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in a few short , but pertinent words , by W . Bros . Baldwin and Elsam . " The Initiates " car _ e next , and was acknowledged by Bros . Hill and Griffin . Thc toast of "The Masonic Institutions " was coupled with the name of Bro . S < cdwell , who , in his response , made a most stirring appeal upon behalf of the objects of those valuable Charities . " The Health of the Visitors " was replied to in a witty

speech by W . Bro . Mclllwham . The toast of " The Officers " came next , and it was briefly acknowledged by Bro . Piller , S . W . The Tyler having been called upon to give the last pledge , the proceedings terminated . The pleasure of the brethren was considerably enhanced by the instrumental and vocal exertions of Bros . Stevens , Hurst , Piller , and others .

HURSTPIERPOINT . —South Down Lodge ( No . 1797 ) . —The first anniversary of the formation of this lodge was successfully held on Wednesday , the 25 th ult . Reviewing the first year of its existence , there have been twelve members initiated into the mysteries of the Masonic art , and a inumber of other brethren have joined the lodge . With

such progress as this , there seems every probability that the South Down Lodge will eventually become one of the best in the province of Sussex . The founder of the lodge and first W . M . has , to the great regret of all the brethren , been removed by death , but the duties devolving upon so high an official have been most ably carried put by Bro . J . Curtis . The installation service was conducted in the

Musicroom by T _ io . J . Eberall , P . M . 315 , 16 3 6 , P . P . G . Purst ., and was rendered in a most impressive manner . The W . M . elect , Bro . J . Curtis , being duly installed , invested the following newly appointed officers with , their respective badges : —Bros . W . Fitch , S . W . ; E . Broadbridge , J . W . ; J . T . Musson , Sec . ; W . Hudson , Treas . ; J . Fitch , ' S . D . ; R . J . Pope , J . D . ; T . Sinnock , D . C . ; J . Dayson , I . G .

G . J . M . Smith , Steward , ; L . L . Hawken , Almoner ; H . Hughes , Tyler . Bros . G . Rawlinson , J . Cully , and T . " ollard , were appointed on the General Purposes Committee . The following is a complete list of the brethren present : — B . os J . Curtis , acting W . M . ( W . M . elect ) , ; W . Fitch , S . W . ; E . Broadbridge , Sec . ; J . T . Musson , S . D . ; J . Dayson , Org . ; J . Sinnock , I . G . ; H . H . Hughes , Tyler , ; C . F .

Hollands , G . Parsons , G . L . Hawken , G . Rawlinson , W . Pratt , G . Malcolm Smith , E . Dumsday , G . T . Saltmarsh , T . Pollard , F . J . Cully , R . J . Pope , D . C . The visitors were Bros . J . Ebsrall , P . M . 315 , 16 3 6 , P . P . G . Purst . ; E . Strcet . VW . M . 5 6 ; J . F . Capon , W . M . 732 ; W . T . Nell , P . M . 315 , W . M . 16 3 6 , P . P . G . A . D . C ., ' P . P . G . S . ; H . Saunders , P . M . 315 ; T . Packham , S . W . 315 •S . P .

Weston , siS ; G . S . Godfree , 1821 , Sec . ; R . Allison , 1821 ; G . A . Jenner , 311 ; and J . Sayers , 16 3 6 . It was proposed that Bro . W . C Carter , P . M . ioo , be elected a joining member , and the following candidates be initiated : Mr . C . Longlcy , Hayward ' s Heath ; Mr . S . Norman , Burgess Hill ; and Mr . T . Stroud , Burgess Hill . Mr . G . Master was also balloted for and duly elected . On account of the

valuable services rendered to the lodge by Bro . J . Eberall , he was appointed an honorary member of the lodge . The lodge being closed , an adjournment was made to the Sussex Arms Billiard-room , where the banquet was laid out . Bros . Sayers and Marks , of Brighton , were the caterers

and they gave every satisfaction . Mr . A Geere , of the Sussex Arms , supplied the wines , which were of the best brands . The usual Masonic toasts were given during thc evening , and some excellent glee singing by Bros . J . Dayson , E . Broadbridge , J . Cully , W . Pratt , and G . Rawlinson called forth the compliments of the brethren .

MANCHESTER . —Zion . Lodge ( No . 1798 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this new and progressing lodge was held at the Hulme Town Hall , on Monday , the 1 st inst . There were present Bros . Elias Nathan , P . M ., W . M . ; Julius Arensbergh , P . G . Purs ., I . P . M . ; Rev . Dr . Marks , S . W . ; S . Ilurtig , Sec . ; D . A . Davies , acting I . G . ; J . Sly , Tyler ; E . Wild , and M . Hatchwell . Visitors

J . H . Siilitoe , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 317 ; T . J . Hooper , P . M . 1633 , P . P . G . Treas . ; Win . Cole , 1 . ^ 88 ; II . L . Rocca , Vv . M . 815 ; Geo . Board , 1161 ; Thos . Elliott , P . M . 1147 ; Thos . Gibson , P . M . 1147 ; Ellis Jones , P . M . 1147 ; Ed , Williams , P . M . 1147 ; Thos . Robt . Peel , P . M . 1147 ; John Taylor , W . M . 1147 ; Samuel Nathan , 1361 ; S . liildcshcimer , 815 ; S . P . Bidder , P . M . 1161 ; Robt . Ed .

Johnson , 1052 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . It will be seen from the above list of names that there was a far greater proportion of visitors than members of the lodge , the reason being a twofold one . The dearth of members was doubtless caused by the fact that a conversazione was being held the same evening at the Chcetham Tower I Ia . ll , and drew a great many members of the lodge away .

With respect to thc number of visitors , it appears that , being St . David ' s Day , the W . M ., ; Bro . Nathan , had paid a graceful compliment to thc Past Masters of St . David's Lodge by inviting them to be present at the Zion Lodge that evening , and they , thoroughly appreciating this compliment , assembled in force . The lodge was opened with solemn prayer at 6 . 30 and the minutes of the previous

meeting read and confirmed . In consequence of a candidate for the Third Degree not putting in an appearance , the officers had no opportunity of distinguishing themselves , and after the numerous visiting brethren had expressed their " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 7 . 15 . Tlie brethren afterwards partook of a "fish" supper , cooked "ii la more des Suisse , " and which was thoroughly enjoyed by them all . On the

removal of the cloth , the usual loyal toasts were given and responded to . Responding to the toast of " The Visitors , " Bros . S . P . Bidden , P . M ., and J . H . Siilitoe , P . M ., expressed their pleasure at the prosperity of thc Zion Lodge and their sincere wish for its advancement . The latter brother informed the brethren that he was one of those who were consulted with reference to forming a Jewish lodge in the province , arid that he had suggested thc name

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which had been adopted , and was considered most appropriate . On behalf of the St . David ' s Lodge , who had so well answered the invitation of Bro . Nathan to be present that evening , Bro . Ellis Jones , with his usual eloquence , thanked the W . M . for his kind , invite , and wished him every prosperity . The evening ' s enjoyment was ably

contributed to by the singing of some capital songs by Bros . Rev . Dr . Mark ' s , M . Hatchwell , Ellis Jones , and Thomas Elliott , while in addition Bros . D . A . Davies and Wm . Cole discoursed p leasant music on the flutina and harmonium . The brethren separated shortly before eleven , after spending a most enjoyable evening .

INSTRUCTION . SOUTHERN STAR LODGE ( No . 1158 ) . —The annual dinner of this flourishing lodge was held at the Crown Hotel , 108 , Blackfriars-ioad , on Thursday , the 26 th ult . The lodge having been opened in the Three Degrees , the routine business of the evening was disposed of , and several joining members elected . The lodge was

then duly closed , and thc brethreu sat down to a substantial repast , put on the tables in excellent style by the host , and under the presidency of Bro . Wise , P . M . H 58 , and Preceptor of the lodge of instruction , ably supported by Past Masters Pulsford , Allen , A . Wright , and others . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were enthusiastically received , as were also the healths of " Thc Preceptor ,

P . M . Wise , " and " The Secretary , Bro . Wood , I . G . 193 . " Some excellent singing by Bros . Probyn , ir , Enoch ; A . Runacies , W . M . Duke of Connaught ; Buckridge , 72 , Jubilee , and others ; and "The Yarn of the Nancy Bell , " given in excellent style by Bro . Smith , W . M . 1158 , materially enlivened one of the most pleasant evenings ever spent by the lodge .

METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —The fifth anniversary banquet of this successful lodge was held on Tuesday week , the 2 nd inst ., at thc Moorgate Station Restaurant . Bro . C . J . Scales , W . M ., presided , and was well supported by Bros . W . M . Stiles , I . P . M . 1732 ; C . W . Side , S . W ., and G . Clark , J . W . Among the brethren at the table we also observed Bros . Henry Lovegrove , W . M .

1777 ; E . C . Woodward , P . M . 1238 ; E . E . Barratt Kidder , J . W . 12 ; W . W . Morgan , Sec . 211 ; Lewis Solomon . S . D . 1732 ; F . G . W . Guyer , 1288 ; Paul Storr , 16 7 and 811 ; Edward Storr , 107 ; James C . Smith , 1744 ; G . W . Brumell , T . Gilbert , jun . ; T . M . Ormiston , A . Pawson , F . W . Sillis , L . Jacobs , G . H . Stephens , J . Markie , G . W . Knighr , K . VV . Frazer , J .

Stringnell , T . C . Edmonds , A . Hubbard , J . Saber , John G . M . Ewan , W . Croucher , B . Kauffman , E . F . Purdon , James Curtis , F . Edward , and F . A . Kelly ( Freemason ) . After the banquet , which was all that one could wish for , and well served , under the personal supervision of Bio . A , Kent , the- usual toasts were proposed . To the toast ol " Prosperity to the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction , "

Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . M . and Hon . Sec , replied . He much regretted the absence of his brothers Adams and Willing . The first-named , owing to advanced age , and Bro . Willing could not be present having to attend thc installation meeting of the Royal York Lodge at Brighton . He was very pleased at having his name coupled with this toast . The brethren were to be congratulated on the successful

state of the lodge ; they were getting very strong . The great accession of members was , he thought , in a great way due to the very comfortable quarters they were now meeting at . The next toast given was that of "The W . M ., " which Bro . Stiles had much pleasure in proposing . Bro . Scales had travelled all the way from Ramsgate specially to be present that evening . He felt sure the

brethren would agree with him that it was very kind on his part to come so far to preside over them . The W . M . having briefly replied , proposed , in complimentary terms , " The Visitors , " eliciting replies from Bros . Curtis , Paul Storr , Woodward , and Muller . The next toast was that of " The Press , " coupled with the names of Bros . Kelly and Morgan . The remaining toasts were " The Officers

of the Lodge , " " The Lay Members , " and " The Host , Bro . Kent , " which were duly proposed and responded to . Between thc toasts s . veral good songs , & c , were contributed by many of the members ; those worthy of special mention being Bro . Norman for his rendering of G . R . Sims' " Sliipka Pass , " Bro . E . Storr , for " The Jackdaw of Rheims , " and Bro . A . Silvester , for hisalwavs amusing " Ellen ' s Babies . "

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . —This lodge held its annual dinner at Bro . Butt's , the New Market Hotel , King-street , Snow-hill , E . C , Bro . Penncfather , Precrpt < > r , presiding , Bro . Van Raalte , S . W . 917 , taking thc S . W . chair . The lodge having been opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , several brethren were proposed joining members .

Lodge was then closed , and thc brethren adjourned to partake of the banquet prepared for their comfort , everything being of the choicest description , with excellent attention . The cloth Jbeing removed , the W . M . proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . The same being acknowledged by the brethren , the P . M . rose , as he said , with a great deal of pleasure to propose the toast of the evening , viz .,

'The Prosperity . of the West Smithfield Lodge of Instruction , " the success of which was all that could be desired . They had since they started been able to purchase all their requirements for lodge use . They had also voted £ 5 5 s . for the Aged Freemasons , and placed it on the list of Bro . G . H . Stephens , I . G . of the mother lodge , 1623 , who

represented it at the last festival with the handsome sum of £ 115 , which does high credit to a brother so young in Freemasonry , and who is held in high esteem by the members of the lodge , himself becoming a Life Governor of said Charity . Thc worthy Preceptor further remarked , with the members' assistance he hoped to work the lodge to such a stact of perfection as to enable them

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to become Life Governors of all the Masoni Charities . He was happy to state that during the year they had greatly increased in numbers and the average attendance had been from fourteen to sixteen . He hoped the brethren would not relax in their attendance , but work with him and make the West Smith , field Lodge second to none in the Craft . He trusted the

members would charge a bumper and join with him in rlrinking " Prosperity to the West Smithfield Lodge oi Instruction , " which they did in a most hearty manner . " The Health of the Preceptor presiding as W . M . " was then drunk , he receiving the congratulations of the breth . ren in a most affable manner , and , responding for the same , he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for

the kind manner in which he had always been received amongtt them . He felt more than words could express , and hoped they would pardon him making a long speech , but to accept the will for the deed ; and whilst on his legs and to save time he would propose "The Officers Presiding , " Bros . Van Raalte , S . W . ; King , J . W . ; the Deacons and Inner Guard inclusive . The toast being honoured , the

Wardens and other officers returned thanks for the wel . come thc toast received . The W . M . then rose and said he had another pleasing duty to perform , that was to propose " The Health of the Host , Bro . T . Butt . " He had never spared time or trouble to make them happy and comfortable . He , theiefore , trusted they would give a bumping toast , which was truly done . The worthy brother

in response said it was always a gratification to him to find Viis endeavours to please crowned with success . He hoped before long to be W . M . of his mother lodge—thc Royal Albert , 907—he now being elect for that honour . He felt that he should be able to do honour to the position , for whxh he had to thank the West Smithfield Lodge

in great measure . He would not delay them longer , but would drink to all their very good healths . Other toasts followed antl were responded to , and the rest of thc evening was spent in song and sentiment , and the brethren retired , having spent an harmonious evening . Upwards of thirty sat down to the banquet .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

ST . JAMES'S CHAPTER ( No . 2 ) . —The meet , ing of ttiis chapter took place with a goodly muster last Thursday week , at Freemasons' Hall . Bros . Lewis and Taggart were ably raised to the Supreme Degree by M . E . Z . Brodic . Comp . Stuart was elected a joining member . The installation of officers took place , when Comp . Middleton , H „ was as ably installed in the chair ol

Z . by M . E . Z . Brodie ; Comp . Woodford in the chair of H , ; and Comp . Letch worth in the chair of J . Comp . Lieut-Col . Creaton was installed as Treasurer ; Comps . Muggeridge and Dane as Scribes E . and N . ; Sampson Peirce as Master of thc Ceremonies ; and Hewett as W . S . A vote of £ 10 IOS . was voted to thc Girls' School festival , to be placed on the list of Comp . Woodford , Steward for the chapter . The companions , after some routine

business , adjourned to the social circle . The customary toasts were given , and Comp . Barron returned thanks for " The Grand Chapter , " and Comp . Macartney , M . P ., for " The Visitors . " The two newly-exalted companions returned thanks , as also did the newly-admitted member . " Comp . Creaton ' s Health " was warmly received , and thc fact ol his re-election as Grand Treasurer for Arch as well as Craft Masonry was loudly applauded . The companions separated at an early hour .

BRITISH CHAPTER ( No 8 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held on the 5 th inst . at Freemasons ' Hall , when there were present Comps . Muzio , M . E . Z , ; Chubb , H . ; Frank Green , J . ; Stanley Robinson , E . ; Trevelyan , N . ; J . Astley Bloxam , P . S . ; Frank Richardson , P . Z .., D . C . ; and mim . ruus other P . Z . ' s and companions ; also the following visitors : —Comps . Grand E ., Lctour , P . tcrs , Grey , and Barlow . Bro . Montcnnis , J . W .

of the 'I uscan Lodge , No . 14 , was exalted to the Sublime Degree of a Royal Arch Mason by Comp . Muzio . The chapter was draped in mourning , in consequence of the death of Comp . Stohwasscr , P . Z ., who had held the office of Treasurer from 1838 till December last , when ill-health compelled him to resign , and he was succeeded in office by Comp . J . B . Monckton , P . Z ., P . G . P . S . The M . E . Z ., in a few appropriate remarks , proposed a vote of condolence to the widow .

METROPOLITAN CHAPTER ( No . 1507 ) . - The regular meeting of this chapter took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 4 th in * ' E . Comp . Willing , I . P . Z ., as M . E . Z ., owing to the unfortunate bereavement sustained by M . E . Z . Comp . Staceyi E . Comps . Ferguson , H . ; and W . M . Stiles , J . ; Comp ?' C . W . HudsonScribe E . ; Edmondsas Scribe N . ; H-

, , Stiles , as P . S . ; also Comps . Daniels , Side , Sillis , Holii Clemow , Fulcher , Johnson , Humphreys , and Edmonds-The chapter being opened and apologies having rjee ' made on behalf of the M . E . Z ., Comps . Douglass , P . - ' Deller , and others , the minutes were read and confirmed ' A ballot was taken fur the following brethren : Bros . , | ar _

Carolus Smith , Royal Savoy Lodge , 1744 , and Lieu 1 W . R . A . Cole , Royal Savoy Lodge , 1744 , which «' 3 ' declared unanimous , and they were impressively exalte to th _ Supreme Dcgrei of the Holy R . A . Several y > r ° l' ° sitions were handed ir . for balloting for next time , and t » companions adjourned to banquet .

WARRINGTON—Elias Ashmole Chap te J ( No . 148 ) . —The annual convocation of the above chap '' was held at ihe Chapter Rooms , on Monday , the 8 th - >»' at 4 o ' clock in ihe afternoon . Thc M . E . Z ., Comp . M ' Bowes , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N . Cumberland and Westmorland was supported by Comps . Tunstall , H ., M . E . Z . « '