Craft Masonry.

Alfred Newton Lodge , No . 2686 . The first year of this prosperous lodge was brought to a successful termination on the nth inst ., when the installation meeting was held at the Royal Palace Hotel , Kensington , and Bro . Alderman A . J . Newton vacated the chair in favour of Bro . A . J . Naughton . The members present included Bros . Alderman A . J . Newton , W . M . ; J . J . Thomas , P . G . S . B ., actio ? I . P . M . j A . J . Naughton , S . W ., W . M . elect ; D . F . Norrington , J . W . ; W . Bannister Abbott , P . M ., Sec ; H . K . Newton , R . W . Burbidge , A . Strutt , E . J . Rix , J . D . ; H . J . Thwaites , I . G .: T . G . Heighineton , W . Windsor , Org . ; B . Robinson , P . M ., P . " P . G . P . ; R . T . Pearce , P . M . ; M . J . Jessop , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . M . Skilton , 25 S 1 ; F . J . Hardinge ,

W . M . 2421 ; 1 . Kyncch , 25 S 1 ; C . E . Turnbull . P . M . 190 ; F . T . Larkman , P . M . 7 S 0 ; J . A . Slock , P . M ., Sec . 15 S 6 ; G . W . Turner , S 5 S ; A . R . Hipwell , 102 ; ] . Adams , P . P . G . D . C . Middx . ; W . J . Light , W . M . 299 , P . P . G . S . of W . Kent ; R . J . Maitland Coffin , W . M . 25 S 1 ; Orlton Cooper , P . M . 211 ; Geo . Davis , P . M . 167 ; Leslie Standring , 1 C 42 ; Imre Kiralfy , P . M . 25 S 1 ; Arthur Williams , P . M . 834 : T . Richmond , 22 ; H . S . Croker , P . M . 190 ; W . R . Flack , W . M . 1656 ; T . Hodgson 1 , 2310 ; T . Whitford , M . A .. P . M . 1321 ; W . A . Shaw , 1305 ; J . W . Saunders , P . G . Stwd . ; C . Bonham , P . M . 1305 ; W . W . Lee , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; and others .

After the opening of the lodge and the confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Frederic Pegtum was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Alphonsus J . Naughton was next impressively installed as W . M . by Bro . J . J . Thomas , P . G . S . B ., and the following officers were invested : Bros . D . F . Norrington , S . W . ; H . K . Newton , J . W . ; J . Bailey , M . P ., Treas . ; W . Bannister Abbott , P . M ., Sec ; A . Strutt , D . C ; E . J . Rix , S . D . ; H . J . Thwaites , J . D . ; T . G . Heighington , I . G . ; W . Windsor , Org . ; J . W . Jupe , A . E . Catchpole , and H . Burbidge ,. Stwds . ; and Ellis , P . M ., Tyler . A

very satisfactory audit report was adopted , and Messrs . Harry Day and Charles Bland were initiated into Freemasonry . The W . M . presented Bro . Alderman Newton , I . P . M ., with a handsome Past Master's jewel in appreciation of the esteem oflthe members and in recognition of many favours confeired upon the lodge . He also presented the I . P . M . with an interesting souvenir of the formation of the lodge , consisting of a handsome volume containing the programme and details of the consecration printed on vellum , and a photographic reproduction of the warrant . The book bears the following

inscription : " Presented to Bro . Alderman A . J . Newton , first W . Master of the Alfred Newton Lodge as a souvenir of the consecration and as a token of fraternal regard and esteem , by the officers and brethren upon the termination of his year of office . " Bro . Alderman Newton , I . P . M ., in acknowledging the gift , said they had added to the many obligations under which he laboured . Their present of a Past Master's jewel was , he believed , carrying out a tradilion which was generally observed amongst Masons . He accepted that jewel as an outward and visible sign of their kindness , and of the fraternal

feeling existing between them . Their present of the volume was quite unexpected , and touched him deeply . He should treasure it amongst his most valued possessions , for he believed it honestly conveyed the expression of genuine kindly feelings , and as such he accepted the extremely handsome and unique souvenir of some very pleasant meetings , and of the foundation ot an institution which would be of considerable benefit not only to themselves , but others . As there were other duties to perform , he would only very sincerely assure them of his gratitude . The lodge was then closed , and an excellent banquet was followed bv the usual

toasts . " The Oueen and the Craft" was first honoured . The W ? M . then proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and alluded to Ihe noble work done by his Royal Highness in presiding at the Centenary Festival of the Boys' School . Bto . J . J . Thomas , P . G . S . B ., replied for the toast of "The Grand Officers , " proposed by Bro . Norrington , S . W ., and sajd he appreciated the honour of the reception . The Grand Officers were all animated with one desire—to use their best endeavours to

further the interest of the Craft . I here had been some changes in consequence of the death of Lord Lathom , and promotions had taken place . Earl Amherst , who had been appointed Pro Grand Master , had done good service in Kent , and the Earl of Warwick , the Deputy Grand Master , was a popular brother in Essex , and with those two brethren the councils would be properly conducted and guide them in the right path . They had an indefatigable Grand Secretary , who had been busy in consecrating lodges , and who was much appreciated for his admirable way of performing that ceremony . As long as

the Grand Officers had the confidence of the brethren , as evinced in the toast , they would do their best , so that their grand Order might go on and prosper . Bro . Alderman A . J . Newton , I . P . M ., said he made no apology for rising so quickly , for the evening was speeding rapidly along , and they had still a number of toasts to propose , but that which he had the honour of submitting was undoubtedly the toast of the evening . It was that of " The Worshipful Master . " Now the Institution of Masonry was undoubtedly a very powerful establishment , and one occasionally

wondered whether it had attracted a large number of men under its banner from motives of self-aggrandisement , from motives of self-advancement , or from some other underlying and probably greater motive . He could not for one moment believe they joined the great Institution of Masonry merely from selfish motives . He believed honestly they weie induced to become Masons , not merely from a love of sociability , but from a desire to help and assist their brethren in less favoured circumstances . The men who come to the fore in their noble Institution were those who undoubtedly worked hard . There

were many Masons who advanced no further than the proud position of Mastcr'Mason , and there they stopped . There were others who sought still further advancement , and to achieve positions of eminence , and positions of great usefulness in their Institution , and theirW . M . was undoubtedly an example of that character . To the W . M . unquestionably belonged the honour of establishing and commencing this lodge . It had given him ( the I . P . M . ) the greatest pleasure to assist the W . M . to the best of his ability , but he unhesitatingly said that the credit belonged to Bro . Naughton . He would not detain them at any great length . He had given utterance to a few platitudes appreciated

amongst Masons , but coming to the personal part of the toast , he wanted to give them in the heartiest manner possible the toast of " The Worshipful Master . " They knew the W . M . was actuated by motives they admired , even if they did not possess them themselves . In him they had a man who , once he confined himself to certain lines , and was satisfied he was in the right path , spared not himself or any one else to achieve success . The W . M . had undertaken to guide them lor the next 12 months , and they were perfectly satisfied to accept his guidance and work under him . He gave them in the very heartiest manner possible ' The Health of the W . M ., " and asked them to give it the usual Masonic honours .

Bro . Alphonsus J . Naughton , W . M ., in response , said that following such a W . M . he was fully sensible of his shortcomings in the chair , particularly at the festive board , where the I . P . M . was such a rraster ot the situation and had so distinguished himself in making them comfortable and happy . The , I . P . M . was , of course , intimately acquainted with him as the Chairman of the Board he had the honour to serve . After such remarks coming from the I . P . M . they could understand he was given a task somewhat difficult to achieve . To serve under such a Master as the I . P . M . had giver , him the greatest possible pleasure , and the success of the lodge and its marvellous prosperity

was due to the Uct that the Chairman of the Board became its first Master . It was therefore in lhat respect that he felt a difficulty in following such a W . M . The I . P . M . having referred to his connection with Harrod's , he could not refrain from mentioning that there was another Director present , Bro . Harvey Samuel . He would take this opportunity of at once proposing " l'he I . P . M . " What Bro . Newton had done for the li . c ' ge only the founders who had watched its progress could realise . The I . P . M . presented them with a beautiful set of working tools , and had arranged for each successive Master for 10 years to be presented with a beautiful silver vase . He was not a recipient on this occasion , having already received it , by the favour of the P . M ., whilst acting as

S . W . Bro . Aldeiman A . J . Newton , I . P . M ., brielly replied , and thanked the W . M . and brethren for their kindness . Bio . Harvey Samuel also expressed his thanks for the kindly mention of his name by tl . e W . M . He had been deeply impressed with the manner in which the work had been pel funned , and the fraternal feeling shown by the brethren . It gave them some idea of the men thty had in office and of the manner in which they would perform their work in the diffeicnt walks cl life they followed .

"The Installing Master" was next given by the W . M ., who referred to Bio . Thomas as a thorough master of every detail of the Craft , and one who was always ready to do anything , and do it in the best manner possible . Better working he had never witnessed , whether as Master or Installing Master . B'o . J . J . Thomas , P . G . S . B ., said he had taken a great interest in the lodge since ts inception , and as far as he could assist it by bringing his Masonic knowledge to bear .

Craft Masonry.

As far as the ceremonies were concerned , their approbation was a great reward , and as long as he was a member they could command his services . He had been asked to propose the next toast , that of "The Initiates , " and he hoped the lessons learnt by them that evening would not be lost sight of . However good they might have been , he was sure the initiates would leave the lodge better than when they entered . Bros . Day and Bland suitably responded , after which the W . M . gave "The Visitors . "

Bro . Imre Kiralfy , P . M ., in replying , said he was veiy proud of the W . M ,., who was an initiate of the Empress Lodge . The W . M . was a great supporter of the Charities , and on each of five occasions on which he ( Bro . Kiralfy ) had acted as Steward , had contributed a splendid subscription . He had never heard the installation ceremony performed in a more dignified manner in his experience of 31 years as a Mason . The woids and sentiments Bro . Thomas expressed came from his heart , and that was Masonry as it should be done . Bros . WhitfordDavisSaundersand Harding , W . M ., also replied .

, , , Other toasts were given before a very successful meeting was terminated with the Tyler ' s toast . Bro . W . Windsor , Org ., arranged an admirable programme of music , and was assisted by Miss Jennie Higgs , Miss Bessie Glenister , and Bros . W . Sycklemoore , P . M . ; H . Redgrave , and G . W . Turner .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Fidelity Chapter , No . 3 . This old chapter held a meeting at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C , on the 3 rd inst . Among those in attendance were Comps . H . J . Lardner , P . Z . 1745 , P . P . G . Std . Br ., M . E . Z . ; Lieut .-Col . W . Hart , H . ; J . Hemming , P . Z ., Treas ., as J . ; W . J . Collier , P . P . G . S . N ., S . E . ; Spawforth and Cooper , Asst . Sojs . ; F . Gravis , P . Z . ; F . McDougal , P . Z . ; W . Ratclilfe , P . Z . ; H . Birch , P . Z . j Major T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . D . G . D . C . ; and W . Mapleton , I . P . Z . Comp . Dr . J . W . Hinton , M . A ., P . Z . S 4 , was a visitor .

Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Bro . Binnie , of the Pimlico Lodge , and he bsing in attendance , was duly and impressively exalted by the M . E . Z . It having been reported that Comp . Nash , J ., was very unwell , a vote of sympathy with him in his sickness was passed , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Communications regretting inability to attend were received from Comps . Nash , J . ; Weeks , P . Z . ; Stevens , P . Z . ; Larcomb , P . Z . ; and others . The chapter was then closed . A banquet followed . Upon the removal of the cloth , the customary toasts received full justice .

"The Health of the M . E . Z . " was proposed by the I . P . Z . In the course of his remarks he congratulated the old Chapter of Fidelity on pDSsessing a companion at the head of affairs so thoroughly competent to undertake its arduous duties as Comp . H . J . Lardner undoubtedly was . The M . E . Z . had had a long and interesting career in Freemasonry and his services to the great Masonic Charities were of no mean order . . This toast having been drunk with acclamation , the M . E . Z . responded in a few brief and modest words . " The Exaltee " followed .

In responding to this toast , Comp . Binnie expressed the great pleasure it had afforded him to be present that evening . He had been highly impressed with the ceremony of exaltation . He considered that to retain the words of so long a eeremony wis no mean feat of memory . The M . E . Z , never hesitated a moment nor was lost for a word in the beautiful and impressive mystical lecture . In conclusion , he thanked his old friend , Comp . Birch , P . Z ., for his kindness in introducing him to so old and pleasant a chapter . Comp . Dr . Hinton responded on behalf of " The Visitors . "

"The Health of the Past Principals" was coupled with the respected names of Comp . F . Graves , P . Z ., the father of the chapter , and Comp . W . Mapleton , I . P . Z . These companions having replied , the M . E . Z . gave in very flattering terms "The Health of the Scribe E . and Treasurer . " He said that the present prosperous state of the chapter was entirely due to Comps . Collins and Heming . They were both estimable men and Masons , and long might they continue to work together for the good of the

ludelity Chapter . This toast having been responded to , " The Health of the Officers , " coupled with the names of Comps . Spawforth and Cooper , terminated the proceedings . During the evening Comps . Dr . Hinton , W . Radcliffe , J . Heming , and W . J . Collins instrumentally and vocally entertained the companions / and Comp . Spawforth exhibited some novel and clever card feats . The whole proceedings were throughout most enjoyable .

Farringdon Without Chapter , No . 1745 . A meeting of this prosperous civic chapter was held at Anderton's Hotel , Fleetstreet , on the 27 th ult ., when there were present , among others , Comps . T . Simpson , I . P . Z ., as M . E . Z ., in the absence of Comp . Murphy ; T . S . Plummcr , P . Z ., asH . ; J . Young . P . Z ., as J . ; Major T . C . Watts , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C , S . E . ; H . J Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; J . D . Webb . S . N . ; G . Newell , P . S . ; T . L . Pewtress ,

2 nd A . S . ; Dr . J . W . Hinton , M . A ., P . Z . S 4 , Asst . Org . Comp . E . S . Lardner , P . Z ., was a visitor . The chapter was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Comps , Murphy , M . E . Z . ; F . Weinel , H . ; H . B . Marshall , M . A ., J . ; Rev . R . C . Fillingham , M . A ., 1 st A . S . ; G . Herbert , P . Z . ; and others . The chapter was then closed . A banquet followed .

" The Health of the M . E . Z . " was proposed in due course . The proposer of the toast regretted that E . Comp . Murphy , by the exigencies of business , was unable to be present . His place , however , had been genially filled by Comp . Thomas Simpson . It was always a pleasure to sit under his presidency at a banquet table , whether it was a civic or Masonic function . His utterances were always worth listening to , as they were invariibly original and pertinent .

Ihe toast having been warmly received , the acting M . E . Z . responded . In the course of his remarks he regretted that there had been no work to do that evening . He failed to undeistand why the members of the mother lodge did not join them . The chapter was small , but it was very prosperous and a happy one . He had seen the ceremony of exaltation worked in other chapters , but not so well as in number 1745 . The chapter possessed several Past Principals whose names were household words in metropolitan Freemasonry . In conclusion , he said that it was always a pleasure to him to do everything that he could for the Farringdon Without Lodge and Chapter . A few other toasts followed . The members were favoured with the instrumental and vocal abilities of Comps . Dr . Hinton , J . Young , T . S . Plummer , and others .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , No . 2 lf < A very successful meeting was held at Anderton's Hotel , on the 25 th ult . Among these present were Bros . E . W . Beard , W . M . ; J . Rossdale , S . W ., W . M . elect ; T . Richards , J . W . ; F . N . Hardinge , M . O . ; T . F . Strutt , J . O . j Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Sec . ; Willshire , S . D . ; Baragwanath , J . D . ; R . Shaw , P . M ., D . C . ; S . II . Parkhouse , P . M . ; lluisb , P . M . ; and Latter , P . M . Visitors : Bros . Roberts and Abrahams .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Percy Gayer was impressively advanced by the W . M . Bro . J . Rossdale having b « . en presented , he was ablv installed as W . M . by the W . M , The officers appointed and invested were Bros . T . Richards , S . W . ; F . N . Hardinge , J . W . ; G . Wales , M . O . ; T . F . Strutt ,