St. Paul's Gathedral And Freemasonry.

In 1066 Wren was appointed Deputy Grand Master under Earl Rivers , and " distinguished himself beyond any of his predecessors in legislating for and promoting the success of the ledges under his care . " He was Master of the St . Paul ' s Lodge—now the Lodge of Antiquity —( of which his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex was a Past Master ) , and attended their meetings regularly for upwards of iS years . In 1685 he was elected Grand Master , and appointed Gabriel Cibber , the sculptor , and Edward Strong , the Master Mason at St . Paul ' s , his Wardens . So that Freemasons , operative and speculative , are to some

extent bound up in this appeal to complete the work of their distinguished predecessor in the Craft . We are now approaching an interesting date . On the 2 nd of December , 1697 , the choir of the new Cathedral of St . Paul was opened for Divine service , on the Thanksgiving Day for the Peace of Ryswick , and the Bishop of Salisbury ( Gilbert Burnet ) preached before the King and a great Court which was held at Whitehall , the evening concluding with grand illuminations and fireworks , and this was the first service in the church since the fire in 1666 . The practical suggestion which I venture now to put forward for the consideration of English Freemasons is as follows—namely :

1 . That every lodge in England forego one banquet this year and devote to the decoration fund the amount which would probably have been expended on such banquet . 2 . That a grand Masonic ceremony , with his Royal Highness , the Prince of Wales at its head , take place this year in St . Paul ' s , to further direct attention to the needs of the Cathedral , and to aid the Decoration Fund .

3 . That inasmuch as the contributions resulting from these efforts would probably not be sufficient to complete the scheme of decoration , a certain portion - say the dome and transepts—be set apart as that with which the Freemasons would be particularly associated , and that the work be completed before December , 18 97 , the bi-centenary of the opening of the choir for service . In asking you , Sir , to be good enough to allow this matter to be ventilated in

your columns , permit me to add that I am not in any way , directly or indirectly interested in the decoration work , except as one who earnestly desires to see our magnificent church completed in a way worthy of its grand architect , and in a manner commensurate with the opulence and dignity of the nations—I have the honour to be , Sir , your most obedient servant . WM . WOOHWARD ,

13 , Southampton-strand , Strand , Asssociate Royal Institute of British April 6 . Architects , Fellow Surveyors ' Institution . We are indebted to the Daily Telegraph for the following comments on the previous letter : " Freemasonry , like every other system of abstract philosophy , has heretics as well as orthodox believers . The latter place implicit trust in what is told them and ask no questions , while the former are continually finding flaws

in tradition . Some of them even go as far as to assert that the story of the assassination of Hiram Abiff is to be found in the Scandinavian story of ' Balder the Beautiful . ' It is to be feared that Mr . R . F . Gould , of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , is one of the heretics , for in a letter forwarded to us he traverses all the interesting facts adduced the other day by Mr . W . Woodward to prove Sir Christopher Wren ' s connection with Freemasonry , and to show why , therefore , members of the Craft should now aid the completion of the interior decoration of

St . Paul ' s Cathedral . Mr . Woodward alleged that Wren was Grand Master of the Order in 1685 , and Mr . Gould writes : ' May I be permitted to say that the office of Grand Master was created in 1717 , and that there is not a particle of authentic evidence to show that Sir Christopher Wren was a Freemason at all . It is quite true that in various silly ' Histories' of Freemasonry , Nimrod , Moses ( with Joshua as Deputy and Aholiab and Bezaleel as Grand Wardens ) , Solomon , Nebuchadnezzar , and Augustus

C ; esar , are mentioned as having been Grand Masters among the Ancients ; and St . Augustine ( founder of the English Church ) . St . Swithin , Alfred the Great , Edward the Confessor , William of Wykeham , Cardinal Wolsey , and Sir C . Wren among the Moderns . The first of these ' Histories ' —from which all the nonsense about legendary Grand Masters has been derived—was written by Dr . James Anderson , a Presbyterian minister , in 1738 . It is there that the popular delusion

which makes Wren a notable Freemason and a Grand Master had its origin ; and the pilgrimage which Mr . Woodward suggests should be made by the Freemasons , with the Prince of Wales at their head , to St . Paul's , in order to do honour to Sir Christopher , might with equal propriety be made to Hampton Court , in memory of Cardinal Wolsey , whose ' Grand Mastership' was quite as much a reality as that of Wren or of Nebuchadnezzar . "

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Lodge Of Prosperity ( No . 65 ) . —The installation meeting of this old established lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on the 2 Sth ult ., and was well attended . There were present Bros . D . Harlow , W . M . ; W . C . Thomas , W . J . Greig , Chas . Martin , G . T . Kinipple , S . Spencer , W . M . Graham , | . Roberts , P . M . ; II . | . HarrissP . M . ; G . SchadlerP . M . ; C . DanielP . M . ; C . E . Ferry

, , , , P . M . ; C . j . Rich , P . M . ; G . Haller , P . M . ; F . J . Ruse , P . M . ; E . C . Talbot , P . M . ; W . Chicken , J . Chambers , H . T . Brooks , F . Green , W . H . Newman , J . Cohen , \ V . Evans , Col . J . Meurice , W . J . Downs , J . Biss , H . Cox , R . Martin , G . Brown , G . Chivers , J . Huckell , J . Smart , E . Gray , jun ., W . H . Montague , S . Rudd , G . Shepherd , W . Maynes , j . J . Foyer , F . King , W . ] . Tidder , R . Portwine , ) . S . Ledbury , H . C . lietts , E . Johnson , T . Cole , C . W . Rix , G . Davidson , W . E . Knight , H . Napier , B . Reave . W . Huckell . C . T . Miller . T . White . W . 1 . r . ranfham . P .. C . rr . \ a

\ . R . liowen , J . Jasper , F . Howard , B . Crosbie , J . Goodrich , T . Chivers , M . J . Harris , R . C . Harris , C . J . Rich , jun ., J . Savage , C . Jackson , A . J . Kirk , S . Wormsley , A . II . Sargeant , G . Berkenfetd , H . W . Miles , J . C . Higgo , G . Warwick , ( . ' . H . Fuller , C . Hargreaves , and W . Lane , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . R . Robson , 1310 ; K . Mileson , 24 S 4 ; M . Attwood , 134 S ; C . J . Holmes , 1306 "; H . Wood , P . M . 1472 ; G . L . Olive , 441 ; G . H . Ferry , 209 ; W . E . Lane , 1 C 7 ; B . Ferry , 1743 ; F . Woods , 1707 ; R . Clowser , P . M . 23 ; J . King , 2435 ; H . Jay , P . M . 174 ; G . E . Highland , 1563 ; P . Reynolds , 1563 ; A . Townscnd , 1563 ; S . Moore , 102 ? ; T . A .

1 idv » 5 . ^ 5 R . Thomson , W . M . 1597 j T . Thomson , P . M . 1507 ; W . Sarjeant , 17 G 9 ; K . G . Denton , q 13 ; C . V . Burgess , P . M . 20 S ; li . C . Kirby , 22 S ; H . Sillis , W . M . 23 <" > 5 ; C . Rawle , W . M . 23 <> i ); W . Harris , P . M . ; J . T . Knipple , P . M . ISOOJ M ' Angel , P . M . 239 S ; G . F . Weige , P . M . SCo ; J . W . ' Baldwin ; j . B . Munday , 230 S ; and R . T . West , 1744 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting having been read and the balance sheet adopted , the W . M . passed Bros . C . Martin and W . H . Newman , and

afterwards initiated Messrs . W . J . Tidder , R . Portwine , W . Haynes , F . King , and J . J . ¦ ' oyer . The working of Bro . Harlow , W . M ., was performed in an excellent manner . Hie W . M . elect , Bro . W . C . Thomas , was then presented , and installed into the chair by Bro . Harlow in a most impressive manner . The following brethren were appointed and invested officers by the new W . M . for the ensuing year : Bros . W . J . Greig , S . W . ; C . Martin , J . W . ; | . Roberts , P . M ., Treas . ; H . ] . Harris , P . M ., Sec ; G . T . Kinipple , S . D . ; S . E . Spencer , f . D . ; W , Graham , I . G . ; G . Schadler . P . M .. D . C .

A . J . Kirk , A . D . C . ; j . Smart , and A . G . Grantham , Stwds ; and W . Lane , Tyler . The usual addresses were given by Bro . Harlow with marked effect , and he won for himself the hearty approval of the brethren , A splendid address on vellum was presented to Bro . 1 . Roberts , P . M ., Treas ., as a small memento for his great services to the lodge . Bro . Roberts acknowledged the gift , remarking that it was a great surprise to tin , and that what he had done in the past he hoped to do in the future so as to further the interests of the lodge . A Summer Banquet Committee was appointed , and a substantial

Craft Masonry.

sum havingbeen voted to the widow of a d < c : ascd brother , the lodge was c ' osed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The W . M . gave the customary loyal aid Masonic toasts in brief but happy terms . In responding for " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . Tijou stated that it was not the first time he had attended the Lodge of Prosperity , the last occasion being about 12 years ago , but at that time he was not privileged to wear Grind clothing . Perhaps he had attained that distinction for his work on the Board of Benevolence , arid that body were onlv too happy to support genui ne cases . It was a pleasure for the working Grand Officers to do everything for the Craft .

Bro . D . Harlow , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He stated that the members thought a great deal of Bro . Thomas , because he was an excellent wirker of the ritual , and had been a very active member from the first office he took in the lodge , and it went without saying that he would be a very great success as their ruler and an acquisition to the lodge . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm , and

Bro . W . C . Thomas , W . M ., who had a very hearty reception , in response , said that his best thanks were due to Bro . Harlow for his kind words in proposing the coast , and to the brethren for the welcome they had accorded him . It was his earnest wish to discharge his duties with satisfaction to himself and to the members . In giving "The Masonic Institutions , " the W . M . stated that he would represent the " Boys , " and he hoped to take up a list large in amount , and he urged the members to give liberally in order to sustain the well-known character of the lodge for its support to the Charities , and he coupled with the toast the name of Bro . McLeod , who had honoured them that evening with his presence .

Bro . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B ., who had a most enthusiastic reception , responded in a very eloquent speech , giving elaborate details of the three Institutions . It has fallen to our lot to have had the pleasure on very many occasions to hear him respond to the toast of the Charities , but on this evening he certainly excelled himself , and we venture to think and hope that the result of his oration will be that the W . M . 's list for the Boys ' School will be very much augmented in amount .

In submitting the toast of "The Installing and I . P . M ., Bro . Harlow , " the W . M . observed that he had been a great success as W . M ., and his work that night as Installing Master was excellent , and could not have beea done better , and they were proud to have so able a member . He then presented him with a Past Mister ' s jewei as a small return for the great services he had rendered to the lodge , and he also handed him a splendid timepiece which had been subscribed for by the members as evidence , if any was needed , of their appreciation of his many sterling qualities .

Bro . Harlow , who was received with much warmth , stated , in reply , that it was far easier to speak for another than for himself . The way that the W . M . had proposed the toast was exceptionally nice , and he appreciated his kind remarks . He had striven to do his work as their Master , and his term of office had been one of the happy years of his life , and he should never forget it . He was honoured by having the jewel presented to him , and also the members' handsome present , which would remain with him so long as the Great Architect gave him life .

The timepiece bore the following inscription : " Presented to W . Bro . D . Harlow by the members of the Lodge of Prosperity , No . < 5 j , as a token of their esteem , and in appreciation of the efficient manner he discharged the duties of W . M . 1894-5 . " In appropriate terms the W . M . gave the toast of "The Initiates , " remarking that it had often been said before that they wanted only good and true men , and he thought that those who had been made that day were of that character , and that they would turn out trusted members of the lodge and of the Craft . The whole of the Initiates responded .

"The Visitors " having been honoured , Bros . King , Rawle , G . A . Ferry , and Thompson replied , all bearing testimony to the excellent working , and the way they had been welcomed and entertained . The W . M . proposed " The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary . " I le said that the Treasurer had threatened to resign , but he hoped he would think better of it . Their Secretary was one of the best , and as to the Past Misters , they were so well known that no words of his were necessary to explain the splendid services they had rendered to their happy lodge .

In response , Bro . Daniels , P . M ., stated that the W . M . was the 2 Sth Master he had witnessed installed into the chair in the lodge , and during that time he had seen many changes . Bro . Roberts , P . M ., Treas ., said that the W . M . had " collared" him for another year , and he was not sorry . He would see that the lodge did not get into debt . He again referred in feeling terms to the handsome presentation made to him that evening . Bro . H . ] . liarriss , P . M ., Sec , said that one of the first principles in Masonry was brotherly love . He hoped to follow in the footsteps of his able predecessor , and if he was able to do that he felt sure the members would be satisfied .

" The Officers " were duly honoured , and suitably responded to by Bro . C . Martin , J . W . The Tyler's toast brought to a close the pleasant proceedings . Bros . J . L . Haddon , D . James , Sidney Galey , W . Hiles Smith , Downs , The Celia Ouartette , and Mr . Harry Hudson vocally entertained the brethren .

Bedford Lodge ( No . i 57 > .- _ The members of this lodge held their annual meeting on the Gth inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Layton A . Richardson , W . M ., presiding . He , in a very effective manner , initiated Mr . Harry Rogers , whom the brethren welcomed as having been amongst them during their last summer outing . In the course of the meeting it transpired that the wife of the W . M ., who was known to the majority of the members , was lying seriously ill , whereupon Bro . Bruton . I . P . M ..

nroposed , seconded by Bro . W . Liddall , P . M ., Sec , and carried , that the greatest sympathy be , and is hereby given to our W . M ., in so ably discharging his duties under the painful circumstances , and the brethren , one and all , sincerely trusted that T . G . A . O . T . U . would watch over him and his wife in their present great aflliction . " After passing a vote of Charity , the brethren adjourned to the Freemasons' Hall , where they were honoured by the presence of the Grand Treasurer . The brethren received this great honour with distinguished fire and song , and in reply

, The Grand Treasurer assured the members present that that was nothing unusual , he having been an old visitor through the kindness of his many friends , not forgetting Bro . J . T . Briggs , P . M ., Treas . His ambition , thanks to those among his many friends , had now been reached . He had the pleasure of initiating the W . M . of that lodge in his mother lodge , and foreshadowed great success might attend the efforts of the I . P . M . and the W . M . in adding prosperity to the old Bedford Lodge . Nothing should be wanting on his part , if it lay in his power , to assist the brethren .

Farnngdon Without Lodge ( No . 1745 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn , on the 27 th ult . Amo Jig those present were Bros . N . P . Lardner , I . P . M ., as W . M ., in the unavoidable absence , t 1 rough illness , of Bro . Herbert Herbert ; C . Bachoffner , S . W . ; J . Young , P . M ., as . | VV . ; 11 . 1 . Lardner , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; W . H . Jackson , P . M ., Sec . ; Murphy , S . D . ; J . Fvans , J . D . ; J . D . Webb , I G . ; D . Lott , P . G . Org . Eng ., Org . ; Dr . Ilinton , M . A ., P . G . Org . Middx ., Asst . Org . ; W . R . Witt , Stwd . ; Capt . T . C . WallsP . M .,

, P . G . Stwd ., G . Std . Br . ; J . Strugnell , P . M . ; T . Simpson , P . M . ; E . Schuliz , P . M . ; and Nelson Prower , M . A ., P . M . Among ths visitors were Bros . E . S . Lardner , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; A . E . Purkis , P . M . 1314 ; and T . O . Harding , M . A ., late S 59 . ' 1 he minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Beach was passed to the Second Degree . It having been officially announced that Bro . Henry

Joseph Lardner , P . M ., had been nominated as a Grand Steward of England , 1 . S 95-G , it was carried with acclamation— " That the apron , collar , and jewel ( suitably inscribed ) of his distinguished office should be presented to him . " Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . H . Herbert , W . M . ; G . Herbert , P . M . ; and others . Bro . C . Bachoffner , S . W ., was elected W . M . ; Bro . H . J . Lardner , P . M ., Treasurer ; and E . Mallett , P . M ., Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the W . M ., and the lodge

was closed . A banquet followed . The I . P . M . presided in an able minner . Bro . W . H . Jackson , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and , in the course of his speech , he said that , while regretting the absence , through ill-health , of Bro . Herbert Herbert , yet it was satisfactory to know that his place had been taken 30 efficiently by Bro . N . P . Lardner , I . P . M ., who had followed so well in the footsteps of his distinguished brothers , H . J . and E . S . Lardner .

The I . P . M . having replied , gave "The Visitor" , " to which toast Bros . E . S . Lardner , A . E . Purkis , and T . O . Harding eloquently responded . Bros . Young and Simpson replied for " The Past Masters . " During the evening Bros . Dr . Lott , Dr . Ilinton , J . Young , E . Schultr ., and others ; nstrumentally and vocally entertained the brethren .