battle field , occupying a commanding position on the slope of a hill . Advantage has been taken of the site in utilising the whole area underneath the church for hall accommodation , with suit-. able rooms and offices , comprising large hall , vestry , session house , heating chamber , & c . Externally the church will

have an attractive appearance . In style it is an adaptation of early English , or pointed Gothic , which has been selected as the best period of ecclesiastical architecture in this country , combining purity of style with simplicity and refinement of detail . Like most churches of the type , it is cruciform in plan , but in the meantime only the nave and aisles are to be built , trusting in the prosperity of the church

for future extensions . Accommodation has been provided . in the church for about 700 sittings , and the estimated cost will not exceed £ 5000 . The church is designed by Mr . A . Skirving , I . A ., and the contractors are Messrs . J . Watson and Sons , Charles Gray , Messrs . A . and D . Mackay , John Currie , Donald M'Gilvray , Thomas Watson , and H . A . Purnell .

By permission of the Prov . Grand Master , the ceremony was performed by the Sir George Cathcart Lodge , 617 , the Grand Master presiding , but a number of other lodges took part in the proceedings , including Nos . 5 S 1 , 617 , 609 , 519 , 5 i 2 > 4 65 . 458 , 426 , 413 , 40 S , 402 , 3 S 4 , zjo , 347 , 249 , 242 , ' 53 > . 7 > " 7 » » 102 > and OS . The various lodges met opposite the hall , New Cathcart , at half-past two o ' clock ,

and subsequently received the Grand Master and his depution in the lodge room . The deputation from the Grand Lodge consisted , in addition to Sir Archibald Campbell , of Bros . Dr . John Falconer , Proxy Dist . G . M . of New South Wales ; Alex . Hay , Proxy Prov . G . M . of Jamaica ; D . Murray Lyon , G . Sec ; David Kinnear , G . Cashier ; Wm . Officer ,

S . S . C ., Fast G . D . ; James Crichton , Past G . Jeweller and Proxy Prov . G . M . of Canterbury , New Zealand ; J . D . Duncan , G . Bible Bearer and Proxy Prov . G . M . of Newfoundland ; Geo . Fisher , Past G . Bible Bearer ; Wm . Edwards , Vice-President of G . Stewards ; A . Ralston , E . H . Roberts , and Allan Mackenzie , G . Stewards ; A . M . Potter , acting G . Marshal ; and David Robertson , G .

Tyler . Deputations were also present from the Glasgow , Lanarkshire , and Ayrshire Provincial Lodges . The brethren present who numbered considerably over 400 having been marshalled in processional order , marched by Cathcartroad , Mount Florida , Queen ' s Drive , and the Langsideroad , to the building , preceded by the band of the 3 rd

R . R . V . Here excellent arrangements had been made for the performance of the ceremony , and to enable the members of the congregations and their friends to witness it . In addition to the platform provided for those taking an active part in the proceedings , a platform had been erected on the opposite side of the road , and although the weather was stormy , frequent heavy showers causing much

discomfort , both were crowded . The attendance included the Rev . Dr . Smith , of Cathcart ; Rev . Mr . Park , Cumbernauld ; Rev . Mr . M'Naughr , Mr . G . Madeod , Mr . VV . A . Jamieson , Mr . R . G . Somerville , Mr . D . Mason , and Mr . W . C . Maughan ; while letters of apology had been received from Sir James Fergusson , Mr ., A . Crum , M . P ., the Lord Provost , Rev . Professor Dickson , Rev . Professor

Lee , Rev . J . Anderson Gardner , Rev . J . Houston , Rev . Dr . Fergus Ferguson , Rev . J . Hume Tod , Rev . T . B . VV Niven , Rev . A . T . Donald , Mr . Peter Forbes , Mr . A . Moffatt , Mr . P . Clouston , Messrs . ( James Robb and Chas . King , and the Rev . M . B . Hutchison . The Grand Master and the other members of the Grand Lodge deputation having taken their places on the

platform , near the foundation , the proceedings were commenced by the singing of the Queen s Anthem , led by the band and by the choir of Langside Church . After prayer by the Chaplain , the Rev . J . W . Ritchie , of Langside Church , The R . W . M ., Bro . F . W . ALLAN , acting Substitute Master , in the name of the Sir George Cathcart Lodge , asked the Most Worshipful Grand Master to proceed with

the ceremony of laying the stone . Mr . HENRY E . GORDON , the Honorary Secretary of the Church Building Committee , in the name of the Building Committee , presented the Grand Master with a trowel to perform the ceremony . In doing so he said that Langside during the last few years had greatly increased , and the necessity had for some time been felt that a permanent

church must be provided for the congregation . The old church was in a very dilapidated condition , and its situation was most inconvenient . He thought those present might congratulate themselves that they were so soon to be able to effect their desires . He desired to express , on behalf of the congregation , that they owed to Mr . Ritchie a sincere debt of thanks and of gratitude for the indomitable energy he had

shown in carrying out this work , for less than a War ago the difficulties seemed insuperable . Through , ' . Ritchie ' s energy they had been overcome , and jn a few months the congregation would be Worshi pping in a church in all ways fitted for the service of God . When completed , the church would be a great ornament to the neighbourhoodstanding as it did in

, a commanding situation . He thought every credit should ^ . S'ven to the architect . The church was built on ground which had been stained by the blood of Scotchmen , shed ° . Scotchmen , and this must suggest to them the rapid strides of civilisation , and the growth in wealth , peace , and ' P' ^ 'y . that Scotland had enjoyed during the last three untunes , since the day when the commanding forces of

« ueen Mary and the Regent Moray made conflict at this on ! it' made Langside known and remembered through-Sir A , whoIe civilised world . He concluded by thanking initt ° r i d Cam P belI > > n tne name of the Building Comsh « , 1 o or , kind acquiescence to their request that he s « ou ! d perform the ceremony . ac ° 'J' ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL said he had pleasure in to hi V masnificent trowel which had been presented mm . He could ^ ssure them that it would always remind

Laying The Foundation-Stone Of Langside Parish Church.

him of the moments of great anxiety and pleasure when he was enabled to come there with the Grand Lodge to perform so interesting a ceremony , A bottle containing coins , newspapers , & c , was then placed in a cavity of the stone , while the band and choir played and sang the " Old Hundred . " The inscription on the brass plate to be placed on the foundation-stone is a follows :

By the grace of God , the foundation-stone of this Church , erected on the battlefield of Langside , in the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , was laid by Col . Sir Archd . C . Campbell , Bart ., Grand Master Mason of Scotland , on the 3 rd day of Oct ., 1 SS 5 , assisted by Lodge Sir George Cathcart , 617 , F . VV . Allan , Esq ., Master , in presence of deputations from the Grand Lodge of Scotland , City and Provincial Lodges , members of Town

Council and Presbytery of Glasgow ; Rev . James Smith , D . D ., minister of Cathcart Parish ; Rev . John W . Ritchie , the minister ; managers and members of the Church ; Alexander Skerving , Esq ., I . A ., architect ; Messrs . James Wilson Si Sons , and Charles . Gray , contractors . May the Almighty Architect crown the Edifice with every success . " The usual Masonic ceremony was then performed , and

at its conclusion three hearty cheers having been given , the choir sang a hymn . Sir ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL then said : I consider it a very great honour to have been allowed , through the position to which I have been elected , as Grand Master Mason of Scotland , to lay the foundation-stone of this church . 1 consider it a happy augury that I have been enabled to perform this ceremony in a locality which , as we have already

been reminded , is historic in the annals of this country . On this very spot there was decided a great and momentous event—in fact , we may say that the foundation-stone of our ancient church of Scotland was laid in these fields . ( Cheers . ) I trust that what happened 300 years ago may still be looked to 300 years hence , and that the church the foundation-stone of which I have now laid may still belong to the Church of Scotland . I trust that that institution may still

belong to us —( cheers)—and that hand in hand with the sister churches they may go on enlightening the people , carrying conviction to their hearts , and thus making our country ever happy , ever united , andever truthful . ( Cheers . ) 1 thank you for the honour done me on this occasion , and I also thank those who have so nobly contributed to this great demonstration , to those who have organised it , and to those who , like Mr . Ritchie , have had trouble in the

matter , and I trust that whatever trouble Mr . Ritchie may have had may be thoroughly repaid by the result of his labours . ( Cheers . ) The Rev . Dr . SMITH , of Cathcart , said : Before pronouncing a blessing , which you have asked me to do , there is a very pleasing duty still before me , and that is to return to you , Right Worshipful Grand Master , my most sincere thanks for the honour you have conferred upon us in presiding : on this occasion , and for the good wishes which , with

your usual eloquence , you have expressed regarding the future prospects of this building . It has very long been my desire to see a church erected here for the benefit of the rapidly-increasing population of the district , and especially considering the site which the church is to occupy . It is a site of deep historic interest , not only in regard to the Church of Scotland , but on this particular spot on which we are now standing was decided the ascendency of the

Protestant cause in Scotland , and here , I may say , was confirmed the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy . ( Cheers . ) No more worthy field could there be for a monument to commemorate that great event than that on which we now stand , and surely no monument commemorative of that great event could be more fitting and proper than a building dedicated to the worship of Godto Him who on that day 300 years ago gave us the victory .

( Cheers . ) It gives me a deep pleasure that the foundationstone of this building has been laid by one of whom I will only say that he stands deservedly high in the estimation of all who know him —( cheers)—one who has ever postponed personal ease to considerations of public duty . ( Cheers . ) Sir Archibald , when our country was at war you placed your life at our disposal , you went with our brave army to the battle field , and now , on this day of peace , you are again

offering for the acceptance of your country all the powers of your vigorous intellect and all the devotion of your patriotic heart . ( Cheers . ) I could speak to the well pleasing of this audience for a length of time on this subject ; but I shall conclude in my own name , as minister of Cathcart , in the name of my young friend Mr . Ritchie , and in the names of all who are so much indebted to you , to return our grateful thanks , assured of this , that any work to which you have put your master hands is sure to prosper . mi ,..,, v

Sir ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL returned thanks for the compliment paid to him , stating that he considered it an honour that he had been asked in Grand Lodge to come there on that occasion , and assuring them that the kind words which had been said would enter deeply into his heart . The benediction having been pronounced , " Rule Britania " was sung and played by the choir and band , and the proceedings terminated . The lodge afterwards proceeded to Langside . temporary church , where it was closed in due form .

Masonic Ball In Geelong.

MASONIC BALL IN GEELONG .

A grand Masonic ball was held in the Exhibition Building , Geelong , Victoria , on the 30 th July last , under the auspices of the Lodge of Unity and Prudence , No . 545 , E . C , and , to judge from the advices which have reached us , we should say it must have been one of the most brilliant

successes ever achieved in those parts . The decorations of the ball room were most admirable , and everything was done that could in any way help to promote the comfort and pleasure of the guests . There was a very full attendance , the ladies and brethren mustering together some 270 persons , the onl y drawback being that R . W . Bro . Sir VV . J . Clarke , who is District , or Provincial , Grand Master under

all three Constitutions , and Lady Clarke were unable to take part in the festivity , owing to their being unavoidably detained in Melbourne . Dispensations had been granted to the brethren to wear their Masonic clothing , and the brilliancy of their various regalia added largel y to the general effect of the scene . The programme , which included 21 dances , was a most enjoyable one , and , as regards the music , which was under the sole charge of Bro . VV . D .

Masonic Ball In Geelong.

Goodall , Organist of Unity and Prudence Lodge , most successful . The supper , also , which followed gave great satisfaction , the wines and viands leaving nothing to be desired . The chair was occupied by Bro . George Mercer , W . M . of the entertaining lodge , who was ably supported by Bros . J . S . Begley , S . W . ; H . J . Moses , J . W . ; Henry Bannister , P . M . ; W . Sommers , P . M . ; and J . Steane , P . M . Only

one toast was given , that of " The Queen and the Craft , " after which dancing was renewed with increased energy , and continued till an advanced hour . Among the visitors were Bros . J . I . Sagui , W . M . 18 S 1 , E . G . ; J . T . Wynne , W . M . 3 6 S , E . C . ; T . Withers , W . M . 7 6 S , E . C . ; Capt . Chas . R . Martin , D . D . G . M ., S . C . ; f . Lempriere , D . G . Sec , E . G . ; S . Franklin , P . G . Treas ., I . C . ; Dr . WilmotViceroyRed Cross of

, , Constantine ; Chas . Brown , Red Cross of Constantine ; R . Graves , P . G . S . W ., S . C ; W . W . Sheehan , J . W . 1 SS 1 ; Cohen , Oliver McLean , G . F . Baillien , F . Needham , 492 , S . C . ; C . S . Paterson , G . Syme , and others . The object in giving the ball was to raise funds to be devoted to the several Masonic Charitable Institutions in the

colony , and if a goodly amount is not obtained , it will certainly not be through any fault of the Committee , which is said to have been a very strong one , and from all accounts spared no pains in order to render the gathering a successful one . We trust the benefit to follow will be on a scale commensurate with the preparations and . the numbers that were present .

West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.

WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .

The annual Court of Governors of this Charity was held on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , under the presidency of Bro . E . Pierpoint , P . G . J . W ., one of the Vice-Presidents . The minutes of the last Court of Governors were approved , and those of the House

Committee , General Committee , and Finance Committee were unanimously confirmed . Ten children recommended by the General Committee were elected on the foundation of the Institution and placed on the Educational Fund . Bros . G . Broadbridge and R . Martin were re-elected Honorary Secretaries ; Bro . J . T . Callow , Treasurer ; and the other

officers of the Institution were also reappointed . A cordial vote of thanks was given to the Executive Committee , which was acknowledged by Bros . Broadbridge and Callow . A similar compliment to the chairman closed the proceedings . It was resolved that the annual festival and ball in aid of the "West Lancashire" should be held in January , 1 SS 6 .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The General Committee of the Institution held their monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall , on Saturday last . Bro . J . L . Mather , Vice-Pat ., occupied the chair , and among those present were Bros . C . F . Hogard , C . E . Soppet , A . Williams , G . P . Gillard , W . Roebuck , W . A .

Scurrah , J . Constable , J . S . Cumberland , A . E . Gladwell , F . Adlard , Rev . R . Morris , T . Cubitt , W . H . Saunders , C . H . Webb , H . Dicketts , J . Moon , E . J . Barron , Edgar Bowyer , C . J . Knightley , L . W . Morgan , C . Bel ton , Controller S . G . Bake , and F , Binckes , Secretary . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and verified , and those of the House Committee read for information , the withdrawal of three candidates—Nos . 20 ,

2 i , and 23—from the list for election at the Quarterly Court on Monday next . "" Eight applications for grants towards outfit in the case of as many late pupils were considered , seven being granted , and one deferred for further information . Three petitions were submitted and accepted , the names being ordered to be placed on the list of candidates for election in April , 1 SS 6 . The proceedings terminated with the usual compliment to the Chairman .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . ALDERMAN HUDSON , P . P . G . D . SUSSEX . Sussex has lost one of its most prominent Craftsmen in the person of Bro . Alderman Hudson , P . M ., P . Z ., P . P . G . S . D . Sussex , who departed this life on Tuesday , the 30 th ult ., and whose mortal remains were committed to their last resting place in the Parochial Cemetery , Brighton , on Saturday last , the gathering at the mournful ceremony being both numerous and influential , and in the highest

degree representative of the different classes with which the deceased , as a member of the Brighton Corporation , as a Freemason , as a man of business , and as a friend or acquaintance had been brought in contact during his active and successful career . Bro . Hudson was onlv 61 years of age , and therefore in the very prime of life ; " but he had wisely made much of the years vouchsafed to him , and passed away in the full enjoyment of the

love , respect , and esteem of his family , his friends , and his brother Masons . That this is no " mere figure of speech was shown on the day of his funeral , when everywhere were visible the signs of mourning , and men of all ranks joined cordially in evincing their regard . Bro . Hudson had been a member of our Fraternity for several years , was a Past Master of the Royal Vork Lodge , No . 315 , Brighton , a P . Z . of the Royal Pavilion and Royal

Sussex Chapters , Nos . 315 and 732 respectively , of Brighton , a Past Provincial Grand Officer of Sussex , and a member of the Mark and other Degrees . He was also a supporter of our Charitable Institutions , and had always shown himself willing and anxious to promote the welfare of everything connected with the Craft . Hence the strong contingent of Masons present among the mourners at the

grave , among them being Bros . Abell , Burrows , T . Berry , A . J . Carpenter , J . Curtis , S . Clark , W . W . Charrington , H . F . Freeman , Chandler , J . Reynolds , jun ., R . Nye , G . Nash , J . W . Stride , sen ., R . A . Erredge , S . T . Foat , J . Jefferies , H . Kent , J . Harrison , Grinbery , J . Sayers , Saxby , R . Willard , VV . Kirkham , J . Pearson , T . Packham , and others . The funeral arrangements were in charge of Mr . G . Attree , of North-street , and were most ably carried out .