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was gratifying to him to hear the ceremony performed by others . Comp . Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas ., congratulated the chapter on the fact that it would soon possess a Grand officer of its own . Comp . Cochrane had been nominated without opposition for the Grand Treasurchip , and it was gratifying to know that that companion had so many friends and supporters as to frighten all opponents out of the field .

Comp . C . E . Keyser , G . S . B ., referring to the Masonic Charities , said he had been elected as President of the Board of Stewards for the Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent In-titution , and he hoped the companions would come forward and give their support as they had done in the past . Comp . Walter E . Williams , I . P . Z , then proposed " The Health of the M . E . Z ., " and said that all who knew Comp .

Birch must re-echo the feeling expressed in the Craft" Happy have we been , happy may we part , and happy meet again , " for no companion could ever meet their M . E . Z . without feeling that happy influence he always exercised over them . From the very first office Comp . Birch took in the chapter they all knew how popular he made himself , and that popularity had been a by-word . Comp . Birch now filled the chair of M . E . Z ., and during his

year of office they must all unite in wishing him a happy and prosperous year of office , and in hope that he would be spared for many years to study the welfare of the old Fidelity Chapter , which he , as one of the active member , feel very dear to his heart . Comp . C . E . Birch , M . E . Z ., returned thanks for the kind way in which the toast of his health had been proposed and unanimously received . He was extremely thankful

and grateful for the proud position he now occupied in the old Fidelity Chaph r . He was proud of it and felt it a great honour . VVhen he first entered the chapter io years ago he was struck with the very nice and cordial way in which he was received and exalted by the late Comp . Chas . Greenwood , P . G . S . B ., and the companions all seemed a happy family together . He was now in the proud position of presiding , and asked their suffrages and kind assistance

during his jear . He would do everything in his power for the chapter , and his zeal and interest in its welfare would not lessen . He again thanked them for the great honour done him by placir . g him in the chair and by drinking his health so kindly . The M . E . Z . r ; xt gave "The Second and Third Principals , " and said he looked to them to give him assistance during the cc . ning year . Comp . Radcliffe , H ., was well known and : i . uld perform all the ceremonies within a

very few years alter his exaltation , and Comp . Stevens , J ., was a very good and hard working officer who would perform all his duties well . Comp . W . Radcliffe , H ., thanked the companions and said that as they had been kind enough in the past to elect him to various offices , he hoped his conduct in the future would justify them in their choice and that he might fairly enlist their suffrages for the position of M . E . Z . next year .

Ccmp . J . B . Stevens , J ., also replied . Cimp . Or . Banning , P . Z ., replying for "The Visitors , " said hew gratified he was to attend this chapter , for never before had he seen working so perfect and admirable , and such brotheily love and sympath y exhibited . He ought , perhaps , to mention that this was his first visit to a London chapter , although the fact did not affect the truth of his remarks . He thought the banquet compared most

favourably with every one at which he had been present , and he thanked them for their hospitality . Comps . Sidney Clarke , P . Z , Harlow , annd Williams also responded . The W . M . availed himself of the opportunity afforded by the least of "The Past Principles" by presenting Comp . Williams , I . P . Z ., with a handsome P . Z . ' s jewel , in recognition of the great services rendered by him during

his term of office . Comp . Walter E . Williams , I . P . Z ., said he fully appreciated the compliment paid him by presenting him with an outward and visible token of their esteem . He appreciated the great honour he had enjoyed of filling the chair , and still more the jewel presented to him . It would ever bind him to the chapter so long as he lived , and after that he hoped the chapter would go on and prosper as it

had done the io years he had been connected with it . Comp . Collens , P . Z ., returned thanks for "TheScribe E . and Treasurer , " after which the M . E . Z . proposed "The Officers , " and said he was proud to say that the P . S . was the G . Treas . nominate , and congratulated him on his unanimous election . Comp . S . Cochrane , P . S ., replied , and "The Masonic

Press" having been acknowledged by Comp . W . VV . Lee , S . N . 1524 , the Janitor's toast closed a very successful and pleasant meeting . Under the direction of Bro . Arthur Strugnell , a charming selection of music was rendered . The artistes included Madame Edna Riga , and Bros . Chas . Chilley , Jas . Kift , and A . Strugnell .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . S 34 ) . —A meeting was held on Friday , the Oth inst , at the Six Bells Hotel , Hammersmith , when there were present Bros . A . Williams , P . M ., VV . M . ; W . Hide , S . W . ; VV . Hinds , J . W . ; Jas . Sims , P . M ., Preceptor j F . Craggs , P . M ., Sec { pro tem . ); R . If . Williams , P . M ., & c , S . D . ; G . E . Stafford , J . D . ; R . Reid , I . G . ; F . A . Barth , and others

Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of previous meeting read and conlirmed . The 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd Sections of the Lecture were worked by the W . M ., assisted by the brethren . The 4 th Section was worked by Bro . R . H . Williams , the questions being put by the Preceptor . Bro . Hide was elected VV . M . for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed .

BLACKHEATH LODGE ( No . 1320 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held at the Milkwood Hotel , Milkwood-road , Loughborough Junction , on Monday , the yth inst ., when there were present Bros . Telling , VV . M . ; Clarke , S . W . ; Lord , I . W . ; F . Hilton , P . M ., Preceptor ;

T . R . Cass , Treas . j C . II . Stone , Sec ; Barr , S . U . ; Rice , J . D . j Hill , I . G . ; Kimpton , Sly , Pike , II . G . . Martin , l ' argett , and Stunt . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Kimpton being the candidate . Bro . Pike having offered himself as candidate to be raised , answered the usual questions , was entrusted , and retired . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Pike was raiseel in due form . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree , and dues were collected . Bro . Clarke was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge was closed .

KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the ioth inst ., at the Scarsdale Arms Hotel , Edwardes-square , Kensington , when there were present Bros . VV . H . Dresden , VV . M . 1602 , W . M . ; H . G . Danby , W . M . 105 C , S . W . ; W . Hillier , J . W . ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., & c , Deputy Preceptor ; F . Craggs , P . M ., Secj G . A . Knight , S . D . j VV . Thwaites , j . D . ; J . J . Rumbal ,

I . G . ; J . H . Neville , VV . B . Neville , F . A . Barth , J . R . Hubbard , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Surrey ; Lewis Beale , and E . E . Geflowski , VV . M . 534 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . J . H .

Neville offered himself as a candidate for raising , and , having been examined and entrusted , the lodge , was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed in an excellent manner . Ihe lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation rehearsed , Bro . VV . 13 . Neville acting as candidate . Bro . Danby was elected VV . M . for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , the 7 th inst , at the Windsor Castle Hotel , Kingstreet , Hammersmith , W ., when there were present Bros . Wimpey , W . M . ; Maldon , S . W . ; Dickey , I . VV . ; A . Williams , P . M ., Preceptor ; G . Gardner , P . M ., Treas . ; M . Spiegel , P . M ., Sec ; Hillier , S . D . ; Clark , J . D . ; Hide , I . G . ; Gumming , P . M ., Brown , P . M . ; Powell ,

Read , and Hare . Bro . Ellis was a visitor . The lodge was duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Waldon , the W . M . elect of the mother lodge , and rehearsed the ceremony of

initiation . He vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Brown , P . M ., who opened the lodge to the Second and Third Degrees , and resumed to the Second , rehearsed part of the installation ceremony , and placed Bro . Waldon in the chair , and invested his officers . The W . M . rose for the first , second , and third time , and the lodge was closed .

STAR CHAPTER ( No . 1275 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held at the Stirling Castle Hotel , Church-street , Camberwell , on Friday , the Gth instant , when there were present Comps . Mel . North , M . E . Z . ; V . T . Murche , H . ; H . G . Martin , J . ; F . Hilton , P . Z ., Preceptor ; C . H . Stone , S . E . ; T . H . Salmon , S . N . ; H . Chab 6 t , P . S . ; J . Hill , E . A . Rice , VV . Dawson , Thos . Grummant ,

L . Chabot , G . H . Lewis , R . Davis , J . Pullen , G . Thompson , and Jas . Addington . The chapter was regularly opened , and the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . L . Chabot personating the candidate . Comp . Murche , H ., was elected M . E . Z . for the next meeting , when an installation ceremony will be rehearsed . "Hearty good wishes " were given , and the chapter was closed .

HARLESDKN—Sr . J ' S LODGE ( No . 167 ) . —A meeting was held on December 22 nd , at the Court House . Present : W . R . che Plaford , W . M . ; W . J . Lovegrove , P . M . 19 SS , P . P . G . S ., S . VV . ; F . S . Priest , J . VV . ; VV . Hillier , Preceptor ; F . Craggs , P . M ., Sec ( pro tem . ); E , T . Cinder , S . D . ; J . Rae , J . D . ; C Penny , I . G . and Treas . ; Dowsett Smith , P . M . ; Knight , Featherstone , Hussey , Tebbit , Jobson , Hooker , and Hayton .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Featherstone having offered himself as the candidal " , the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Knight having offered himself as a candidate for passing , he was examined and entrusted . The lodge was ouened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed . The

lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the 2 nd Section of the Lecture was worked very ably by the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . The VV . M . rose for the first time . Bros . Hayton , 19 G 2 , and Hooker , 1707 , were unani . mously elected members . The S . VV ., Bro . Lovegrove , P . M ., was elected W . M . at the next meeting . After " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed .

Red Cross Of Rome And Constantine.

Red Cross of Rome and Constantine .

Premier Conclave—This old conclave met at Mark Masons' Hall , on the 2 nd instant . Amongst those present were Sir Knights C . Keyser , G . C , M . P . S . ; Purrott , V . E . ; Robinson , S . G . ; Heard , P . M . W . S ., acting I . G . ; II . H . Shirley , G . C , P . M . W . S . ; Captain Walls , P . G . I . G ., P . M . W . S . ; Dr . Mickley , P . G . I . G ., P . M . W . S . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., P . M . W . S . j J . J .

Pakes , G . Graveley , the Rev . R . C . Fillingham , M . A ., H , J . Lardner , G . C , P . M . W . S . ; Phillips , and others . Sir Knights C . F . Hogard , G . Treas ., and F . W . Driver , M . A ., were visitors . The minutes of the previous conclave were read and confirmed . Sir Knight | . Phillips , being in attendance , was duly installed as a K . 11 . S . and of St . | ohn the Evangelist

by Sir Knight 11 . 11 . Shirley . Sir Knight T . Cubitt , P . G . S . G ., Treasurer , being very unwell , and unable to attend the meeting , Sir Knight Shirley was elected Treasurer ( pro / em . ) . Sir Knight John . Mason , P . M . P . S ., P . G . I . G ., Recorder , was also too indisposed to altend the conclave . Votes were passed to both of those sir knights . The Audit Committee was adjourned .

1 lie conclave was then closed , and the sir knights dined at Freemasons' Tavern . The usual toasts received full justice . Sir Knight C . F . Hogard responded for "The Grand Council . " In the course of his speech , he said that the Order was progressing slowly but satisfactorily ; the

Metropolitan conclaves were working well . "The Health of the M . P . S . " wasj proposed by Sir Knight N . Prower , his remarks being , as usual , full of point and eloquence . The M . P . S ., in reply , regretted that no candidate had presented himself that evening to be inducted as a member of the lirst Rite . He was proud of the Premier Conclave ,

Red Cross Of Rome And Constantine.

for more reasons than one . Apart from the position it held in the Order , it numbered amongst its members several personal friends of his own , and many who had distinguished themselves in other grades of Masonry . Sir Knight F . W . Driver , M . A ., responded on behalf of

"The Visitors , " and recited a ballad of his own composition — " The Noble Soul "—the lines and theme being exceedingly pathetic and good . " The Past Sovereigns" was responded to by Sir Knights Shirley and Lardner , and " The Officers " by Sir Knights Purrott and Robinson .

Allied Masonic Degrees.

Allied Masonic Degrees .

LIVERPOOL . Portal Council ( No . 1 ) . —A meeting of the above council was held at the Bear's Paw on Saturday , the 7 th inst ., Bro . J . D . Murray in the chair , assisted by Bros . J . H . Barrow , J . VV . White , and J . C . Robinson , when the the following brethren were admitted members : Bros . W . C . Erwin , P . M . 359 ; Thos . Adams , P . M . 26 S ; John Fletcher , 359 ; E . R . Lathom , 65 ; Eli Brooks , 393 ; F .

Deecker , 393 ; C . Fothergill , 359 ; W . McGauley , 359 ; and Wm . Piatt , 2 CS . After the various ceremonies , which were most efficiently performed by Bros . Murray and White , Bro . J . H . Barrow was duly elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bros . John C . Robinson was appointed S . W . ; Wm . Piatt , J . W . ; and John Fletcher , Secretary , the Degrees worked being the St . Lawrence , Knight of Constantinople , Red Cross of Babylon , and High Priest .

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BRO . HUGHAN'S "DEDICATION" ORATION . Brethren who have been unable to obtain Bro . Hughan ' s oration , delivered by him at the dedication of the new Masonic Hall , Dawlish , in 18 90 , will be g lad to hear that a third edition has been printed by Bro . F . W . Westcott , Frankfort-street , Plymouth , from whom copies may be had . Single copies 3 d . ; per

dozen 2 s . 6 d . ; or 15 s . per 100 , post free . Any balance , as the result of the sale , will be devoted , as before , to some Masonic Charity . The co-operation of zealous brethren will be heartil y welcomed in securing a still wider circulation of Bro . Hughan ' s oration , which is considered the best popular description and defence of Freemasonry , in brief , in the English language .

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FREEMASONRY IN CEYLON . On the 21 st December , the writer had the p leasure of participating in an interesting evening at Colombo , the occasion being the installation of the W . M . and officers of the Sp hinx Lodge , No . 107 ( I . C ) . The lodge met in their lodge room , at the Public Hall , where the furniture and appointments are complete

and handsome , though , in deference to a heat of 85 ° , the lodge is not so carefully closed in , as in more temperate climates . The attendance of brethren , who consist mostl y of military men , was latge , and the working of the lodge was strikingly earnest and precise . The installation ceremony was most impressively conducted by Bro .

John Maitland , P . M ., D . P . G . M . of Ceylon , who is evidently a prime factor in Masonry in the Island , and he was ably assisted by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Capt . Hearn , to whose individual efforts the flourishing condition of the Sphinx Lodge is mainly due . The whole working of the lodge , from the W . M . downwards , was carried through in a particularly prompt and accurate

manner , which greatly impressed a visitor from a lodge which prides itself on its orthodoxy and correctness . The installation ceremony over , the brethren adjourned to the Galle Face Hotel , whey they found prepared for them , by Mr . Williams , the manager of the establishment , a banquet , which in every respect was most excellent . The room in which it was held

was completel y festooned with flags , while the long table , with glittering crystal and plate , epergnes filled with tropical fruits , the cloth profusely and artistically decorated with the sacred lily of Buddha , relieved by traceries of delicate and many coloured leaves , and the whole brilliantly lig hted by wax candles , made an

expression of beauty and grace upon the visitor which will long last . On the verandah the splendid band Of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment , present by the gratefully recognised permission of their Commanding Officer , heralded the commencement of the banquet with the time-honoured tune of " The roast beef of

Old England , " and during its continuance played selections of delicafe music The chair , of course , taken by the newly-elected VV . M ., Bro . Lieut . S . T . Smith , R . A ., who by his geniality and tact , gave the brethren of- his lodge all reason to be proud of their choice . As to the dinner itself , it may merely be mentioned / for

the benefit of those as yet ignorant of the cuisine of the Galle Face , that the cooking of the delicacies provided left nothing to be desired . The banquet over , the evening passed pleasantly , merrily , and all too quickly , as the toast list , in which the visitor was favoured with a small part , was gone

through with interludes of more music and glees from the band , and many a song from the brethren . So passed one of the very pleusantest evenings experienced by the lucky visitor , who only wished that he could have more adequately thanked all those who so warmly extended to him the hand of fellowship .