Mark Masonry.

Bro . Parke concluded by offering his hearty thanks for the genuine character of th enthusiasm with which the toast had been received , and his congratulations to Bro . Forsdike upon succeeding to so estimable an inheritance and to Bro . Rowbotham for his excellent conduct of affairs during the year just past . At this stage was introduced a song by Bro . Wm . Foxon— " Star of my Soul , "

Penza . Bro . Foxon ' s musical talent is of a very high character , and his rendering of the song was finished and pathetic . A universal favourite in Sheffield in Masonic as well as social circles , Bro . Foxon has recently joined the Mark Degree and was received , apart from his musical abilities , with great satisfaction owing to his personal qualifications . His services throughout the evening met with complete appreciation .

Bro . Forsdike , W . M ., next proposed "The R . W . Prov . G . Master , Bro . C . Letch Mason , the W . Dep . Prov . G . Master , Bro . John Barker , and the Officers of Provincial G . Lodge , Present and Past . " He said it was not only a pleasure but a privilege to be able to propose this important toast . In their Prov . G . Master they had a tried and familiar friend , one who had ruled thera so long and so ably thit it was impossible to do without him . The progress made in Mark Masonry under his gracious rule he was quite unable to describe . The present healthy condition of the Order was largely due to their Prov . G . Master , and that it was healthy and prosperous was demonstrated by

the support which his province gave when their Prov . G . Master presided in iSg ( 3 at the Mark Benevolent Festival , and by the enthusiasm and attendance of the brethren at their not readily forgotten meeting last May . As to the Deputy and the rest of the Officers , they were honoured with a goodly array at the board to-night . They did not envy their preferment but extended to them hearty welcome . Some day , perhaps , they themselves might hope to follow in their steps and share in their gorgeous array , and they were convinced that the more they worked for the province , the more strenuously would they uphold the interest of the Order .

The toast was received with enthusiasm , after which the brethren were treated to a violin solo by Bro . C . Stokes , with piano accompaniment by Bro . Peasegood . Sheffield , like West Yorkshire generally , is eminently musical , and Bro . Stokes met with the applause which his undoubted talent demanded . The P . G . M ., his Deputy , and P . G . Officers on rising got a most flattering gree'ing . Bro . C . Letch Mason said he was pleased to have that opportunity of returning thanks to his Sheffield brethren , not for the warmth of their reception that evening

only , but for the noble way in which they supported the efforts of the executive of the province , fitly and properly , to receive the Pro Grand Master in May . The ready way in which Bro . Rowbotham and Britannia Lodge had supported them , and the efforts Ihf y had made to make the visit in all respects a success , he could assure them he gratefully ar predated . In their Secretary ' s report something had been said about their lodge numbers ; they had increased in the year but by four only ; well , he ( the P . G . M . ) was quite satisfied , as he preferred to see gradual advancement rather thv \ rapid increase .

If a lodge became too numerous , advancement was necessarily slower , and much patience and even more perseverance must be exercised before the chance of attaining the chair was within reach . He was glad to see with them that night two Masonic veterans—he referred to Bros . H . J . Garnett and John Unwin , whose regularity in attendance and devotion to the interests of the lodge have been most exemplary . They were firm and steadfast , and when joined by such earnest Mark Masons as Bros Hewitt , Kirkham , Dodworth , Wragg , and others he might name , the lodge might boast

of a backbone of exceptional strength . Bro . Mason pointed out also the beautiful teaching which underlies the symbolism of Mark Masonry , and concluded a very earnest speech by repeating his thanks . To the outgoing Master was entrusted the task of proposing his successor , and when Bro . Rowbotham mentioned as his text "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . A , J . Forsdike , " the brethren applauded vociferously . This he , of course , announced as Ihe toast of the evening , for , whilst loyal , if distant deference is paid to Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge , the W . M . is a little king in his own community . The harmony and prosperity of a lodge depend upon the choice of a suitable Worshipful Master , and

he ( Bro . Rowbotham ) was convinced that in the selection of Bro . Forsdike no mistake had been made . He was assiduous , faithful , and competent . The chair , too , was left to him without any diawbacks . There was no friction , no unpleasantness with anyone . Bro , Forsdike's start was with a fair wind ; he had manned his ship well ; he had already a cargo on board ; his voyage , there was every reason to believe , would be prosperous . Should clouds lower , rocks or shoals appear , he had only to call upon his Past Masters and they as faithful pilots would guide him to a harbour of safety . Under such circumstances , what more need be added ? Let them j > in then in heartily drinking his health . This they did .

After a song by Bro . Nodder , the W . M . rose , and was most warmly receive I . He said : Bro . Rowbotham and brethren : There are times , perhaps , inamin ' slife when he wishes he had never been born . This is one ; but the wish arises from the fact that I feel quite unable to rise to the occasion . Bro . Rowbotham's tone in respect to myself has been extremely kind , but I cannot take the flittering unction to my soul that 1 deserve all the gracious things he has said of me . If , however , any efforts of mine have met with approval I am satisfied . Looking back upon my Masonic life , I may say

that I have enjoyed the Mark Degree more than any other with which I have been acquainted . When only a young Mark Mason I cannot forget on one occasion being compelled to acknowledge inability to fill a post which was temporarily vacant . This acted upon me as a spur , and I dele / mined hencefoith not only to qualify myself to fill that jiarticular chair , but any other to which 1 might be called . My interest in Mark Masonry was intensified , and I look back to my n years' association with it with much pleasure . To my officers , and to yoi ' , brethren , I confidently appeal in order to make the coming

year a success . If you will support me as you have done others , no effort on my part shall be wanting . You have expressed ycur good feeling by your election of m ; to this chair , and 1 will do my utmost to merit your commendation . Without your cordial co-operation , mine is a minor office , but I count upon it and I don't doubt but I shall obtain it . I can only inadequately but sincerely thank you for your reception of my name . In submitting thc toast of "The I . P . M . and Installing Mister , " Bro . H . J . Garnett , whose long experience added weight to his words , spoke in gloving term ; of praise of

Bro . Rowbotham . His general ability , his rendering of the ceremonies , but above all , his grasp of and explanation of the Masonic cipher which his lecture som ; ti ne ago had made clear , all impressed him ( Bro . Garnett ) as doubtless it did others , that in Bro . Rowbotham they had an exceptionally strong W . M . His work that evening also emphasised it . With respect to his explanation of the cipher he hoped that another opportunity would be afforded and timely notice given in order that a larger number of the brethren might be permitted to take advantage of it . He hid the greatest possible satisfaction and confidence in giving thc toast .

The popularity of Bro . Rowbotham was shown by the hearty way in which th ; sentiment of Bro . Garnett was received . The next event in the programme was a song by Bro . Wm . Gadsby , who chose Molloy's" Gipsy John . " Bro . Gadsby is popular as a worthy Mason , a staunch Iriend , and anexcellentmusician . He has made his mark in Sheffield by his int'oduction in conjunction

with Bro . Handforth of a series of musical services in the Craft Degrees . This , he is following up by a similar course for the Royal Arch , and the publicition of Bro . Gad ^ y ' s settings for this dramatic Degree are awaited with great interest . To siv that he sang his song well is only faint praise , for Bro . Gidsby ' s efforts , b ; ing those of a true musician , are always sympathetic and genuine , and go straight to the heart . He got a very flattering reception .

Bro . T . Rowbotham , I . P . M ., in reply , said that any thanks to which he was entitled had been tendered in ihe very satisfactory way in which his oflicers had done their wo k ard supported his efforts . It was very gratifying to get words of praise from an old P . M . like Bro . Gainett , and he might tell them that in his control of the aff u ' rs of the lodge he had endeavoured to make the Mark Degree the one in whicb brethren from all the Craft lodges might meet and associate . With that view , he had six candidates in his year fre in six different lodges . They had now a seventh from still another lodire ,

and he would recommend the Worshipful Master to pursue that course . Referring to his somewhat desultory exposition on the subject of the Masonic cipher , Bro . Ron botham said if the brethren wished it , he would be very glad to give them the benefit of his inquiry into the subject at any time suited to the general convenience . He b .-d had a very pleasant year in the chair , and wished to express his obligation to every

brother who had assisted him in carrying on the affairs of the lodge . He had done his best to succeed , and though he might have fallen short from time to time , yet upon the whole he auld look back upon his past with satisfaction and with hope . After a very jilearing pianoforte solo by Bro . Peasegood . B . o . G . Edwards proposed "The Past Masters . " Bro . Wragg replied .

Mark Masonry.

Bro . Foxon next delighted the brethren by his beautiful rendering of Sullivan's pathetic song , " The sailor ' s grave . " In the absence of Bro . John Shaw , to whom the task had been allotted , Bro . Chas . Stokes ablv advocated the claims of the Charities of the Mark Degree , and proposed as a toast " The Mark Benevolent Fund . " Bro . Wm . Gadsby at this stage gave , in his characteristic style , Bevan ' s " Merry monk . "

Bro . M . J . Dodworth made a stirring appeal on behalf of the Charity , and strongly emphasised the contrast bet ween the extravagant expenditure in education and management in the case of the Craft Charities and the marvellous economy practised in those of the Mark Degree , lie also pointed out that the excellence of the methods employed was flatteringly recognised by the institution in West Yorkshire of an organisation

working on precisely similar lines to those of the Mark Benevolent Institution . Bro . Dodworth declared that a Charity so carefully managed and so readily available deserved the earnest support of all Mark Masons . "The Visitors " was proposed by Bro . A . G . Kirkham . Bros . Ensor Drury , Joseph Matthewman , anil J . T . Allingham respnnded .

The Officers of Britannii " was entrusted to Past Mister Bro . G . Wragg , who indulged in some very plain but wholesome suggestions , which were taken in the good spirit in which they were offered . Uro . Edmund Rowbotham , I . G ., reu'ieil , and expressed the hope that by strict attention and punctuality the officers would eventually receive the reward due to patient industry and merit . This closed the toast list , after which the brethren broke up .

Meetings so successful are cheering indications of the growing popularity of the Alark Degree , and Sheffield is to be congratulated upon the excellence of its work in aiding this desirable result .

Noel Lodge , No . 505 . The first regular meeting of the above lodge was held at The Jolly Sailors Hotel , Kingston-on-Thames , on the 20 th ult . Present : Bros . T . Phillip ; . A . M . Staff , W . M . ; J . D . Vicary , P . P . G . S . B ., acting I . P . M . ; E . II . Lewis , S . VV . ; J . Edgell , J . P ., l . W . ; F . Lockett , M . O . ; G . II . Brooker , S . O . ; C . S . Rogers , J . O . ; A . M . Levy , Treas . ; T . A . Collins S . D . ; G . II . Collier , [ . [) . ; E . J , Packington , Org . ; Dr . A . R . Oust , I . G . ; J . II . Sumner , Stwd . ; and G . Free , Tyler .

The lodge was opened and the minutes of the emergency and consecration meetings were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for the following brethren for advancement to the Honourable Degree of M . M ., viz .: Bros . H . C . Minnitt , 2 . 14 j ; Charles Wells , 2444 ; and S . H . Hope , SS 9 , which proved unanimous in their favour . Bros . Minnitt and Wells were in attendance and were advanced by Bro . Captain T . Phillips , Worshipful Master , in a very impressive manner . It was proposed by the S . W . and seconded by the VV . M . that an address of congratulation be pent to Bro . Idris Bey Raglieli ( of this lodge ) on his appointment as Dist . G . Mister of

N . K . Africa by H . R . H ., the M . W . G . Master , which was carried unanimously . After " Hearty good wishes" from Lodges 411 , 451 , and 311 , the lodge wis closet ! . 'The brethren adjourned to banquet under host Bro . J . 11 . Sumner , Stwd . The usual toasts were afterwards honoured . Bro . J . I ) . Vicary , P . P . G . S . B ., responded for " The Province of Surrey " in a few chosen words , and congratulated the W . M . on starting so well , and that the brethren appointed to office were at their p ' aces and worked well . The Advancees , Bros . Minnitt and Wells , each responded in suitable terms .

Bro . Levy , Treas ., then asked the brethren to rise and drink " The Health nf the VV . M ., 'Bro . II . C Crozier , " who was in Egypt for a few months , which they did with musical honours . A happy evening terminated .

Allied Masonic Degrees.

Allied Masonic Degrees .

Metropolitan Council ( T . l . M . ) . This old council met for the dispatch of business at Mark Masons' Hall , Great Oueen-strcet , on the 17 th ultimo , when there were present , among others , Bros . Id . | . Lardner , P . M ., as VV . M ., in the absence , through illness , of Bro . E . L . Shepherd ; G . Graveley , P . M ., as S . W . ; J . J . Pakes , J . W . ; George Powell , P . M ., Treas . ; Major T . C Walls , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Sec . ; Basil Stewart . Conductor ; the Rev . R . C . Fillingham , M . A ., I . G . ; Dr . J . Henry Frye , D . C .: and E . J . Mills , Sentinel .

The minutes of the previous council having been read and confirmed , a conrlave of the Order of High Priest was opened , and Comp . Dr . J . IJ . Frye , P . Z . 185 , was admitted a member of the Degree , the ceremony being ably performed by the acting W . M . Bro . L . Steele , S . W ., having intimated that he did not seek election as W . M , although exceedingly grateful to the members for desiring him to serve that ofiic . the

brethren unanimously elected Bro . J . J . Pakes , J . VV . Bro . G . Powell was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . E . J . Mills , Sentinel . A Past Master ' s jewel ivas voted to Bro . K . L . Shepherd . Communications regretting inability to attend were received from Bros . Shepherd , W . M . ; L . Steele , S . \ V . ; Biron de Ferrieres , P . M . ; R . L . Loveland , P . M . ; A . McDowall , P . M . ; and others , after which the council was closed . The dinner , as usual , was held at the Holborn Restaurant , under the presidency of Bro . George Powell , I . P . M .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

Salem Lodge , No . 563 ( S . C ) . An emergency meeting of the above lodge was specially held o n Tuesday , the 24 th August , at Ahmedabid , for the purpose of receiving Bro . Lord Sandhurst , G . M . A . S . F . I ., and the members of a deputation from the Grand Lodge . Bro . K . N . Wadia , P . M ., presided . Bro . Lord Sandhurst and the Grand Officers were then announced , and received with due and ample honours . After the W . M . had rendered an account of his stewardship , and handed over the Hiram and seat to the Gran ! Mister , his Excellency complimented the lodge on its satisfactory condition , and the members on their

Masonic spirit and charitable disposition . Bro . K . N . Widia then requested his Excellency to unveil a likeness of Bro . Gilmour McCorkell , P . M ., and honorary member of the lodge , which the brethren had ordered from the Fine Art Society , London , as a token of their appreciition of his valuable services to the lodge , and , in doing so , said Their lodge was indebted to Bro . McCorkell for his valuable services , and , various and valuable as those services were , their value was greatly enhanced by the fact that they were always rendered willingly and spontaneously and at immense personal sacrifice . Their beloved brother was well skilled in their noble science . He was not what they

called a " knife and fork" Mason , but was a modil of a good Mism , anl pnc ; is ; d the Masonic virtues of Faith , Hipe , and Charity , Fortitude , Prulence , Temperance , and Justice to the very letter . He joined that lodge in the year 1 S 31 , and they soon found that he was an acquisition to the lodge . They accordingly elected him R . W . M . in 1 S 92 , and again in the year 1 X 94 , and during the greater portion of the year 1 S 9 G he worked as their honorary Secretary . With his characterestic energy , he took up a firm grip of tbe business , and among other good things which he did while he was in Ahmedabad he organised lodges of instruction and give them valuable advice

and instruction in Freemasonry . That testimonial came from them as a mirk of their great respect and affection for their worthy brother . It was sad to realise that their ceremonials then no longer had the dignity of his presence and the benefit of his advice , and in their hours of relaxation the accustomed sound of Ms cheerful voice and agree , able conversation . Although memory is tenacious of the images of those who w .-re near and dear to them , a good portrait of a friend or relative served to brinj him more

palpably before them than any exercise of the mental vision . With that objjet in view , they had placed that likeness of their brother where they could pay their respects to it at every meeting . It only remained lor him then , in the name ot that lodge , to request his Excellency to unveil that likeness , and , in doing so , he begged to express a wish that R . W . Bro . Gilmour McCorkell—the substance of which that picture was the shadowmight live to a good old age , happy in thc applause and affections of the brethren of Lodge