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Article Reports of Masonic Meetings. Page 1 of 1 Article Reports of Masonic Meetings. Page 1 of 1 Article THE ROYAL ARCH. Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTERS FOR ENGLAND, WALES, AND THE COLONIES , AND DEPENDENCIES OF THE BRITISH CROWN. Page 1 of 2 →
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Reports of Masonic Meetings .
THE GRAFT . METROPOLITAN . Royal Albert Lodge . No . 907 . —The brethren of this lodge in accordance with their usualcustomheld their
summer banquet out ol town among the green ana leafy bowers which surround Bro . Aliddlecoit ' s hostelry , the Greyhound , Dulwich . The muster was
not so strong as could be desired , but there were a goodly number of visiting brethren , who are always welcomed to the banqueting board of tbe Eoyal Albert . The W . AI ., Bro . Henry J . Lewis , was in his place and received a hearty welcome upon taking his seat at the head of the table . Supportina ; the
W . M , were P . M . ' s T . Lewis , P . G . Purst ., J . A . Farnfield , I . P . M . Bro . Chard in the absence of the S . W ., faced the W . AI ., while P . M . W . II . Farnfield occupied the seat of the J . W . The brethren were glad again to meet one of their brethren , Bro . Little , Commodore of the Columbian Navy ,
a right hearty greeting , he received from all around him . The usual Masonic toasts were quickly dispatched , and the brethren adjourned out of doors to quietly contemplate the beautiful works of the G . A . ofthe Universe , while others preferred to enjoy the out-door amusements which Bro . Aliddlecott
provided for his guests . Macdonald Lodge , No . 1216 . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the lodge-rooms , at head quarters of the First Surrey Rifles , at Camberwell , on Wednesday , the 4 th inst . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Major A . L . Irvine ,
supported by Bros . James Stevens . S . W . ; J . H . Hastie , aa J . W . ; Wagstaffe , S . D . ; Larlham , J . D . ; and Waterall , I . G . There were also present , Bros . T . Meggy , P . AI . ; E . Cronin , Treas . ; J . J . Curtis , Sec . ; H . N . " Bridges , D . C . ; Fourdrinier , Camell , Patten , Dr . Blanc , Allen , Pike , & c . ; visiting brethren , H .
Francis , W . AI ., 177 ; Drysdale , P . AI . ; Alajor Palmer , Deane , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , were , together with a former decision of the lodge to change its date of meeting from the first to the second Wednesday in each month , confirmed . The lodge was
then passed to the second degree , and Bro . Dr . Blanc having proved his proficiency , the lodge was opened in the third degree , and Bro . Blanc was raised w ' th that impressiveness and solemnity for which the Alacdonald lodge is becoming so justly celebrated . We again urge upon our brethren iu
the Craft , desirous of seeing how the ceremony in the third degree should be conducted , to visit this lodge , and we can assure them they will not fail to be deeply impressed with the careful attention given to every detail . The lodge having been closed to the first degree , was , as is the custom at every meeting ,
called off for a short interval for refreshment , during which the health of the visiting brethren was given , and ably responded to by Bro . Francis , who greatly praised the working he had wi nessed . The Tyler ' s toast was given , the charity box ciiculated , anil the lodge again called on in strict order and decorum .
Mr . James Burnett Pike , of Oxford , and Capt . Norman W . Shairp , of the " King ' s Own" Militia , were then severally introduced and duly initiated into the Order . A petition was read on behalf of a distressed brother , formerly in good circumstances , who appealed to the lodge for assistance .
and the same being supported by the testimonials of persons known to members of the lodge , the sum of _ £ 3 was unanimously voted from the Charity Fund to the petitioning brother . The lodge was then closed , and the meeting adjourned to the second Wednesday in September next .
PROVINCIAL . COLCHESTER — United Lodge , No . C 97 . —The rcgular meeting of this lodgo took place at the George Hotel , Colchester , on Friday , 9 th July ,. Present Bro . Newman , W . AI . ; Ray , S . W . ; J . S . Smith , J . W . ; Calthorpe , S . D . ; Eustace , J . D . ; Gill . I . G . ; Rix
Treas . ; Woodland , Fenn , Bell , O'AIalley , Givin , Kinlock , Piper , Jenkinson . Visitors : " Bolton , Shury , Cobb , Breall , Cole , and G . W . Smith . The lodgo was opened in due form iu 1 st degree , and tlie summons convening the meeting was read , and the minutes ot the last regular meeting were read and
confirmed . A report from the Board of General Purposes was read , stating that the characters of Robert Steun Gray , Adjutant 3 rd Dragoon Guards , and Sergeant James Warren , 49 th Regiment , had been considered satisfactory . A repoit was read from the Royal Alasonic Institution giving an
account of their last half-yearly meeting . Jane P . Pattison was recommended to the United Lodge aa a worthy object for their votes at the next election in November . The United Lodge unanimously gave their votes . The Lodgo was then opened in 2 nd degree , and Bros . Fenn and Woodland being about
to be raised to the sublime degree , the questions appertaining to the 2 nd degree were first put to them , and having been answered satisfactorily they retired , and the lodge being opened in 3 rd degree , they were raised to the sublime degree of Alaster Masons . Bro . Piper was then passed to the second
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
degree . The lodge was then closed to 1 st degree , and Sergeant James Warren was duly initiated . Bro . Ray proposed , and Bro . J . S . Smith seconded , that the subscription of members of the United Lodge be 5 s . each , which was referred to the Board of General Purposes , for their consideration . Bro .
Rix proposed , and Bro . Eustace seconded , that Bro . G . W . Smith , Angel 51 , be received as a joining member of the United Lodge No . 697 . Tbe lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren retired . LIVERPOOL . — Royal Victoria Lodge , No . 1013 . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held ou tbe
4 th inst . at the Alasonic Temple , Hope-street , Liverpool , the business being the second and third degrees . There was a good attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst the latter was Bro . Busher , P . AI . & P . G . S . B . of England . After the lodge was opened and the minutes ofthe previous meeting
read and confirmed , the S . W ., Bro . Lowe , delivered the charge to the E . A . 's , which was omitted at the last meeting , owing to the large amount ot business ou hand . The lodge was then opened iu the second degree , and Bros . Feeling , Thompson , aud Jordan , who having previously shown the
progress they had made in the former degree , were admitted and passed to the degree of F . C . by the W . M ., Bro . J . B . Robinson . The working tools being very ably explained by the J . W ., Bro . Gawith . The W . AI . afterwards delivered an interesting lecture on the tracing board of this decree , in his
accustomed lucid and efficient manner . Bro . Mawson having shown his proficiency as a Craftsman , he was entrusted with a test of merit and retired . The lodge waa then opened in the third degree , when Bro . Alawson was admitted and raised to the sublime decree of AI . AI . by the W . AI ., assisted by
his ollieers , so correctly and impressively as to convince the brethren present that the officers of this lodge ( who ' lacl l ) 1 ! el 1 selected for merit aud ability ) , were fully able to discharge all the duties required at this , the first meeting after their appointment . The loilge was iu due time closed , and the brethren departed at an early hour .
The Royal Arch.
THE ROYAL ARCH .
METROPOLITAN . Panmure Chapter No . 720 . —The quarterly convocation of this Chapter was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington , on Alouday evening , the 9 th inst ., when there were present Comps . II . C . Levander , AI . E . Z . ; E . Worthington , 11 . ; Joseph Nunn . P . Z . as J . ; James Stevens , P . Z ., Scribe E . ;
Win . Watson , P . Z . as P . S . ; Rev . W . B . Church , E . Cronin , S . Poynter , A . Perrott , II . Francis 859 , visitor , & c , & c . The Chapter having been duly opened and companions admitted , the minutes of the previous convocation were confirmed , and a ballot was taken for Bro . Chas . Ilainniertoa , of the Alacdonald Lodge 1216 , which proving unanimous , that brother was introduc d aud exalted to the
supreme degree , the addresses from the principal chairs being most efficiently rendered . Ou the proposition of Comp . Stevens , P . Z ., the election of Comp . R . Leal . Shaw as an Honorary Alember of the Chapter , in appreciation of his services during the past few years as Scribe E ., which position he had been compelled to resign in consequence of physical
infirmity , was unanimously voted . The Chapter was then closed , and the meeting adjourned to the second Alouday in November . The companions shortly afterwards met for refreshment , when the usual loyal and Royal Arch Masonic toasts were duly honored , and the health of newly exalted companions was given , and responded to by Comp .
Hammerton iu a very earnest and able manner . The toast of the AI . E . Z . was most heartily received , and in reply Comp . Levander expressed his sense of the excellent feeling which had at all times characterised the Paiitnuro Chapter , and made connection with it , whether member or officer , subordinate or principal , a gratification and pleasure . He
then proposed the healths respectively of the second and third principals ; of Comp . Watson , P . Z . ; and of Comp . Stevens , P , Z . aud Scripe E ., to all of which responses were given , and the Janitor ' s toast bavin" been drunk , the companions separated at an early hour highly satisfied with the proceedings ol the evening .
Tun BLOOD PUKIKIKU . —Old Dr . Jacob Townsend ' s Sarsaparilla . Other Medical Testimony . —In speaking of the •' Hluocl l ' urifier , " old Dr . Jacob Townseiul ' s Sarsaparilla , G . C . Kernott , M . D ., L . S . A . I . oiul ., says : — " I strongly recommend it iu cutaneous discuses and all impurities of the blood . " March 2-1 , 186 !! . —In a letter to the proprietors . . J line C , 1809 , Dr . Irvine , of IrviucVtown , says : —'" I have
been in tlie habit of ordering your Sarsaparilla fur my patients with the best results . Send me six quarts and six mammoth bottles . " For all skin diseases , for purifying the system of mercurial poisons , and building up the biuken constitution it is the only safe and certain remedy . —In llottlcs 2 s . Cd „ 4 s ., 4 s 6 d ., 7 n . Cd ., lis . Sold by all ' Druggists . I'ilis and
Ointment each in lioxes . Is . 1 $ < l ., 2 s . Oil ., 4 s . lid . Testimonials also from the lion , the Dcun of l . isinore ; General William Gilbert , of the Indian Army ; ordered also by Apothecary Hall , London Cau ion—Get the red and blue wrappers , with the Old Doctor ' s head in the centre . No other genuine . —ADVI .
The Grand Lodge Of Mark Masters For England, Wales, And The Colonies , And Dependencies Of The British Crown.
THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTERS FOR ENGLAND , WALES , AND THE COLONIES , AND DEPENDENCIES OF THE BRITISH CROWN .
BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL . The position of the Mark Degree in England at the present time is a colossal monument of the energy and perseverance of its members . Fourteen years ago , Mark Masters were few iu number , and destitute of any efficient
organizafor the preservation and perpetuation of the degree , but fortunately , those few brethren were men of earnestness and zeal , and by their exertions the subject was brought under the notice of some influential members of the Craft , with the view of obtaining the recognition of the
degree by the United Grand Lodge of England . A committee of the Board of General Purposes , to whom the matter was referred , reported favorably , and on the Sth March 185 ( 5 , the following resolution , was unanimously adopted by Grand Lodge . '' That the degree of Mark Mason
or Mark Master is not at variance with the ancient landmarks of the Order , and that the degree be an addition to , and form part of , Craft Alasonry , and consequently may be conferred by all regular warranted lodges , under such regulations as -shall be prepared hy the Board of
General Purposes , approved and sanctioned by tho Most Worshipful Grand Alaster , " However at the next quarterly communication , of Grand Lodge , in June 1856 , the above resolution was non-confirmed , in the absence of many brethren who would have attended the meeting
and voted in its favor , had they been made aware of the intended opposition . Still tis a deliberate expression of opinion , by such a body as the Grand Lodge of England , the above-quoted resolution has a most significant value and importance .
Thus shut out from practising the degree in Craft Lodges , the Mark Masters of England were compelled to do , as the four London lodges did in 17 17 , viz , associate together , nnd constitute a governing body of their own . This course waa
adopted bya numberof distinguished brethren , and the Grand Lodge of vlark Masters was accordingly formed in June 185 G , vvith Lord Leigh ( Provincial Grand Alaster for Warwickshire , ) at its head aa the first Grand Alaster .
Other members of the degree continued working under the Grand Chapter of Scullaiid , by whose authority a warrant had been issued to Bra . II . G . Warren , If . It . Sharinan , and Hughes , to form a lodge of Mark Masters to be called "St Mark ' s Lodge , " No . 1 ; and for some years this section of the brethren met with remarkable
success , no less than 21 warrants having been issued by the Scottish Grand Chapter to English Mark Alasons . Some time-immemorial lodges also withheld their support from the new Grand Lodge for a time , but by degrees , the advantages of unity
and consolidation became so apparent , that lodge after lodge gave in its adhesion to the national body , and as an example we may state that St . Murk ' s Lodge No . 1 of Scotland , is no-v No . 1 of England . Nearly all the Scotch lodges hive . surrendered their warrants , and joined the
English organization , bnt we regret to add that just as the problem of a general union appeared to bc solved , an obscure brother in Manchester , has had the bad ta * tc to ignore tho authority of the Grand Mark Lodgo of England , by obtaining a warrant from Scotland . Such an ill-conditioned
proceeding is truly pitiable . Lord Leig h was succeeded as Grand Master , by the Ewl of Carnarvon , under whose rule tho Mark Degree continued to gain strength and influence , and the same remark applies to tho
reigns of his successors . Viscount Holniesdalo M . P ., and W . W . Bramston Hwich , M P ., the latter being followed in the chair by the present M . W . Grand Master , the Rev . George Raymond Portal , M . A , who was installed last June .
The number of lodges ou the roll of the Grand Lodgo is now nearly one . hundred , and tho greatest praise must bo awarded to those t-fheient brethren , and more especially to Bro . F . Binckes the Grand Smvtary , for their untiring endeavours to achieve this noble rwult
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Reports of Masonic Meetings .
THE GRAFT . METROPOLITAN . Royal Albert Lodge . No . 907 . —The brethren of this lodge in accordance with their usualcustomheld their
summer banquet out ol town among the green ana leafy bowers which surround Bro . Aliddlecoit ' s hostelry , the Greyhound , Dulwich . The muster was
not so strong as could be desired , but there were a goodly number of visiting brethren , who are always welcomed to the banqueting board of tbe Eoyal Albert . The W . AI ., Bro . Henry J . Lewis , was in his place and received a hearty welcome upon taking his seat at the head of the table . Supportina ; the
W . M , were P . M . ' s T . Lewis , P . G . Purst ., J . A . Farnfield , I . P . M . Bro . Chard in the absence of the S . W ., faced the W . AI ., while P . M . W . II . Farnfield occupied the seat of the J . W . The brethren were glad again to meet one of their brethren , Bro . Little , Commodore of the Columbian Navy ,
a right hearty greeting , he received from all around him . The usual Masonic toasts were quickly dispatched , and the brethren adjourned out of doors to quietly contemplate the beautiful works of the G . A . ofthe Universe , while others preferred to enjoy the out-door amusements which Bro . Aliddlecott
provided for his guests . Macdonald Lodge , No . 1216 . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the lodge-rooms , at head quarters of the First Surrey Rifles , at Camberwell , on Wednesday , the 4 th inst . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Major A . L . Irvine ,
supported by Bros . James Stevens . S . W . ; J . H . Hastie , aa J . W . ; Wagstaffe , S . D . ; Larlham , J . D . ; and Waterall , I . G . There were also present , Bros . T . Meggy , P . AI . ; E . Cronin , Treas . ; J . J . Curtis , Sec . ; H . N . " Bridges , D . C . ; Fourdrinier , Camell , Patten , Dr . Blanc , Allen , Pike , & c . ; visiting brethren , H .
Francis , W . AI ., 177 ; Drysdale , P . AI . ; Alajor Palmer , Deane , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , were , together with a former decision of the lodge to change its date of meeting from the first to the second Wednesday in each month , confirmed . The lodge was
then passed to the second degree , and Bro . Dr . Blanc having proved his proficiency , the lodge was opened in the third degree , and Bro . Blanc was raised w ' th that impressiveness and solemnity for which the Alacdonald lodge is becoming so justly celebrated . We again urge upon our brethren iu
the Craft , desirous of seeing how the ceremony in the third degree should be conducted , to visit this lodge , and we can assure them they will not fail to be deeply impressed with the careful attention given to every detail . The lodge having been closed to the first degree , was , as is the custom at every meeting ,
called off for a short interval for refreshment , during which the health of the visiting brethren was given , and ably responded to by Bro . Francis , who greatly praised the working he had wi nessed . The Tyler ' s toast was given , the charity box ciiculated , anil the lodge again called on in strict order and decorum .
Mr . James Burnett Pike , of Oxford , and Capt . Norman W . Shairp , of the " King ' s Own" Militia , were then severally introduced and duly initiated into the Order . A petition was read on behalf of a distressed brother , formerly in good circumstances , who appealed to the lodge for assistance .
and the same being supported by the testimonials of persons known to members of the lodge , the sum of _ £ 3 was unanimously voted from the Charity Fund to the petitioning brother . The lodge was then closed , and the meeting adjourned to the second Wednesday in September next .
PROVINCIAL . COLCHESTER — United Lodge , No . C 97 . —The rcgular meeting of this lodgo took place at the George Hotel , Colchester , on Friday , 9 th July ,. Present Bro . Newman , W . AI . ; Ray , S . W . ; J . S . Smith , J . W . ; Calthorpe , S . D . ; Eustace , J . D . ; Gill . I . G . ; Rix
Treas . ; Woodland , Fenn , Bell , O'AIalley , Givin , Kinlock , Piper , Jenkinson . Visitors : " Bolton , Shury , Cobb , Breall , Cole , and G . W . Smith . The lodgo was opened in due form iu 1 st degree , and tlie summons convening the meeting was read , and the minutes ot the last regular meeting were read and
confirmed . A report from the Board of General Purposes was read , stating that the characters of Robert Steun Gray , Adjutant 3 rd Dragoon Guards , and Sergeant James Warren , 49 th Regiment , had been considered satisfactory . A repoit was read from the Royal Alasonic Institution giving an
account of their last half-yearly meeting . Jane P . Pattison was recommended to the United Lodge aa a worthy object for their votes at the next election in November . The United Lodge unanimously gave their votes . The Lodgo was then opened in 2 nd degree , and Bros . Fenn and Woodland being about
to be raised to the sublime degree , the questions appertaining to the 2 nd degree were first put to them , and having been answered satisfactorily they retired , and the lodge being opened in 3 rd degree , they were raised to the sublime degree of Alaster Masons . Bro . Piper was then passed to the second
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
degree . The lodge was then closed to 1 st degree , and Sergeant James Warren was duly initiated . Bro . Ray proposed , and Bro . J . S . Smith seconded , that the subscription of members of the United Lodge be 5 s . each , which was referred to the Board of General Purposes , for their consideration . Bro .
Rix proposed , and Bro . Eustace seconded , that Bro . G . W . Smith , Angel 51 , be received as a joining member of the United Lodge No . 697 . Tbe lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren retired . LIVERPOOL . — Royal Victoria Lodge , No . 1013 . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held ou tbe
4 th inst . at the Alasonic Temple , Hope-street , Liverpool , the business being the second and third degrees . There was a good attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst the latter was Bro . Busher , P . AI . & P . G . S . B . of England . After the lodge was opened and the minutes ofthe previous meeting
read and confirmed , the S . W ., Bro . Lowe , delivered the charge to the E . A . 's , which was omitted at the last meeting , owing to the large amount ot business ou hand . The lodge was then opened iu the second degree , and Bros . Feeling , Thompson , aud Jordan , who having previously shown the
progress they had made in the former degree , were admitted and passed to the degree of F . C . by the W . M ., Bro . J . B . Robinson . The working tools being very ably explained by the J . W ., Bro . Gawith . The W . AI . afterwards delivered an interesting lecture on the tracing board of this decree , in his
accustomed lucid and efficient manner . Bro . Mawson having shown his proficiency as a Craftsman , he was entrusted with a test of merit and retired . The lodge waa then opened in the third degree , when Bro . Alawson was admitted and raised to the sublime decree of AI . AI . by the W . AI ., assisted by
his ollieers , so correctly and impressively as to convince the brethren present that the officers of this lodge ( who ' lacl l ) 1 ! el 1 selected for merit aud ability ) , were fully able to discharge all the duties required at this , the first meeting after their appointment . The loilge was iu due time closed , and the brethren departed at an early hour .
The Royal Arch.
THE ROYAL ARCH .
METROPOLITAN . Panmure Chapter No . 720 . —The quarterly convocation of this Chapter was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington , on Alouday evening , the 9 th inst ., when there were present Comps . II . C . Levander , AI . E . Z . ; E . Worthington , 11 . ; Joseph Nunn . P . Z . as J . ; James Stevens , P . Z ., Scribe E . ;
Win . Watson , P . Z . as P . S . ; Rev . W . B . Church , E . Cronin , S . Poynter , A . Perrott , II . Francis 859 , visitor , & c , & c . The Chapter having been duly opened and companions admitted , the minutes of the previous convocation were confirmed , and a ballot was taken for Bro . Chas . Ilainniertoa , of the Alacdonald Lodge 1216 , which proving unanimous , that brother was introduc d aud exalted to the
supreme degree , the addresses from the principal chairs being most efficiently rendered . Ou the proposition of Comp . Stevens , P . Z ., the election of Comp . R . Leal . Shaw as an Honorary Alember of the Chapter , in appreciation of his services during the past few years as Scribe E ., which position he had been compelled to resign in consequence of physical
infirmity , was unanimously voted . The Chapter was then closed , and the meeting adjourned to the second Alouday in November . The companions shortly afterwards met for refreshment , when the usual loyal and Royal Arch Masonic toasts were duly honored , and the health of newly exalted companions was given , and responded to by Comp .
Hammerton iu a very earnest and able manner . The toast of the AI . E . Z . was most heartily received , and in reply Comp . Levander expressed his sense of the excellent feeling which had at all times characterised the Paiitnuro Chapter , and made connection with it , whether member or officer , subordinate or principal , a gratification and pleasure . He
then proposed the healths respectively of the second and third principals ; of Comp . Watson , P . Z . ; and of Comp . Stevens , P , Z . aud Scripe E ., to all of which responses were given , and the Janitor ' s toast bavin" been drunk , the companions separated at an early hour highly satisfied with the proceedings ol the evening .
Tun BLOOD PUKIKIKU . —Old Dr . Jacob Townsend ' s Sarsaparilla . Other Medical Testimony . —In speaking of the •' Hluocl l ' urifier , " old Dr . Jacob Townseiul ' s Sarsaparilla , G . C . Kernott , M . D ., L . S . A . I . oiul ., says : — " I strongly recommend it iu cutaneous discuses and all impurities of the blood . " March 2-1 , 186 !! . —In a letter to the proprietors . . J line C , 1809 , Dr . Irvine , of IrviucVtown , says : —'" I have
been in tlie habit of ordering your Sarsaparilla fur my patients with the best results . Send me six quarts and six mammoth bottles . " For all skin diseases , for purifying the system of mercurial poisons , and building up the biuken constitution it is the only safe and certain remedy . —In llottlcs 2 s . Cd „ 4 s ., 4 s 6 d ., 7 n . Cd ., lis . Sold by all ' Druggists . I'ilis and
Ointment each in lioxes . Is . 1 $ < l ., 2 s . Oil ., 4 s . lid . Testimonials also from the lion , the Dcun of l . isinore ; General William Gilbert , of the Indian Army ; ordered also by Apothecary Hall , London Cau ion—Get the red and blue wrappers , with the Old Doctor ' s head in the centre . No other genuine . —ADVI .
The Grand Lodge Of Mark Masters For England, Wales, And The Colonies , And Dependencies Of The British Crown.
THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTERS FOR ENGLAND , WALES , AND THE COLONIES , AND DEPENDENCIES OF THE BRITISH CROWN .
BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL . The position of the Mark Degree in England at the present time is a colossal monument of the energy and perseverance of its members . Fourteen years ago , Mark Masters were few iu number , and destitute of any efficient
organizafor the preservation and perpetuation of the degree , but fortunately , those few brethren were men of earnestness and zeal , and by their exertions the subject was brought under the notice of some influential members of the Craft , with the view of obtaining the recognition of the
degree by the United Grand Lodge of England . A committee of the Board of General Purposes , to whom the matter was referred , reported favorably , and on the Sth March 185 ( 5 , the following resolution , was unanimously adopted by Grand Lodge . '' That the degree of Mark Mason
or Mark Master is not at variance with the ancient landmarks of the Order , and that the degree be an addition to , and form part of , Craft Alasonry , and consequently may be conferred by all regular warranted lodges , under such regulations as -shall be prepared hy the Board of
General Purposes , approved and sanctioned by tho Most Worshipful Grand Alaster , " However at the next quarterly communication , of Grand Lodge , in June 1856 , the above resolution was non-confirmed , in the absence of many brethren who would have attended the meeting
and voted in its favor , had they been made aware of the intended opposition . Still tis a deliberate expression of opinion , by such a body as the Grand Lodge of England , the above-quoted resolution has a most significant value and importance .
Thus shut out from practising the degree in Craft Lodges , the Mark Masters of England were compelled to do , as the four London lodges did in 17 17 , viz , associate together , nnd constitute a governing body of their own . This course waa
adopted bya numberof distinguished brethren , and the Grand Lodge of vlark Masters was accordingly formed in June 185 G , vvith Lord Leigh ( Provincial Grand Alaster for Warwickshire , ) at its head aa the first Grand Alaster .
Other members of the degree continued working under the Grand Chapter of Scullaiid , by whose authority a warrant had been issued to Bra . II . G . Warren , If . It . Sharinan , and Hughes , to form a lodge of Mark Masters to be called "St Mark ' s Lodge , " No . 1 ; and for some years this section of the brethren met with remarkable
success , no less than 21 warrants having been issued by the Scottish Grand Chapter to English Mark Alasons . Some time-immemorial lodges also withheld their support from the new Grand Lodge for a time , but by degrees , the advantages of unity
and consolidation became so apparent , that lodge after lodge gave in its adhesion to the national body , and as an example we may state that St . Murk ' s Lodge No . 1 of Scotland , is no-v No . 1 of England . Nearly all the Scotch lodges hive . surrendered their warrants , and joined the
English organization , bnt we regret to add that just as the problem of a general union appeared to bc solved , an obscure brother in Manchester , has had the bad ta * tc to ignore tho authority of the Grand Mark Lodgo of England , by obtaining a warrant from Scotland . Such an ill-conditioned
proceeding is truly pitiable . Lord Leig h was succeeded as Grand Master , by the Ewl of Carnarvon , under whose rule tho Mark Degree continued to gain strength and influence , and the same remark applies to tho
reigns of his successors . Viscount Holniesdalo M . P ., and W . W . Bramston Hwich , M P ., the latter being followed in the chair by the present M . W . Grand Master , the Rev . George Raymond Portal , M . A , who was installed last June .
The number of lodges ou the roll of the Grand Lodgo is now nearly one . hundred , and tho greatest praise must bo awarded to those t-fheient brethren , and more especially to Bro . F . Binckes the Grand Smvtary , for their untiring endeavours to achieve this noble rwult