Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Excelsior Lodge , No . 226 . The installation meeting of this lodge took place on Friday , the 21 st ult .. at Freemasons' Hall , Mount Pleasant , Plumstead , when Bro . Fred . Reed , P . P . G . S . B ., S . W ., W . M . elect , was ( by dispensation from Grand Mark Lodge , he not having served the office of W . M . of a Craft lodge ) , installed into the chair of A . for the ensuing 12 months . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . Warren , W . M ., who commenced his arduous task by advancing Bro . W . Lawson , P . M . of the Nelson Craft lodge , in faultless-style . Bro . Reed was then presented to the W . M . by Bro . Capt . W . Weston , late R . A ., P . M .,

P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . P . Eng ., to receive at his hands the benefits of installation , and in due course , Bro . Reed was installed and saluted . He appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . John Warren , I . P . M . ; James Farrier , S . W . ; Edwin B . Hohson , I . W . ; G . Kennedy , P . M ., P . P . G . R . of M ., Sec . ; C . Coupland , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., Past Stwd . Eng ., Treas . ; G . Porter , M . O . j C . H . Canning , S . O . ; Wm . J . Crowdy , J O . ; Richard Fowler , R . of M . ; John D . Johnson , S . D . ; James Wheatley , J . D . ; G . F . Taylor , I . G . ; John Sanderson , and Wm . Chambers , Stwds . ; and Chas . Warren , Tyler . The whole of the ceremony was admirably performed by Bro . Warren , the reciting of the addresses was most eloquent , and the effect impressive , and gave every

satisfaction to the Past Masters , visitois , and lay brethren present . The new W . M . commenced his reign by presenting Bro . Warren with a handsome and valuable Past Mark Master's jewel ; and he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his services that day as Installing Officer , for which , and the jewel , he returned his sincere thanks . His year of office has been a most prosperous and successful one , and right well is he deserving of the eulogies so liberally bestowed upon him by the brethren of the lodge . Bro . Warren then announced his determination of standing Steward at the forthcoming Mark Benevolent Festival , and the sum ot five guineas was voted from the lodge funds to his list , which was supplemented later on at the social board by some £ 20 , subset ibed by the brethren present .

The lodge mas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the hospitable hostelry of Bro . W . Chambers , the Star and Garter , Powis-street , Woolwich , where a sumptuous and well-served banquet awaited them . Among the other brethren present were Bros . A . Penfold , L . C . C ., P . M ., P . P . G . M . O . ; Capt . G . Spinks , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; W . Moulds , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Jolly , P . M .. P . M . 309 , P . P . J . G . D . ; J . H . Roberts , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; G . W . Townsend , J . D . Brocks , W . Garland , Jos . Offord , and C . Sutton , of the lodge ; H . T . Lyon , W . M . 47 6 ; W . Campbell-Taylor , P . M . 44 ; and C . J . Clapham , S . W . 44 .

Bro . Reed , who had woiked hard , long , and well for his deserved honoured posit on , presided , and in felicitous terms proposed the usual loyal and Grand Mark Lodge toasts , and Bro . Weston , in responding for "The Pro and Dep . Grand Masters , and tie rest of the Grand Mark Officers , Present and Past , " said it gave both Bro . Coupland and himself , as he felt sure it would the most exalted officer of Grand Lodge , great pleasure to see the way in which the toast was received among Mark Masons all over England , and , in fact , the world , and especially at Woolwich among the brethren of the Excelsior Lodge . The Grand Mark Lodge was doing splendid work , both with its Educational

and Charity Institutions . As Bro . Matier , their esteemed and hard-working Grand Secretary , had said , they had no grand buildings or expensive staff to maintain . _ A child found fit as a candidate for the educational grant , was sent to school close to its parents' home , and not only were the fees paid , but £ 5 per annum was granted the parents or parent to find the child suitable clothing . With respect to the case of the children of a deceased brother brought before the lodge that day , although the father was not a member of that , or any Woolwich Lodge , as it was , in his opinion , a most deserving case , he should have great pleasure in taking it up to Grand Lodge , and trying his utmost to make a successful application for the educational grant for them . He thanked them on his own behalf for their hearty reception of the toast .

Bro . Coupland said he was a Past Steward of Grand Lodge , and had been so now some years . It had always been supposed that that position was a step to higher honour , but it had not been so in his case ; and it seemed to him that he should stick to it as long as he lived . He thanked them for their always kind reception of his name , whenever coupled with that or any other toast . The toast of "The Rev . Thos . Robinson , M . A ., P . G . M ., and the Rev . Hayman-Cummings , M . A ., D . P . G . M ., and the rest of the P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " was drunk heartily , and responded to by the W . M ., who is a P . P . G . Officer .

Bro . Watren , in eulogistic terms , proposed the toast of "The W . M . " He said he had known Bro . Reed for many years , and always found him a sound good man and Mason . He ( Bro . Reed ) was , and had been most zealous in the Mark and Craft Degrees , and therefore was thoroughly deserving of the position he had that day arrived at . He had that day wished him " God-speed , " and again he , and they all wished him the same , and that that day 12 months he would leave the chair to his successor with honour to himself and satisfaction to the brethren . He trusted Bro . Reed would have health and strength to carry out his duties , and then he would be an honour to the lodge and those who had gone before him .

Bro . Reed said he knew not how to find words to thank them or to respond for the kind words of Bro . Warren and their reception of the toast . They all knew that he was not a speaker , it was not in his line . He should try to give them satisfaction , and he hoped every brother would endeavour to bring forward good and worthy candidates . He had no doubt that he should receive the hearty support of both the Past Masters , officers , and brethren , and if he had that and Bro . Warren ' s kind assistance , he had no fear but that he should be able to do his duty to their satisfaction . Bro . Warren , in responding to a hearty reception of his name as "Installing

Officer , " said that when he took the office of W . M . of a Craft lodge he made up his mind to do his work to the satisfaction of the brethren of that lodge , and would in-tall his successor . I hat day he had installed his successor in their Mark lodge as he had in his Craft lodge , and he felt proud to hear that he had done the work to their satisfaction . Their esteemed Bro . Penfold had for many years installed the Worshipful Masters of that lodge . Bro . Weston had performed the ceremony , and Bro . Jolly had installed his successor , and he should never forget the impressive manner in which Bro . Jolly carried out the work . It was the privilege of a W . M . to install his successor , and he should ask every officer as he came to the chair to endeavi ur to finish his year ' s work .

Bros . Lyons , Taylor , and Clapham responded fur " 1 he Visitors , " and spok e highly of the work in the lodge , and the hospitality of the social board . iJro . Penfold responded for "The Past Masters , " and received an enthusiastic reception . Bro . Jolly responded for "The Masonic Press , " and Bros . Farrier and Hobson for " The Officers . " Music helped the intervening spaces between the toasts merrily . J

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

Coryton and Rougemont Union Chapter , No . 2 . A very interesting meeting of this chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , Exeter , on Tuesday evening , the iSth ult . ; Bro . F . W . Chanter , M . W . S ., in the chair . A number of members were present , including Bros . W . Bennett Maye , P . M . W . S . ; John Brewer , P . M . W . S . ; John Stocker , P . M . W . S ., Treas . ; Henry Stocker , P . M . W . S . ; John Lane , 30 , P . M . W . S . ; James Heath , P . M . W . S . ; James Jerman , P . M . W . S ., Recorder ; and Bro . William I . Hughan , 32 , & c , as a visitor . 0

Bro . John Taylor , J . P ., 30 , was installed as the M . W . S . by Bro . W . B . Maye , who has long and ably discharged that annual duty . The oflicers appointed were Bros . W . B . Maye , Prelate ; H . W . Michelmore , 1 st General ; F . C . Frost , 2 nd General ; Henry Stocker , P . M . W . S ., Grand Marshal ; and llro . John Stocker , P . M . W . S ., was again elected as Treasurer of the chapter . Thanks to Bro . Chanter were most heartily vuted

for his valuable services during his year of office , especially in relation to the prepaiation and editing a new tdition of the bj -laws of the chapter , with an historical introduction respecting the early jears of that body before and after its joining the Supreme Council . Bro . W . J . Hughan , 32 , & c , was proposed as an honorary member of the chapter by Bro . W . B . Ma > e , seconded by Bro . Jno . Brewer , and supported by seveial of the members .

A Knight Templar Precrpfory was subsequently held—Bro . K . H . Shorto , E . P . — when Bro . F . L . Sprague was installed as the Preceptor for the ensuing term . The Rose CIOIX and 1 emplar Masons then met together at the iefreshment . tab ! e , and spent a pleasant hour together .

Mascnic And General Tidings.

Mascnic and General Tidings .

THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION of the National Rose Society was held at the Crystal Palace on Saturday last , the exhibits being arranged in some 70 classes , while the qualit y of the display was fully equal to that of previous years . PARLIAMENT WAS DISSOLVED by proclamation on Monday , and the new writs having been issued , the next fortnight will be chiefly occupied with the return of Members to the new Parliament , which will meet on 12 th August .

THE VALKYRIE , after beating the Britannia and Ailsi , has gone to the Meadowside Shipyard at Partick , for thh purpose of undergoing the necessary alterations for her passage across the Atlantic , whither she is bound , to sail the American yacht Defender , in the hope to recover the American Cup . THE PROCEEDINGS of the International Railway Congress were brought to a close on Monday evening with a banquet and grand display of fireworks at the Crystal Palace . Bro . Lord Stalbridge , President of the English section , occupied the chair at the former , the usual toasts being enthusiastically received .

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OK YORK dined with Bro . the Earl and Countess of Derby at Derby House , St . James ' s-square , among the guests invited to meet their Royal Highnesses being Bro . the Marquis and Marchioness of Zetland , the Earl and Countess of llchester , the Marchioness of Londonderry , and Viscount and Viscountess Curzon .

ON SATURDAY LAST , the annual cricket match between the employees of the Freemason and George Kerning and Son was played at Honor Oak , when the latter earned a well-deserved victory by 35 runs , a result due to the fine batting of Bro . F . R , Kenning and the excellent bowling of Messrs . Godsave and Mills . The annual outing of the employees of the Freemason takes place to-morrow ( Saturday ) .

A BANQUET WAS HELD at the Hotel Metropole on Saturday evening last , in aid of the Westminster Hospital . The Duke of Connaught presided , and was supported by a strong muster of guests . In the course of the proceedings donations and subscriptions to the amount of J 406 S were announced , and Mr . Burdett undertook to increase the amount to jf 5000 , if that sum was not reached during the present year . The Queen gave 25 guineas in addition to her annual subscription of 50 guineas .

THE AUSTRO -HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR and the Countess Deym gave a dinner party at the Austrian Embassy , Belgrave-square , on Saturday evening last , at which there were present H . R . H . the Prince and Princess of Wales and their daughters , the Princesses Victoria and Maud , the Crown Prince of Denmark , and the Archduke and Archduchsss Charles Louis of Austria , a number of distinguished guests being invited to meet their Royal Highnesses .

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY and Mrs . Benson gave their second garden party of the season at Lambeth Palace on Saturday last , when there was , as usual , a very large gathering of the clergy and the laity , among those present being the Chinese Minister , the Earl and Countess of Carysfort , the Earl of Belmore , the Earl and Countess of Stamford , Bro . the Earl of Kintore and the Ladies Keith-Falconer , the Earl of Eldon and the Ladies Scott , and Bro . the Rev . Viscount Molesworth and Viscountess Molesworth .

THE LONDON FIRE BRIGADE , underCaptain Simonds , was reviewed by H . R . H . the Duchess of Teck on Clapham Common on Saturday last . The Brigade consisted of 11 steam and 11 manual fire engines , with six hose carts , and about 170 officers and men . A number of medals for long service and gallantry in saving life having been presented by the Duchess , a vote of thanks was passed by acclamation to her Royal Highness for her kindness in attending , after which the Brigade went past the saluting post first at the trot and then at the gallop . A large concourse of spectators witnessed the proceedings .

BRO . J . J . LAMBERT , P . P . G . Reg . West Lancashire , and present W . M . of the Lathom Lodge , No . 2229 , a few days ago invited the members of the above lodge and a few friends , numbering 32 , to a game at bowls at Chorlton-cum-Hardy . Subsequently a banquet was held , when a few toasts were proposed , including " The Generous Host , Bro . J . J . Lambert , " which was received in a most enthusiastic manner by the brethren present . Bro . Lambert is to be highly complimented upon the princely manner in which he entertained his guests . Every detail for their comfort and enjoyment had been arranged in a most admirable manner , and he may rest assured that the day will live long in the memory of those present .

THE FRANCIS MEMORIAL FUND . —A scheme is on foot for organising a testimonia to the family of the late Bro . E . A . Francis , P . M , P . Z ., Preceptor of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1949 , who died at the early age of 45 years in December . The idea is to raise such a sum of money as will enable the widow to clear off , or at all events materially reduce , the mortgage on her house , and if this is done , there is a reasonable probability that she will be freed from all serious care as to the future . Bro . Francis was a most exemplary Mason , and held in high esteem by all who had the privilege of

his acquaintance . He was initiated in Vermont , U . S . A ., in 1873 , and on returning to England , joined , in 1879 , the Skelmersdale Lodge , No . 1 C 58 , and was installed W . M . in 1890 . He was also a P . M . of No . 1 S 3 , and P . Z . of the Burdett Chapter , No . 1293 —having been exalted to the Royal Arch in the Panmure Chapter , No . 720 , in 1885—and P . P . 1 st A . G . Soj . of Middlesex . He was also a Life Governor of the Masonic Institutions , and had served sundry Stewardships on their behalf , but his most successful work was done in his capacity of Preceptor of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction , No . 1940 . ;

Treasurer of the Industry Chapter of Improvement , No . 186 ; and as Preceptor of the Rose of Denmark Lodge of Instruction , No . 975 . He was aiso President of the Brixton Lodge of Instruction Masonic Benevolent Association from its inception , and during his presidency a sum of upwards of 2000 guineas was contributed through the association to the Masonic Charities . In these several capacities the late Bro . E . A . Francis did very great service to the Craft , more especially in South London , and it is hoped this appeal on behalf of his widow and children will be productive of benefit to them . Further particulars can be had of Bro . George R . Langley , 18 , Gowlett-road , East Dulwich .

THE Evening Post , of Jersey , publishes the following interesting account of an heroic deed done on the 14 th ult ., by Bro . the Rev . Richard Peek , P . M ., P . Z ., P . G . Chap . Jersey , 30 ° , late Chaplain at Dinatd . Many friends had gathered on the Dinard landing-stage to bid a last " God speed you " to one who had laboured long and faithfully amongst them , but who , called to other duties in England , was leaving them , followed by universal regret from everyone , both high and low . When the small ferry steamer , on which Bro . Peek and family had emWked , had reached rather more than

half the distance across the bay that separates-Dinard from St . Malo , a young French girl got on to one of the benches , and before a hand could be raised to stay her , with just one glance at the swift running tide , jumped off into its troubled waves . Bro . Peek , seeing that the captain had either not noticed what had taken place , or had some difficulty in staying the steamer ' s headway , sprang over tin side , and managed to reach the poor girl and keep her afloat till a boat was lowered and both were rescued from a very perilous position . Luckily the girl was too exhausted to struggle much , but the

deed was such a brave one , and so nobly accomplished , without one thought of self , that later on , when Bro . Peek , in a scratch suit of clothes , stood on the deck of the Southampton steamer , many Frenchmen who had witnessed it pressed forward asking t ° be allowed the honour of shaking hands with the brave Englishman . Only those who have themselves plunged from the deck of a fast steaming vessel to save some drowning fellow-creature , can fully realise how brave is the man , however good a swimmer he

may be , who thus risks his life . Bro . Peek laughed , and made light of the incident , I > "J his exit from Dinard will long be remembered by those who read in the anxious face 01 his wife , and the saddened eyes of his daughter , what anguish they had gone through , and how near they had felt death to have been to the beloved husband and fatber . Dinard has lost a good chaplain , and we have all , whether on this side of the water or on that , lost a tried and faithful friend . May God ' s blessings attend him and his , wherever the call of duty causes his footsteps to wander ! ^

MAX ' I . MiK . iTiTfiiK .-AVe have it on Shakespeare ' s authority thai the winter wind is "" more unkind than man ' s ingratitude . In many cases this is unfortunately only loo true . '"' , " arc limes , however , when the henelit received is so ercat that ingratitude becomes imp" "" . ' , ' When lite is rendered a burden to us hy sickness , and someone conies and restores us to lie . i " ^ we should he l , ase indeed to feci ungrateful . Thus , millions are to-day uralel ' nl to Ifcjll «» * " Pills and Ointment , which have cured them of all stomach anil liver troubles , banished lu ' . 'ui ;' . . ^ Hatulency , indi ^ eslion and low spirits , anil cleared their systems of gout , rheumatism , si'N ' " ' and all similar ailments .