Royal Arch.

M . H . for his recovery , he presented to the chapter the whole of the valuable furniture , banners , jewels , and regalia , which he had paid for , and left the chapter enlirely cle > r and free from debt of any description , a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to Comp . Forrester for his very handsome and generous gift . A resolution was ordered to be recorded in the minutes expressing the profound sorrow of every member of the chapteron hearing of the death of Ex . Comp . Horace S . Alpass , Past G . Std . Br .,

P . G . S . E . West Lane , who only recently had consecrated this chapter , and was elected an honorary member on its formation . As it was remembered that that very day a venerable and benevolent brother , Sir M . Monteiiore , Bart ., had entered on the second century of an active and useful existence , a message of the congratulation of this chapter was forwarded to him by telegraph . Bros . James Corbitt , P . M . 1032 , and Dr . S . Farmer were proposed for exaltation , and after " Hearty good wishes , " the chapter was closed in thc usual manner .

MARLBOROUGH . —Methuen Chapter ( No . ' 533 ) - —This chapter held a convocation in the Masonic Hall , on the 4 th inst . Among those present were Comps . Deputy-Surgeon-Gencral T . Ringer , M . E . Z . ; the Rev . John A . Lloyd , H . ; J . Campbell Maclean , P . Z ., J . ; John Chandler , P . Z . ; ' A . Plummer , P . Z . ; E . B . Me ' rriman , S . E . ; H . Bcvir , S . N . ; G . Pike , P . S . ; and others The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , the election of Principals and officers

took place with the following result : Comps . the Rev . John A . Lloyd , M . E . Z . ; J . Campbell Maclean , H . ; G . Pike , ] . ; Lord H . Bruce , Treas . ; E . B . Merriman , S . E . ; H . Bevir , S . N . ; A . Risdon , P . S . ; and W . S . Bambridge , Organist . No other business having to be transacted the chapter was closed in peace and harmony . The next convocation ' oi the chapter , for the installation of the Principals and investiture of the officers , is fixed for Tuesday , Dec . 2 nd .

Mary Masonry.

Mary Masonry .

GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE . —Industry Lodge ( No . 293 ) . —The regular monthly meeting was held at the Industry Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 3 rd inst . The W . M ., Bro . M . Corbitt , occupied the chair , and he was supported by Bros . D . Sinclair , l . P . M . ; John Wood , P . M . ; W . E . Franklin , P . M ., Treas . ; J . G . Smith , S . VV . ; C . B . Ford , J . W . ; John Page , M . O . ; VV . F . Carmon , S . O . ; J . T . Harrison , * J . O . ; A . Rhagg , R . of M . ; R . Whitfield , Sec ; W . Brown , S . D . ; A . Simpson , as J . D . ; R . B .

Reed , P . M ., I . G . ; VV . Stafford , J . S . ; D . G . Anderson ( N . and B . T . J . ) , and others . The ballot was taken for Bros . R . VV . Klyne and Jas . W . Courtenay for advancement , and both were duly elected . Bro . R . VV . Klyne , being in attendance , was advanced to the Honourable Degree of a M . M . M . by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . John Wood , P . M . The nomination for Treasurer , Finance Committee , and Tyler were then made , and after other business had been transacted the lodge was closed in due form .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

LEEDS . —Fidelity Preceptory ( No . 114 ) . —The regular meeting of this preceptory was held on Tuesday evening , the 4 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Carlton Hill . The preceptory was opened in due form in the presence of Sir Knights John Barker , E . P . ; W . J . Beck , P . E . P ., as Constable ; J . N . Furniss , Marshal ; R . " W . Moore , Sub-Marshal ; H . Green , Recorder ; J . Pickersgill , as C . of L .: F . Waddinsjton , and T . Drake . The minutes of the last regular meeting having been read

and confirmed , apologies from Sir Knights R . Wilson , P . E . P . ; J . Gibson , P . E . P . ; C . L . Mason , P . E . P . ; and W . C . Lukis , Constable , were received . The ballot was then taken for E . P . and Treasurer for the ensuing year , when Sir Knight W . C . Lukis , Constable , and Sir Knight J . D . Kay , P . E . P . and Sub-Prior of West Yorks , were unanimously elected to the respective offices . After the preceptory had been duly closed , a Priory of Malta was formed , and Sir Knight John Barker , E . P ., installed Sir Knights F . Waddington and T . Drake into the Order .

The Marquis Of Londonderry, K.P. P.G.M. Durham.

THE MARQUIS OF LONDONDERRY , K . P ., P . G . M . DURHAM .

The news of the sudden and lamented death of the Marquis of Londonderry , P . G . M . Durham , reached us just as were preparing to go to press , consequently we were unable to do more than announce the fact . The particulars of his public career have already been made known to the

public , but it is natural that our readers should desire to have these supplemented by some sketch , however brief , of his connection with Freemasonry . In a quiet and unostentatious way , his lordship had rendered many important services to the Craft . He was a Life Governor of the Girls' School and Benevolent Institution , and both he and the Marchioness of Londonderry were Vice-Patrons of the

Boys' School ; his most important service in behalf of our Institutions being rendered in 1 SS 1 , when he took the chair at the anniversary Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The year previous his Royal Highness the Grand Master conferred on him the high offices of Prov . Grand Master and Prov . Grand Superintendent of Durham , in succession to the late R . W . Bro . John Fawcett , and into

the former of these positions the deceased Marquis was installed at Durham by the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . of England . Since then he had taken an active part in the doings of his province . He had presided every year at the meeting of his Provincial Grand Lodge , his last appearance being at the meeting held in the new Lecture Hall , Palace Green , on the 2 nd October , another of his more recent acts

being his consecration of the Londonderry Lodge , No . 2039 , Sunderland , which is named after the late Marquis , by his special permission , and will serve to perpetuate the memory of his worth among our good brethren of Durham . As to other circumstances relating to his career as a Mason

we may state his lordship was initiated into Masonry in the Apollo University Lodge , No . 357 , Oxford , in 1 S 43 . In 1 S 6 S , he was appointed Grand Senior Warden of England , and in 1 S 71 he filled the Master ' s chair of the Fawcett Lodge , No . 661 , Seaham Harbour . On the 31 st January of the present year he presided at a special Prov . Grand Lodge held at Durham for the purpose of receiving a visit

The Marquis Of Londonderry, K.P. P.G.M. Durham.

from the late Duke of Albany , then on a visit to the North of , Kngland . The funeral took place at Machynlleth , North Wales , on Tuesday , among those present , in addition to the members of the family , to pay their . last tribute of respect to the dead being ( . ' apt . Stephenson , representing the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . ; Bro . John C . Moor , ' P . G . J . D . Durham , on behalf of the province : and Bros . Lord Harlech ,

P . G . M . North Connaught : Sir VV . VV . Wynn , Bart ., M . P ., P . P . G . M . North Wales and Salop ; Viscount Vaughan , and others . His lordship was born in 1 S 21 , and is succeeded in his titles and estates by his eldest son Viscount Castleieagh , M . P . VVe may state that among the numerous wreaths with which the coffin was covered

was one sent by the brethren of the province of Durham , who will testify further their respect t 3 our late noble brother at a special Grand Lodge summoned for the purpose during the current week , when resolutions of sorrow and condolence with the family , in which all of us will join , will be submitted .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The Committee meeting of this Institution was held on Thursday , the 30 th ult . Bro . R . Grey , P . G . D ., Patron , occupied the chair , and , after the usual routine business , applications from the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution for two girls to be placed in the School

under the new law , sanctioning payment of £ . 50 each per annum , were submitted and accepted subject to the conditions that the petitions on behalf of the children turned out satisfactorily . A gratuity of £ 20 was voted towards apprenticing an ex-pupil , and notice of motion was given to the effect that the salary of the nurse in charge of the infirmary be increased by £ 10 a year . A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

Bro . James Moon presided at the regular meeting held on the ist inst . of the General Committee of this Institution , and among those present were Bros . Raynham VV . Stewart , P . G . D . ; R . Beiridge , Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; A . Withers , C . F . Matier , Alfred Williams , P . Hastings Miller , J . L . Mather , VV . Paas , Frank Richardson , P . G . D * . ;

Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P ., & . C . ; and F . Binckes , Sec . After the usual routine business the report of the Audit Committee was submitted . A boy was nominated under the " Sir Watkin Life Presentation , " North Wales and Salop , the child in question being No . 26 on the list of candidates . Two petitions for candidature were accepted , two deferred , and one rejected . Grants of £ 5 each to two ex-pupils having been voted , the proceedings terminated in the usual manner .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The Committee of Management held their usual monthly meeting at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday . The chair was occupied by Bro . Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., and among those present were Bros . W . H . Goodall , W . March , James Brett , P . G . P ., C A . Cottebrune , John Bulmer , D .

P . Cama , E . F . Storr , H . Moore , C . Lacey , C H . Webb , L . G . Gordon Robbins , F . Adlard , Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P ., Jabez Hogg , and James Terry ( Secretary ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been rea , d and verified , the SECRETARY reported the deaths of two annuitants on the Male Fund and one approved candidate ( male ) . The usual authority to the Chairman to sign cheques having been given , fourteen petitions—nine male and five

female—were successively submitted and dwelt with , the result being that eight of the male petitions were accepted , and one , which had been deferred from the previous meeting , was rejected , while four of the female petitions were accepted and one deferred . A notice of motion having been given by Bro . J ABEZ HOGG , the proceedings terminated with the usual vote o thanks to Bro . Bowyer for presiding .

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of The Mediterranean.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN .

The half-yearly meeting of this Provincial Grand Mark Lodge was held on Wednesday , the 22 nd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Strada Strctta , Valletta , Malta , when the following officers were present : V . W . Bros . VV . Watson , P . P . G . M . ; R . Westrop , P . D . P . G . M . ; W . Bros . W . Read , P . P . G . S . W . ; R . Glcndav , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . C Stanley ,

P . G . S . W . ; D . C Wilson , P . G . J . W . ; Rev . A . H . Bullock , P . G . Chap . ; VV . Bros . A . J . England , P . G . M . O . ; W . Parirate , P . G . S . O . ; F . J . " Coward , P . G . J . O . ( acting ); G . Segond , P . G . Treas . ; Bros . J . F . James , P . G . Sec ; J . D . Young , P . G . S . D . ; G . P . Stephens , P . G . J . D . ; J . P . Morgan , P . G . Reg . ; F . Savin , P . G . S . B . ( acting ); J . S . Davies , P . G . J . G . ; Thos . Berridge and F . Barnes , P . G . Stewards . ; and R . Rick , P . G . Tyler .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was received with grand honours by the Broadley Mark Lodge , No . 24 S , W . Bro . VV . Kingston ( D . G . M . Craft ) , presiding , whereupon V . W . Bro . Watson , D . P . G . M ., in the absence of the R . W . P . G . M ., assumed the chair and opened the Prov . Grand Lodge in due form . The minutes of the last half-yearly and subsequent meetings were read and confirmed , and the bye-laws of the province revised , at the conclusion of

which , V . W . Bro . WATSON delivered the following address : Brethren , —As it is the first time I have had the honour of presiding at a regular convocation of this Prov . Grand Mark Lodge , I think it may not be inopportune for me to make a few remarks on the principles of Freemasonry , and on our duties as members of the Order . These subjects may appear trite or commonplace , because they are so frequently brought to our notice , but still , I

think they will bear repetition , and I venture therefore tu reiterate them . In the first place , what appears to be of the most vital and universal importance are the principles on which Freemasonry is founded , and I hesitate not to state , in the words of our charges , that no institution can boast of a more noble and solid foundation than thaton which Freemasonry rests , being founded on the practice of every social and moral virtue . It is founded on sublime , rational

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of The Mediterranean.

and moral principles , with the praiseworthy design of making its members kind , just , and forgiving , teaching them ever to remember that in one sense all men are equal , being all children of thc same Almighty Father , who never forgets , or closes eye or ear upon the meanest of His creatures . In fact , its great aim is to make them better men , better members of society , better subjects , better in all the relations of life , and to fear the stain of

dishonour more than the ills of life , and even death itself . The high standard and measure required of us brethren , are ever before us when we are in open lodge , in the great and sublime tracing board , if I may so entitle it , of the Grand Architect and Overseer of the Universe—the volume of the Sacred Law—which we are charged to consider as the unerring standard of truth and justice , and to regulate our conduct

by the Divine precepts it contains . From it we learn our duties to God , our neighbours , and ourselves ; and in it are delineated and traced out the paths in which we must walk in order to reach the Grand Lodge above . Such principles proclaim our Order the handmaid—not , as some have asserted , the antagonist—but the handmaid and promoter of order , peace , virtue , and religion . We have lately been charged with being rationalists in religion , and

revolutionists and anarchists in politics ; to us , as Freemasons , have bee ' n imputed all the evils included under , and resulting from , sedition , revolution , socialism , and communism ; we are accused of disseminating vicious principles for the purpose of corrupting the murals of the young , and by every art and design endeavouring to saturate the masses of the people with vice , so that we may more easily turn them from Christianity , and make them the disciples of

disorder and revolution . Now , brethren , it is not necessary for me to say one word for the purpose of refuting such absurd and monstrous charges and accusations , because we all know , as well as we know that we exist , that there is nothing whatever in English Freemasonry incompatible with our social , civil , moral , or religious principles and duties . Again , brethren , Freemasonry is not merely a convivial brotherhood , as many are too ready to affirm , and

reluctantly disbelieve ; as the noble works of our ancient Order , its Schools , Benevolent Institutions , and its constantly recurrent and universal acts of benevolence , charity , and kindness , proclaim the falsehood of such a charge . Neither are our lodges , as opponents assert , simply convivial clubs , in which we meet together to cat , drink , make merry , and enjoy ourselves . Every Freemason knows , or oui ; ht to know , the object for which lodyes are established

and convened , viz ., that Masons may meet and improve themselves in their own particular science , and initiate others into their sacred mysteries . And here I venture to add a work of warning . Let us each and all take heed that at our banquets and refreshment tables our moderation may be manifest in all things , so that our example may afford no foundation for { lie slanderous and depreciating assertions of the enemies of our Order . A whole is

made up of its several individual parts , and it is quite possible that one or more of these parts may be defective without destroying the strength and beauty of the whole tree . So it is with societies ; defective 01- unworthy members there may be , but it is altogether absurd and unreasonable to condemn an entire institution , and deny its usefulness , simply on account of the defects and delinquencies of a few of its members .

We frequently say that we are ' not Operative , but Speculative , Masons . By Operative Masonry we allude to the proper application of those useful rules of architecture , and also to the builders , by which and by whom buildings are erected , displaying in the beauty , strength , proportions , and just correspondence in all their parts thc wisdom of the designer , and the skill of the workman . So in Speculative Masonry wc hope that on

the foundation laid at our initiation a superstructure will be raised perfect in all its parts and honourable to the builders , or , in other words , that by the correction of our irregularities , and the subjugation of our passions we may build up our lives according to the principles of the square , level , plumb-rule , and compasses . St . Paul tells us that in a great house there are vessels not only of gold and silver , but also of wood , stone , and clay , some to honour and some to

dishonour—that is , some for special occasions and noble services , and others for common purposes and every day use ; the latter perhaps the more useful , and consequently more honoured and prized than those of more intrinsic value , yet all being useful . So in the erection of buildings there are used stones of different kinds and sizes , on which different amounts of labour and skill have been expended . There are the large rough stones for the foundation ; the plain

cut and squared ashlars for building up the walls ; the keystone for binding the sweeps of the aich ; the elaborately cut and polished , or elegantly carved , stones for the ornamental parts . Each stone may be weak and insignificant in itself , but when placed in its proper position it adds to the size , strength , or beauty of the building - . So it is in society in general , so it is in Freemasonry in particular—ail cannot lie vessels of goldorsilver ; but all doing their duty ,

accepting the position in which they are placed they may be uselul . Some , of necessity , must teach and govern , others must learn , submit , and obey . 'These things are as allotted b y the Grand Master and confirmed by circumstances ; but be who perform well the most menial office will be thought worthy of rank in Heaven ' s Grand Lodge . Let us ever remember that he will be highest who does his duty the best , irrespective of rank , class , or position , and not he who

has merely held high rank here . As Masons let us endeavour to be lights of the world . Let us be kind and courteous not only to each other , but to all men . Every true Alason ought to be a gentleman , because if thought worthy to be admitted amongst us he ou ^ ht to cultivate and practise all upright and honest principles . Finally , brethren , by diligence and fidelity in the discharge of the duties of our avocations , by constancy and sincerity in our friendships

, by kind , just , amiable , and virtuous deportment , and , above all , by the exercise of benevolence and Charity , let us show to the world the beneficial efforts of our ancient and honourable Order . By the wisdom of the Most High may we be directed ; by His strength may we be enabled ; by the beauty of truth and virtue may we be incited to keep inviolate our obligations , to be of one mind , live in peace , and

enjoy the happiness and pleasure which result from true friendship and brotherly affection , and thus secure the transmission of our principles and secrets pure and unsullied from generation to generation . At the conclusion of the oration , which was received with keen appreciation and enthusiastic applause , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed with the accustomed formalities ,