Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . ROBERT BIGSBY . The obituary of The Times , of the ist instant , records the death on the 27 th ultimo , of Robert Bigsby , G . C . J . J ., L . L . D . Dr . Bigsby died at at his residence at Peckham Rye , after a short and painful illness , retaining to the last the

powers of a vigorous intellect . The Daily News states that he was the third oldest member of the Order of St . John of Jerusalem in England now living ; the seniors being , we believe , Sir John Philippart , K . G . V ., and Macpherson of CI uny * .

Dr . Bigsby was a Knight of St . James of the Sword of Portugal ; he was formerly a Fellow of the Royal Society , and of the Antiquaries ; and at the period of his death was a Fellow , Associate and Member of a large number of distinguished literary and

philantroplnc associations at home and abroad . He was the author of numerous works , antiquarian and chivalric , and of many poems . His history of Repton is a valuable contribution to archaeological topography , and his dramatic composition " Ombo , " has been characterised by Longfellow

as one of the fiuest epic poems of the day . Shortly before his death , Dr . Bigsby had completed and published his latest work , "The Spirit of Chivalry , " a fine disquisition upon past chivalric sentiment , as bearing on our

modern philanthropy , and duties , dedicated by permission to the Earl of Shaftesbury . Dr . Bigsby had received a pension from the civil list in recognition of his literary merit , and had also received distinguished notice from the late Prince Consort .

Our late Bro . Bigsby had resided only a short time at Peckham Rye , but had previously attended Craft lodge meetings as frequently as his health permitted . Increasing weakness of

constitution had however of late compelled him to refrain from joining the gatherings of his brethren . He had never attained any higher lodge rank than that of Master Mason , and was not a member of any of the other degrees .

BRO . CHARLES HENRY PALMER . On Thursday , the 9 th inst ., Bro . Charles Henry Palmer , after a short illness , departed this life in the 7 rst year of his age . lie was much respected , while holding a very humble station in life . His cheerful deportment , in the midst of the heavy trials he passed through , in connection with a correct Masonic spirit , gave him the esteem of all who knew him . He was initiated

in the Lodge of Peace and Harmony , at Romsey , on the 7 th day of July , 1 S . 30 , and was raised in the same lodge , on the following 1 : 0 th of Oct . Little is known by the writer as to his early career , owing to the nature of his occupation , which was latterly that of an agent for the sale

of standard works , issued by some of the London and Edinburgh publishing houses . A serious illness , some few years ago , rendered our brother unable to grapple with the claims of his domestic arrangements , and it was a task that his brethren gladly accepted to make him

comfortable during the close of his life . He had resided for some 30 or 40 years in Torquay , and it was in the same place where he passed away to that lodge where his peace will be perfect . Little is known as to his official position in the Craft ; but with the brethren in Torquay , he was

regarded as a worth y ( -reci pient of their favours . His end was peace . . He was interred at the General Cemetery , Torquay , on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., the funeral was attended b y his widow and only son , with other friends . A number of ihe brethren were at the grave , to pay a tribute of respect to his memory , among those

present we noticed , AV . Bros . J . Chapman , AV . M . 1402 ; David AVatson , I . P . M . 528 ; J . Giles , S . AV . 328 ; J . C . Parker , S . D . 328 , J . Piggott , J . D . . 328 ; C . AVatts , Steward , . 328 ; J . Morgan , J . D . 1402 ; J . Dodge , I . G . 1402 ; Tripe , J . Rositer , J . Paish , and J . Clienneour , and others .

The service was beautifully rendered by the Rev . C . H . Kelly , after which W . Bro . D . AVatson cons'gned the body of our brother , to

Obituary.

the grave , and committed his spirit to God who gave it . Each of the brethren then threw a sprig of acacia into the grave , and AVorshipful Bro . John Chapman , gave the following oration , which was listened to with deep emotion .

TIIE ORATION . " AVe meet this day , to pay ' the last sad office of respect , to departed merit . " Amidst the chastening influences of life ' s trials , our brother learned the useful lessen of resignation .

" The recollection we have of his cheerful smile , as he rested by the wayside , to enjoy the warm genial rays of the summer sun : —the fraternal greeting : —the pleasure he manifested , as he recounted the happy influences of

Freemasonry , on his drooping spirit . These , we shall never forget . " Forty-three years ago our brother was raised in the Lodge of ' Peace and Harmony ' at Romsey . He was then directed ' to that bright

morning star , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and odedient of the human race . ' He has by the guidance of its holy ray * , been able 'to trample the King of Terrors ' beneath his feet : and he is now raised

lo the Grand Lodge above , where ' Peace and Harmony ' are perfect . He rests from his labours . He has lived his threescore years and ten ; his faltering foot has passed thro' the valley and shadow of death ; he now shines , as

the stars for ever and ever . " This ceremony , has its solemn warning for us . Death , is the harbinger of life ! the antechamber of immortality . The soul purified by ihe holy principles of our sublime Order , is led

to those mansions of happiness , ' where the wicked cease from troubling , and where the weary are at rest . ' " The lease of life with some is short , while others run their allotted term . We gain by the

delay , if we improve the moments as they pass . Our Masonic duties performed correctl y , we retire , and our works do follow us . Life is not a dream , ' tis a serious trust , for which we must give account . Masonry , by the practice of its virtues , forms a holy life , and points to a happy

future . The A ' olume of the Sacred Law is our chart , its teachings our standard , and its promises our only hope . By brotherly love ; the head , heart , and hand is devoted to practice of that which S . John considered the acme of all the virtues , charity ! AVe signally fail , if this virtue does not rule our thoughts , words and

actions . ' Then let the sad office of respect we pay * to the memory of our departed brother encourage us ( ere we waive an adieu to this world ) to practice all the Masonic virtues , so that on our

departure from this frail life , we may be welcomed with the joyful salvation , of ' well done good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . ' In consigning the mortal remains of our Bro .

Palmer to the silent grave , may we not say : — ' And oh ! when both broken our bowl and our token , In that Home , where dwell Honour , Virtue and

Love ; These stamp'd in each soul , be our pass to the goal , And we shall meet once more in the Grand Lodge above . ' "

CRYSTAL PA LACK DISTRICT GAS COMI-AN V . — the half yearly meeting of the above Company was held on Tuesd . iy , 23 rd ultimo , a * , the London Tavern , Bro . Prof-ssor Erasmus AVilson , F . R . S ,, in the chair . The balance sheet for the

half-yearshowsaprofit . £ ' 7361 is . id . A dividend of 6 per cent , on the preference capital , 7 per cent , on the ordinary 7 per cent , capital , and to per cent , on the original capital , was declared , free of Income Tax . ft was proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously , that the salary of the

Secretary ( Hro . Magnus Ohren A . I . C . E . ) be increased b y the amount of L \ lo . The shareholders expressed their great approval and satisfaction with the report . Votes of thanks to the Directors , Auditors , Officers of the Company , and the Chairman , closed the proceedings .

Lines In Commemoration Of The New Masonic Temple At Philadelphia.

LINES IN COMMEMORATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT PHILADELPHIA .

Erected bi / the Brethren working under the Pennsylvan ' mn- Grand Lodge , September , 1873 . At length we see the Fabric clear Which loving hearts have raised ; At length a Landmark far and near

In majesty , God be praised ! To the workmen without danger , Amid the thronging street , Rises to tell each stranger AVhere true Freemasons meet .

There the Grand Architect ' s skilful hand Has each classic Order traced ; Here the tried Craftsmen ' s sturdy hand Have each solemn symbol chased ;

AVhat ' ere we scan—wher ' ere we cast Our startled gaze around , AVe see how in proportions vast That Temple liils the ground .

Oh ! mighty art of Mason ' s skill ; Oh ! goodly work and true , AViiich to adorn , enrapture still , Arrests eacli spell-bound view ;

Around thee group the ages old Of legends quaint ami rare , Which oft to us have calmly told Our Craft is everywhere .

And you who come to join to-day In mystic words and rites , You whom , and others far aw . iy , One sacred bond unites , M ly all of happy greeting ,

And friendship ' s changeless vow , Attend your joyous meeting , Your goodly gathering liiiw . And may this gnat and stately Hall Whose opening now endears

To loyal Ma :-ons , one and all , 'The memories of past years , Recall some . smaller , humbler room Where you saw Masonic li ght , And found in dimness and in gloom

Both Love , and Truth , and Right . \ et some , alas ! are no more here Who graced that ancient scene ; Some loyal hearts , some faces dear ,

Are now mid what has been ; And you who throng so gladly To obey your summons now May mourn perhaps all sadl y Warm heart and loving brow .

But still to you this mighty show Speaks in full-voiced tone , Ami tells you , if in accents low , ( Jl truths you call your own ;

Ihe open hand anil kindl y face , Friendships which never cease , Soft sympathy ' s all gentle grace , And unity and peace .

Oh nappy Brotherhood to-day Of Masons all sincere , Of loyal hearts and loving way , Of friendship ever dear ; AVe greet you now in all iiood will

AVitli a Craftsman s heart and hand , And mid each earthly good or ill AVe hail thy gallant band ! Yes , across the Atlantic ocean , Athwart the billowy sea .

Jn full and deep devotion We send a greeting kind to thee ; From this great land of our ' s I'Vo . n many a Craftsman true , AVho amid all pleasant hours Has dolled tiie good old " blue f "

May then our ancient Order here March 011 its tolerant way , Without a doubt , without a fear , In its glorious array .

May its banner as it floats above Still proclaim in giace and light , That Freemasonry is Universal Love , And Honour , 'Trust , and RU lit . Sept . 29 , 187 . 3 . A . F . A . W .