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distinguished position as it was at the present time , and highly commended the endeavours which had since then been made to bring the lodge to the foremost rank . In this endeavour the present W . M . had p l ayed no unimportant part , for he had steered his ship into safe water , where he ( Bro . Buss ) hoped it would long remain . The lodge stood now as well as any lodge could stand , and so long

as it was under the guidance of the present W . M ., and those who would follow in his footsteps , and display the same amount of perseverance , ability , and determination , tbat everything should be conducted in a proper and methodical style , the lodge would hold its own against all comers . To be elected a member of such a lodge was indeed an honour , and the honour was enhanced by the

vote of the brethren being unanimous . Dr . Hogg proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " who he said did everything for the lodge deserving of the highest praise . Even that evening he had been again thoughtful with regard to the brethren , and had provided every brother with a present to take home , the married to their wives and families , and the single to their sweethearts . Before the brethren

separated they would each have given to them a very handsome box of bonbons for Christmas , which would come round before they met in lodge again . He had displayed during his year of office similar thoughtfulness for the brethren ' s enjoyment , which must prove to them that the lodge was always in his mind . The fact was that Bro . Southwood was thoroughly desirous of seeing the lodge prosperous .

He ( Dr . Hogg ) had had the pleasure to propose in lodge that they should give twenty guineas to the list of the W . M ., who would be steward for the next festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The lodge voted it , and he would inform the brethren that the Hervey Lodge had never given so large an amount before . They had at times ' given five and ten guineas ; but that night they had

given twenty guineas , and he hoped that the brethren would supplement that gift by individual donations . In that way they would show their appreciation of the W . M . The W . M . replied , and thanked the brethren for their attention to the work of the lodge . He did not take any credit to himself for what he had done , but when he became Master , two years ago , he determined to do his best to raise the

Hervey Lodge to a proud position . He had had during the last twenty months an almost insufferable amount of domestic and professional trouble to overcome , and although he had slipped out of the very hard work of business into the -arduous duties of the Mastership of the lodge , it had been really a work of most agreeable refreshment , and he felt that he came

out of the chaos of business into the pleasant sunshine of relaxation . He had endeavoured to impress on the officers and brethren the dignity and responsibility of their professions , and they had acted on what , he had inculcated , If he had succeeded in inspiring any member with the spirit he possessed , he should feel amply repaid . He hope'd the brethren would follow up their profession by strongly

supporting the cause of charity , and if they did he should feel that he had done this much good , that he had succeeded in enlisting a little army of brethren who would carry forward into the future a wholesome , beneficial and profitable example , and make the Craft more respectable during the next generation than it had been before . The W . M ., next gave " The Initiates , " and delivered to them a wholesome

lecture on the work they had entered upon , and how they were to perform it . Each of the initiates responded ; and afterwards the visiters were honoured with a toast . Several of those brethren responded . The P . M . ' s were duly complimented , as were also the Treasurer and Secretary . Dr . Hogg and Bro . Charles Atkins , acknowledged the toast j after which " The Charities" were remembered . Bro .

James Terry made an excellent reply setting forth the great benevolent work those institutions were engaged in , and when he had concluded his observations , in which he thanked the Hervey lodge for what it had already done , and the efforts that were being made to do yet more , the W . M . announced that the list for his Stewardship of the

Benevolent Institution already amounted to over £ 60 . After " the Officers " had acknowledged the toast drank in their honour , the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings , and the brethren on leaving were presented with Bro . Southwood ' s Christmas present of a large and elegant box of bonbons .

FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . 1745 ) . —This lodge met on Monday , the 25 th ult ., at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn . There were present Bros . H . A . Dubois , P . P . G . D . of Middlesex , Hon . I . P . M ., acting as W . M ., in the absence , through very severe illness , of Bro . W . H . Jackson , jun ., who holds that position ; Charles Jacques , S . W . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . O . of Middlesex ,

J . W ., and Secretary , pro tern . ( Freemason ); W . Ramsey , P . M ., Treasurer ; II . J . Lardner , S . D . j M . Samuel , J . D . ; Quilter , D . C , acting I . G . ; Parkinson , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . Wildash , 741 ; Hart , St . James's Union ; Acland , Lodge of Israel . The minutes of the September meeting having been read and confirmed Bros . C . and W . Potter , and C . L . Eberardt , were passed to the F . C . Degree ,

and Mr . James Srrugnell initiated into Craft mysteries . It was proposed , seconded , and carried with acclamationi that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to the W . M . Bro . Jacques , S . W .. then gave notice of motion , " That the sum of ten guineas be taken from the lodge funds and placed jpon the list of Bro . W . Ramsey , P . M ., as Steward for ' . he forthcoming festival in c . innection with the Rojal Matonic Institution for Gills . " The lodge was shortly

afterwards closed , anil the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the clorh the custimary Royal and Cralt toasts were done full justice to . In proposing ' The health of the W . M ., " Bro . Ramsey [ said that on that occasion the brethren had a double duty to perfoim . They had to drink the health of Bro . Dubois , as well as that of Bro . Jackson , their W . M ., whose absence from his post was caused by very severe illness . As they had had

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an opportunity of witnessing the " working" of Bro . Dubois that evening , and as his social qualities were also so well and deservedly known to them , he should not dilate upon that portion of the toast beyond calling upon them to pledge his health most cordially . The well-being of their actual W . M . was a matter of more serious moment , and demanded more than a mere pissing thought .

He had been informed that their W . M . had had a very narrow escape from the King of Terrors , and even now the subject of his entire recovery to health was not wholly void of concern . In the lodge room , he , Bro . Jackson , had exhibited a thorough knowledge of the responsibilities of his position , and , at the banquet table , he had admirably displayed those social and

genial qualities of mind and heart , which were also highly necessary to complete this circle of the Masonic duties of every W . M . who desired to be thought a worthy representative of his high rank . In concluding his speech , ( which was throughout a very excellent and feeling one , ) Bro . Ramsey said he sincerely hoped that at the next meeting they would have an opportunity of not only seeing

their W . M ., but of hearing th ; sound of his voice , whilst performing the beautiful ceremonies of their ancient Craft . This toast was received with excellent " fire . " Bro . Dubois having responded , then gave " The Initiate , " in which he said it had afforded him a very grcit pleasure at being present that evening , although he deplored the cause which had led to his being called upon to discharge

the duties of the chair of K . S . Their candidate that evening had throughout the ceremonial evinced a very commendable attention to the serious matter contained in the initiation ceremony . He believed that their newly made brother would make a very worthy Mason , but at the same time he would impress upon him the ncc .-ssity of exercising at all times the excellences of Freemasonry ,

particularly that of Charity in his communion with the outside world . Bro . Strugnell having replied , " The Visitors" followed . Bro . Wildash , in response , expressed the gratification it had afforded him in being present that evening . To him it had been more like a s > cial gathering of old friends and neighbours than the formal meeting of a Masonic lodge . He had been highly delighted with

the " working " of the lodge , and pleased with its hospitality which had been most profuse and costly . In concluding a very flattering speech he said he saw no reason why the Farringdon Without Lodge , composed as it was of so many excellent Masons and citizens , should not flourish , as one of the best representative Masonic

communities in the good old City of London . " The Officers " came next , and was acknowledged by Bro . Jacques , Walls , and Lardner . The brethren shortly afterwards separated . The success of the proceedings was enhanced by the instrumental and vocal contributions of Bro . Hart and others .

SAINT LEONARD LODGE ( No . 1766 ) . — The December meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., at the Town Hall , Shoreditch . Bro . L . Stean , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . G . T . Barr , S . W . ; C . F . Barham , J . W . ; C . Stevens , Treas . ; E . Benjamin , S . D . ; J . A . Jones , J . D . ; A . A . Clement , I . G . ; H . J . F . Gale , D . C ; R . Marshall , S . ; G . C Young ,

Organist ; and the Secretary . The lodge was opened in ancient form . Messrs . John Tidball , H . J . Thrower , and R . Drysale , were initiated into the mysteries of the Order in a most impressive manner . Messrs . Funston , Henderson , Waynforth , King , and Matthews were passed to the F . C .

degree . Bros . E . T . Henman ( 1243 ) , R . S . Mendey ( 177 ) , and Dr . W . Holt ( 928 ) were elected joining members of the lodge . Various matters of business were transacted , and the proceedings were marked with much cordiality throughout . It appears that this new lodge is progressing in a very satisfactory manner .

SUNDERLAND . —Phoenix Lodge ( No . 94 ) •—This lodge held its regular monthly meeting on Dec . 4 th , in their own hall , Queen-street , the foundation stone of which was laid , in great pomp , on the 5 th day of April , 1784 , and in the following year it was dedicated on the 5 th day of April , 1785 , in the presence of upwards of 180 brethren . It was originally called the King George ' s Lodge ,

but the former hall was destroyed by | fire on the 19 th day of November , 1783 , and the new hall was raised from its ashes , and then called the Phoenix Lodge . It has just been thoroughly repaired , ventilated , and re-decorated in a most splendid and artistic manner , under the direction and superintendence of the W . M ., Bro . W . W . Collie , architect , the painting and decorations being entrusted to cur talented

townsman , Bro . Geo . Tawse , decorator , & c . The upholstery and cabinet work were entrusted to Bros . P . and F . Maddison . The sp ' -ndid manner in which the hall has been restored to its old pristine glory , reflects the highest credit on the artistic skill of the Worshipful Master and Bros . G . Tawse and P . and F . Maddison . There was a large attendance of members and visitors , amongst whom

where Bros . W . H . Cniokes , P . M . 80 , and Provincial Grand Secretary ; Robt . Hudson , P . M . 949 , and P . G . D . of C ; J . Lowes , W . M . 80 ; D . Huntly , I . P . M . 80 ; T . Sharp , W . M . 97 ; G . Lord , P . M . 97 ; N . Taylor , W . M . 949 ; G . Hall , I . P . M . 949 ; G . Grey , P . M . 949 ; Rev . Walter Beattie , W . M . 1389 ; J . Nicholson , I . P . M . 1389 . The W . M ., Bro . W . W . Collie , P . P . G . S . of W ., presided . The lodge

was opened in the l'irst Degree with solemn prayer , and the minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . George Moir , who was duly accepted for initiation . The lodge was then raised to the Second Degree , and Bro . J . S . Pearson , P . M .,

and P . P . G . P ., took the chair , and installed Bro . Mark Frampton in the chair of K . S ., in a very able and effective manner . The W . M . then invested his officers , viz .: —Bros . Ephraim Sutherest , S . W . ; J . Smart , J . W . ; John Rixborough , Treas . ; J . J . Stiles , Sec ; John Hudson , S . D . ; Ric . Urlson , J . D . ; H . Nicholson , I . G . ; J . W . Brown ,

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Tyler ; Wm . Bailes and Bell , Stewards . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . The usual Masonic toasts were given , and a very enjoyable evening was spent . SOUTHEND-ON-SEA . —Priory Lodge ( No . iooo ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 5 th inst ., at the MiJdleton Hotel .

This being the annual election of the W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler for the ensuing year , a large number of breth . ren were present , including V . W . Bro . Rev . S . K . Wigram P . M . and P . Z ., P . G . Chap ., I . P . M ., acting W . M . ; Bros Rev . H . J . Hatch , P . M . 160 , P . P . G . Chap ., acting S . W . ; J . C . Johnstone , P . M . 20 ( I . C . ) , J . W . ; J . A . Wardell , P . M . 160 and 1000 , P . P . G . D ., Sec ; G . F . Jones , S . D . ; G

Berry , J . D . ; Thos . Barrett , I . G . ; F . D . Grayson , D . C . ; A . Martin , Tyler ; A . Lucking , P . M . 160 , P . M . and P . Z . 1000 , Prov . G . D . C , acting I . P . M . ; J . W . Harris , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; W . S . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . R . Hemmann . P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; W . D . Merritt , L . Warren , W , Griffin , A . F . Godward , W . Wallis , W . Waterhouse , H . Hicks , J . G . Glasscock , S . M'Call Walker , H . Beecher , B .

Johnstone , W . Popplewell , H . Hissell , J . English , W . Allen , jun ., W . M . 160 ; H . Lukcr , F . Canton , G . R . Dawson , O . Bcntall , and C . Ehham . Visitors : —Bros . Dr . S . W . Fisher , J . W . 379 , and J . W . Farr , 1536 . After the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , the acting W . M . passed Bro . M'Call Walker to the Second

Degree . The brethren then proceeded to elect the W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler , when Bro . J . C . Johnstone , P . M . 20 ( I . C ) , J . W ., was elected W . M ., F . Wood , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., re-elected Treasurer , A . Martin re-elected Tyler . After the transaction of some other business , the lodge was closed , and adjourned to the 9 th January , when Bro . J . C . Johnstone will be installed as W . M .

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The annual installation banquet of this young and prosperous lodge was held at the Queen ' s Hotel , on Monday , the 25 th ult ., and was well attended . The dinner was of an excellent character , reflecting every credit upon the host , Bro . H . Churchill . The W . M ., Bro . J . S . Cumberland , occupied the ch 3 ir , supported by the following members of the

lodge : Bros . T . B . Whytehead , I . P . M ., P . G . D . C . ; T Cooper , P . M . 1611 , and P . M . 236 , P . P . G . D . C . ; P . H , Rowland , P . M . 237 , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . W . Hollow , P . M . 2 ^ 6 , P . G . S . B . England ; C . G . Padel , S . W . ; J . T . Seller , jiW . ; J . Kay , Sec ; M . Millington , S . D . ; f . D . Smith , J . D . ; G . Simpson , M . C . ; A . T . B . Twiner , Asst . M . C . ; G . H . Simpson , Org , ; J . Blenkir , I . G . ; W . Hill , Stwd . ;

G . H . Hebblcthwaite , Stwd . ; C . Blackstone , G . D . Goodall , J . R . Jackson , J . E . Wilkinson , P . H . Matthews , H . Churchill , T . E . Abbey , M . Varvill , J . Morgan , R . Ware , G . C Lee , and J . Pearson , Tyler . The special guests of the lodge were Bros . W . Valentine , W . M . 236 , P . P . G . C ; G . C Baskett , S . W . 236 ; A . Buckle , J . W . 236 ; J . Hanly , W . M . elect 295 ( I . C ) W . Harris , Sec . 295 ; J . B .

Somerset , I . G . 295 ; and C . Cheeseman , W . M . 1605 ; and the following visiting brethren were also present : Bros . J . Todd , P . M . 236 , Prov . G . Reg . ; R . Boggett , P . M . i 6 o i M . Rooke , 236 ; W . H . Sampson , 236 ; W . T . Govvland , 236 ; C . Abbott , 236 ; G . W . Flint , 1429 ; C . Winn , 938 ; Meek , T . M . Richey , F . G . Bellringer , and others . The usual loyai and Masonic toasts were given from the

chair , Bro . R . W . Hollow responding to that of " The Grand Lodge , " and Bro . J . Todd to that of " The Prov . Grand Lodge . " Bro . T . B . Whytehead then gave " The Health of the W . M ., " which was received with great heartiness . He said that after a very long absence from England he had returned four years ago , a Mason , to make many pleasant acquaintances , and none more so

than that of the W . M ., with whom he had been associated intimately in Masonry during that period , and he knew no brother who stood second to Bro . Cumberland in point of Masonic zeal and a true ftaternal spirit . He was very proud to have had the hono jr and privilege of installing him as W . M . of a lodge of which he was one of the first foun . dcrs , and he wished him health , strength , and a happy

term of office . In responding , the W . M . thanked the brethren for their good wishes , and said he would take that eaily opportunity of saying that he hoped great care would be exercised in the proposal of candidates . Breihren shojld remember that they had not themselves alone to consult in this matter , but that they must remember the comfort and pleasure of the other members of the

lodge , and never attempt to introduce anyone as a candidate whose presence they did not think would contribute to the universal happiness and harmony of the lodge . The W . M . then proposed ' The I . P . M . and Installing Master , Bro . T , 3 . Whytehead , " which was very warmly received , and suitably responded to , Bro . Whytehead thanking the brethren very cordially for their strong support during his

happy year of office , and expressing a hope that it might be extended with the same warmth to his successor . " Prosperity to the Eboracum Lodge " was proposed by Bro . Valentine , W . M . of the York Lodge , 236 , who spoke of the gratification with which he noticed the progress of the lodge , and above all the excellent manner in which it was ruled and conducted . If he had ever had a doubt on the

question , it would have been removed at this time , but he had always held that the establishment of the Eboracum Lodge was a right and proper step , and he wished it every success . " The Sister Lodges of the Province" was proposed by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , and replied to by Bro . Buckle , J . W . of the York Lodge , 236 . Bro . Buckle , in the course of his remarks , said that he thought Masons too

often lost tight of that part of their duty which came under the head of charity . Charily did not consist only in giving . " Though I give all my goods to feed the poor and have not charity , I am nothing , " said a very old Divine , There was the charity which tried to hide the faults of a brother , which put a kind construction on his actions , which hoped the best and believed the best , and was not carping