Consecration Of The New Cross Lodge, No. 1559.

Bro . W . A . Simmons , a young and promising Mason . Frederick Walters , of thc Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex , was thc Treasurer designate , and H . Keeble thc Secretary . Thc S . D . was Bro . Louis Beck , whose sleepless London Scottish band aroused the sleepers of the volunteer camp on Wimbledon Common many a July inclining with thc wild scream of northern " music , " and solaced the nerves of thc shooters in thc afternoon siesta

with the sweet strains , under the " bell tent , of those instruments congenial to southern ears . Bro . H . J . Green was J . D . ; Bro . W . Kipps , Org . ; and Bro . Wm . Hardman , I . G . Thc usual formalities were gone through , and thc brethren of the new lodge signified their acceptance of these officers . Tho ceremony of consecration was performed in Bro . Terry ' s most eloquent and impressive

manner , and Bro . Kipps presided at the organ with excellent effect . The experienced Masons who were sharing in the ceremony lent thoir ail—Bro . Sabine , P . G . S . B . of Mid dlesex , as Director of ihe Ceremonies ; Bro . Colles , P . Prov . Grand Chaplain of Oxfordshire , as Chaplain ; and Bros . Hubbuck and C . Hogg , P . G . S ., assisting in the work . It is unnecessary to describe thc ceremony , for

those who have seen Bro . Terry work this ceremony do not want to be told about it ; those who have not , should see it , and those who are not qualified to see it cannot be told the details through these columns . It will suffice to say that all the parts were peifectly rendered . Bro . the Rev . G . R . P . Colles delivered the oration , and from this excellent discourse we give a few excerpts .

He said , —To all whom I see around , assembled in your several Orders , and attired according to your different degrees and offices , 1 now rise at the command of our Installing Master , to deliver thc customary oration at the solemn dedication of a new Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons . Tliis dedication and consecration ought not to be looked unon by any of you as a mere lifeless Form , but as a

living Reality . The scene in which wc have been engaged is like those in which the leaders of old Israel engaged the people . We read in the volume of the Sacred Law how Joshua" made a covenant with the people . . . and set them a statute , and an ordinance in Shechem . " That covenant was , as you all know , to serve the Lord . Joshua said , " As for me and my house , we will serve the Lord , "

and the people answered and said , " God forbid that wc should forsake the Lord . " In confirmation of this covenant Joshua not only " wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God , " but" took a great stone and set it up there under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord . " He said , moreover , " This stone shall be a witness unto us . " Here , then , we have the principle of Masonic union

symbolished by a Masonic sign . The first stone of a Masonic lodge is laid on a Masonic principle , and in witness of a belief in God , of a willing service to that God . Thc principles of Freemasonry are universal and eternal . As the Great Architect of the Universe " spreadeth out the heavens like a curtain , " and " layeth the b ;* ams of his hambers in thc waters , " who "hath founded the earth upon

the seas and prepared it upon thc floods , " so he hath built thc soul of each man of the whole human race on principles which are everywhere accepted as far as those heavens and seas and lands do stretch . If thc principles of Freemasonry were only accepted in England or France , or even in Europe generally , they could not be allied universal ; if they had only been discovered by sages or philosophers of

certain countries at a late time of the world's history they could not be called eternal . But I say that there its no country and no time where or when these principles are not and have not been acknowledged . Ahab , King of Iirael , though an evil king , yet on one most notable occasion , was moved by a truly Masonic principle to show mercy to his enemy . When Bcnhaded , King

of Syria was in the power of Ahab , hc sent messengers to Ahab , saying , "Thy servant Binhaded saith , I pray thee let me live . " Ahab said •' Is he yet alive ? He is my brother . " Tlie men caught at thc words " my brother "—they proved the meaning of them on the heart of him who uttered them , and they said " Thy Brother , Benhaded . " Thc words were enough , and

the captive monarch was sent away in safety after he had made suitable terms with Ahab . This story shews thc power of the principles of Freemasonry . Brotherly love , relief , and truth , arc eternal , universal principles . But it may be said— if this is so , what is the use of a system like ours ? I reply to tliis . by another question . If the earth is blessed by its Great Architect where is the use of

thc farmer cr the gardener ? 1 he answer is easy ; as in the latter case the qualities of the earth need to be shaped , and moulded , and applied , so the principles of good in the human heart need to be directed and shaped in proper form . The object of the Masonic art is to do this . As the material Mason carves the stone , and enriches thc hewn stone , so thc speculative Mason adorns the human

race , not by making new principles , but by exhibiting that which is hidden in the breasts of all men , and needs only the tools cf the Master to be brought to light . Thc stone exists in the mountain , but it must be quarried out for use and ornament . To remove suspicion and jealousy is another duty of thc Mason . The great Lord Bacon , the father of modern philosophy , hath well said " A crowd

is not company ; and faces arc but a gallery of pictures ; and talk but a tinkling cymbal , where there is no love . The Latin adage meeteth it—Magna cAvitas magna solitude )—because in a great town friends are scattered , so that there is not that fellowship which , for thc most part , is in less populous neighbourhoods . But we may go furrthcr and affirm most truly that it is a mere

and miserable solitude to want true friends , without which thc w irld is but a wilderness ; and even in this sense also of so tutle , whosoever in thc frame of his nature and affect . , ns is unfit for friendship he taketh it of the beast and not from humanity . " You will all admit the truth of these words . So we as Masons have to strip ourselves of all unreasonable suspicion of other men , and be ever ready

Consecration Of The New Cross Lodge, No. 1559.

to give thc right hand of fellowship to all other human beings , especially to those who , like ourselves , arc , as Masons , trying to discover thc principles of that architecture according to which the great human temple is built . But we must erect this temple with solid material . When we lay thc foundation of the lodge we must not , like a dishonest contractor , do it with rubbish , but with good stone .

True knowledge will be necessary to adorn your position as living stones of this great temple , of which we are both thc workmen and materials . Thc reverend brother enforced his views at greater length , and sat down amid marks of warm approbation . Bro . Terry then proceeded with the ceremony , and the lodge being opened in the higher degrees , Bro . Woodman was

installed and proclaimed , the whole work being performed by the Installing Master . The brethren designated as the officers were then appointed in the order given above , and the addresses having been given , the lodge proceeded to its first business . Thanks and honorary membership were voted unanimously to Bros . Terry , Colles , Sabine , and Kipps , for their services that day , and thanks to Bros .

Hubbuck and Hogg . 'Ihe lodge being closed the brethren dined together , in greatly diminished numbers , for the hour was late , and trains are few from this interesting suburb . Among those who stayed were the brothers whose namesliavc been mentioned , and Brc . Keeble , sen ., a Mason of more than halfa-ccntury , Bro . II . Francis , P . G . S . D . of Surrey ; J . T .

Moss , P . G . S . Middlesex ; W . Smeed , P . G . J . W . Middlesex ; John While , W . M . 228 (" Freemason" ); Levy , P . M . 188 , and H . Ilyman , J . Wright , P . M . 1158 ;; and others . The eloquence of thc evening had to be shortened very considerably , and the proceedings were enlivened with music by

Bro . Kipps , and singing by Bro . Louis Beck , who possesses the grace of a Scotchman , the vivacity of a Frenchman , and the humour of an Irishman . " The Master ' s Health " was warmly toasted , as were the healths of the officers antl visitors , and the evening closed just too late for thc last train to London .

Consecration Of The Dee Lodge, Parkgate.

CONSECRATION OF THE DEE LODGE , PARKGATE .

Thc astonishing progress of Freemasonry is a wellestablished fact in every province in England , and Cheshire , which enjoys the Masonic rule ot Bro . the R . H . Lord de Tabley , thc R . W . P . G . M ., has done its best lo maintain its proper place in the onward inarch , and this with the most abundant success . Thc consecration of thc Dee Lodge ,

No . 1576 , on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., added another stone to the already substantial Masonic structure raised by the province of Cheshire , and as it is placed in the centre of a large district , where there are many good men and true Masons , it has every prospect of maintaining the credit and standing of the ancient and honourable Order . The consecration ceremony , which took place at the Union Hot .,

Parkgate , about midway between Chester and Birkenhead , where it is intended thc usual meetings will be held , is always an interesting one to the Fraternity , but it was specially so on this occasion by reason of the presence of Bro . thc Right Hon . Lord dc Tabley , R . W . P . G . M ., who is honoured by every brother in the extensive province of Cheshire . The presence of his lordship as consecrating

officer naturally attracted a distinguished attendance of Prov . G . L . Officers , amongst whom were Bros . J . S . Darvell , P . G . C . ; G . VV . Latham , P . G . Reg ., acting P . D . G . M . ; J . Piatt , P . P . G . J . W . ; E . H . Griffiths , P . G . Sec . ; C . Dutton , P . P . G . S . W ; T . Piatt , P . P . G . J . D . ; E . Friend , P . P . G . LD . ; J . W . Eardley , P . G . D . C ; J . Traviss , P . G . O .-, VV . Goodacre , P . P . G . P . ; S . Spratley , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . A .

Bennett , P . G . J . W . ; M . H . Bradley , P . G . S . ; G . Hesketh , P . G . S . ; J . Salmon , P . P . G . S . D . ; H . T . Bowden , P . G . S . of VV . ; J . E . Williams , P . G . S . D . ; and P . Hadsivoih , P . G . A . D . C . There was also a numerous attendance of W . M . 's , P . M . 's , officers , and members of lodges in Cheshire and West Lancashire , amongst whom were Bros . W . Vaughan , W . M . 724 ; W . Vines , P . M .

220 ; W . Shortis , P . M . 724 ; VV . Cottrell , P . M . 823 ; T . Shaw , VV . M . 823 ; J . S . Cuthbert , J . D . 823 ; J . G . Adam , W . M . 477 ; P . Armstrong , I . G . 724 ; F . L . Bolton , W . M . 1289 ; M . M'Nerncy , VV . M . Cos ; J * Thompson , 477 ; VV . Simms , 477 ; A . Mitchell , 477 ; VV . M . Asher , 477 ; N . Dumville , P . M . 152 ; VV . Grocotl , 605 ; J . Dutton , J . W . 477 ; T . Leighton , P . M ., Sec .

605 ; J . Penin , 477 ; J . II . Holla way , 477 ; VV . J . Lewis , 11 ) 3 ; E . Burns , 12 in ; J . Barrow , 1289 ; '' ' Smith , P . M . 201 ; G . Cook , 477 ; VV . Lownsborough , 823 ; F . Cumclle , 667 ; L . Ellis , P . M . 1289 ; E . Kerr , 191 ; M . Stafford , 3 61 ; R . Ellison , 721-, VV . Williams , 1276 ; the Rev . W . H . Ilarpur , 944 ; and others . Thc lodge room at the " Union " is exceedingly

compact and chastely decorated , and the furnishing of thc lodge , part of which was done by Bro . George Kenning , was in excellent keeping with the room . The brethren assembled in the lodge room shortly after one o ' clock , when the chair was taken by Bro . Thomas Cliesworth , P . M ., Treasurer 724 , the VV . M . designate , Bro . L . Ellis occupying the S . VV . ' s chair , and Bro . J . Adam

that of thc J . W . The lodge was then duly opened in the Three Degrees , and the P . G . L . was then received with solemn music , the P . G . M . ( Lord de Tabley ) being greeted with thc usual honours . The invocation and consecration prayers were-offered by the Rev . J . Sydney Darvell , and thc petition and warrant having been read by thc P . G . Secretary , Bro . H . E . Griffiths , the P . G . M . proceeded to consecrate the lodge according to ancient custom . The corn ,

wine , oil , and salt were respectively carried by Bros . VV . Shortis , P . M . 724 ; T . Shaw , W . M . 823 ; W . Vines , P . M . 220 ; and VV . Coitcrcll , P . M . 823 . Bro . Travis prcsidcti at the harmonium , and the musical portion of the ceremony was performed by Bro . Dumville , P . M . 152 . and others . Bro . Latham , P . G . Registrar , acting as D . P . G . M ., also assisted in thc ceremony . After this poition of the proceedings , Bro . VV . Goodacre proceeded to instal Bro . Thomas Chcsworth , P . M ., Treas .

Consecration Of The Dee Lodge, Parkgate.

724 , as the first W . M . of the Dec Lodge , a ceremony which he performed in a most impressive manner , 'flic following were the officers invested : —Bros , the Rev . W . H . Harpui * , S . W . ; T . ' Field , J . W . ( by proxy ); F . Needham , Treas . and S . D . ; N . J . Lewis , Sec . ; VV . Carr , J . D . ; A . Lawrence , I . G . ; and M . Williamson , Tyler pro . tern . Bro . Lord De Tabley , addressing the brethren , said it

gave him great gratification to be present that day to assist at thc consecration of thc Dee Lodge . He trusted it would have a prosperous career , that the members would enjoy a continuance of thc success which had marked the beginning of their existence , and that the lodge would be an honour to the great phalanx of Masonic lodges all over the world . From what he had seen that day he had no doubt

that thc lodge would have a long and prosperous existence , and , as he had done on former occasions , he counselled the brethren to be exceedingly careful as to thc men they admitted to their ranks . He had every faith that this would be done , and he trusted the Supreme Architect might counsel and direct them in all their lawful undertakinys .

A large number of propositions for joining and initiation were subsequently made , and hearty good wishes were expressed for the VV . M . by every lodge represented . The lodge was then closed in solemn form . An excellent banquet was subsequently served in the Assembly Root-as , Parkgate , the catering of Bro . Acton , of thc Union Hotel , giting complete satisfaction . Thc room

was chastely decorated with flags and banners , and amongst the inscriptions on the walls were— " Welcome to Lord De Tabley , " " Success to the Dee Lodge , " " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . " Thc W . M ., Bro . Chesworth , presided , and amongst those present were Bro . Lord Dc Tabley and nearly all the Provincial Grand Lodge Officers who assisted at the ceremony of the afternoon . The usual

lo ) -al and Masonic toasts were given and cordially responded to . Thc W . M ., Bro . Chesworth , in proposing " Lord Dc Tabley , R . W . P . G . M . for Cheshire , " said he gave that toast with thc greatest pleasure , becouse he was sure every one must have felt that day that his lordship had conferred a great honour by personally consecrating the

lodge . ( Appl-iuse . ) They knew hc took the greatest interest in Freemasonry , and sometimes at great inconvenience attended on occasions like that to peiform his Masonic duties . Thc toast was honoured with great enthusiasm . Bro . Lord De Table }' , who was received with renewed enthusiasm , said that after the words hc had made

use of in the lodge hc would not trouble them with any long address . Hc was happy to be in a position to renew his thanks for the kind reception he had met with , and to thank the W . M . and officers of the Dee Lodge for the munificent and hospitable way in which they had received him and the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge . He again wished the lodge the greatest prosperity . It was an

honour for him to preside over a province like Cheshire , where there were so many loyal and worthy Masons , and hc therefore tried at all times to do his duty to the best of his skill and ability . ( Loud cheers - . ) Amongst the remaining toasts were " The Installing Master , " responded to by Bro . *> V . Goodacre ; and " The Clergy , " which was acknowledged by Bro . the Rev . VV . H .

Ilarpur , S . W ., formerly Chap , to the Grand Lodge of India . Hc spoke of the magnificent reception given tothc M . W . G . M . in that vast country , and expressed his opinion that Masonry was doing quite as much for thc people there as that achieved by the missionaries . When he as a clergyman , and they as Masonic brethren , could sit down at the same table with Hindoos , Parsees , and Mussulmen in a social

way , thereby breaking down the divisions in a manner which the missionaries had never done , he thought hc was right in thc assertion which hc had made . ( Hear , hear . ) " Bro . Cornwall Leigh , M . P ., D . P . G . M ., and the Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present , " was responded to by Bro . Darvell , P . G . C , and Bro . F . Friend , P . Prov . G . LD . " Thc Visitors" was acknowledged by Bros .

Bolton , Vaughan , Vines , Shortis , Cottrell , and others , " The Worshipful Master , " proposed by Bro . Piatt , and responded to in an excellent speech by Bro . Chcsworth . "The Officers , " acknowledged by Bro . Needham , Treas . ancl S . D . ; " The Masonic Charities , " responded to by thc J , P . Piatt , Vines , Vaughan , and Needham ; and the Tyler's loast completed the list .

Ireland.

Ireland .

OMAGH . —Lodge Concord ( No . 332 ) metat the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening , 3 rd inst , Bro . A . C . Buchanan , VV . M ., in thc chair , and presented a valuable jewel to the late Treasurer and Secretary of the lodge , Bro . W . J . Palmer , P . M ., P . G . S . D . Kent , on his removal to Armagh . Bro . T . C . Dickie , P . M ., proposed , and Bro . F . J . West , P . M ., P . Z ., P . G . S . of Works Tyrone and

Fermanagh , seconded a resolution recording on the minutes thc valuable services rendered to the lodge by the late Secretary , and the regret of the brethren at his departure from the county . The brethren afterwards entertained Bro . Palmer at dinner at the White Hart Hotel , which was served in host Bro . VV . Mullin ' s best style . Thc W . M . presided , and Bro . \ V . V . Black , P . M ., P . 7 ,., P . G . Tteas . Tyrone

and Fermanagh , occupied the vice-chair . After thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts , "Thc Health of Bro . Palmer " was proposed hy the W . M . in very flattering terms , and acknowledged in a most appropriate manner . That of "The Visitors" was responded to by Bro . French , of Cappagh

Lodge , No . - ( 50 , who conveyed to Concord Lodge the best wishes of liro . Commander C . Scott , R . N ., P . M ., P . Z . 33 , also Bro . Scott ' s regret at being unable to attend . "The Tyler ' s " toast was generously respondetl to , and thc brethren separated at an early hour , having spent a most agreeable evenin ti