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Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article THE LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION. Page 1 of 1 Article FRENCH MASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article AN AMUSING INCIDENT. Page 1 of 1 Article AN AMUSING INCIDENT. Page 1 of 1 Article THE EGYPTIAN MONUMENTS AND FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article RE-CONSECRATION OF THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MARK LODGE, NO. 44. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
wanted to pay what was rig ht and proper . They had asked him to give an account , ancl to attend the House Committee , but he would not , and hence they had got into this confusion . Until ho gavo details they were utterly powerless . If lie commenced legal proceedings he woulel be obliged to give an account . Vic said he should have to recommence proceedings , but in fact he had not yet commenced . He had not been asked to do anything for less
than his proper fees . He ought not to keep up his statements that he had been ill-treated . If his account was found correct the House Commitec would deal with it . Col . SOMERVILLE B URNEY moved a vote of approval of the conduct of the House Committee in the matter . Bro . S . H . PARKHOUSE seconded . Ho had read the statements in the Alasonic press put forward by Bro .
Wilson , and he thought it was ill-advised of him to write such letters . The Committee should be upheld for not allowing him to get that * bill passed by the subscribers . The motion of Col . Burney was then carried . Scrutineers of votes were then elected , and the poll for the election of twenty boys out of a list of seventy-nine was declared open . The following was found at five o'clock to be the result : —
SUCCESSFUL . Black , William ... ... ISI ' Hogg , John ... ... ... ... ... 170 S Seddon , lames Albert ... ... ... ... 1 ( 187 Brooks , George Bertie ... ... ... ... 1 G 25 Prestwich , Ernest Edglcy ... ... ... 15 C 4 Colbeck , Frank ... ... ... ... 1 550 Thomas , John M . Alex . ... ... ... 1531
Fellows , Herbert M . ... ... ... ... 1513 Norrish , Herbert ... ... ... ... 1513 Mey , George ... ... ... ... .... 1507 Reynolds , Richard Frank ... ... ... 1471 Moore , Ernest Stambler ... ... ... 141 S Pike , William Thomas ... ... ... ... 140 S
Smith , William Henry ... ... ... ... 13 S 5 Brown , Walter Boston ... ... ... ... 1344 Scott , John Sheppard ... ... ... ... 1342 Kennedy , Arthur James ... ... ... 1315 Atkinson , Charles Alf reel ... ... ... 1309 Gough , E . A . Brinsmead ... ... ... 1297 Thomas , Frank Robert ... ... ... ... 12 S 1
UNSUCCESSFUL . Gee , Alban Arthur ... ... ... ... 1222 Knott , Herbert Wilfred ... ... ... ... 1107 Grave , Richard Arthur ... ... ... ... 975 Hooker , George Sanders ... ... ... 905 Barclay , Henry G . Hackett ... ... ... 849 Collingwood , ArthurH .... ... ... ... 743 Saville , William James ... ... ... 724
Hobbs , Rtibert Norton ... ... ... ( I 59 Unwin , Fras . Arthur ... ... ... G 61 Richardson , Sidney Wm . F . ... ... ... 595 Estlin , Charles Nathaniel ... ... ... 527 Ecclestone , Henry A . ... ... ... 509 Hurst , John Win . James ... ... ... 452 Fellows , Arthur ... ... ... ... 427 Darling , Harvey George ... ... ... 403
Gauntlett , Gearge Frederick ... ... ... 392 Lee , Sidney Henry ... ... ... 380 Carey , Stephen Darcy ... ... ... 335 Loveridge , Sydney Earle ... ... ... 324 Clark , Frederick Arthur ... ... ... 302 Neville , Frederick John ... ... ... 299 Wilton , Ernst Colville C . ... ... ... 2 S 9 Coe , Albert Kdwarel ... ... ... 2 S 7
Cried , Sydney / nines ... ... ... 2 . S' « Golelsbrough , Jno . Tom ... ... ... 279 Gunnell , William Pearse ... ... ... 2 dS Wilson , William l . e-slic ... ... ... 195 Woollons , Walter II . ... ... ... 191 Hill , George Win . King ... ... ... 18 3 Thomas , George Arthur ... ... ... 177 Crane , Harry Samuel J . ... ... ... 170
Gurney , Charles Aubrey ... ... ... 107 Steinhauer , George \ V . ... ... ... 15 ( 1 Lucas , Edmund Charles ... ... ... 155 Williams , William Isaac ... ... ... 132 Watson , William Renwick ... ... ... 107 Ball , Kdward Thomas ... ... ... 99 Jones , Cleophas C . B . ... ... ... 8 4 Langdon , James ... ... ... ... 8 3
Field , Chas . S . Ventris ... 68 Ibbs , Robert Leigh ... ... ... ... 31 ) Frost , James Uray ... ... ... ... 59 Webb , Charles Edwarel ... ... ... 4 ( 1 Escott , Charles Leopold ... ... ... 44 Collinson , James ... ... ... ... 22 Gay , George John ... ... ... ... i . S Watson , Sydney Herbert ... ... ... 1 4
Read , J ohn ... ... ... ... 12 Sisley , Walter John ... ... ... ... 10 iones , Win . Vincent 13 . ... ... ... 9 obson , William Taylor ... ... ... IJ . aing , Herbert Lawson ... ... ... 8 Granger , Ernest Bloomer . ? . ... ... f >
Hawkc , Edwin Ernest ... ... ... ... 1 Foot , William Robert 13 . ... ... ... — Pratt , Robt . Williamson ... ... ... — Sparks , Albert Edward ... ... ... — Farrar , Ethelbert ... ... ... ... — Burgess , Harold Thomas ... ... ... —
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The monthly meeting of the Committee of ( his Institution met ' on Wednesday at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Col . Creaton , G . T ., in the i : hair . 'There even ; also present Bros . | . Brett , C . G . Dilley , | . M . Case , W . Clarke , Jno . G . ' Stevens , Henry G . Warren , J . A . Earn Held , Thos . Cubilt , S . Rawson , William Stephens , Charles Atkins , Win . Hilton ,
C . H . Webb , and II . Massey ( Fret-mason ) . After the reading nnd c-nnfirmatiun of tin- minute's , the Secretary reported the deaths of three annuitants , and one female eaudielate for next e-le-clion . 'The Warden's report was read , and also the report of the Finance Committee . This showed a balance of £ 4023 is . of the Male Fund ; £ 2033 3 s . Sd . on Ihe Female Fund ; and £ 46 iy . s . nil . on the . Susteutation Fund ; or a total balance of X , ' 6 iei 5 . | s . 71 ! . 'The Committee ' s report recom-
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
mended that £ 1000 from the Male Fund should be invested in Consols . The report was received anel adopted . 'The Chairman was authorised to sign cheques . Bro . J . M . CASE , P . G . D ., moved , and Bro . J . A . FARNFIELD , " P . M . 2 . 5 6 , seconded that £ 1000 stock tie bought as recommended by the Finance Committee . 'The motion was carried . It was also resolved that £ 3000 should be placed at interest on deposit .
Breis . Col . Creaton , J . A . Farnfield , and W . Hale were electeel the Committee to draw up the annual report . 'The application of a widow for half her late husband ' s annuity was granted . Bro . H . G . WARREN gave notice that he woulel move at next meeting that the Institution pa } - the premium on thc collector's guarantee policy , as was done in the other two Institutions . The Committee then adjourned .
The London Masonic Charity Association.
THE LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .
COMMUNIQUE . The operations of this useful Society last week were eminently successful , and its need and utility are now apparent to all , and for this one good and solid reason , though many others might be adduced if time and space permitted .
Owing to thc scattering of votes , and the fact that the London brethren like to help their provincial friends always , many of the poorer London cases , with no patrons and no prestige , were overlooked , as before pressing appeals anil personal solicitations . The conseepicnce was that the provinces , now very strong in themselves , and quite strong enough for their own needs , became stronger at each
election , while the London votes being sprcael over a large surface anel not confined to London cases , as the provincial votes arc alone given to provincial cases , were falling behind in each election , as regards the support given to London cases . Under these circumstances the London Masonic Charity Association was formed , and if it has done nothing else
than concentrating the London votes 111 one focus , it has elone a good work . 'There are exceptions to every rule in life , anel occasions will turn up when it is the duty of London brethren to support indigent piovincial or colonial cases , lint as wo bave so man } ' London cases wbich never do succeed , and cannot , or rather could not a couple eif years ago , except under the most favourable circumstances of
special patronage of leading brethren , the Loneion Masonic Charity Association is eloing a righteous work , alike for true charity anel our Educational Institutions , in seeking to select such of the many Loneion cases as seem most deserving of support . But such a position in no way justifies the suggestions hastily made often , to alter our whole voting system . The appointment of a Central Committee to select the successful
candidates , or to scrutinize the voting papers , would give general elissalisfaction , inasmuch as no committee coulel be nominated which woultl have the confielence of all subscribers , and owing lo the infirmity of human nature we should open infallibl y a tlonr to imposition and jobbing of the most ehslressing kind . 'The present system may have its weak points—what system has not?—but it enlists the sympathies of a large number of brethren and friends , and ensures publicity anil commands fair play to all .
French Masonry.
FRENCH MASONRY .
By Bro . Hubert ' s account in the Chaine d'Union for March it seems that the so-called " Grand Lodge Symbeilique Independante , " composed of certain malcontents from the " Rite Ecossais , " has been formetl by eleven loelges , and holds its meetings , and has its offices , at No . 20 , Rue Riclior , Paris .
'The eleven lodges are—1 , Les Amis ele la Verite ; 2 , l . a Jerusalem Ecossaise ; 3 , l . a Justice ; 4 , Les Hospitallers ele Saint Ouen ; 5 , Les Vrais Amis Fidcles ; (> , La Eigne Droite ; 7 , L'Union et liieiifaisance ; 8 , La Frnnclie Union ; 9 , L'Ecossaise ; 10 , La Sinccrite ' : ; and 11 , Le Heros eieTIIumanite . We mention these lodges under their French names , because such a Grand Lodge is an illegal body , and
no English Mason ought to be mixed up with its proceedings . Its executive commission is composed of Bros . Blois , Frirpiet , and P . Gourninin Cornille . Bro . Hubert tells us that a proposal had been made-, as with us , to place all the symbolic loelges under the Grantl Orient and all the High Grade Chapters under the " Rite Ecossais j " by a "concordat , " the Rite Ecossais ceding its
lodges to the ( . rand Orient , the Grand Orient ceiling its chapters to the " Grand Conseil . " But this negociation has led to no result , and for the present any hope of agreement is abandoned . Thus there are still three Masonic jurisdictions in France—the Grand Orient , the Rite Ecossais , and the Rite of Mizraim . 'There is now a fourth bod)—this " Grand Loge Symboliijuc Independante , " but it is unrecognizable by us .
An Amusing Incident.
AN AMUSING INCIDENT .
Bio . Hubert gives us in his Chaine d'Union for March and April , i . sSo , a most amusing account of the heartbreaking dilemma in which a Belgian newspaper , the Counter de Bruxelles , is placeel by the wicked Freemasons . 'The Conrrier tie Bruxelles is an Ultramontane paper of some ability , and which we noticed on a former
occasion , but which has been characterize !) by the extreme violence of suiielry foolish attacks on Freemasonry in general , and Belgian Freemasonry in particular . By some means , baying obtained tbe list of tbe members of tbe Lodge Amis Philanthropes , it published them in its pages , by way of exposing them . Unfortunately for that paper , it seems that the lodge is composed of doo members , all educated men , and as by the law of Belgium any
newspaper is bound to insert a letter from every person whose name it cites in ils I ' olumns , these 600 members have ever since 1 'Vbriiary 2 nd this year been writing in turn a long letter of one : or two columns in defence of Masonry , and which is read by the Ultramontane supporters of thc journal , anel which it must publish . In vain the Conrrier de Bruxelles complains of " hard lines , " the letters regularly appear , and must do so for some time to come , much , we fancy , to the delight even of many Ultramontanes
An Amusing Incident.
themselves , and , of course , much to the amusement and profit of thc Belgian Freemasons . This is hoisting the engineer with his own " petard " with a vengeance .
The Egyptian Monuments And Freemasonry.
THE EGYPTIAN MONUMENTS AND FREEMASONRY .
As Egyptian Masonic symbolism is now prominently before us , we think it well to translate the following article " there anent " from Bro . Hubert ' s "Chaine d'Union " of March and April . Twenty years ago our Bro . Malapert informed us that
certain of the inscriptions of the "sarcophagi , " preserved in the . Museum of the Louvre , as well as the jewels placed in thc glass cases of that museum , and a certain number of rituals , related tothe ceremonies of initiation of " profanes " and the instructions given to those who were received . Bro . Malapert often invited the brethren of the lodges to go and judge by their own eyes of that which he affirmed .
He citeel specially the collars of different colours , to which hang still the "working" tools of tho companions , and other symbols . The rituals , above all , are very curious , ancl deserve study , thocgh it is not necessary to be able to reael hieroglyphics to uneterstanel them . We see the " profanes , " there approach the doorkeepers eif the 'Temple . 'lhc Masters of Ceremonies seize them and place them in a
"state of nature , " to undergo the physical and moral probations . The purifications all proceed . clearly and in a regular order . At last the " profane " reaches the President of the mysteries . 'This last is on his throne , anel shows to thc ncwlyarriveel the scales , in which are the acts of his life , the good on erne side the bad on the either . If the virtues an . the
heaviest the reception takes place , otherwise the autlacious visitor is driven away freini the assembly and condemned to return intei thc worlei . 'There are many persons who see in these representations pictures of the juelgment of the dead . No eloubt some of the rituals probably relate to that event , but they are the exception . Nearly all reproduce the act of " Initiation " with its " provings " and all their
consequences . We recall now Ibis teaching of Bro . Malapert , not to disparage the merit of a learned traveller , but to render justice to an old Mason , who if he docs not often freepient our lodges , counts therein , nevertheless , as many friends as there are brethren with the columns .
From the journal of our worthy Bro . Hubert , we think it well lo reproduce this statement , as we have ourselves little eloubt tbat in some form or other a Masonic system jirevaileel among the ancient Egyptians . It will be curious , indeed , if the progress eif time anel tbe process of criticism shoulel rehabilitate Bro . Dr . Oliver ' s fame in respect of his theory of primx'val mysteries and Masonry .
Re-Consecration Of The Florence Nightingale Mark Lodge, No. 44.
RE-CONSECRATION OF THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MARK LODGE , NO . 44 .
The Florence Nightingale Lodge of Mark Masters , No . 44 on thc registry of the Grand Mark Lodge of England , was originally consecrated in 1 S 54 or 'S . 55 , but circumstances were not at that time propitious to Mark Masonry , anel the lodge gradually became extinct . Tbe revival of Mark
Masonry in Woolwich , however , commenced some two years ago , when the Excelsior Mark Loelge , No . 226 " , was opened and consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Anglescahill , Plumstead . 'That lodge in a very short time became one of thc strongest in Kent , anel from it has sjirung a revival of the old Florence Nightingale Lodge , which was re-consecrated on Monday , the 5 th inst ., at the Masonic
llall , William-street , Woolwich . The Consecrating Officer was the R . W . Bro . Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Kent , assisted by W . Uro . | . G . Poelevin , Dep . P . G . M . M . M ., and V . W . Bros . I ' red Binckes , G . Sec . M . M . M . ; Don . M . Dewar , G . Asst . Sec . M . M . M . 'The brethren assembled in the
ante room at two o clock precisely , anil walked in procession to the lodge room , where the presiding officer took , the chair and appointed his officers pro . tem . The following brethren were then balloted for as joining members , and were admitted to fellowship , Bros . G . Cockle and Dr . C . II . V . Godwin .
1 he following Master Masons were then balloted for anil approved : Bros . Sydney Clarke , E . Denton , C . 11 . Santi , ( 1 . M . Tapp , and | . S . Mutch , all Past Masters of 706 ; S . 'Toms , P . P . G . S . D . Somerset ; F . Sales , G . C . Mattlinms , T . Alexander , Ugland , G . Risch , J . Iloppe , J . Harris , and J . Black , all of 706 ; anil last , but not least , " Baron II . De Worms , M . P , for Greenwich . Uros . Clarke , Denton , 'Toms , Ugland , Risch , and Baron
De Worms , being the only candidates present , were with the usual formalities advanced to the Honourable Degree of M . M . M . 'The loelge at this time presented a very pleasant and animated appearance , the officers , all of whom wore the insignia of Grand ofiice , in their respective chairs , and the brethren and visitors ranged round the room , gave a light anel colour to the scene more easily
imagined by the initiated than discribeel by the pen of the chronicler . The ceremonial of consecration was then proceeded with , and Bro . the Rev . R . O . Solbt ; , Grand Chaplain Kent , delivered the oration , in the course of which he congratulateel the brethren on being assembled to open another lodge consecrated to Mark Masonry . He alluded to the great success whicb had atteneled the opening of the
Excelsior Loelge at Plumstead , and expresseel a wish , and indeed a hope , that both lodges woulel prosper , and act in accord and harmony with each other . After speaking of the great antiquity of the Mark Degree , and explaining what was its connection , with all ils beautiful ritual and symbolism , with the Degree of Fellow Craft , of which it was a most apt appendage , he expressed a hope that the
Woolwich district would soon : ce its way to the opening eif more : Mark Masons' lodges , as owing tothe combination of a large body of civilians , and a goodly phalanx of military Masons in the district , there was a large body who must in time desire to be advanced and participate in thc mysteries and privileges of Mark Masonry . 'The ceremony was then
proceeded with , and carried out with the usual formalities used on such occasions . 'The new W . M . M ., Bro . J . Smythe , was then installed m the chair as Mark Master , and proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Major K . S . Gordon , S . W . ; Capt . Eugene Swcny , J . W . and Sec , pro tem . ; Asst . Commis-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
wanted to pay what was rig ht and proper . They had asked him to give an account , ancl to attend the House Committee , but he would not , and hence they had got into this confusion . Until ho gavo details they were utterly powerless . If lie commenced legal proceedings he woulel be obliged to give an account . Vic said he should have to recommence proceedings , but in fact he had not yet commenced . He had not been asked to do anything for less
than his proper fees . He ought not to keep up his statements that he had been ill-treated . If his account was found correct the House Commitec would deal with it . Col . SOMERVILLE B URNEY moved a vote of approval of the conduct of the House Committee in the matter . Bro . S . H . PARKHOUSE seconded . Ho had read the statements in the Alasonic press put forward by Bro .
Wilson , and he thought it was ill-advised of him to write such letters . The Committee should be upheld for not allowing him to get that * bill passed by the subscribers . The motion of Col . Burney was then carried . Scrutineers of votes were then elected , and the poll for the election of twenty boys out of a list of seventy-nine was declared open . The following was found at five o'clock to be the result : —
SUCCESSFUL . Black , William ... ... ISI ' Hogg , John ... ... ... ... ... 170 S Seddon , lames Albert ... ... ... ... 1 ( 187 Brooks , George Bertie ... ... ... ... 1 G 25 Prestwich , Ernest Edglcy ... ... ... 15 C 4 Colbeck , Frank ... ... ... ... 1 550 Thomas , John M . Alex . ... ... ... 1531
Fellows , Herbert M . ... ... ... ... 1513 Norrish , Herbert ... ... ... ... 1513 Mey , George ... ... ... ... .... 1507 Reynolds , Richard Frank ... ... ... 1471 Moore , Ernest Stambler ... ... ... 141 S Pike , William Thomas ... ... ... ... 140 S
Smith , William Henry ... ... ... ... 13 S 5 Brown , Walter Boston ... ... ... ... 1344 Scott , John Sheppard ... ... ... ... 1342 Kennedy , Arthur James ... ... ... 1315 Atkinson , Charles Alf reel ... ... ... 1309 Gough , E . A . Brinsmead ... ... ... 1297 Thomas , Frank Robert ... ... ... ... 12 S 1
UNSUCCESSFUL . Gee , Alban Arthur ... ... ... ... 1222 Knott , Herbert Wilfred ... ... ... ... 1107 Grave , Richard Arthur ... ... ... ... 975 Hooker , George Sanders ... ... ... 905 Barclay , Henry G . Hackett ... ... ... 849 Collingwood , ArthurH .... ... ... ... 743 Saville , William James ... ... ... 724
Hobbs , Rtibert Norton ... ... ... ( I 59 Unwin , Fras . Arthur ... ... ... G 61 Richardson , Sidney Wm . F . ... ... ... 595 Estlin , Charles Nathaniel ... ... ... 527 Ecclestone , Henry A . ... ... ... 509 Hurst , John Win . James ... ... ... 452 Fellows , Arthur ... ... ... ... 427 Darling , Harvey George ... ... ... 403
Gauntlett , Gearge Frederick ... ... ... 392 Lee , Sidney Henry ... ... ... 380 Carey , Stephen Darcy ... ... ... 335 Loveridge , Sydney Earle ... ... ... 324 Clark , Frederick Arthur ... ... ... 302 Neville , Frederick John ... ... ... 299 Wilton , Ernst Colville C . ... ... ... 2 S 9 Coe , Albert Kdwarel ... ... ... 2 S 7
Cried , Sydney / nines ... ... ... 2 . S' « Golelsbrough , Jno . Tom ... ... ... 279 Gunnell , William Pearse ... ... ... 2 dS Wilson , William l . e-slic ... ... ... 195 Woollons , Walter II . ... ... ... 191 Hill , George Win . King ... ... ... 18 3 Thomas , George Arthur ... ... ... 177 Crane , Harry Samuel J . ... ... ... 170
Gurney , Charles Aubrey ... ... ... 107 Steinhauer , George \ V . ... ... ... 15 ( 1 Lucas , Edmund Charles ... ... ... 155 Williams , William Isaac ... ... ... 132 Watson , William Renwick ... ... ... 107 Ball , Kdward Thomas ... ... ... 99 Jones , Cleophas C . B . ... ... ... 8 4 Langdon , James ... ... ... ... 8 3
Field , Chas . S . Ventris ... 68 Ibbs , Robert Leigh ... ... ... ... 31 ) Frost , James Uray ... ... ... ... 59 Webb , Charles Edwarel ... ... ... 4 ( 1 Escott , Charles Leopold ... ... ... 44 Collinson , James ... ... ... ... 22 Gay , George John ... ... ... ... i . S Watson , Sydney Herbert ... ... ... 1 4
Read , J ohn ... ... ... ... 12 Sisley , Walter John ... ... ... ... 10 iones , Win . Vincent 13 . ... ... ... 9 obson , William Taylor ... ... ... IJ . aing , Herbert Lawson ... ... ... 8 Granger , Ernest Bloomer . ? . ... ... f >
Hawkc , Edwin Ernest ... ... ... ... 1 Foot , William Robert 13 . ... ... ... — Pratt , Robt . Williamson ... ... ... — Sparks , Albert Edward ... ... ... — Farrar , Ethelbert ... ... ... ... — Burgess , Harold Thomas ... ... ... —
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The monthly meeting of the Committee of ( his Institution met ' on Wednesday at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Col . Creaton , G . T ., in the i : hair . 'There even ; also present Bros . | . Brett , C . G . Dilley , | . M . Case , W . Clarke , Jno . G . ' Stevens , Henry G . Warren , J . A . Earn Held , Thos . Cubilt , S . Rawson , William Stephens , Charles Atkins , Win . Hilton ,
C . H . Webb , and II . Massey ( Fret-mason ) . After the reading nnd c-nnfirmatiun of tin- minute's , the Secretary reported the deaths of three annuitants , and one female eaudielate for next e-le-clion . 'The Warden's report was read , and also the report of the Finance Committee . This showed a balance of £ 4023 is . of the Male Fund ; £ 2033 3 s . Sd . on Ihe Female Fund ; and £ 46 iy . s . nil . on the . Susteutation Fund ; or a total balance of X , ' 6 iei 5 . | s . 71 ! . 'The Committee ' s report recom-
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
mended that £ 1000 from the Male Fund should be invested in Consols . The report was received anel adopted . 'The Chairman was authorised to sign cheques . Bro . J . M . CASE , P . G . D ., moved , and Bro . J . A . FARNFIELD , " P . M . 2 . 5 6 , seconded that £ 1000 stock tie bought as recommended by the Finance Committee . 'The motion was carried . It was also resolved that £ 3000 should be placed at interest on deposit .
Breis . Col . Creaton , J . A . Farnfield , and W . Hale were electeel the Committee to draw up the annual report . 'The application of a widow for half her late husband ' s annuity was granted . Bro . H . G . WARREN gave notice that he woulel move at next meeting that the Institution pa } - the premium on thc collector's guarantee policy , as was done in the other two Institutions . The Committee then adjourned .
The London Masonic Charity Association.
THE LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .
COMMUNIQUE . The operations of this useful Society last week were eminently successful , and its need and utility are now apparent to all , and for this one good and solid reason , though many others might be adduced if time and space permitted .
Owing to thc scattering of votes , and the fact that the London brethren like to help their provincial friends always , many of the poorer London cases , with no patrons and no prestige , were overlooked , as before pressing appeals anil personal solicitations . The conseepicnce was that the provinces , now very strong in themselves , and quite strong enough for their own needs , became stronger at each
election , while the London votes being sprcael over a large surface anel not confined to London cases , as the provincial votes arc alone given to provincial cases , were falling behind in each election , as regards the support given to London cases . Under these circumstances the London Masonic Charity Association was formed , and if it has done nothing else
than concentrating the London votes 111 one focus , it has elone a good work . 'There are exceptions to every rule in life , anel occasions will turn up when it is the duty of London brethren to support indigent piovincial or colonial cases , lint as wo bave so man } ' London cases wbich never do succeed , and cannot , or rather could not a couple eif years ago , except under the most favourable circumstances of
special patronage of leading brethren , the Loneion Masonic Charity Association is eloing a righteous work , alike for true charity anel our Educational Institutions , in seeking to select such of the many Loneion cases as seem most deserving of support . But such a position in no way justifies the suggestions hastily made often , to alter our whole voting system . The appointment of a Central Committee to select the successful
candidates , or to scrutinize the voting papers , would give general elissalisfaction , inasmuch as no committee coulel be nominated which woultl have the confielence of all subscribers , and owing lo the infirmity of human nature we should open infallibl y a tlonr to imposition and jobbing of the most ehslressing kind . 'The present system may have its weak points—what system has not?—but it enlists the sympathies of a large number of brethren and friends , and ensures publicity anil commands fair play to all .
French Masonry.
FRENCH MASONRY .
By Bro . Hubert ' s account in the Chaine d'Union for March it seems that the so-called " Grand Lodge Symbeilique Independante , " composed of certain malcontents from the " Rite Ecossais , " has been formetl by eleven loelges , and holds its meetings , and has its offices , at No . 20 , Rue Riclior , Paris .
'The eleven lodges are—1 , Les Amis ele la Verite ; 2 , l . a Jerusalem Ecossaise ; 3 , l . a Justice ; 4 , Les Hospitallers ele Saint Ouen ; 5 , Les Vrais Amis Fidcles ; (> , La Eigne Droite ; 7 , L'Union et liieiifaisance ; 8 , La Frnnclie Union ; 9 , L'Ecossaise ; 10 , La Sinccrite ' : ; and 11 , Le Heros eieTIIumanite . We mention these lodges under their French names , because such a Grand Lodge is an illegal body , and
no English Mason ought to be mixed up with its proceedings . Its executive commission is composed of Bros . Blois , Frirpiet , and P . Gourninin Cornille . Bro . Hubert tells us that a proposal had been made-, as with us , to place all the symbolic loelges under the Grantl Orient and all the High Grade Chapters under the " Rite Ecossais j " by a "concordat , " the Rite Ecossais ceding its
lodges to the ( . rand Orient , the Grand Orient ceiling its chapters to the " Grand Conseil . " But this negociation has led to no result , and for the present any hope of agreement is abandoned . Thus there are still three Masonic jurisdictions in France—the Grand Orient , the Rite Ecossais , and the Rite of Mizraim . 'There is now a fourth bod)—this " Grand Loge Symboliijuc Independante , " but it is unrecognizable by us .
An Amusing Incident.
AN AMUSING INCIDENT .
Bio . Hubert gives us in his Chaine d'Union for March and April , i . sSo , a most amusing account of the heartbreaking dilemma in which a Belgian newspaper , the Counter de Bruxelles , is placeel by the wicked Freemasons . 'The Conrrier tie Bruxelles is an Ultramontane paper of some ability , and which we noticed on a former
occasion , but which has been characterize !) by the extreme violence of suiielry foolish attacks on Freemasonry in general , and Belgian Freemasonry in particular . By some means , baying obtained tbe list of tbe members of tbe Lodge Amis Philanthropes , it published them in its pages , by way of exposing them . Unfortunately for that paper , it seems that the lodge is composed of doo members , all educated men , and as by the law of Belgium any
newspaper is bound to insert a letter from every person whose name it cites in ils I ' olumns , these 600 members have ever since 1 'Vbriiary 2 nd this year been writing in turn a long letter of one : or two columns in defence of Masonry , and which is read by the Ultramontane supporters of thc journal , anel which it must publish . In vain the Conrrier de Bruxelles complains of " hard lines , " the letters regularly appear , and must do so for some time to come , much , we fancy , to the delight even of many Ultramontanes
An Amusing Incident.
themselves , and , of course , much to the amusement and profit of thc Belgian Freemasons . This is hoisting the engineer with his own " petard " with a vengeance .
The Egyptian Monuments And Freemasonry.
THE EGYPTIAN MONUMENTS AND FREEMASONRY .
As Egyptian Masonic symbolism is now prominently before us , we think it well to translate the following article " there anent " from Bro . Hubert ' s "Chaine d'Union " of March and April . Twenty years ago our Bro . Malapert informed us that
certain of the inscriptions of the "sarcophagi , " preserved in the . Museum of the Louvre , as well as the jewels placed in thc glass cases of that museum , and a certain number of rituals , related tothe ceremonies of initiation of " profanes " and the instructions given to those who were received . Bro . Malapert often invited the brethren of the lodges to go and judge by their own eyes of that which he affirmed .
He citeel specially the collars of different colours , to which hang still the "working" tools of tho companions , and other symbols . The rituals , above all , are very curious , ancl deserve study , thocgh it is not necessary to be able to reael hieroglyphics to uneterstanel them . We see the " profanes , " there approach the doorkeepers eif the 'Temple . 'lhc Masters of Ceremonies seize them and place them in a
"state of nature , " to undergo the physical and moral probations . The purifications all proceed . clearly and in a regular order . At last the " profane " reaches the President of the mysteries . 'This last is on his throne , anel shows to thc ncwlyarriveel the scales , in which are the acts of his life , the good on erne side the bad on the either . If the virtues an . the
heaviest the reception takes place , otherwise the autlacious visitor is driven away freini the assembly and condemned to return intei thc worlei . 'There are many persons who see in these representations pictures of the juelgment of the dead . No eloubt some of the rituals probably relate to that event , but they are the exception . Nearly all reproduce the act of " Initiation " with its " provings " and all their
consequences . We recall now Ibis teaching of Bro . Malapert , not to disparage the merit of a learned traveller , but to render justice to an old Mason , who if he docs not often freepient our lodges , counts therein , nevertheless , as many friends as there are brethren with the columns .
From the journal of our worthy Bro . Hubert , we think it well lo reproduce this statement , as we have ourselves little eloubt tbat in some form or other a Masonic system jirevaileel among the ancient Egyptians . It will be curious , indeed , if the progress eif time anel tbe process of criticism shoulel rehabilitate Bro . Dr . Oliver ' s fame in respect of his theory of primx'val mysteries and Masonry .
Re-Consecration Of The Florence Nightingale Mark Lodge, No. 44.
RE-CONSECRATION OF THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MARK LODGE , NO . 44 .
The Florence Nightingale Lodge of Mark Masters , No . 44 on thc registry of the Grand Mark Lodge of England , was originally consecrated in 1 S 54 or 'S . 55 , but circumstances were not at that time propitious to Mark Masonry , anel the lodge gradually became extinct . Tbe revival of Mark
Masonry in Woolwich , however , commenced some two years ago , when the Excelsior Mark Loelge , No . 226 " , was opened and consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Anglescahill , Plumstead . 'That lodge in a very short time became one of thc strongest in Kent , anel from it has sjirung a revival of the old Florence Nightingale Lodge , which was re-consecrated on Monday , the 5 th inst ., at the Masonic
llall , William-street , Woolwich . The Consecrating Officer was the R . W . Bro . Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Kent , assisted by W . Uro . | . G . Poelevin , Dep . P . G . M . M . M ., and V . W . Bros . I ' red Binckes , G . Sec . M . M . M . ; Don . M . Dewar , G . Asst . Sec . M . M . M . 'The brethren assembled in the
ante room at two o clock precisely , anil walked in procession to the lodge room , where the presiding officer took , the chair and appointed his officers pro . tem . The following brethren were then balloted for as joining members , and were admitted to fellowship , Bros . G . Cockle and Dr . C . II . V . Godwin .
1 he following Master Masons were then balloted for anil approved : Bros . Sydney Clarke , E . Denton , C . 11 . Santi , ( 1 . M . Tapp , and | . S . Mutch , all Past Masters of 706 ; S . 'Toms , P . P . G . S . D . Somerset ; F . Sales , G . C . Mattlinms , T . Alexander , Ugland , G . Risch , J . Iloppe , J . Harris , and J . Black , all of 706 ; anil last , but not least , " Baron II . De Worms , M . P , for Greenwich . Uros . Clarke , Denton , 'Toms , Ugland , Risch , and Baron
De Worms , being the only candidates present , were with the usual formalities advanced to the Honourable Degree of M . M . M . 'The loelge at this time presented a very pleasant and animated appearance , the officers , all of whom wore the insignia of Grand ofiice , in their respective chairs , and the brethren and visitors ranged round the room , gave a light anel colour to the scene more easily
imagined by the initiated than discribeel by the pen of the chronicler . The ceremonial of consecration was then proceeded with , and Bro . the Rev . R . O . Solbt ; , Grand Chaplain Kent , delivered the oration , in the course of which he congratulateel the brethren on being assembled to open another lodge consecrated to Mark Masonry . He alluded to the great success whicb had atteneled the opening of the
Excelsior Loelge at Plumstead , and expresseel a wish , and indeed a hope , that both lodges woulel prosper , and act in accord and harmony with each other . After speaking of the great antiquity of the Mark Degree , and explaining what was its connection , with all ils beautiful ritual and symbolism , with the Degree of Fellow Craft , of which it was a most apt appendage , he expressed a hope that the
Woolwich district would soon : ce its way to the opening eif more : Mark Masons' lodges , as owing tothe combination of a large body of civilians , and a goodly phalanx of military Masons in the district , there was a large body who must in time desire to be advanced and participate in thc mysteries and privileges of Mark Masonry . 'The ceremony was then
proceeded with , and carried out with the usual formalities used on such occasions . 'The new W . M . M ., Bro . J . Smythe , was then installed m the chair as Mark Master , and proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Major K . S . Gordon , S . W . ; Capt . Eugene Swcny , J . W . and Sec , pro tem . ; Asst . Commis-