Consecration Of The Trentham Lodge At Melbourne.

CONSECRATION OF THE TRENTHAM LODGE AT MELBOURNE .

On Wednesday , the 12 th of September , a new lodge , under the title of the Trentham , was opened at the Victorian township of that' name , about 70 miles from Melbourne , under the English Constitution . There was a numerous attendance of brethren from the Mount Franklin Lodge of Hiram , No . 716 i Zetland Lodge , No . 79 s ;

and the St . George ' s Lodge , No . 2213 . The Consecrating Officer and Installing Master was Bro . W . F . Lamonby , P . M . 752 , 1002 , 2112 , D . S . G . W ., acting as the Deputy of the District Grand Master of Victoria , Bro .. ' Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart . A lodge of emergency was opened at the Commercial Hotel , with the following acting officers : Bros . A . Craig , P . M . 716 , as I . P . M . ; B . Hands , P . M . 716 , as S . W . ;

J . Reid , W . M . 716 , as J . W . ; Rev . J . A . White , 3125 , as Chap . ; T . H . Lempriere , P . M . 729 , D . G . Secretary , P . G . S . B . of England , as Secretary ; T . J . Deakin , P . M . 716 , as D . C ; D . M'Leod , W . M . 2213 , as I . G . ; H . Lees , 2213 , as Org . ; and G . Bushby , 716 , as Tyler . The customary dispensation ? and provisional warrant having been read , the Consecrating Officer , in addressing

the founders , warned them not to be hasty in bringing forward candidates ; but to make every enquiry as to their fitness and antecedents . The new lodge was then consecrated and dedicated according to ancient custom . An eloquent oration was delivered by the acting Chaplain . Bro . Nash D . King , the W . M . designate , was then presented and duly installed into the chair ; after which Bros .

Rev . J . A . White and B . Ouarti were respectively invested as S . W . and J . W . The appointment and investiture of the remaining officers were postponed till the first regular meeting of the new lodge . Bros . Lamonby and Lempriere were unanimously elected honarary members of the new lodge . The names of 15 candidates having been handed in as an

emergency proposition , the proceedings came to a close . Subsequently over 40 brethren sat down to dinner , in the Mechanics' Hall . Bro . King , the W . M . of the Trentham Lodge , presided , faced by his Wardens . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and some capital music was contributed by several of the

visitors , a very enjoyable evening being brought to a close with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and the National Anthem . Applications have been made to the District Grand Master to open lodges at Nathalia and Moorospua , in Victoria .

Centenary Festival Of The Chapter Of Friendship, At Portsmouth.

CENTENARY FESTIVAL OF THE CHAPTER OF FRIENDSHIP , AT PORTSMOUTH .

A special meeting of this ancient chapter ( orginal No . 3 ) , which is attached to the Phoenix Lodge , No . 257 , was held at the Phoenix Lodge Rooms , High-street , Portsmouth , on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., to celebrate the reception of the

centenary warrant recently granted by the Supreme Grand Chapter . There were present Comps . Col . J . F . Crease , C . B . ( Commandant of the R . M . Artillery ) , Z . ; W . G . P . Gilbert , H . ; Major W . Campbell , J . ; Sir John Alleyne , Bart ., P . Z . ; M . E . Frost , P . Z ., P . P . G . Treas . ; T . R . Williams , P . Z . ; Ernest Hall , P . Z . ; J . Brickwood , P . Z . ;

G . F . Lancaster , P . Z ., P . P . G . J . ; G . D . Lovegrove , P . P . G . Org ., S . E . ; S .-B . Darwin , Prin . Soj . ; Rev . T . F . Morton , ist Asst . Soj . ; Col . L . M . H . Kennedy , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; J . Winterbottom , Commodore A . H . Markham , R . N ., General Sir George Willis , K . C . B ., Commander C . G . Robinson , R . N . ; Dr . J . O'Conor , Dr . W . C Bland , James Griffin , J . P ., G . H . Stainer , and J . B . Mackay .

Visitors : Comps . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., G . Supt . ; ] . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . Swd . Br . Eng ., Prov . G . H . ; J . W . Gieve , Prov . G . S . N . ; J . Westaway , Z . 342 ; J . Jackson , Z . 1428 ; W . A . Hill , S . E . 309 ; and others . . The chapter was opened by Ihe Principals , and the companions entered . After ordinary business , and the election of three companions as joining members , the arrival of the

G . Supt . of the Province was announced . A procession was formed b y the D . of C . ( Comp . G . F . Lancaster , P . Z . ) , and the G . Supt . and his officers entered the chapter , and were received by the companions with due form and ceremony , the Organist playing a grand march . The D . C . called on the companions to salute the G . Supt ., which was accordingly done .

The companions then joined with grand effect in singing the " Old Hunredth " Psalm as an opening ode , Comp . G . D . Lovegrove , P . P . G . Org ., presiding at the organ . Col . CREASE , Z ., briefly addressed the chapter , saying he felt himself greatly privileged in having the honour of holding the office of Z . of the chapter on such a highly important and memorable occasion , and that feeling was shared to the fullest extent by the other Principals . On

behalf of the chapter , he offered a most hearty welcome to _ the Grand Superintendent and other distinguished visitors present that evening . The SCRIBE E . then read the charter of confirmation issued to the chapter by the Supreme Grand Chapter in 1824 , and the following letler , which was sent with it : — " London , Sept . 18 , 1 S 24 . " E . Companion ,

" Inclosed herewith We beg to hand you Charter 0 iConfirmation for the Chapter attached to the Lodge Phcenix , a Copy of the Laws of the Order , as also a ruled form , agreeably to which Returns are to be made to the Grand Chapter . " The Old Charter , We beg to say , is returned with a view to its being cancelled , it being an Order of the Grand Chapter that no Chapter can at one time hold two

documents to the same effect . —We beg to remain , with due regard , E . Companion , Your faithful Servts . and Bros ., WILLIAM WHITE ?„ EDWARD HARPER j u , ; 3 , " The Principal of Chapter of Friendship , Portsmouth . "

The SCRIBE E . also read the Centenary Warrant , which was signed by H . R . H . the Prince ot Wales , as Grand Z ., Lord Lathom , as H ., and Col . Shadwell H . Clerke and Sir George Elliot , as Grand Scribes . Comp . G . F . LANCASTER , P . Z ., read a brief sketch

Centenary Festival Of The Chapter Of Friendship, At Portsmouth.

which he had compiled of the history of the chapter from its foundation . The paper is too long for quotation in an ordinary report , but it may be stated that Comp . Lancaster pointed out that " 'The Grand and Royal Chapter of the Royal Arch of Jerusalem was formally constituted on the 22 nd day of July , 1767 , by the authority of Lord Blayney , then the Immediate Past Grand Master of the regular Grand

Lodge . The formal document prepared for the purpose is entitled a 'Charter of Compact , ' and it includes the regulations which were to ^ govern the Grand Chapter . ' On the 13 th January , 17 69 ,. Grand Chapter agreed 'That a Constitution be granted to the Royal Arch Masons residing at Portsmouth , which they had requested by letter to Bro . Dunckerly . ' It was also ' ordered that a seal be

immediately made for the public use of the Society according to the plan specified in the Charter . ' The Charter for the companions at Portsmouth ' passed the seal , ' and was issued on the nth August , 1769 , the Principals named therein being William Cook , Z . ; Samuel Palmer , H . ; and Thomas Scanville , J . ; who were authorised to hold a Chapter of the Royal Order at Portsmouth Common ,

Hants , under the title of the Chapter of Friendship , being No . 3 on the Register of Grand Chapter . The Charters of Constitution for Nos . 1 to 9 were issued in the same year , but Chapters 1 and 2 being extinct , the Chapter of Friendship ( the original No . 3 ) , is now the senior chapter on the roll . Nos . 4 , 5 , 7 , and 9 , have also proved their continuous working for over a century , The Chapter of

Friendship has figured on all the printed official lists , and also in the report of Grand Chapter dated November 7 th , i 82 i , asoneof the chapters which had conformed to the regulations of the Grand Chapter . The Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1 S 13 was followed by that of the Grand Chapters on the iSth March , 1 S 17 , under the title of the 'United Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of

England . ' It was presently enacted that 'every chapter shall be attached to some warranted lodge , and the rank or precedence of the several chapters shall be determined according to the priority of the lodge to which they may be attached . ' Under this rule old No . 3 was attached to the Phcenix Lodge , which was constituted in 17 S 6 , and is now No . 257 . Many excellent Freemasons have been exalted

in the old chapter , among them being many officers of the Naval and Military services who attained great distinction in their profession , while other companions were known as members of the municipality of the old town of Portsmouth and leading men in civil professions . The chapter possesses a complete register of its members from the foundation , and the minutes are almost complete , a few years between

1 S 46 and i 860 only being mislaid . It is worthy of note that Colonel Crease , the present Z ., was Worshipful Master of the Phcenix Lodge when the Centenary was celebrated two years ago . " The reading of the historical sketch being finished , the M . E . Z ., in very eulogistic terms , proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Comp . Lancaster for the very great trouble

he had taken in compiling it , and for the valuable aid he had given to the chapter in getting out the particulars and drawing up the memorial to Grand Chapter for the centenary warrant , observing that had it not been for Comp . Lancaster ' s persevering researches it was very doubtful if the application for the warrant would have been made . The motion was seconded by Comp . J BRENT MACKAY , who , having been exalted in the chapter on the

17 th of August , 1 S 40 , was very pleased to have had old memories revived and former companions recalled to recollection by Comp . Lancaster ' s most interesting paper . The proposition was carried with acclamation . The M . E . Z . also moved , and Comp . Sir J ALLEYNE , P . Z ., seconded— "That the historical memorandum be copied into , or attached to , the minutes of the meeting . " — Carried .

Comp . LANCASTER thanked the M . E . Z . and companions for their kind appreciation of his labours , and promised a fair copy of the paper for record . He had to acknowledge most gracefully the kind assistance he had received from the world-known Masonic historian , Bro . W . J . Hughan . He was requested by Bro . Hughan to express his regret at being unable to attend that meeting , and to offer his

hearty congratulations to the chapter . He was also under considerable obligation to another Masonic student , Bro . Henry Sadler , the Librarian of Grand Lodge . Col . CREASE then requested Comp . Lancaster to accept from the chapter , at the unanimous wish of its members , the regulation centenary jewel , issued by the Grand Chapter , at the same time pinning it on to his breast ,

amidst the cheers of the companions . Comp . LANCASTER said this most kind favour was so entirely unexpected that it was quite impossible for him adequately to express his feeling ; therefore , knowing that the members of the chapter would be fully assured of his deep gratitude for , and high appreciation of their kind favours , he would simply say— " thank you . "

Comp . the Rev . T . F . MORTON , acting as Chaplain , conducted a solemn Thanksgiving Service , consisting of apropriate psalms , repeated in alternate verses by the Chaplain and companions , the ancient response— "So mote it be "—being sung between each division . Next came some short prayers with the same response after each , and the service concluded with the singing of the grand old hymn— " O God ,

our help in ages past , " to the tune "St . Anne's , " which Bach has immortalised as an organ fugue . The whole service was joined in most heartily by the assembled companions , and was deeply devotional and impressive . The M . E . Z . moved a vote of thanks to the Grand Superintendent of the Province for his kindness in honouring the chapter with his presence , and said the readiness of

Comp . Beach to give his support and countenance to any effort which tended to the credit and advancement of Freemasonry was proverbial , and it would only be " gilding refined gold" to enlarge upon his good qualities as a gentleman and a Mason . Of course , he would not enter upon that in his presence , but would simply observe that their Grand Superintendent ' s excellences of character ,

and his great ability as an exponent of Freemasonry , were well-known , not only in his own province , but throughout England , and the chapter was delighted to have the pleasure of his company on that eventful occasion . Comp . General Sir GEORGE WILLIS seconded , and observed that the frequent attendance of the Grand

Superintendent at meetings in every part of the province was a great encouragement and incentive to the brethren and companions to maintain the lame and credit of their lodges and chapters . —Carried with acclamation . Comp . BEACH said he need hardly assure them that he was greatly pleased to be with them , and was obliged by

Centenary Festival Of The Chapter Of Friendship, At Portsmouth.

the compliment they had paid him . He had been much interested by the historical sketch which had been read The celebration of a centenary of a lodge or chapter was of course , a rare event in that or any other province , and he congratulated the chapter most sincerely upon the distinction it had achieved during the 119 years since it was constituted . He had always felt a great interest in the old

Phcenix Lodge , to which the chapter was attached , knowing as he did that the lodge , and in like manner the chapter was upheld and sustained by worthy and energetic Freemasons . He thanked them very much for the vote they had passed , and wished the chapter long-continued prosperity . A vote of thanks was also given to the other distinguished

visitors who were present on the occasion , and was acknowledged by Comp . J . E . LE FEUVRE , P . G . Swd . Br . Eng , and Prov . G . H ., who returned thanks for himself and others , and expressed a hope that the chapter would not be content with simply entering Comp . Lancaster ' s sketch in the minutes of that meeting , but that the paper would be published for the information of the Craft .

The visitors tendered " Hearty good wishes on behalf of their respective chapters , and regret was expressed on behalf of Lord Lathom , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , and other distinguished companions who were unable to be present . The chapter was then closed , and the companions joined in singing a closing ode . The banquet arrangements were under the

superintendence of Comps . Col . Kennedy and Gordon Miller , P . Z ., and gave the highest satisfaction , the dishes being very tasty and the wines of rare vintages . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and received with much enthusiasm . The celebrated band of the Royal Marine Artillery was in attendance , and played a choice selection of music .

The Annual Banquet Of The Constitutional Lodge Of Instruction, No. 55.

THE ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 55 .

The annual banquet of the above lodge of instruction was held at the Bedford Hotel , Southampton-buiidings , Holborn , on Tuesday evening , the 30 th ult ., when a large party assembled . Bro . J . Bruton , 157 , occupied the chair .

and Bro . VV . Vogt , l . G . 55 , the vice-chair . There were present Bros . Fox , P . M . 201 , Preceptor ; Baker , S 6 9 , Sec ; E . Bond , W . M . S 60 ; J . J . Shedlock , 534 ; A . Fry , 609 ( I . C ); W . A . Richardson , 1507 ; E . G . Coleman , W . M . 11 ; A . Piper , Stwd . 177 ; Frank Unite , W . M . 55 ; W . C . Brasher , W . M . 1623 ; T . Glass , Stwd . 860 ; A . E . Gladwell , P . M . 172 ; R . Perry , J . W .

13 S 2 ; A . C . La Fuel , 13 S 2 ; j . C . Main , Treas . 1531 , S . D . 157 ; W . Hollis , S . W . 1531 ; Nevill , P . M . 1531 j W . Lincoln , S . D . 534 ; H . W . Alford , P . M . 22 S ; W . Brown Kedder , P . M . 12 ; W . A . Harvey , 1348 ; C Parson , I . P . M . 1637 ; Aldridge , 1475 ; C . S . Jenkins , S 60 ; R . Robinson , 55 ; Ben Holeyman , 73 ; H . G . Marsden , S . D . 73 ; S . R . Walker , P . M . 733 ; T . I .

Dibley , S . W . 1 S 0 ; S . Roebuck , 733 ; J . Kay , P . M . 742 ; F . Jackson , J . D . 2191 ; J . A . Collings , Org . 1950 ; F . H . Dipstale , 85 S ; Dr . Kirby , W . M . elect 2006 ; G . R . N . Wheeler , S . D . 2030 ; A . Clemow , 1987 ; and others . A most excellent and liberal bill of fare was provided by the host , Bro . Bond , and the usual toasts were given . The CHAIRMAN ( Bro . Bruton ) , in proposing che toasts ,

made two or three neat speeches , and some very apt and happy allusions , especially when proposing what he thought might be termed the toast of the evening— " The Health of Bro . Fox , Preceptor , " who had proved himself not only a most capable , but most ardent instructor , for , on several occasions , he had visited the lodge when in illhealth , and contrary to the strict orders of his medical adviser .

Several songs and recitations were admirably rendered by Bros . Robinson , Dipstale , Main , Parsons , Wheeler , Aldridge , Jenkins , Dibley , and Fry . Bro . Collings , Organist , accompanied the songs in a masterly manner . A most enjoyable evening was passed , and the proceedings brought to a termination at 11 . 30 p . m .

The Old Masonians.

THE OLD MASONIANS .

This Association held their first social evening of the season at Anderton ' s Hotel on Friday , the 2 nd inst . Mr . C Heward Uwins , who was responsible for the programme , was in the chair , and there was about 150 present . Bro .

A . F . Godson , M . P ., who is the President of the Association , arrived very opportunely just as the programme was commencing , and was prevailed upon to preside for the first part of the evening , Mr . Uwins taking the chair after the interval . ,

Of the talent , favourable mention must be made of Mr . Adye , who sang "The Star of Bethlehem ; " Mr . W . Collins , who sang " The Last Watch ; " Mr . F . Isaacs , whose rendering of "My Sweetheart when a Boy , " and "Mary of Argyle" was first class ; Mr . M . H . Sullivan , whose songs " The Valley of the Shadows , " and " Out on the Deep" were highly appreciated ; and Mr . Arthur

Withers , whose fine voice was heard to great advantage in "Big Ben , " and "The old German Drinking Song . " Mr . Eberlein played a solo on the zither , and Mr . Hop kins gave a very good exhibition of hand-bell ringing . Mr . Frank Hughes recited " The Stroller ' s Story" with great taste , and an encore was vociferously demanded . The comic element was well represented by Mr . Sidney

Reuter , Mr . R . Pargeter , and Mr . Langford Palmer , the latter , who is well knoivn at these concerts , singing three songs in his usual clever and inimitable style . Mr . E . A . Morris presided at the piano , and the singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a very pleasant

evening . We heartily congratulate Mr . Uwins , the chairman , and M . A . Watkins , the indefatigable secretary , on the successful start they have made this season . We notice the next concert is fixed for the 16 th inst ., and we feel sure that Mr . j . Francis , who is the chairman , will gladly welcome any brethren who may care to attend .

Bro . J . H . Mapleson , Colonel Commandan t of the Tower Hamlets Rifle Brigade , has resigned his commission after 29 years' service , and has received permission to retain his rank and wear the uniform of the Brigade .