United Grand Lodge Of England.

Representative from the Grand Lodge of Egypt , and unanimously resolved , "That , as a further mark of respect on the part of the Masonic Body of Ireland , the Grand Lodge should now close without the transacting of any further business . "

SUPREME COUNCIL , 33 . —The following circular has been issued : " It is with feelings of the most profound sorrow that the Supreme Council , 33 , for England , Wales , and the Dependencies of the British Crown , have to announce to the members of the A . and A . Rite the sudden and premature death , at Cannes , on the 2 Sth ult ., of Very Illustrious Brother the Duke of Albany , 33 ° , an Honorary

Member of this Supreme Council . The great interest which his Royal Highness evinced in every branch of Freemasonry , his devotion to the liberal arts and sciences , his easy courtesy and affability of manner towards his Masonic brethren of every degree , made him deservedly beloved by the whole Masonic Craft , which , in common with all classes of her Majesty ' s subjects , will deeply mourn the loss of one who

lived universall y respected , and who has left behind him a name which will ever be mentioned with veneration and esteem . As a mark of respect for the memory of the deceased Prince , the Supreme Council direct that mourning shall be worn in all Rose Croix Chapters under their obedience for a period of three months . — By order of the Supreme Council , HUGH D . SANDEMAN , 33 , Gd . Sec . Gen . —33 , Golden-square , London , W ., 2 nd April , 1 SS 4 . "

UNITED ORDERS OF THE TEMPLE AND MALTA . — GREAT PRIORY or ENGLAND AND WALES . —In respect for the memory of the late Great Constable of the Great Priory of Englandand Wales , | SirKnt . his Royal Highness the Dukeof Albany , K . G ., G . C . T ., & c , who departed this life on the 2 SH 1 ult ., all knights meeting in their

Preceptories and Great Priory are requested to wear mourning for the space of three months . —By order , W . TINKLER , K . C . T ., Vice-Chancellor . Hilts of swords and jewels to be covered with crape , and a crape scarf to be substituted for the riband . 32 , Chancery-lane , London , W . C , 3 rd April , 1 S 84 .

PROV . GRAND LODGE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT . —A special Grand Lodge of the above province was held at the Masonic Hall , Albionplace , Southampton , on the 2 nd inst ., under the presidency of the R . W . Bro . W . W . B . Baach , M . P ., Prov . Grand Master . Addresses of condolence were voted to her Majesty the Queen ; to H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ,

M . W . G . M . ; and to H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , on the death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany . PROV . GRAND LODGE OF OXFORDSHIRE . —The wreath sent by this province , and which was presented through the Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Reginald Bird , in in memory of the ruler of which it was so suddenly and lamentably bereaved , was a perfect specimen of the

florist's art , and to Freemasons specially interesting . It represented the jewel of . 1 Provincial Grand Master , measuring 4 ft . across outer ring or wreath , which was composed of choicest white flowers such as lilac , lily of the valley , eucharis , gardenias , callas , polyanthus , acacia , Sic , and maidenhair foliage ; the name of

province"Oxon "—composed of forget-me-nots ; the [ centre a square and compass with interlaced triangle , this latter in forget-me-nots ; the compases golden jonquils , and the square purple violets ; the whole surrounded by a very graceful spray of acacia , fully carrying out the traditional history of a Mason ' s grave . It was made by Bro . Dick Radcliffe and Co .

UNITED INDUSTRIOUS LODGE , NO . 31 , —The Masonic Temple in the High-street , Canterbury , presented a solemn and reverential aspect on Thursday night last week by being draped in suitable mourning , the brethren also appearing in appropriate Masonic mourning , to participate in a Masonic service of sympathy on account of the loss the Craft had sustained in the sudden and unexpected

death of his Royal Highness Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany . All Masonic business of the lodge was suspended until the following Craft night . The lodge was opened up to the Third Degree , when the W . M ., Bro . H . Ward , who had specially by circu ar invited the brethren of the local lodges , a great number being present , referred in feeling terms to the loss Masonry at large had experienced in the

untimely death of the Prince , who had , as Bro . Ward himself had several opportunities of witnessing in the Province of Wilts , in which the Prince at one time resided , taken so warm an interest in the well-being of the Craft in general , by making himself practically conversant with all its workings . The ceremony began by the brethren chanting the ooth Psalm to the well-known single chant of Felton .

This was followed by the Rev . Bro . H . M . Maughan , Chaplain and J . W . of the Greystone Lodge , reading selected portions of the wisdom of Solomon . The brethren assumed the usual attitude of prayer , while the Chaplain offered up a very impressive prayer , in which touching allusion was made to the departed , grace and strength implored to enable the sorrowing ones to bear up

under the sad and sudden bereavement . After this the touching elegy " Forgive blest shade " was feelingly sung by Bros . Plant , Moulding , Grundy , and Rhodes , assisted by Bro . Dr . Longhurst , Organist of the Cathedral , who presided at the harmonium . Then followed a short extemporary address by the Chaplain , who pathetically alluded to the many virtues and good qualities of the Prince ; how

he was in a remarkable way following the example of his noble and gifted father the late Prince Consort by devoting his time and talents to the furtherance of those objects which more concerned the welfare of the people at large than those of his own more immediate class . Allusion was made to his devotion to charitable objects , and more especially those of Masonry , which none more than the

Prince , the son of our Most Gracious Majesty QueenVictoria , could duly appreciate , and who was most thoroughly convinced that Masonry , in addition to its ennobling tenets and high toned principles , was loyalty to the throne and relief to allmankind . By his devotion to the Craft the Prince felt this and showed it by the interest he exhibited on all Masonic occasions . Great sympathy was expressed and felt by all

present at the sad bereavement the Queen Had relt and the irreparable loss the Duchess had sustained . The address was followed by the Dead " March in Saul , " solemnly and effectively played : by Bro . Longhurst while the brethren were standing . The Grand Honours were given seven times , after which the lodge was duly closed , and thus ended a solemn and interesting ceremony which will no

United Grand Lodge Of England.

doubt leave a lasting- impression on the minds of all the brethren who were present . Too much praise cannot be given to the indefatigable W . M ., Bro . H . Ward , for the energy and zeal he displayed in obtaining so complete a service in so short a time , as all arrangements were made after the usual Craft notice was issued .

ALBANY LODGE , NO . 151 . —This lodge was represented at the reception of the remains of the late Duke of Albany at Portsmouth on the 4 th inst . by the W . M . ( Bro . S . Wheeler ) , Bros . Major J . Walsh , P . M . ; E . H . Fradd , C . E . T . Mew , G . Edgar Alew , and A . Price . LODGE OF TRUTH , NO . 521 . —At the regular meeting held at Huddersfield , on the 4 th inst ., Bro . John

W . Turner , S . W ., called the attention of the brethren to the great loss Masonry had sustained by the death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , and concluded by proposing that the lodge go into mourning for three months , adding that it was such a short time since his Royal Highness was with them , when the greatest Masonic demonstration ever made in the province of West Yorkshire took place , that

the melancholy event caused the brethren of the province , and more especially the five Huddersfield lodges , to deeply mourn his loss , and sympathize with those nearest and dearest to him . FIRST VOLUNTEER LODGE OF IRELAND , No . G 20 I . C . —At the meeting held on the 2 nd inst . the following resolution was unanimously passed : "That we desire to record our heartfeltsympathy with her Gracious Maiestv

the Queen , the Duchess of Albany , and the members of the Royal Family in the sad loss which they have sustained in the sudden and unexpected death of R . W . Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany , P . G . J . W . of England , and Provincial G . M . of Oxfordshire , who by his many virtues and the warm interest he took in our beloved Craft , had endeared himself to every member of it in every part of the known world where his name was known . "

DUKE OF EDINBURGH LODGE , NO . 1 259 . —At the conclusion of the business of the lodge at the meeting on the 1 st inst ., Bro . E . Jex , C . C ., P . M ., the esteemed Treasurer , alluded to the recent sad loss the country and the Craft had sustained by the lamentable and sudden death of his Royal Highness the late Duke of Albany . Bro . Jex concluded a feeling address by proposing that a vote of

condolence of the lodge be forwarded to Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of English Freemasons . This was seconded b y Bro . Buchan , P . AL , and carried in solemn silence . Bro . G . T . H . Seddon , P . M . 174 , Organist , then played Handel ' s " Dead March " ( "Saul" ) , and lodge was solemnly closed . After the banquet , Bro . Rulfe , W . M ., introduced the usual toasts expressive of lovaltv to the

Throne and prosperity to the best interests of the Craft ; but these wcrcpl cdgcd in solemn silence , and no music was given save an impressive rendering of Rossini ' s grand supiicatory chorus , "To Thee , Great Lord" ( " Mosc in Egittoi" ) ROYAL CLARENCE LODGE , NO . 1823 . —Major-Gencral Cecil Ives , D . W . M . of the Royal Clarence Lodge , has received the following communications from her Majesty

the Queen and the Duchess of Albany in reply to the resolutions of condolence passed at the last meeting of the Royal Clarence Lodge : " Windsor Castle , April 2 nd , 1 SS 4 . Dear General Ives , —I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will express to the officers and ' Tjrcthren of the Royal Clarence Lodge of Freemasons her Majesty's sincere thanks for their kind address of condolence . —I am .

& c , HENRY F . PONSONUY . —Major-General Ives . D . M ., Moyns Park . " — " Mr . R . H . Collins is commanded to thank the Royal Clarence Lodge of Freemasons for their kind letter of sympathy addressed to the Duchess of Albany . Clarcmont , Eshcr , April 5 th . " PRINCE EDWARD OF SAXE-WF . IMAR LODGE , NO . 1903 . —At the regular meeting held at Portsmouth on

the 2 nd inst ., the proceedings were of a most solemn character , as within one month the lodge had lost three of their brethren , the lamented sudden death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany having been preceded by that of Bro . Montressor , R . N ., who was killed in action at the battle of El Tcb , and also of Bro . J . E . Parker , of the Royal Hotel , Dcvonport . A respectful vote of condolence was accorded to Her

Majesty the Queen , the Prince of Wales , and the Duchess of Albany , on the death of the Duke , and also to the families of Bros . Montressor and Parker . LEOPOLD MARK LODGE , NO . 235 . —Monday , the 31 st ult ., was to have been the occasion of the installation and annual festival of this lodge , but on receipt of the news of the lamented death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albanv

it was decided to postpone the festival and hold a regular lodge instead , for the purpose of passing suitable resolutions expressive of the sorrow of all Mark Masons and of the members of this lodge in particular at the untimely death of the Prince , whose name stands first enrolled on its list of members and after whom the lodge was named . The lodge , which was well attended , was held at the

Masonic Hall , Greyfriars-road , Reading , under the presidency of Bro . S . Bradley , W . M ., and the following resolution was moved by Bro . E . Margaret , P . M ., seconded . ? TC 0 ; \ f' PuIlev ' M' and carried unanimously : I hat the Leopold Lodge of Mark Master Masons , No . 235 , deeply deploring the loss which Mark Masonry in general and this lodge in particular has sustained bv the

untimely death of H . R . H . Prince Leopold Duke of Albany , K . U ., P . G . M . M . M . ( whose name stands first enrolled on its list of members ) , desires to offer a floral wreath at his funeral as a last fraternal token . The lodge also desires to ? , n , ' , 0 her M ° Gracious Majesty the Oueen and to H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany a humble tribute of condolence and sympathy in this their sudden bereavement . "

Ihe floral wreath , which was a most handsome one , measured about 30 inches in diameter and was composed of a fringe of ferns and a very effective arrangement of splendid gardenias , white tea roses , camellias , lillies of the valley , and other choice white flowers . The name of the lodge was worked in the circle , in the centre of which was a triangle , formed of purple hyacinths and red azaleasthe Mark colours—with the number of the lodge within . On

Friday morning a deputation from the lodge , consisting of Bros . Bradley and Pulley , attended at Windsor and presented the floral wreath at the Castle . THE PRINCE OF WALES AND PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL . —The Prince of Wales has intimated that in consequence of the death of the Duke of Albany he will be unable to attend the laying of the foundation-stone of the tower of Peterborough Cathedral on the 7 th of May .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

& rtiit JrJLasourtL STRONG MAN LODGE ( No . 45 ) . —The installation meeting- of this Iodtre . which has hi-en in existence

over a century and a half , was held on the 3 rd inst . at the Masons' Hall Tavern , Masons' -avenue , Basinghall-street , E . C . There was a large attendance of the brethren and visitors . In the absence of the W . M ., Bro . W . H . G . Ball , who was unavoidably away , the l . P . M ., Bro . W . A .

S . Humphries , presided , supported by Bros . G . G . Symons , P . M . ; G . H . T . Dyer , P . M . ; J . Vass , P . M . ; F . W . Driver , M . A ., P . M . ; H . Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; H . W . Hemsworth , P . M . ; C . Cordingley , P . M . ; \ . Smith , S . W .. W . M . elect ; If . Nell , J . W . ; L . S . Fountaine , S . D . ; and R . Hunt , I . G . Amongst the visitors wc noticed Bros . P . Soman , 234 and S 07 , P . P . G . S . Norfolk ; D . F . Gillion , P . M . 1425 ; W . Craig , P . M . 1425 ; G . Buckham

P . M . 37 G ; C . B . Carter , P . M . 1 GG 2 ; A . Heald , P . M . ; R . S . Hargrovcs , 755 ; K . II . Drysdale , 91 S ; K . Defriez , I . G . 1 G 93 ; J _ . K . Gwyn , 142 G ; V . Chick , 1744 ; tt . Pringle , 1275 ; G . Croot , 554 ; II . J . Dean , 12 G 0 ; F . Gabriel , SGo ; W . F . Bates , D . C . 1507 ; M . Charlton , 1702 , and others . Lodge having been opened in due form by the l . P . M . the minutes of the previous meeting , which contained the

reappointment of Bro . 11 . Follett , P . M ., as Treasurer , were then read and confirmed . Bro . John Smith was then presented as W . M . for the ensuing year , and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed he was duly installed into the chair , the rite being most impressively performed by Bro . G . G . Symons , P . M ., whose rendering of the whole ceremony , and whose intelligent interpretation of the

several addresses gave ample testimony of his careful study , and of the great interest he had always taken in the Craft . The customary salutations having been given the W . M . invested his officers for the year as follows : Bros . H . Nell , S . W . ; L . S . Fountaine , J-W . ; H . Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; John N . Hcale , Sec . ; R . Hunt , S . D . ; S . Stanton , J . D . ; W . H . P . Thomas , I . G . ; T . C . Cubbon , Stwd . ;

Major P . H . Frcelove , Asst . Stwd . ; and H . Mallett , 1 ylcr . After the banquet which followed the closing of the lodpe , the customary toasts were proposed from the chair . The first and second on the list , owing to the recent loss sustained by the Cratt in the death ot the Duke of Albany , being drunk in silence . "The Grand Officers" was responded to by Bro . P . Soman , P . P . G . S . Norfolk .

Bro . G . G . Symons then proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He was quite sure the W . M . bad the cause of true Masonry at heart , and the lodge would suffer nothing at the hands of him who had been placed in that honourable and high office . The Strong Man Lodge had a good old history , and although the past year might have been more successful , yet he did not despair of the future . He wished

the W . M . a very prosperous year , and he felt sure the credit and dignity of the old lodge would be handed down pure and unsullied to those who came after . The W . M . returned thanks for the very kind manner in which the brethren had drunk his health y He should endeavour to carry out the duties of the office with satisfaction to himself and the lodge , the interests of which he

had at heart , and if thr . W . M ., officers , and brethren would stand by each other , he felt sure of a happy if not a prosperous year . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . Ball , " who was just then crossing the Atlantic Ocean . He had faithfully discharged the duties of his office , and the best wishes of the brethren would follow him whercvet he went . Bro . G . G . Symons , in replying for "The I . P . M ., " read

a letter he had just received from that brother , conveying his best wishes for the welfare of the lodge . " The Past Masters " was responded toby Bro . J . Vass , P . M . Other toasts followed , including " The Visitors , " " The Treasurer and Secretary , " and " The Officers of the Lodge , " all of which were duly responded to . The evening was spent in a very happy and enjoyable manner , and kept fully alive with a charming variety of songs , accompanied in capital style by Bro . H . J . Dean .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No . 753 ) . —The lodge held its spring banquet at Lord's Hotel , on Wednesday , the 2 Gth ult ., when there were present Bros . ] ohn Evans , W . M . ; F . Gordon , S . W . ; E . F . Duffin , J AV . ; ' F . G . Baker , P . M ., Sec . ; C . U . Wickens , S . D . ; E . W . Scattergood , | . D . ; J . J . Thomas , I . G . ; H . Slyman , P . M . ; J . D . Caulchcr , P . M ., Treas . ; j . F .

Weust , P . M . ; J . Austen , P . M . ; J . Powell , P . M . ; R . T . Hill , P . M . ; Stiles , Bird , Polling , Page , and Beale . The visitors were Bros . Knight Smith , 1441 , P . M . ; Ruff , P . M . 95 ; Jones , 1507 ; Clayton , 7 S 0 ; and Humfrics , J . D . 733-The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . There was no special work to do , but the opening and closing of

the lodge was made rotable from the fact that the W . M . generously presented 50 copies of words and music , composed ana arranged by himself , lor the perpetual use of the lodge . These hymns were sung by the brethren , and if continued to be used , will be a very fitting memento of our brother ' s year of office . Bro . Knight Smith , P . M . 1441 , was appointed Hon . Organist of the lodge , and in

expressing surprise and pleasure at the great honour conferred upon him , promised the brethren of the Prince Frederick William that he would be with them as often as his professional duties permitted . The lodge being closed the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was served in the customary excellent style ot the Lord ' s . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts

were dul y honoured . The visitors in responding to the toast in their honour expressed their gratitude to the lodge and the W . M . for the generous and agreeable entertainment afforded them . The W . M ., and Bros . F . G . Baker , G . Clayton , and Knight Smith took part in some excellent

songs and glees , the last named brother also presiding at the piano . Bro . Duffin contributed his share to the pleasure of the evening by an excellent recitation . All the brethren felt the evening too short for the many pleasures afforded them when the hour came to bid each other the " farewell . "