Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.

not suffer in his hands . His heart was in the work , and he was actuated by a desire to advance the interests of Freemasonry in Staffordshire . The R . W . D . Prov . G . M ., in responding , said lie had never undertaken any office in Masonry

which he had not endeavoured to carry out to the best of his ability . The duties were arduous , but they had been lessened ; and if , as in days of yore , it had been necessary to visit every lodge in the province , he must have remitted that duty to a younger brother . But during the past year

there had been inaugurated a system of holding periodical meetings of the Provincial Grand Lodge in different parts of the province , where the assistance of the Provincial Grand Officers was given ; and thus there would be an opportunity for the members of the several lodges

becoming more acquainted with the several lodges in the district in which Gach quarterly meeting was held . He heartily thanked Lord Shrewsbury for the appointment of himself as Deputy , and he hoped he should not prove himself unworthy of the position . Bro . Derry , Prov , J . G . AV ., proposed "The

Health of the P . Prov . D . G M ., Bro . Tudor , " who made a suitable acknowledgment . Bro . C . Matthews , P . Prov . J . G . AV ., gave the toast of "The Provincial Grand Chaplains , " which was followed by that of " The Provincial Grand AVardens and other Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " proposed by Bro . Seyde , P . Prov . A . D . C .

The R . AV . Prov . G . M . spoke of the welcome always accorded to visiting brethren , and proposed the toast of " The A ^ isitors and the Masonic charities . Bro . Wentworth Little , Prov . G . Sec . Middlesex , and Secretary to the Girls' School , responded . He said that after the admirable discourse of the

Provincial Grand Chaplain that day it was unnecessary for him to expatiate upon the principles of Freemasonry , but with reference to one of those great principles—charity—it was his duty to say a few words . more especially illustrative of the practical results achieved by the Fraternity . There were three Masonic Charities , the Girls '

and Boys' School , and the Benevolent Institution for the Aged . Of these the Boys ' School had for the last ten years received the largest measure of support from the brethren , inasmuch as the magnificent sum of nearly /' loo . ooohad been contributed by

the friends of that Institution , and it was only fair to add that the benefits afforded by the School had been proportionately extended by the admission of a largely increased number of pupils . During the past year alone donations amounting to upwards of s £ z 1 , 000 had been

announced at the festivals of the three Masonic Charities , and he now claimed for the Girls ' School and the Benevolent Institution the same liberality and concentrated support which the other Institutions had so long enjoyed , and that claim was founded upon a similar foundation of

strength , namely that as the Craft increased in numbers and influence , so the Charities must increase in usefulness , and in extending their benefits to the deserving objects of their bounty . He was happv to say that this was being done , ( cheers ) the committees were fully alive to their responsibilities , and by January twenty additional

children would be received into the Girls ' Schools , the building now being enlarged for their accommodation ( applause ) . It was the fashion in some parts of the provinces to call their great national Masonic Institutions llie " London Masonic Charities , " as if the } were restricted to the metropolis , but he maintained that the Charities were for the benefit

of no particular section , but for the whole of the English Craft . ( Applause ) . In conclusion , Bro . Little expressed his thanks to the Earl of Shrewsbury for having kindly consented to preside at the anniversary festival of the Masonic Institution for Girls in May next , and finally

expressed his acknowledgements as a \ isilor , and as Secretary of the Provincial Giand Lodge of Middlesex , for t ! : e hospitable greeting and reception given him by the Staffordshire brethren , particularising the noble Chairman , and Bro . Bodenham , Provincial Grand Treasurer . The R . AV . P . G . M ., hi complimentary terms , proposed the toast of "The Prov . G . Treasurer and

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.

the Prov . G . Secretary , " which was drunk with applause , and which was duly acknowledged b y Bro . Bodenham and Bro . Cartwright respectively . The other toasts were " The Ladies , " whom Bro . Marson and Bro . Frank James asked the

brethren to honour , and on whose behalf Bro . Yates and Bro . Seyde acknowledged the compliment ; "The Provincial Grand Stewards , " proposed by Bro . F . James , and responded to b y Bro . Fairhead ; and the Tyler ' s toast .

Consecration Of Two Red Cross Conclaves.

CONSECRATION OF TWO RED CROSS CONCLAVES .

It has been our privilege for some time past to chronicle th « continued success of all sections of the Masonic Order in England , as evidenced by the repeated reports of the inauguration of new lodges , chapters , conclaves , and preceptories in the- several degrees , and we have now great

pleasure in recording the advent of two twin branches of the Red Cross Order , which were inaugurated on the same day , in Wales and on the border of the Principality . For a considerable period the Red Cross Order has held its own , not only in the mother country , but wherever it

has been established , through good and through ( mistaken ) evil report , and the plainest proof of the vitality of its organisation is to be found in the fact that its jurisdiction now extends over Europe , Asia , Africa , America , and Australasia , where its principles and rites are cherished and

promulgated by some of the best and brightest Masons in existence . Without unduly exalting i . his Order above other developements of the original plan of Freemasonry , a course which is neither necessary nor desirable , it may safely be said that few Masonic deerees have exercised

such a powerful influence , or exhibited such a marvellous fecundity of membership within so brief a period as has elapsed sin *; e the revival of the Kni ghtly Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in Great Britain . No less than one hundred and twelve

conclaves have been founded since 1865 , m a " quaiters of the globe , and bv a consistent perseverance in the path of honour , the Grand Council has won for itself the respect , if not the recognition of the other governing bodies in Freemasonry .

On Monday , the 22 nd ult ., the St . John ' s Conclave No . 105 , was inaugurated at the Bute Masonic Hall , Cardiff , by Sir Knight R . AVentworth Little , G . Treas ., as M . P . S ., assisted by Sir Knights J . G . Marsh , P . G .

Architect , as V . ; Thomas AVilliam AVhite G . A . Treas ., as H . P . ; S . Rosenthal . G . S . B . ; AV . AVilliams , Int . Gen . Com . ; Sladen , M . P . S ., No . 23 ; and G . Alexander . The chamber was most beautifully decorated and

presented a brilliant appearance , the appointments being very complete . After the solemn rite of dedication the following Masons were installed Kni ghts of the Order . Bros . L . A . Homfray , AV . Williams , J . Hughes , Sidney Hurford , T . W . Jacobs , AV . H . Davies , J . Matthews

O . Hurford , P . Thomas , C . Edmonds , and J . AVaters . Also Hro . Davies ( 2 nd ) , as Sentinel . The grade of Aieeroy was conferred on Sir Knights Homfray , AVilliams , Hughes , and Jacobs , and that of Sovereign upon the first three , it being understood that other conclaves

will soon be founded in the locality . The Commission of Sir Knight Homfray as an Intendaiit General was then read and presented to him , after which the rank of honorary members was awarded by acclamation to Sir Knights Little , Marsh , and AVhite , for their

services , and the conclave was closed . The Knights then returned to Newport , and proceeded to the Masonic Hall , where the S t . Mark ' s Conclave , No . 9 6 , was to be opened , and in addition to those already named , a considerable number of visiting Knight Companions assisted at the inaugural ceremony , including 111 .

Sir Knights W . R . AVoodman , M . D ., Grand Recorder , who attended .--pecialiy from Kx . ter ; Major-General Gore B . Munbee , Intendant General for Somersetshire ; G . F . Tuckey , M . P . S . Elect No . 17 ; J . Rogers , V . E . No . 23 ; O . D . Thomas , P . S . No . 23 ; H . T . Davies , Hon . V . E . 23 ' W . AVest , Hon . V . E . 23 ; T . E . Guest , 2 . 3 ; and D . Davies , 23 .

Consecration Of Two Red Cross Conclaves.

In this instance the whole of the magnificent ceremony of dedication was rendered with the most impressive effect , the hall being well adapted for scenic display , and hung round with the banners of the Knights , and garnished with the roses and lilies emblematic of the Order it formed a coup d ' osil of surpassing beauty .

Our space will not permit us to record in detail all the proceedings of the day , and we must content ourselves with stating that Bros . W Pickford , H . Hellyer , R . B . Evans , C . Denton ^ T . Duckworth , Blandford , Jacobs , Roper , and Flood , were installed Knights , with H . Fletcher as Sentinel . " '

The rank of Viceroy was conferred on' Sir Knights Pickford , Hellyer , Evans , and Tuckey , M . P . elect , No . 17 . The officers appointed for No . 96 , were G . Alexander , V . E . ; AV . West S . G . ; H . J . Davis , I . G . ; Roper , H . P . j Guest , ' Prefect ; Hood , Orator ; Pickford , Treas

Evans , Recorder , Denton , S . B . ; Duckworth , R . and Jacobs , Steward . For 105 , J . Rogers V . E . ; J . AV . Jacobs , S . G . ; S . Hurford , I . G .-AV . H . Davies , H . P . j O . Hurford , Prefect ; Williams , Treas . ; Matthews , S . B . ; Thomas , Orator ; and Edmonds , Steward . Sir Knights

Little , AVhite , AVoodman , Marsh , Williams , Homfray , and Rosenthal were elected Honorary members . The Conclave was then closed , and theMount Moriah Sanctuary K . H . S ., opened , and Sir Knights Homfray , Tuckey , Hellyer , Pickford , Evans , T . W . Jacobs , Rogers , D . Davies , AVest , H . S . Davies , Williams and

lhomas were created K . H . S ., and greeted in the Holy Order of St . John the Evangelist . The Sanctuary and Commandery were then closed , and the fratres adjourned to the King ' s Head Hotel , where a capital banquet was served , Sir Knight AV . AVilliams , Intendant General

presided , supported by General Munbee , Dr . AA oodman , Homfray , Little , White , Marsh , Rosenthal , and a large number of Knights . Lord Bective ' s health was proposed by General Munbee , in highly appreciative terms , and due honour was paid to the other members of the

Grand Council , for whom the G . R . responded . In fact great enthusiasm prevailed with reference to the entire success of the day ' s proceedings , and the Chairman expressed to Sir Knight Little the thanks cf both conclaves for having reserved a portion of his holiday on purpose to

pay them a visit and perform the important ceremonies of opening the two Conclaves . The name of Sir Knight Little was coupled with the Masonic Charities , and in reply he made a powerful appeal to the Kni ghts to vindicate the high claims that the Order had to support by identifying it more thoroughly with the cause of

Masonic chatity . ( Applause ) . Sir Knight Williams subsequently staled that both the conclaves would at once become subscribers to the Girls' School , which their honorary member so well represented as Secretary . The Red Cross Song was sung with great fervour , and after a most pleasant evening the " Sentinel ' s Toast " was given , and the company separated .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

For the Week ending Friday , October 34 , 1873 . 'flit Editor will be glad to have notice from Secretaries of Lodges and Chapters of any change in place or time o meeting .

Saturday , October IS . Audit Committee , Boys' School . Lodgei . 129 , Sphinx , Bridge I louse Hotel , London Bridge . „ 1364 , Karl of Zetland , Town Hall , Hackney . Lily Lodge of Instruction ( 820 ' , Greyhound Hotel , Richmond , Surrey . Star Lodge of Instruction ( 1275 ) , Marquis of Granby , New Cross-road , at 7 ; Bro . C . G . U ' tlley , Preceptor .

Monday , October 20 . Lodge 21 , Emulation , Albion Tavern , Aldersgatc-street . ,, 5 8 , felicity , London Tavern , Bishopsgate-street . ,, if ! . ; , Tranquility , City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-Muct . „ 720 , Paii'rmie , Balham Hotel , Balham .

„ H 62 , Wliittington , Andeiton ' s Hotel , Elect-street . „ 901 , City of London , Guildhall Tavern , Greshanistreet . „ 00 7 , Koyal Albert , Freemasons' Hall . . „ 1101 . Eclectic , Freemasons'Hall .