Consecration Of The Hova Ecclesia Lodge, No. 1466, At Brighton.

his overtime to this subject ; therefore he hoped they would ever bear in mind that each one had , in the words of the poet , —

" Sworn with generous gifts to care For those in sorrow-stricken . The brother on the darkened square , The widow with dishevelled hair , The orphan doomed , alas , to stray

Along life s cold and cheerless way ; Whose tears gush forth unbidden . On holy book these vows we ' ve token , And we will break them never , But will observe them ever .

Bro . Challen acknowledged the toast and exhorted the brethren to still further carry out the good example set them by Bro , Sabine . Bro , A . Creak then proposed " The Officers of the Lodge , " which was suitably acknowledged by the officers , after Bro . Challen had sung very

prettily " Sweet Mary of the Vale . " Bro . C . J . Smith then made some practical obvervations as to the desirability of the erection of a Freemasons Hall and a Fieemasons' Clnb in Bri ghton . He could tell them of a gentleman who was prepared to advance £ 5 , 000 towards carrying out the

project of a Masonic Hall . Bro . J . H . Scott would be happy to advise his colleagues as to the establishment of a Masonic Hall , whenever a feasible scheme was put forward . He was very pleased tc tell them that Masonry was flourishing in the

country , since the charter for this lodge was granted , No . 1466 , 20 more charters had been granted , making the last lodge number 14 S 6 , ( Applause ) . " The Tylers toast , " by Brothei Hughes , brought the proceedings to a very happy termination .

Consecration Of John O'Gaunt Lodge, No. 172, Gainsborough.

CONSECRATION OF JOHN O'GAUNT LODGE , NO . 172 , GAINSBOROUGH .

The consecration of this lodge took place on Thursday , the 26 th tilt ., at the Masonic Hall , Gainsborough , when a goodl y number of Mark Master Masons assembled to welcome V . W . Bro . Binckes , G . Sec . M . M . M . At two p . m . a lodge was opened , assisted by the following

officers : Bros . Binckes , W . M . ; Chas . Harrison , M . D ., ( P . M . Remi gius , 11 7 , Lincoln ) as P . M . ; W . G . Moore ( 117 ) , S . W . ; Hayward ( 117 ) , J . W . ; Cullen ( 117 ) , M . O . ; H . Watson W . M .., 117 ) , S . O . ; T- H . Oldham ( 117 ) , J . O .: F .

Watson ( W . M . 117 ) , S . D . ; Motley ( 117 ) , J . D . The following , amongst other brethren , were present : Bros . Hayes , Goodman , Roberts , Hansham , R . C . Carline ( Registrar and S . W ., 117 ) , Trafford , Kirk ( Star of the East Lodge , Scarborough ) , Swanston ( 117 ) .

The following brethren were then advanced in a solemn and impressive manner : Bros . W . T . B . FTainlya ( W . M . Yarborough Lodge 422 ); J . Nixon ( P . M . 422 ); Wm . E . Hartlett ( P . M . 422 ) , James Braithwaitc ( 422 ) . The ceremony of consecration was then

worked in a sublime manner b y Bro . Binckes , who delivered a splendid oration to the brethren on the principles and history of Mark Masonry generally , after which he proceeded to install Bro . Thomas Hugh Oldman , K . T ., Z . All Saints ' Chapter 422 , P . M . 422 , & c ., as first W . M . of

the John O'Gaunt Lodge , which was performed in the usual impressive manner , for which Bro . Binckes is known , after which the new W . M . invested the following as his officers : Bros . Kirk , S . W . ; George Horsham , J . . ; Motley , M . O . ; Hayes , S . O . ; Swanston , J . O . ;

Robinson Goodman , S . D . ; Roberts , J . D . ; Noxon , I . G . ; and the new lodge having been thus duly formed , was closed by the new W . M . and his officers . The brethren then adjourned to Bro . Oldham ' s , at the White Hart Hotel to a most excellent banquet , and the usual toasts were given and responded to , under the presidency of

Bro . Oldham , some eloquent speeches being delivered by Bro . Binckes , whose presence contributed much to the harmony and success which characterized the whole proceedings . We are informed ; hat the prospects of the John O'Gaunt Lodge are most encouraging , there being already several applicants for advancement .

We must not omit to state that Bro . Mason ( Organist 117 ) , presided at the harmonium with his usual taste and skill .

Consecration Of The Keystone Lodge Of Mark Master Masons, No. 168, At Brighton.

CONSECRATION OF THE KEYSTONE LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS , No . 168 , AT BRIGHTON .

The ceremony of consecrating this new lodge took place on Saturday , at the Old Ship Hotel , a warrant having been granted by the M . W . Grand Master , Earl Percy , M . P ., dated September , 18 ^ 3 , the consecration having been

tinfornately deferred in consequence of the recent illness of the Worshipful Master Designate , Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrows . The health of the worthy knight has happily been sufficiently restored to enable him to undertake the duties

devolving upon that important position . At half-past two , the consecrating officer , specially deputed to perform this interesting ceremony , R . W . Bro . F . Binckes , P . G . J . W ., and Grand Secretary of this degree , attended by several officers of Grand Lodge , entered the

lodge room , which was appropriately set out . Having taken the Master ' s chair , he appointed V . W . J . M . Cunningham , P . M . 75 , P . G . J . O . to the Senior Warden ' s pedestal ; W . Bro . Wm . Fludson , P . M . 75 , P . G . A . D . C , to the Junior

Warden ' s pedestal ; W . Bro . Thos . ) . Sabine , P . M . 22 , W . M . 78 , P . G . A . D . C , as Director of Ceremonies ; Bro . Ade , J . W . 164 , was deputed to act as Chaplain ; and Bro . Chas . J . Smith , 16 4 , officiated as Secretary .

The Consecrating Officer then addressed the assembled brethren on the nature of the ceremony about to be performed . The Director of the Ceremonies next arranged the petitioning brethren , to the number of 12 , six on each side of the lodge room , when Bro . Binckes requested

to know the grounds on which the petition had been made ? W . Bro . T . J . Sabine , P . M . 22 , W . M . 75 , and P . G . A . D . C , stated that the prosperity of Mark Masonry was evidenced by the establishment of a large number of new lodges in the past year , of those , notably in Sussex , the

very successful new lodge at Hastings , under the auspices of Bros . Dr . Trollope , Kirkland , and Wellard ; and of the lodge at Hay ward ' s Heath , under the auspices of Bros . Wm . Hudson , Pearson , and Ade , together with the generally expressed wish that Sussex should be formed into

a Province of Mark Masonry , thereby following the example set by the counties of Kent on the East , Hampshire on the West , and Surrey on the North , all of which have Provincial Grand Mark Fudges , and in addition to the necessity which has for a long time past been felt for placing the

Sussex Mark Lodges under the protection of a Provincial Grand Lodge . To this end after frequent interviews between the local leaders of this degree it was determined to seek the assistance of Bro . Sir J ohn Cordy Burrows , who had very kindly consented to be nominated as the

first Provincial Grand Master . A second reason may be adduced that the Royal Sussex Lodge , No . 75 , had between 40 and 50 subscribing members on its roll , among whom were many Past Masters in the Craft anxious to become P . M . ' s of the " Mark . " These were the reasons

which prevailed towards the establishment of the Keystone Lodge . The Consecrating Oificer , than whom few men are better acquainted with the ancient and modern history of the Mark Degree , then delivered an address , of which the following is

an outline . After a brief introduction , and speaking of the rise and progress of the Grand Mark Lodge of England , & c ., he entered into a consideration of the origin and antiquity of the Masonic system generally , and the position of the Mark Degree in connection therewith .

Though not forming a part of what is called the " recognised system of English Freemasonry , " its antiquity and authenticity of a Craft degree could be proved as clearly as those of any other degree . Its practice could be traced back to the 16 th century , and its traditions have coir . e down from a date antecedent to that claimed by some

as the origin 01 English Masonry , viz : 1717 . Differing widely as do the opinions of learned writers on , and students of Freemasonry , as to its source and antiquity , the arguments in favour of the one view or the other are not one wit more strong than those adduced with reference to the Mark Degree , which—without attempting to decide the question of the " operative" or

Consecration Of The Keystone Lodge Of Mark Master Masons, No. 168, At Brighton.

" speculative" origin of Masonry generallymost certainl y combines the operative and speculative more fully than docs any other known tlegree . Ignored by the supreme jurisdiction in England , the Mark Degree is regarded as essential in Scotland , where two supreme bodies

claim power to rule over it , the same in Ireland , and also in America ; while in France the degree , or one similar to it , is incorporated in the system as there practised . Its principles are as high , its teachings as sound as those inculcated m any degree . It maintains the doctrine of

universality , claimed as the one great charm of Craft Masonry— -knowing 110 distinction of creed , bill steadfastly insisting on devotion to one Almighty Ruler . Trace its existence in the deeply imbedded foundations—recently brought to light—of the Temple at Jerusalem ; on the

stones of ruined abbeys and splendid cathedrals , whether in this country or on the continent , and he would inquire what surer basis was there fo \ the support of any degree under any system ol Freemasonry than can be adduced in favour ol this degree ? Let the question be treated in a

fair , candid , and dispassionate spirit—free from bias or prejudice—and the Mark Masons need fear no scrutiny , nor shrink from no investigation . His own conclusion was—having seen the working of the degree in various parts of the country—having had the benefit of the opinions ,

as well as the result 01 the researches of others , and bearing in mind the comparatively modern introduction of what is known as the " Third Degree , " that this is the real old " Chair-Master ' s Degree , " that the Mark Master was advanced to that position to enable him to

preside over a lodge of Operative Masons , consisting of entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts , to which two grades the lodges of old were confined . Do not be dismayed by the application of the terms " fancy " or " spurious " to this degree . Believe that to-day we are not adding to our structure a mere " ornament , " but that

we are allbrding additional means for the promotion of brotherl y love , relief , and truth , the great objects and sublime principles on which this degree is founded , claiming , therefore , as it does , an importance and a usefulness not to be surpassed by any other branch of our ancient and honourable institution .

The acting Secretary ( Bro C . J . Smith ) , was then called upon to read the warrant or charter of constitution , which was done at length . The Consecrating Officer next inquired if the brethren approved of the principal ollicers designate , viz : —Worshipful Master , Bro . Sir John Cordy

Burrows , J . P ., P . M . Sn , P . P . G . W . Sussex ; Senior Warden , Bro . W . R . Wood , P . M . 63 , 315 , Sir , P . G . Steward . . P . G . S . W ., Sussex ; Junior Warden , Bro . John Nathan Stoner , P . M . 3 6 . Three Past Masters carried the silver vessels containing the corn , wine , and oil . Bro .

Cunningham strewed the . lodge with corn as an emblem of plenty , and to mark the wish of all for its future prosperity . Bro . Hudson sprinkled the lodge with wine as an emblem of joy , to mark the desire to perpetuate the Masonic virtues ,

the researches into which are extended b y advancement into this universal degree . Bro . Sabine dropped oil upon the lodge as an emblem of peace , and to mark the hope of all in this degree for its perceful career .

Ihe lodge was then dedicated and constituted for the purposes of Mark Masonry , and its members empowered to advance into the privileges of this honourable and ancient degree duly qualified Craft Masons .

The Worshipful Master Designate , ' Bro . Sir J . Cord y Burrows , was next installed , in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters , com prising Bros . Binckes , Cunningham , Sabine , Lockyer , Trollope , Cook , Hudson , Robinson , kc . The brethren having been re-admitted , the

Master proceeded to nominate and invest his officers ; after which Bro . Cook , P . M ., delivered in an admirable manner the addresses to the Master , Wardens , Overseers , and brethren , which were received with Masonic applause .

Bro . Cunningham , by special request , then worked the ceremony of advancement . Bro . Sabine was elected Treasurer , and Bro . Thomas Hughes , Tyler . We may here state that Bro . Charles J . Smith , of 36 , Albany Villas , Cliftonville , is the