The Last Quarterly Communication.

asonry is nut a benefit society in the ordinary acceptnce of the phrase . That it confers benefits is not to be denied- and it has always the claims of the poor and distressed in view , and never inquires as to creed , colour , or clime . As Grand Lodges makes munificent donations when the act of God or the ambition of man desolates vast teiritories , so a provincial Grand Lodge or a

Provincial private lodge will subscribe to local charities and hospitals- while not forgetting the Masonic institutions . The nearest approach there is in Masonry to the character of a benefit society is in the Fund of Benevolence , towards which there is a payment out of every initiation fee , and fixed contribution every year , which lodges have tc send to Grand Lodge out of each of the subscribing

members' subscriptions . The lodges which are composed principally of Jews have also what they call a Benevolent Fund , but this has nothing to do with Grand Lodge , and is a matter entirely of fraternal arrangement . This Benevnlent Fund is only for the use of the members of the particular lodge , and in all cases it has its treasurer , secretary , and committee . If a member of the lodge is

in distress , or can be assisted to regain the position in life which adversity has removed him from , his case is laid before the committee , and he receives relief if found worthy . In a community like that of the Jews ther ^ is but little fear that the real facts of a case are not known to the committee ; but with reference to these Benevolent Funds in the Jewish lodges , this highly hi nourable trait

presents itself , that the name of the applicant for relief , or even his initial , or anything which may lead to his identification , is never known to the members of the lodge who are not on the committee of the fund . Frequently have the applicants not only regained their former position , but also advanced to positions of affluence , and it has not been an uncommon occurrence for the money lent to

be returned . Grand Lodge on Wednesday last , true to its old character , sub' -cribed 1300 guineas for benevolent objects outside the Order . The unanimity with which the grants were made might encourage the proposers of the grants to ask for more on a future occasion if the necessity should arise ; but it is to be hoped , not for the sake of Grand Lodge

funds , but of suff ring humanity , that the horrors of the Indian famine will have passed away before the brethren could reasonably bc asked for a further grant . Nevertheless , should occasion require their further assistance , we have no doubt they will remember the moment they were received into Freemasonry , and extend to the people who are in want of charity that never faileth . Grand Lodge

was in very good humour when it made the grants on Wednesday . The gran ' s of . £ ' 210 and £ 105 were voted instantaneously , the brethren being anxious to have the matter relating to the Lodge of B .-nevolence out with the Board of General Purposes . The gracefulness of the concession made by the Board with respect to this subject put them in still further good humour , and Mr . Clabon ' s fear that

there would be an amendment to the thousand guineas proposal was quite uncalled for . Had his scheme for finding funds for enabling the children leaving the schools to begin life been ready , the brethren would , at least , have allowed the principle of the scheme to pass , though the carrying out of the proposal would have been sent to a

committee . Presuming that the alteration of the Lodge of Benevolence will not be again brought forward , and looking at the very strong disposition on the part of the brethren to maintain the charities to the utmost , the adoption on a future occasion of Bro . Clabon's well-conceived motion is a foregone conclusion .

The " Apollo University " Lodge, Oxford.

THE " APOLLO UNIVERSITY " LODGE , OXFORD .

BY BRO . W . J . HUGHAN- . ( From the Voice of Masonry . ) One of the most illustrious and distinguished lodges in England is that of the " Apollo University , " of Oxford . It was chartered by H . R . H . tt . e Duke of Sussex ,

M . W . G . M ., and bears date December 21 st , 1818 , as No . Jn . By the alteration of the number in 1832 it became 460 , and again in 1863 it was raised to 357 , at which it stills remains . The addition of " University " to its original title of the " Apollo" was agreed to soon after its

advent , though its shorter description was noted in the records until 1826 . The first Worshipful Master and Wardens ( according to the warrant ) were respectively John Ireland , George Hitching ? , and Sir Charles Macdonald lockhart , Bart .

Among the old resolutions and bye-laws were the following -. " On account of keeping the good-will of the Vice-chancellor and Proctors , the members of the lodge snail proceed to the meetings in Academics . " Fines were levied on brethren who did not come till supper-time , and also tn those who did not appear in full dress , or who did

not wear white gloves . It was ordered that at each meetln ff the charity box should be taken round . In 1853 it was proposed that " henceforth no one shall be proposed for this lod ge except he be or has been a member of this University , " but the Provincial Grand Master refused to confirm it . The restriction has been practically maintained ,

Wever , in balloting for candidates . On August 4 th , 1864 , the foundation ofthe University 1 'sonic Hall , especially reserved for the use of this lodge , J ^ as laid in Masonic form by Alderman R . J . Spiers , F . S . A ., »? p . Prov . G . M ., and on February 24 th , 1865 , the building as solemnl y dedicated to the purposes of Freemasonry by {•" ¦ ut-Col . H . A . Bowyer , M . A ., the then Provincial Grand Master .

On February 19 th , i 8 fin , its jubilee was celebrated , and rcc "lonths later a Royal Arch Chapter was chartered and Pmcd under its wing , with a similar title . towV April 3 ° ' - ' - * - the Prince of Wales , loll •M '' Was electeQ a member of the lodge , and in the rw " , g year became its Worshipful Master , with Bro . -Pnald Bird as the Deputy Master , On May 1 st , 1874 ,

The " Apollo University " Lodge, Oxford.

H . R . H . Prince Leopold was , on the proposition of his brother ( the Prince of Wales ) elected a member , and was then initiated , subsequently becoming Worshipful Master of the lodge , and Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire , in succession to the lamented Bro . Colonel Bowyer , deceased . . We have gleaned these particulars from the interesting

preface to the bye-laws of the lodge , edited by Bro . F . P . Morrell , M . A ., P . M ., etc ., and the Rev Bro . H . A . Pickard , M . A ., being the fourth edition of the bye-laws from 1858 , the issues being as follows , viz ., 18 3 8 , 186 4 . 186 9 and 1874 . The later editions are without exception some of the handsomest and best codes of bye-laws , etc ., we have ever seen . The special feature , however , in the little books

is the roll of members of the lodge , and which is the special attraction to students of such matter . A hasty glance would almost seem to indicate that the lodge has on its list of members all the distinguished members of the Craft . Of course that is not the fact , but so many of the chief members n { the Fraternity in England are connecierl with the " Apollo University " Lodge as to render it unique

in that respect in the annals of the society . The Grand Masters of England and Ireland are enrolled as members in the list of 1874 . The Pro Grand Master of England , and the Deputy Grand Masters of England , Scotland and Ireland . Upwards of thirty Provincial Grand Masters eilher are or have been members , and thirty-three other members of Grand Lodges , ci'her as Grand Wardens or

other distinguished positions , and mote than three tiiindrfd of its members have held office in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Oxfordshire since the year 18 ^ 7 . Three of the Provincial Grand Masters have also been selected by the Grand Masters for the time being from the lodge . We could not find time to enumerate from this list

anything like the number of names we should like of brethren distinguished as Masons , scholars , statesmen , warriors , and in every walk in life requiring talents , character and energy . We trust that the future of this lodge will even surpass its eventful past , and render its centenary most memorable .

Fashionable Marriage At Acton.

FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE AT ACTON .

The ordinarily quiet town of Acton was astir on Thursday week , owing to the marriage of Mr . John Howard Walker , eldest son of John Walker , Esq ., of the Woodlands , with Miss Mary Annie Roebuck , only child of Bro . William Roebuck , of West Lodge . The weather was at its best ,

and the occasion excited great interest , both families being well known and highly respected in Acton . Two marquees were erected on the lawn of West Lodge , in one of which the presents were displayed , numbering considerably over 100 and being of the most costly and elegant description . Amongst them we may mention a handsome bronze drawing-room timepiece witji candelabra to match ,

a pair of bronze figures representing Holbein and Chilberti , a set of silver dishes , pair of candelabra richly gilt , liqueur cabinet , a remarkably handsome pair of Chinese vases , 24 inches in height , bust on pedestal , a handsome cabinet of cutlery , with silver forks and spoons , a sofa blanket very choicely worked , magnificent bible and clasped folio album , table cloth from the Caucasus , a

massive gold bracelet , old China dinner , afternoon tea , coffee and dessert services , diamond locket ( presented by the bridegroom , and worn by the bride at the wedding ) , silver fish and dessert knives and forks , several marble timepieces and toilet sets . The presents were remarkably pretty and many of them most valuable . The ceremony was fixed for half-past eleven o ' clock ,

and punctually at that time the bride , accompanied by her father , drove up to the north entrance of the parish church , the bridesmaids , six in number , being stationed at the door to receive her . They were—Miss Alice Lloyd , Miss Alice Walker , Miss Linley , Miss Verity , Miss Kate Hunt , and Miss E . Walker . The groomsmen were—Mr . Fred Walker , Harry Maple , E . W . Stringer , Harry Smith ,

F . Haslam , and Arthur Walker . The bride was attired in a rich white satin dress trimmed with real Brussels lace flounce , wreath of orange blossom , and veil and diamond lock- * . The bridesmaids wore blue silks , wreaths of apple blossom and veil , with lockets presented by the bridegroom . The church , which was neatly decorated , was well filled

with a fashionable congregation . The Rev . C . M . Harvey , M . A ., rector , performed the marriage service . The bride was given away by her father ( Bro . Roebuck ) , Mr Fred . Walker ( the bridegroom ' s brother ) acting as best man . Mr . Lamb presided at the organ , and during the service and while the wedding party were signing the register , played a sonata in G by Beethoven , an allegro by Bach ,

the Wedding March by Mendelssohn , and an andante by Schnieder . After the service , the wedding party repaired to West Lodge , and at one o ' clock sat down to breakfast , which was arranged in a marquee , fifty feet long by thirty feet wide , and lined with red and white stripedbunting , which was provided by Mr . Blake , of Ealing . Messrs .

Inglefield and Hircombe ( late Withers ) , of Baker-street , London , were entrusted with the arrangements for the breakfast , and it is scarcely necessary to say that so eminent a firm gave the utmost satisfaction . Accommodation was provided for forty-eight persons . The tables were set out most effectively , a selection of choice plants , interspersed with bouquets , displayed in massive epergnes and plateaus , adding considerably to the attractiveness of the spectacle .

The bride ' s cake , which was elegantly ornamented , was mounted on a handsome silver plateau , at the head of the table . A large variety of ferns , palms , and other potted plants were tastefully placed rouud the marquee . The guests comprised Mr . Aste , Mrs . Walker , Bro . Roebuck , Mrs . J . H . Walker , Mr . J . H . Walker , Mrs . Roebuck , Mr . Walker , Mrs . Naylor , Mr . E . Sacre , Mr . Naylor , Miss Alice Lloyd , Mr . Fred , Walker , Miss Linley ,

Fashionable Marriage At Acton.

Mr . H . Smith . Miss E . Walker , Mr . F . Haslam , Mrs , John Aste , Mr . John Aste , Mrs . A . Solomon , Mr . A . Solomon , Master Alfred Walker , Miss Aste , Mr . F . Ebsworth , Mrs . Verity , Mr . Verity , Mrs . Knight , Mrs . R , W . Stewart , Mrs . Hunt , Mr . Hunt , Miss Alice Walker , Mr . H . Maple , Miss Verity , Mr . E . W . Stringer , Miss Kate Hunt , Mr . Arthur Walker , Mrs . Summers , Mr . Summers , Mrs . John Hcptingstall , Master Bertie Walker ,

Miss Walker , Mr . A . H . VV . dk .-r , Mrs . Palmer , Mr . E . Baldwin , Mrs . C . O . Barker , and Mr . Barker . The church bells rang a merry peal when the wedding party left the church and at intervals during the day . The happy couple left at four o ' clock for Scotland , where they intend to spend their honeymoon . Thursday being the silver wedding day of Bro . W . Roebuck additional interest was given to the occasion .

Sketches Of Masonic Character, No. Iv.

SKETCHES OF MASONIC CHARACTER , No . IV .

BRO . JAWKINS IN NORM \ NDY . Bro . Jawkins is , as we all know , a P . M . of the "Amphibious Lodge ; " the joke al out which is , by our famous friend Bro . Jones , that its members are always warm , aud sometimes" wet . " "Not wet blankets ? " " No , sir , I mean the other thing ! " r ) e is , perhaps , best known as Companion Jawkins , P . Z ., as hr likes to have himself known

as a distinguished Royal Arch Mason of the old Jericho Chapter , renowned alike tor its agreeable gathering sand its admirable dinners . He is Preceptor ot hall-a dozen chapters , to Lout , and is a companion whose " liat " no one ever dreams of doubting or disputing . He is not an unamiable fellow , per se , but , a little too fond of praising No . One . When he tells a story , it is " / ^ aid so and so . "

" / observed to our excellent friend . " " / saw at once what had to be done , " and " J took measures accordingly . " He sometimes seems to think as if the world was composed of Jawkins , Mrs . Jawkins , and the little Jawkinsrs , with a few men and women and babies thrown in . We do not pretend to assert that he does any positive harm .

Perhaps his is more of a negative . than a positive character for good . Nay , taking the average ot those with whom we come in contact , Bro . Jawkins is somewhat " abo \ e p . r . " We do not think Bro Jawkins a " strong man" nor a genius who will " set the Thames on fire , " but look at him all round , he is a good citizen , a good member of

the family circle , a good Mason and , we feel bound to add , a good man ! So that the oft-repeated axiom is still true , let us bear in mind—we do not need brilliant talent or overpowering parts to fill our lot in life , to act up to our responsibilities , or to do our duty " in that state of life " where it | has pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to call us .

Bro . Jawkins , with his amiable wife and intelligent offspring , is in Normandy , but I fear hardly appreciates the beauty of the country or the contrasted habits and manners of its kindly-hearted inhabitants , as all French people really are—no kinder exist anywhere . He has that English idea strong in him , that " Heimsucht , " as the Germans say , which makes him deprecate everything

foreign an ! laud everything Britannic . He docs not like the " cafeaulait" ( foolish man ) , He prefers bad English coffee very much , with a tinge of milk ; he don ' t admire the " vin ordinaire , " Bass ' s beer is worth it a thousand times , with some other not complimentary expressions . He don ' t understand the " plats , " and he objects to " kickshaws . " He says reproachfully , " I prefer joints ,

sir , " and he ignores the fact that if he will only look out for himself , he can get in France the tenderest " bif steaks " and best of mutton cutlets in the world . He does not even approve of the butter , and he makes jests at the cheese . He likes a slight admixture of lard , & c , in our indigenous Anglican produce , and prefers a good Cheshire to anything out . The consequence is that Bro . Jawkins is

not easy in his foreign trip , often out of temper , irritable , unpleasant , and wishes himself back in London , and the city , and the club . We all remember the young man , who did the " Simplon , " by requesting his friends to " wake him up when he got to the other side , for there is nothing for a fellah to see , " and we fear that when Bro . Jawkins returns

home , and is questioned about his foreign tour , he will have journeyed , as some travellers do , with his eyes shut , indifferent to those many charms which Normandy has for the archaeological and the intelligent , . for the lovers of scenery and the students of nature . One point seems to have struck him much and annoyed him more , the caps oLthe women . " Positively

unbecoming , " he says . Mrs . Jawkins , remarks that Jawkins as an old married man , might have looked at other things , and we are inclined to agree with our old friend , Mrs Balasso , who declares that in her matured experience , " old married men always behave the worst . " When then , good reader , you meet Bro . Jawkins , in the Amphibious Lodge , or the Jericho Chapter , don ' t

" tread on his corns , " to use a vulgar expression . Speak to him about anything except Normandy , and above al ) , never forget that as a man and a Briton , Bro . Jawkins is much in agreement with the common run of us all . But bid him forget his grievances of foreign travel in all the pleasures of Masonic Society , harmony , and good feeling . It is strange to think how different we often are at

home and abroad , how contented in the former , and how grumbling in the latter . Frenchmen often think us devoured by " spleen , " when it is only a little insular perversity , and , perhaps , as Englishmen , we have yet to learn that most useful of lessons , which all citizens of the world sooner or later must master , that if there is no place like home , and if it be true still that it is our duty " ubique patriam reminisci , " the philosopher will see good in all countries , and find much to charm , much to improve , an 4