Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

excellent , reflecting great credit on the organist and choir . A very interesting feature of the last meeting , after the regular business had been disposed of , was the presentation by Bro . the Rev . AV . A . Blake , Jit . A ., of a magnificent sword to the lodge for the I . G . A fine inlaid rapier , the gift of Bro . Remington , P . M ., had hitherto been used , but this sword of Bro . Blake , although of so splendid a

character , is by no means out of place in the most gorgeously appointed Masonic temple in the North of England . It is a beautiful new court sword ( regulation pattern ) , with embossed and richly gilded hilt , and heavy gold bullion cord , knot , and tassels . The scabbard is

patent leather , with handsome gilt ferrules . The AV . M ., on the part of the lodge , thanked Bro . Blake most warmly for this very kind donation , and assured him it would be treasured in the lodge as a mark of his esteem and goodwill , and would continually remind them of his fraternal regard .

. WESTERHAM . —Amherst Lodge , No . 1223 . —Thisyoun . ) and flourishing lodge held its regular meeting on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., at the King ' s Arms Hotel , AVesterham , Kent , Bro . Colonel Warde , AA ' . M ., in the chair , supported by his AVardens and assistant officers and a goodly muster of members . The lodge having been duly opened by the AV . M ., Bro . Pearson ( of Maidstone ) , P . P . G . D . Kent , at

the particular request of the Master , initiated Mr . Charles Atkins , of Lewisham . Bros . C . C . Petley and G . Mellish were then passed to the second degree , the work of the chair and that of its officers having been performed in a very able manner . Bro . J . T . Bowen , Sec , having read the report of the Audit Committee , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet ,

which was presided over by the esteemed AA ' . M ., Bro . Colonel AVarde . The cloth having been removed , the AV . M , proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , the brethren doing ample justice by responding in the most hearty manner . Bro . Col . AVarde , being at the present time the Grand Senior AVarden of the province , deputed the S . AV . to propose the next toast , which was "The

Provincial Grand Master of Kent and the Grand Officers , Past and Present . " The AA' . M . and Bro . Pearson , P . P . G . D ., returned thanks in suitable and effective speeches on behalf of the province . The AA ' . M . then gave "The Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . J . G . Marsh , P . M . 28 and 192 , a Grand Officer of the province , who had

especially comejfrom London to visit the Amherst Lodge on this occasion , and called upon the brethren to give him a hearty welcome . Bro . Marsh returned thanks on behalf of the P . G . Master , Col . Burdett , and the Grand Officers , thanking the AV . M . and members for thc honour they had done the P . G . Lodge of Middlesex in proposing and respondiug to the toast , and also expressed himself highly

p leased at the very kind reception given him , and thc excellent working of the lodge . The next toast wasand which is also an important one in every lodge on such occasions— "The Initiate" ( Bro Charles Atkins ) , who had been received into the mysteries of the Order that clay , Bro . Atkins replying in an excellent speech . " The Health of the Officers" aud the Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable meeting to a close .

ST . IVES , CORNWALL . —Trcganna Lodge , Xo . 12 7 2 . — Thc regular monthly meeting of this young and flourishing lodge was held on Friday , the 4 th of August , at 6 p . m . Bro . Martin-Dunn , AA' . M , Prov . G . Steward , in thc chair . There were also present : Bros . Charles Trevithick . S . W . ; A . R . Harry , J . W . ; John Coombe , P . M ., Prov . f . G . Deacon : and several oilier members of ihe lodee . Bro .

AV . James Hughan , P . M . 131 , P . Prov . Grand Secretary , attended as a visitor hy special invitation from the lodge . The W . M . worked the ceremonies of initiation and passing in a faultless and most impressive manner , and in consequence ofthe anxiety of that worthy brother to give the degrees at all times to the candidates singly , and there having been a considerable number of ncwmembcrswilhin

the last few months , the officers have had numerous opportunities to perfect themselves in the ritual , and availed themselves of such opportunities with avidity . The various officers performed their duties in a most satisfactory manner , and especially the capabilities of the AVardens ami the J . D . were most manifest . The AV . M .

having desired Bro . Hughan , P . M ., to confer thc third degree on Uro . T . T . John , thc ceremony of raising was walked l . y ' . hat well-known brother to the complete satisfaction of the brethren present ; hut , unfortunately , owing to the " flight ol lime , " the lectures on the tracing-hoards ( which several of the members were prepared to give ) were deferred to a more convenient season . The AV . M .

having resume I his chair , Bro . C . I revithick then formally proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . AV . James Hughan , thc late Prov . G . Secretary of Cornwall , for travelling from Truro to St . Ives , in response to the wishes of the brethren . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Coombe , P . M .. and most kindly supported by the W . M ., J . \ V ., and Bro . T . T . John , and , of course , carried by

acclamation . —Bro . Ilughan , in reply , congratulated the Master , AVardens , and brethren on their excellent working , and expressed his surprise to find that in a few months the youngest lodge in the province had actually proved itself capable of giving the beautiful ceremonies of Freemasonry equal in every respect to the oldest or best-worked lodge in the county ! Bro . Ilughan also observed that , as they

had a fine Masonic hall ot their own , and were determined to work together in love and harmony , and as every brother , fron the Worshipful Master to the Tyler , endeavoured lo assiit each olher in ihe duties of their lodge , and were imsl anxious lo promote the interests of Freennsomy , it was evident th . it . while the members were

favoured with such excellent presiding officers as the present Worshipful Master , the lod , e was bound to be prosperous , fi-ia icially , and successful , Misonically , in the . l'gh- si l- " , 'r?<\—Two pmp ' -sitio is for init-a'io'i were received , an . l quite a " red-letter day " in tbe history of i | je Trcgaaru Lodge ww brought to * closo .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

METROPOLITAN . Cavcac Chapter , No . 176 . —On Thursday , the 3 rd ult ., this prosperous chapter was held at the Bridge House Hotel , Southwark , Comp . P . A . Nairne , M . E . Z ., presiding . Comp . F . AValters , P . Z ., Treas ., installed Comp . P . Browne as H . The usual five-guinea P . Z . 's jewel was unanimously voted to Comp . P . A . Nairne for his services

rendered to the chapter . The following companions were elected officers for the ensuing year , viz ., Comps . P . Browne , Z . ; M . Scott , II . ; R . S . Foreman , J . ; A . AVilliams , S . E . ; T . Quihampton , S . N . -, J . Hills , P . S . ; F . AA ' alters , P . Z ., Treas . ( re-elected for fifth time ) ; and C . T . Speight , Janitor ( re-elected ) . The chapter was then closed . Visitor : Comp . G . S . Elliott , 949 . Banquet

and dessert followed , and the usual toasts were given and received , Comp . G . S . Elliott responding in an able manner for the visitors . "The Treasurer" was made a special toast by the M . E . Z ., who , in an eloquent speech , mentioned the eminent services rendered to the chapter

by their Treasurer , Comp . F . AA ' alters ; also alluding 111 a ' happy manner to the fact that it was the anniversary of that companion ' s birth . This toast was received with enthusiasm , and Comp . F . AValters responded in an appropriate speech . After a few hours most agreeably spent , the companions separated .

PROVINCIAL . SUTTON . —The Frederick Chapter of Unity , No . 452 . — A convocation of this chapter was held at the Station Hotel , Sutton , on Tuesday , the 1 st inst . Present : Comps . James Robins , M . E . Z . ; R . H . Evans , II . ; Magnus Ohren , Scribe E . ; C . AA ' . Dommett , 1 st A . S . ; A . J . Dickinson , 2 nd A . S . ; AV . L . AVebb , H . E . Frances , and AV . S . Masterman , P . Z . ' s ; and Frederick AVilliams .

The minute was confirmed altering the days of the meeting of the chapter to the first Tuesdays in April and September , instead of May , June , July , and August , as before—they being the meetings of the lodge and most inconvenient . It was moved by Comp . Magnus Ohren , Scribe E ., seconded by the M . E . Z ., and carried unanimously , "That from , and after , September next the subscription to the chapter be 5 s . per annum , and that the joining fee be £ 1 3 s . 6 d . "

Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

AA ' INCHESTRR . —Economy Lodge , No . 52 . — I he regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall on AVednesday , the 2 nd inst ., for the purpose of installing the AA ' . M .-elect , Bro . J . Naish , P . P . G . J . AV ., for the ensuing year . The following brethren were present Bros . E . Sheppard , AV . M . ; J . Naish , AV . M .-elcct , J . Harris , AA ' . AA'hale , E . Snelling , C . Sherry , II . Newman ,

J . Doswell . T . Iloper , J . jT . Burchett , and several visiting brethren , including Bros . J . R . Stebbing ( G . Treas . ) , A . Cole ( 63 ) , J . L . Symon ( 63 ) , and AV . H . R . Gregory . The ceremony of installation was ably performed by Bio . Sheppard , I . P . M ., and at the close a cordial vote of thanks was given for the ability displayed by him . Bvo . J . Naish , AV . M ., then proceeded to invest his officers in

the fowing Order : —Bros . J . Harris , S . AV . ; AV . AA'hale , J . AA ' . ; E . Snelling , M . O . ; F . AVarner S . O . ; Lumsden , J . O . ; AA ' . II . AVooldridge , S . D . ; J . Doswcll , J . D . ; H . Newman , I . G . ; T . Hopher , Keg . of M ; J . T . Uurchett , Sec ; 11 . Pottle , Tyler . Tlie lodge was closed at eight o ' clock , when the brethren partook of an excellent banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts being drunk ,

a very pleasant meeting was brought to a close . SllKl-l'll-ri . D . —liritannia Lodge Xo . 53 . —Thc members of this lodge held llieir regular meeting on the 3 rd inst ., when there was a good attendance of ofiicers and brethren . Thc lodge was opened by thc AV . M ., Uro . II . Matthews , P . M . and P . G . S AV ., assisted by the following brethren - . —Bios . II . J . Gaiv . ett , I . P . M . ; Pfeilschmidt ,

S . AV . ; Bennett , P . G . S . D ., J . W . ; Bromley , M . O . ; Scargill , S . O . and Sec ; Fawcett , J . O . ; AVoslinholme , S . D . ; Moss , J . D . ; Ellis , I . G . ; Wilkinson , O . G . ; Drury , P . M . ; Chester , & c . Several of the brethren heartily congratulated the AV . M . tipjit his having been appointed P . G . S . W . of the Prov . G . L . of M . M of West Yorkshire , also Bro . Bennett upon his appointment to the olficc of

P . S . G . D . ; expressing llieir firm convictions that the R . W . Prov . G . Master had made a very judicious selection . The ballot was taken for Bro . S . Suckley , of thc Koyal Brunswick Lodge , 296 , ane Bro . AVilliam Kyland , jun ., of the AA'enlworlh Lodge , 1239 , which proving unanimous in their favour , they were severally introduced and advanced lo this honourable degree in a very

able manner , each officer doing his work in such a style as to greatly redound to his credit . Labour being ended , the brethren adjourned to banquet , presided over by the W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and heartily responded to , Bros . Scargill and Moss adding much lo the pleasure of lhc brethren by their admirable vocalisation , who separated after spending a truly fraternal evening .

Orders Of Chivalry.

ORDERS OF CHIVALRY .

RED CROSS OK CONSTANTINE . MANClll-rsi'irit . — I ' olatiit ; Cone ' avt , No . 50 . —The inaugural meeting of this conclave wns held on Saturday , 29 thult ., and was very successful . The throne was taken by III Sir . Kt . W . Kom . iitie Gil lender , juu ., I . G . South Lancashire , agisted by III . Sir Kts . ( . ' apt . Turner , I . G .

West Lancashire , ns VAA ; C Fitzgerald Malicr , as II . P . ; G . P . lirocUbank , K . G . C , as 1-. 1 Gen . ; Sir Kl . Entwisle , as 2 nd Gen .-. \ c . After lhc first g . ade ha I be-il .. 0 . H .. 1 red , ii ... > 'iiii ! . Vf v ... - , .., ; . , i ..,-ti .-. i iii ¦ ' ie f .. r :. i by S . r Kt . Callen-. ier , asiir ' . ^ d by the oilier Sir vniyhi .-, aijd wu l' Ay caa ; : itu ; c 4 ir . d urxlajinv-i . The . second

Orders Of Chivalry.

the other officers , owing to the shortness of time , were poitponed till next meeting . On the motion of Sir Kt . Matier , Sir Kts . R . Wentworth Little , Grand Recorder , and Capt . Turner were elected Honorary Members . The conclave was then closed in peace and harmony .

grade of the Order was then conferred on Sir Kts . Wayne and Hargreaves , and the third grade on Sir Kt . Entwisle . Sir Kt . Callender was then enthroned in the chair of M . P . S ., and Sir Ki . Matier in that of V . E . Sir Kt . Wayne was appointed Recorder , and the appointments of

Royal Ark Masonry.

ROYAL ARK MASONRY .

We are requested to insert the following copy of a letter sent to the G . Secretary of the Mark Grand Lodge by the Grand Scribe of the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners : — " Devereux-court , Temple , London , 20 th Tune . 1 S 71 .

" Sir and Brother , —I am directed by the M . W . G . C . of the Order of R . A . M . for England and AVales , the colonies and dependencies of the British Empire , to express to the Grand Lodge of M . M . Masons the great regret he feels that they should have published their intention to grant warrants to

Mark lodges to work the degrees of the order of Royal Ark Mariners . The Grand Commander of R . A . M . enters his protest against this attack upon the rights of R . A . M . by a body which has not the slightest title to interfere with an order conferring a set of degrees higher than that of Mark Master Mason ; the more especially as the Grand Lodge of

R . A . M . have an undoubted and long-exercised right to confer the degrees of Mark Man and Mark Master . This right , however , they are willing to waive , provided their jurisdiction over other degrees is not interfered with . "The G . C . of R . A . M . desires to place on record the following facts : —

" 1 . —That the English Order of Royal Ark Mariners , with its various degrees , has existed from time immemorial , and has had a Grand Lodge for nearly one hundred years . It has never been subordinate either to the United Grand Lodge or the Grand Chapter of England , and while the Scottish

branch of the order is allied with , and under the control of , thc Grand Chapter of Scotland , yet the order is never given to any brother unless he is a Royal Arch Mason , and the R . A . Mariners have their own office-bearers , separate books , & c .

2 . —1 hat this Grand Lodge has had a continuous working long before and since 1 793 , when H . R . H . the Duke of Clarence was elected to , and did accept , the Grand Command of the order . The documents proving which are now in the possession of the G . C . of the R . A . Mariners .

" 3 . —That by this Grand Lodge , so constituted , during the past year 24 warrants have been issued or applied for , some of which are in various parts of the globe , so that very shortly , it is hoped , a R . A . Mariner may find a lodge with brethren of his own jurisdiction or order in thc principal places of the world .

" 4 . —The Grand Lodge of M . M . M . was not formed until 1856 , and until the last year have never claimed to have the right to work anything else but the Mark Master degree ; consequently , in thia invasion of the Royal Ark Mariners' jttrisdicion a modern organization of Mark Masters is claiming

authority over an order working higher degrees than ils own , and endeavouring to coerce a Grand Lodge nearly a century its senior at least . This authority thc G . C . entirely repudiates . " 5 . —The G . Commander is well aware that the excuse offered for this unmasonic act , on the part of the Grand Mark Lodge , is that thc G . M . M . is ex

officio G . C . of R . A . M . ; this is contradicted by its own showing , for if the G . M . M . was G . C . of R . A M ., the G . C . of R . A . M . would ex officio be the legal G . M . M . Thc Grand Lodge of R . A . M . having been in existence for more than threequarters of a century previous to thc establishmflit of the G . M . L ., and having exercised power d » rr thc Mark and other allied degrees .

"The G . C of R . A . M . must certainly condemn , in the strongest terms , thc recent circular of thc Mark Grand Lodge , in which a premium ( so to say ) is offered to R . A . M . ' s to desert their allegiance , and offering to give , at half-price , spurious and counterfeit Ark Mariner degrees .

" It is urged that the recognition of a supreme jurisdiction over the R . A . M . degree would be an anomaly . It is scarcely more so than the recognition of an authority over the Mark degree . While , however , fully admitting the right of Royal Ark Mariners elsewhere to place themselves under the

jurisdiction of their respective Grand Lodges , where such Grand Lodges recognise the Royal Ark Mariner degrees , the G . C . of R . A . M . has simply to vindicate the lime-immemorial supremacy of the Grand Lodge of R . A . M ., and to maintain its right

of authority over the order , and to protest against the unwarrantable aggressions which are threatened bv thc G . Mark Lodge . ' "The G . C . of R . A .. VT . rs most sincerely anxious that brotherly friendship and mutual good feeling