The One Hundred And Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Peace And Harmony Lodge, No. 60.

P LUCKNETT , on behalf of the visitors , returned k ' for the pleasure their visit had afforded them . He "' atulated the lodge with sincerity on its antiquity and c ° ? faCt that it had for so many yea-s carried out the olesof Masonry . He hoped that the hospita'ity ex-^ rid by the lodge and the prosperity it had evinced would ' -e .... f . r manv years to come , and that for centuries

, ' ould enjoy the high position it had attained . ' - „ J MBKRT T BRRV said he cordially reiterated the wish es ' ed that they might live to see the 200 'h anniversary , '" rHf on that occasion they received the excellent entertaint and hear tv welcome they had experienced that evening , uld be vvr rth living for . He vtn ' ured to thank them '" hehal f of himself and the other visitors for the honour 1 " » thpm in inviting them on that oo asion . In conclusion

he wished every possible prosperity to the lodge . Bro I C . P ARKINSON said his first and most pleasurable A tv was to congratulate thc lod « e on its career of the st ISO years . The W . M . who so ably presided over R * jja , - testified by the aptness of h s obs-rvations and the felicity o their expression that the traditions of the

I j | ost nothing at his hands and peace and harmony vere as well represented that night as in the past . He was ' ndebted to gr 0 , Binckes for his kindness in alluding to the ' ircumstance that he ( Bro . Parkins-m ) was indebted to him for performing the installation ceremony the first time he ever went into the chair of a lodge , and from which he

dated so much happiness and pleasure . He vvas further indebted , f » r the pleasure of being present that evening , to the brother on his right who was a member of a lodge , not as old as the Peace and _ Harmony Lodge , but vvith a record of 120 years . Their membership extended over crime to years and they were still standing shoulder

to shoulder , he , in the chair for the third time and his friend as an active member . At that late hour of the evening the difficulty vvas , not what to say , but how to compress it . They had had so much presented to them in so able a manner concerning the historical points connected vvith tbe past 150 years ,

that it would be unnecessary for him to dwell upon the facts which welled up in his mind as to the condition of the Community when the lodge vvas founded . In the entire history of the civilised world , the last 150 years had made more progress than any preceding period before it . There were three especial points to vvhich he would refer—light ,

the transmission of intelligence , and locomotion . When that lodge vvas founded , if a great dignitary wished to illuminate his palace he resorted to the same means as BeWhazzar did—a multiplicity of candles . If a man wished to convey a message quickly , he saddled a horseman and despatched him on the errand . The inventions in the days

when that lodge was founded were precisely the same as those mentioned in the Old Testament . Those were pregnant facts he would leave the brethren to dwell upon . He thanked the members for the reception given the visitors , who had had a welcome they would not easily forget . "The Past Masters " was then given by the W . MASTER ,

and responded to by Bros . KENT and SOPPET , who thanked the W . M , and brethren for their kindness , and assured them that the P . M . 's were animated by one idea—to promote the interest and welfare of the lodge . lnsubmitting "The Masonic Institutions , " Bro . LAYPON , S . W ., said he should have been diffident in proposing the

toast had he not known he had a sympathetic audience . He thought that all brethren would recognise that the Masonic Institutions were the pride of their lodges . Bro . Binckes had given them a retrospect of some circumstances connected with the lodge , and he could not help remembering that he was wearing a centenary jewel of the Universal

Lodge , and had taken out a large number of extracts from the records of that lodge . Amongst the old relics vvas a glove in vvhich the contributions to Charity were received . The records of 120 years proved that Masonry was charitable then , and there were continual extracts showing that poor members had been relieved from the funds of the

' ° ge . He did not think they had detracted in their Masonic Charity . Unless Charity had been attached to the lod ges he questioned if Masonry would have prospered as it had , In looking round that room he saw striking eviaenceot the work being done by the considerable number ot decorations worn by the brethren indicative of the large number

of Stewardships they had serv-d on behalf of the nslitutions . Tney could not help noticing that , while the " ™ increased 'he necessity for increased Charity also n . . "• The Masonic Institutions were the grandest ^ naritable Institutions in the country , and deserved the bZ " " ? support of the Craft . Some short time ago it Y , s dut V to prepare statistics of the number of 6

toed conf . ributin S t ° the Charities in London . He col-Mas ¦ 2 ° 1 s ° " subscribe ' rs , and , entirely omitting the uonsi 1 lnstitutions - he found that the Charitable Instituvvas i ° . ndon were supported by but 75 , ot > o people . It by sn 11 that -he lar £ e hospitals should be supported 'Sat th M a " umber . P eople . He thought , however , alaY Mas ° nic Institutions were an exception , and that alarrr — - «¦ " « . "nur . uuuns were an exception , ana cnar

. that th pro P ° ' subscribed to them . It vvas well known name , t Were about I 20 ° Stewards who had sent in their 'be inntK S A Upport the Ro J Masonic Institution for Girls at Benevo ?" niversary . He lived near the Koyal Masonic and if lv \ lnst , tution , so ably represented by Bro . Terry , did , thev ij ' < f . * - ted that Institution frequently as he "Wed t would nnd 't admirably managed . He was per-Terrv ass ° oate with that toast the name of Bro .

Be " t voll TERRY * P -G -S-B ., Secretary Royal Masonic wl > ° Pror n " ' ution > '" response , said that the brother Br ° . Binrb loast ha < I paid a great compliment to * at si £ '" szym S he bad be-en the pioneer of the lns 'itutinnf ^ ' had attended the Royal Masonic Cou 'd telI rlY I 5 ' As a colleague of Bro . Binckes , he N * Instituii . when he was appointed Secre'ary of to " -e Provl " ' br"ther kindly gave him introductions S ^ 'n-r an , H . - * and wherever he had the opportunity of Instil .. !"" j'tung- on behalf nf fi , o r . irU' » p . ono „ ni 0 n-

festivals ?* , had vv , 1 Iin f ? ly done so . With respect to the on Festival ^ i - " wel - that the Benevolent Instituraisitl g an = tal < en P , ace "hen thev succeeded in r ' The PM ? Y , - cien - to pay the annuities for the , l ° - which * , bcho ° - festival was engrossing all alien-1 * fi « t cen ?„ vent " to think vvas but right , for it was „ stit Mion In ^ u lhat had ever taken P lace in any Masonic ¦ IV ' tW Inc .-- ? ^ 0 , ld * England was the first place that K , count " : ' u" ° their birth , and he was certain that £ l anlY £ Y . d C 0 P ' their example . Fifty years en 'he el „„ 0 n was started , this lodge was in existence , * "ve went round , and no doubt many received

The One Hundred And Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Peace And Harmony Lodge, No. 60.

immediate relief . Fifty years after the lodge was started came a most important epoch in the history of our Institutions . The brethren knew how successful that history had been the annual incomes now being about £ 10 . 000 for the Girls' School , £ 11 , 000 for the Boys ' , and 15 , 000 for the Benevolent Institution . He had to sincerely thank the members of this lodge for the support they had rendered

to the Ins'itutions . Doubtless , with the position occupied by Bro . Binckes , the Boys' School would receive their first sympathy , but he knew there had always been a continuous supply of Stewards for the Benevolent Institution . He hoped the lodge would long prosper in its career of usefulness . Speaking for his colleagues and himself , he vvas convinced they had but one desire , and that it was to leave

their Institutions when the management departed from their hands in a far better position than when they were when entrusted to them . How zealously Bro . Binckes had laboured they all knew , and it vvas for the world to say how far he had copied him . He again thanked Bro . Binckes for the kind assistance he had invariably rendered him .

Bro . BINCKES said that under ordinary circumstances he should not add one word , but he wished to return his sincere thanks for the generous sentiments expressed by Bro . Terry , and for the graceful and undeserved eulogiums made by that brother vvith reference to himself . It showed there vvas a good spirit animating the repiesentatives of the respective Institutions . In giving "The Officers , " the W . M . said he desired to

express his thanks to those officers who had so kindly assisted him , and who had so largely contributed to the success during the past year . He sincerely hoped that Bro . Layton , the W . M . elect , would have an enjoyable year of office . He desired more especially to thank tne Treasurer and Secretary for their very efficient services , and he would have felt uncomfortable if he had not made some reference to those two officers .

Bro . LAYTON , S . W . and W . M . elect , said he cordially agreed with the W . M . that a brother who aspired to the dignity of the chair should be prepared to accept the duties attached to the position . He should endeavour to do his duty in the chair , and he vvas sure the lodge , being an indulgent one , would spare a brother who vvas getting on in old age . He hoped they would always consider that the

greatest care vvas necessary in the admission of members , for the social position of the members of the lodge was on an equality , and they enjoyed each other's society . He hoped that whatever initiates came into the lodge , the members who introduced them would bear in mind that they should be those whom they could introduce at their own private tables , and whose hearts were open to the

objects of Masonry—more especially the support of Charity and the maintenance of the ritual . Bro . YOUNG , Treas ., on behalf of the officers , also returned thanks . As officers they had endeavoured to discharge their duties , and they might congratulate themselves upon the success of the endeavours of every individual member . He should like to mention that the whoje of the arrangements had fallen on one fully capable member-

—Bro . Binckes—to whom all honour was due , and the brethren owed him a deep debt of gratitude for the immense amount of labour he had undergone in getting together the details of his hisorical sketch . The Tyler ' s toast then closed the proceedings . Hearty thanks were conveyed from the chair , and fully endorsed by the brethren , to Bro . Dr . Lott , P . G . Organist , for his kindness in presiding at the pianoforte duiing the e / ening .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management of this Institution held its regular meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday afternoon . Bro , Jabez Hogg , P . G . D ., occupied the chair , and there were present Bros . Raynham W . Stewart , P . G . D . 5 J . M . Case , P . G . D . ; C . A . Cottebrune ,

P . G . P . ; J . J . Berry , Albert l < ish , M . B . Dantill , John Bulmer , E . Bolton , James Brett , P . G . P . ; J . Newton , A . H . Tattershall , Henry Maudslay , P G . D . ; W . H . Perryman , P . G . P . ; W . A . Scurrah , C . J . Perceval , W . Hilton , H . Garrod , P . G . P . ; Chailes G . Hill , Henry Cox , Hugh Cniter , Charles Kempton , Charles Lacey , Louis Stean , VV .

J . Marli ,, W . Belchamber , C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br . j and James lerry , P . G . S . B , ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and verified , the Secretary reported the deaths of two male candidates and one widow annuitant .

The Warden's Report for the past month having been read , the draft annual report as prepared by the Committee appointed to draw it up was submitted and approved . The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . J . BROOK-SMITH , M . A ., P . G . D ., D . P . G . M . GLOUCESTERSHIRE , The Province of Gloucester has sustained a heavy loss in the death of iis Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Brook-Smith , M . A ., P . G . D ., vvhich occurred very suddenly on Saturday last , at his residence , Boyne House , Cheltenham . Bro . Brook-Smith had suffered for some

months past from a failure of the voice , the origin of which app .-areu to be a matter of considerable doubt , but a temporary rest from his duties as master of Cheltenham College , vvhich necessarily involved some strain upon the vocal oigans , had been prescribed as likely to result in his complete restoration to health . So little vvas a fatal result thought to be eminent that a few weeks ago he accepted

promotion from the second Mastership to the post of Head Master of the Modern Department of the College , offered him by the College Council , and that done so under the sanction of his medical men . The prospect of increased work at the College had led him , a fortnight before his

death , to resign the Deputyship of the province but the formal filling up of the vacancy had not been made , ( though it is known that the post had been accepted by Bro . Vassar Smith ) and he may be regarded as having d ed with the harness of his responsible office still upon him . An aneurism of the heart is believed to have been

Obituary.

the cause of death , and the end was as painless it vvas sudden . Bro . Brook-Smith vvas born at Huddersfield , in July , 1824 , was educated at Huddersfield College , and thence proceeding to Edinburgh University , won there the gold medal for mathematics . Passing from Edinburgh to Cambridge , he graduated M . A . at the latter University , again gaining distinction in mathematics . About the year 1 S 49 he was

appointed a master in the Cheltenham College and continued that connection until his death . Among the many distinguished men who passed through his classes we may mention Bros . Sir Charles Warren , Sir Charles Wilson , and the late Col . Barrow , the Soudan hero , while the sons of the Grand S ecretary , Bro . CoL Shadwell H . Clerke , had also been entrusted to his training . Bro . Brook-Smith ' s

initiation into Mas'mry took place , we believe , in the Foundation Lodge , No . S 2 , Cheltenham , about the year 1852 . A year later he joined the Koyal Union Lodge , No . 246 , in the same town , and in 1856 he was chosen W . M . of ihat lodge . The year 1856 witnessed the revival ot a Provincial Grand Lodge in Gloucestershire , and Bro . Brook-Smith was appointed first J . G-W . of the province .

He vvas re-elected a second year to the chair of 246 , and in 1866 was also chosen W . M . of the Foundation Lodge . As a P . M . of thetwo lodges he continued to take an active part in their work , serving at different times as Treasurer of both , and in 1877 he vvas Treasurer of the province . On the resignation in 18 S 0 of the offices of Prov . Grand Master and Deputy Prov . Grand Master by

Lord Sherborne and Bro . Newmarch respectively , and the appointment to the former of R . W . Bro . Sir Michael Hicks-Beach , Bro . Brook-Smith was selected for the post of Deputy , to the universal satisfaction of the brethren of the province . Since his appointment to this position , as , indeed , before it , he has taken unceasing interest in the working of the province , and showing himself a knowledge

of Masonic ritual sui passed by few in the country , he has spared no pains in imparting that knowledge to the lodges under his charge . His selection last year for investiture by the Grand Master as a Past Grand Deacon , at the Jubilee celebration in the Albert Hall , was a well-deserved and popular recognition of the services he had rendered in his province . As an Arch Mason , Bro . Brook-Smith had

served as P . Z in No . 82 , in 1 S 63 , and was the chief mover in the formation of a Provincial Grand Chapter for Gloucesteishire in 1 SS 4 , of which he vvas appointed first J . In the Mark Degree he served the office of W . M . in the Cheltenham and Keystone , No . io , in 1 S 50 and 1875 ; vvas Senior Warden of Gloucestershire in 18 S 3 ; , and G . M . O . in 1 SS 2 . His connection vvith other branches of Masonry

did not begin until a comparatively recent period , but he vvas P . E . P . of the Cotteswold Preceptory , No . 72 , P . M . W . S . St . Thomas ' s Chapter , R . C ., and 30 . The funeral took place on Tuesday , at Cheltenham Cemetery , and vvas a remarkable expression of the respect in which [ our brother was held by his colleagues and the students at the college , his fellow citizens , and the Craft .

Of the brethren , about 150 attended from all parts of the province , wearing mourning , but no distinctive Masonic token . As they assembled at the cemetary gates , however , they were each presented with a sprig of acacia , vvhich they carried in the procession , and afterwards threw into the grave as they slowly filed past it . I ' he acacia had been tele-graphed for from the Continent on behalf of the

Royal Union Lodge , by its present W . M ., Bro . Vassar Smith , and the incident . though a slight one , is an evidence of the affection it was intended to express towards the memory of the lodge ' s oldest Past Master . Am jog the many placed upon the coffin were wreaths from the Prov . G . M . ( Bro . Sir Michael Hicks Beach ) , who vvas himself kept away by official duties 5 from the two Cheltenham lodges ,

the Foundation and Royal Union ; the Faith and Friendship Lodge , Berkeley ; The Royal Gloucestershire and the Koval Lebanon and the Zetland Lodges , Gloucester ; from Bro . and Mrs . Vassar Smith , Bro . and Mrs . Porcher , Bro , Sir Charles and Lady Warren , Bro . Gvinnett , and liro . Rev . P . Hattersley Smith . The funeral service , it snouid be added , vvas conducted by the principal of Cheltenham College , Bro . the Rev . Dr . Kynaster , P . G . Chap , ot the province .

BRO . ALEXANDER BARBER , P . M . Bro . Alexander Barber died at his residence , 104 , London-road , Ipswich , on Tuesday , the ist inst . Bro . Barber vvas born in Ipswich on the 28 th January , 1808 . In early life he joined the army , and served with distinction in the rebellion in Canada in 1 S 37-38 , and filled many responsible positions , both military and civil . Amongst

which he vvas for many years 111 charge of the Ipswich Barracks . Bro . Barber was an ardent Freemason , having been admitted into the Order about 58 years ago . He passed the chair in 1 S 4 O ; and for the past 28 years has been Secretary of St . Luke ' s Lodge . He was a man of most exemplary life and scrupulous character . He leaves an aged widow and large family . The funeral took place

on Friday , when the large attendance of brethren and inhabitants of Ipswich testified to the respect in vvhich he vvas held . The following Past Masters acted as pall beaicis : Bros . E . Scrivener , W . M . ; l ' . J . Noble , l . P . M . ; John Talbot , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . L . Brook , J . W . ; B . King , P . M . 376 ; Geo . Abbott , P . P . G . S . B . ; A . W . Cook , and Jos . Whitehead . The other members of the lodge present

included : B . os . J . Napier , P . M ., P . P . G . Keg . ; C . Hyford , P . M . ; S . J . Morley , S . W . ; G . P . Price , j . D . ; W . Whitehead , I . G . ; W . Leathers , W . J . Leggett , W . H . Cook , J . W . Blumrield , K . Senton , A . Senton , T . Turner , J . VV . Daniels , and Geo . Gould , Tyler . Bro . Tracy , the Prov . Grand Secretary , and Bro . H . J , Wright , P . A . G . S ., also attended . I'he first portion of the service was perlormed at St . Matthew ' s Church , Ipswich . As the cotfin—which was covered vvith ths 1-jdge banner and

Masonic collars and aprons of the deceased—was borne into the church , the Organist , Bro . T . Palmer , played " O , rest in the Lord , " " Mendelssohn , " and subsequently at the conclusion of the service , Beethoven ' s ' Funeral March . " The Rev . F . Haslevvood and the Rev . A . H . Hayes officiated both in the church and at the cemetery . The brethren each deposited a small sprig of acacia in the

open grave . Amongst the wreaths on the cofhn was a very handsome one from the members of St . Luke ' s Lodge , and others from the Rev . C . J . Martyn , of Long Melford , D . P . G . M ., Mr . and Mis . John Pells , Mr . and Mrs . A . J . Barber , Mr . J . Napier , Mr . and Mrs . A . W . Cook , and others . The chief mourners were Mr . Alexander Barber , Mr . J . Pells Mrs . Alfred J . Barber , Mr . J . C . Pells , and Mr . F . Pells ,