Re-Consecration Of The Florence Nightingale Mark Lodge, No. 44.

sary J . T- Donnelly , M . O . ; Quartermaster J . Scully , S . O . ; H . De Grey , J . O . ; T . Alexander ( by proxy ) , ' Treas . ; Sydney Clarke , R . M . ; H . H . Church , S . D . ; Lieut . R . L . Appleyard , J . D . ; II . Harding , Org . ; G . C . Matthams , LG . ; Baron ' H . De Worms , D . C ; F . Sales and J . Black" , Stwds . ( by proxy ); anel J . S . Lackland , 'T yler . At the close of the ceremony of installation . votes of thanks were passed to the Consecrating Officers , anel they

were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge , which , after the usual business , was closed in due form . The banquet was held at Bro . De Grey's house , The Freemason , opposite thc Dockyard Station , and was a superb instance of thc art of cuisine . Among the brethren present besides those above enumerated were Bros . C . Coupland , W . M . M . 226 and P . P . G . W . Kent ; Lieut . Kirkbride , 226 ; Dr . J . Pope , D . Deeves , 22 ( 5 ; Porcher ,

P . M . 82 ; Baker , C . Jolly , 226 ( Freemason ) , and others . After the banquet the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts were drunk , and that of "The W . G . M . M . for Kent , Bro . Robertson , " was received with enthusiasm , and courteously responded to . Replying to the toast of "The W . M ., " Bro . SMYTHE , in the course of a lengthy and eloquent address , strongly advocated the building of a Masonic hall for the meeting

of the various loelges in Woolwich . In his opinion , hotels were not the proper places to carry out their sublime ritual in . Out of thc forty-four lodges of the Province of Kent twenty-one held their meetings at hotels , and the rest in p rivate rooms . What would strike an initiate with greater awe and wonder than to have thc light shown him in a grand hall , consecrated to Masonry and apart from tbe influence of the tavern ? Was not half the solemnity of their

beautiful ritual destroyed by the [ associations closely connected with it in the hotels ? It must be so , and while he did not desire to throw a single stone at the publicans or hotel keepers , who were generally good citizens and excellent men , yet he maintained that Alasonic lodges were no _ t _ in their right places when held in public houses or hotels . The subject was one that had caused him a great deal of time and thought , and he shoulel endeavour to the best of his

power and ability to get a ball for the district , where the whole of the lodges could meet without the influence upon them , or the associations near them , of the public bouse . Bro . BINCKES then proposed the toast of "The Newly-Advanced Brethren , " and after explaining his well-known theoiy on Mark Masonry , said that upon such occasions as the present it was not usual to introduce anything jiolitical into their speeches , but they had that night , as an advanced

brother among them , one who bad been accepted by a large constituency as its representative in Parliament . ( Cheers . ) He referred to their Bro . Baron De Worms —( cheers)—and he must say that when he was introduced to him he thought , from what he had seen of him in the lodge , tbat be was a very indifferent Mason . ( Laughter . ) He had heard him say since that it was sixteen years since he entered a Masonic lodge , and that would account for his rustiness . All

he could recommend their distinguished brother to elo would be to visit tlie lodges a little oftener , anel rub the rust off . ( Cheers and Iaogliter . ) He was exceedingly pleased to see their brother present , and trusted that in his place in the House of Commons lie would be enabled to represent them should any question arise at any time affecting their interests . ( Applause . ) He heartily wished this grand old lodge , the Florence Nightingale , every success , and felt sure that

under its present and future Masters it would arrive at the highest pitch of prosperity possible . llro . Baron Dir WORMS , in reply , laughingly said he must accept the fiat sent forth by Bro . Binckes that he was an "indifferent Mason , " but promised as soon as he had recouped himself by a little rest from the fatigues of the last few weeks to make himself sufficiently perfect in the art of Masonry , and so redeem himself from the opprobrium

of "indifference . " ( Applause . ) He then referred to the name of the lodge , the Florence Nightingale , and said it was a name that breathed the very essence of Masonry , and that grand princip le of charity and love that was so identified with the name would , he felt sure , ever find its exemplification in the lodge bearing the name that they had met that elay to consecrate . He trusted that they would find him as good a Mason as a Mason ought to be who

belonged to their noble old lodge , and concluded by thanking them for their kinel reception of him that evening . Bros . DENTON and CLARKE also responded . In response to the toast of "The Visitors , " Bro . COUPLAND congratulated the lodge upon its foundation , anel trusted that a good and lasting feeling of brotherhood woulel exist between the Florence Nightingale and the Excelsior Lodges , of which he was Master , and their W . M . the S . W ., of whom they ought to be proud . On the part of the

Excelsior Lodge , he was proud to see another Mark Mason ' s lodge in the town of Woolwich . Bro . POPE also responded ; and after "The Ofiicers of the Lodge" had been toasted , the meeting closed with a verse of the " National Anthem . " The musical arrangements were under thc direction of Bro . C . Buckland , who , with Miss Bateman , sang the solos , and Mr . Horton presided at the harmonium and piano .

District Grand Lodge Of Malta.

DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF MALTA .

, The half-yearly meeting of this D . G . L . was held on Thursday , thc ist inst ' at the Masonic Hall , Valletta , Malta . Present : R . W . Bro . W . Kingston , D . G . M ., on the throne ; W . Bn .. A . M . Broadley , D . D . G . M . ; Clievr . E . Nosenbusch , P . D . D . G . M . ; W . Rotherham , D . G . S . W . ;

L . E . Coffev , D . G . J . W . ; C Riechelmann , F . R . Beechey , and W . Watson , P . D . G . J . W . ' s ; R . V . Westrup , as D . G . Registrar ; J . Segonel , D . G . 'Treasurer ; Bros . J . W . Jtarkev , D . G . Secretary ; F . Challenger , as D . G . S . D . ; p . Crabtree , U . G . J . 13 . ; C . J . Blake , as D . G . Supt . eif Works ; | . A . Matthews , as D . G . Organist ; W . Bro . R . Clenday , W . M . 407 ; together with the Wardens , ofiicers , * nd a large number of brethren belonging to the lodges in

'he district , as well as several visitors from lodges under 'he ! -.., S ., and I . Constitutions . Lod ge was opened in due form at six p . m . The rolls of J ^ ranel Officers and private lodges were called by the D . G . secretary , after which the minutes of the last Half-yearly Communication were read and confirmed , and the report of mc Committee of General Purposes laid before the meet'" S and unanimously approved . The financial statements ' ° fc also adopted , all lodges in the district having paid ir dues . A very interesting report on the state and process ofr English Masonry in North Africa from the XV .

District Grand Lodge Of Malta.

D . D . G . M ., Bro . Broadley , was read in extenso . The D . G . M . said that he desired it to be recorded in the minutes of D . G . L . the high sense he entertained of the services renelered to the Craft by Bro . Broadley during" his year of office , as well as his thanks for the able report they had just heard . He alluded in terms of particular commendation to thc efforts of Bro . Broadley to counteract the spread of spurious Masonry in thc elistrict . Tbe D . D . G . M . had

expressed his desire not to be again appomted , as he was unable to make frctpicnt visits to this island , but he would not appoint a successor without thanking Bro . Broadley for that hearty co-operation in the past whicb he felt sure that brother would always continue in future years , and especially in the Tunis portion of the district . The D . D . G . M . expressed his sense of R . W . Bro . Kingston ' s kinel expressions , and assured all present that as P . D . D . G . M . he

should still endeavour to uphold the best interests of English Masonry both in Tunis and Malta . W . Bro . Segond was unanimously re-elected D . G . Treasurer , and Bro . Beck , D . G . Tyler for the ensuing year . The D . G . M ., R . W . Bro . KINGSTON , in addressing the brethren , said : On this , my eleventh appointment of D . G . Officers , I cannot but congratulate you on the unprecedented prosperity of your lodges . I believe at no former

period have they been numerically stronger ; but , at the same time , I must remind you that as you increase in numbers so you add to your responsibilities , and it is , therefore , incumbent on you to make jirovision against any future contingencies or reverses . As regards the working of your lodges , by whicb I mean the rendering of those ceremonies j ^ eculiar to tbc <^ 3 rder , from what 1 have seen elsewhere , and from what 1 have heard visitors say , I think it will

compare favourably with other provinces , but I recommend you , whilst seeking to make your ceremonies attractive and imposing , not to forget the real design of Masonry , and I aelvisc you never to resort to any of those preliminary forms which have a tendency to intimidate the candidate or render ludicrous any of our rites , but , on the contrary , let everything be done with becoming seriousness anel solemnity . The D . G . M . then appointed and invested the following officers :

W . Bro . Roscnbusch D . D . G . M . Perini , W . M . 1717 D . G . S . W . Westrup , P . M . 515 D . G . J . W . Glenday , W . M . 407 D . G . Reg . „ Rev . G . N . Godwin , 349 ... D . G . Chap . ,, Starkey , Sec . 349 ... ... D . G . Sec .

Barker , W . M . 1 S 35 D . G . S . D . „ Yeoman , S . W . 407 D . G . J . D . „ Blake , 349 D'G . D . C . Blanch , 1717 D . G . S . of XV . Johnstone , 1717 D . G . Swd . Br .

„ They , 1 S 35 D . G . Std . Br . „ 'Ewing , 349 D . G . Org . England , J . W . 407 A . D . G . D . C Miller , Sec . 515 D . G . Purst . Bros . Grier , West , Clement , and Curletto D . G . Stewards .

It was resolved unanimously to accord the thanks of thc meeting to the W . M . of the Leinster Lodge , LC , for giving effect in his lodge to the District circular relating to spurious Masonry in 'Tunis . The D . G . Lodge was then closed with solemn prayer , and tbe D . G . M . and Officers retired in procession . A banepjet was afterwards held under the presidency of tbe D . G . M ., which was numerously attended . On the cloth being removed , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts

were given , and the P . D . D . G . M . proposed , in a somewhat lengthy speech , "The Health of the D . G . M ., " referring in detail to several of the incidents of his distinguished career in the Craft , and he remarked that no better proof of the high appreciation entertained of R . W . Bro . Ki ngston ' s services coulel be found than in the fact of there being no less than three Masonic bodies in the district which bore his name , and which he trusted would perpetuate the memory of his popular and zealous rule to succeeding

generations . These observations were received with loud applause , and the toast having been drunk , the D . G . M ., in returning thanks , said : W . Sirs and brethren , I thank you most sincerely for the kind and hearty manner in which you have received the toast proposed by our Bro . the P . D . D . G . M . During the long period of twenty-three years that I have been associated with Masonry in Malta I have served in

almost every ofiice , not excepting those of Secretary and Treasurer , so that , apart from my position as D . G . M ., I naturally take a deep interest in the welfare of the lodges , and it affords me great pleasure to see them in their present nourishing condition , and 1 take this opportunity of recommending to your consideration the Benevolent bund of this District , which , notwithstanding the several grants that bave been made from it , has gone on steadily increasing .

brom the report laid before you this evening you will see that , independent of the £ " 150 invested in Consols , the D . G . Treasurer has upwards 01 £ 40 in hand , and if the lodges would each make a small donation he would be enabled to invest another £ 50 , thereby securing to us an income of £ 6 Fer annum . In the appointments 1 have made this evening hope I have given satisfaction to all , and should we be spared to meet again next year , I trust 1 may have the

same strong reasons for congratulating you on thc prosperity of your lodges and complimenting you on the really efficient manner in which you have discharged your several duties , and the thorough harmony which has prevailed throughout the district . The D . G . SECRETARY replied to the toast of " The Benevolent Fund , " stating that it owed its origin to the D . G . M ., R . W . Bro . Kingston , who , on his appointment to that high office eleven years ago , drew up a plan for its maintenance ,

as well as bye-Iaivs for its government , commencing the fund with a personal donation of £ 3 , to which each of the members of D . G . L . present subscribed £ 1 . This was the nucleus of the fund , which has grown to its present proportions ; and he hoped , by carrying out the suggestions and advice the D . G . M . had given them that evening , that this fund woulel continue steadily to increase in future years . Other toasts followed , and the brethren separated at an early hour , after passing a most enjoyable evening .

MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic Songs , set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots , M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or P . O . O . value 3 s . 2 d . —[ ADVT . ]

Inauguration Of The Creaton Lodge Of Instruction.

INAUGURATION OF THE CREATON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION .

This rising lodge , feeling anxious to impart the knowledge the principal officers possess ( which is exhibited by the excellent working in regular lodge ) to their younger brethren , have determined upon holding a lodge of instruction at Bro . Oliver ' s , Prince Albert ' Hotel , Notting-hillgate , the inauguration meeting of which ' took place on

the 7 th inst ., when Bro . ColonclJ . Creaton , P . M ., P . G . D ., G . T ., occupied the W . M . ' s chair ; Colonel Shadwell H . Gierke , P . M ., P . G . D ., G . S ., the S . W . 's ; E . J . Barron , P . M ., P . G . D ., the J . W . ' s ; Bro . Sampson Pierce , P . M ., P . G . S ., as I . P . M . ; J . J . Cantle , P . M ., W . M . 1257 , S . D : H . J . Johnson , W . M . 179 ,, J . D . ; G . Davis , W . M . E ., I . G . I here was also present Bros . Rucker , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Colonel Peters , P . M . ; Captain Davies , P . M . ; Letchworth ,

I . M . ; J . hmch , P . M . ; about twenty members of the Creaton Lodge , and a like number belonging to other lodges . The first ceremony was rehearsed , Bro . H . Johnson , E . A ., and the junior member of the mother lodge being candidates , after which Bro . Cantle informed the brethren the object of the meeting , and that he hoped ' every brother Tpresent would enrol himself as a member , which hope was at once realised by each one joining , the

joining fee being two shillings , and subscription threepence each attendance . A vote of thanks was passed to the distinguished brethren who had so kindly come there to assist them in forming this lodge of instruction , and several were elected honorary members . After the lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer , the brethren sat down to a very recherche cold collation , and did good justice to Bro . Oliver ' s providings , Colonel Creaton taking the chairafter

, which the toast of "The Oueen" was duly honoured ; also that of "TheG . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " The W . M . said he would deviate a little from the usual rule and propose a toast that he was sure would be appreciated by all ; that was to drink to the health of one whom he felt sure , would make a great name amongst Masons—His Royal Highness Prince Leopold . It was his birthday , and he asked the brethren to

do honour to it . In reply to the toast of "The G . S ., " Bro . Col . S . Gierke said it had given him very great pleasure to be present that evening , and help to inaugurate what he believed would be of very great use to young and rising Masons , and he was sure he was only speaking the feeling of his brother Grand Officers in saying they were always ready and anxious in any way to forward the interests of Freemasonry . The W . M . then proposed

the toast buccess to tho Creaton Lodge of Instruction . " He was very pleased that he had been able to attend and assist the brethren that night , and he thought from the zeal in which the thing had been taken up it was sure to be a success ; with this toast he would couple the name of a brother who had been really the founder of the mother lodge , and most persevering in this . They all knew Bro . P . M . Cantle , and how well he had worked in both the

interest of the lod ge and this lodge of instruction . Bro . P . M . Cantle , in reply , said , after thanking the W . M . and brethren for the honour they had done him , he hoped the brethren , now they had joined , would make a point of attending as often as possible , as it was only by practice good working ^ could be obtained , and no matter how letter perfect any brother might be , if he did not come to a lodge of mstriiction . ' and practise what he had learned he could

never do his work well in regular lodge . He could not sit down without thanking those brethren who had so very handsomely come forward and assisted the lodge by making such handsome presents to it . Uro . Colonel Creaton had presented the collars , Bro . Johnson the Bible , Bro . XV . Williams the cushion , Bro . Cantle the Bible emblems , Bro . F . Williams the pedestal , Bros . Shute and Ferguson the columns , Bro . Rogers the Third Degree tools , Bro .

Davis the Second Degree tools , Bro . Colwill the gavels and ashlars , and , lastly , Bro . Dutton had , like the man who could only play on his own fiddle , presented the lodge with the minute book , that lie might write on his own paper . Bro . H . J . Johnson proposed "The Health of the Presiding W . M ., Bro . Colonel Creaton , " saying it Was only to pronounce that name and every member of the

Craft would with rapture do honour to it ; he felt proud that the members had elected him to follow so noble and esteemed a brother . The toast was drank with ovation . Bro . Colonel Creaton returned thanks in a few very appropriate words , which brought the evening to a close . The proceedings were enlivened by some excellent songs , duetts , & c , by Bros . P . M . Knight Smith and P . M . Cantle .

The Rawlinson Ms.

THE RAWLINSON MS .

Whilst spending a few hours in the Bodleian Library , Oxford , a short while since , I examined the collection of scraps , entitled the Rawlinson MS ., amongst which are to be found many curious extracts not hitherto published . The following is a singular entry , and goes far to show that much " rough humour " and " horseplay " were prevalent BY BRO . R . F . GoutD .

at the admission of candidates in the early part of the last century . It should be stated that the Rev . Richard Rawlinson , D . D . and F . R . S ., was a member of the lodge in which the initiation below describecl was alleged to have occurred , and for this reason , probably embalmed the newspaper cutting in his common place book , ( From "Parker ' s Penny Post , " Monday , Jan . 25 , 1731 . ) " Mr . Parker ,

"For the better information of such as are inquisitive concerning the whim of Masonry , I desire you would give the following narrative a place in your paper . "At the Holy Lotlge at tbe Bricklayers' Arms , in Barbican , lately constituted for the Fraternity of the Free and Accejiteel Masons , one Mr . Penny , a noted Painter , being very desirous to be admitted a Member thereofand to

, know their several Points of Fellowship : to do this he was told he must needs pass the following Manner of Ceremony ; and accordingly : " Being in the lodge room , the Master commanded him to kneel down before the Fire , when the Senior Warden took his two hands behind , and kept him down fast ; then

the Master of the Lodge took a great Red hot Poker out of the Fire , and held it to his naked breast , while he repeated the obligation after him ; in doing which , what with the excessive Heat , and the Fright , thc poor Painter could hardly speak . And when the obligation was over , they In- ' structed him how to rise from his knees j this being per-