Provincial Meetings.

W . M . 70 , P A . G . P . ; J . D . Blackmail , P . G . Steward ; and R . Eames , P . A . G . Tyler ; many Past Provincial Grand Officers being also in attendance . The work of the lodge was conducted by the W . M ., Bro . J . Fewings , and included the First and Second Lectures , which were well given by the W . M . and Bro . J . Cole , Sec An excellent banquet was afterwards served by Bro .

Biggs , one feature connected with which was a very quaint programme worded in old English , printed in old-face type-In responding for " The Prov . Grand Officers , " Bro . E . Goble , P . G . Secretary , announced that Provincial Grand Chapter would meet in Southampton in February next . " The Health of the P . G . M . " was cordially drunk , and ,

in responding , Bro . Beach justified the existence of the Order on several grounds , and referred to the rapid progress it was making , not only in England , but throughout all parts of the British Empire . The D . P . G . M ., in responding for "The P . G . Officers , " said the province numbered nearly 50 lodges . It had not

added to its number during the past year , but not much regret could be felt at that , because there was hardly a place in the province which had not a lodge well within reach . Speaking of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , he reminded the brethren of the successful celebration of the centenary in 1 S 72 , under the old warrant . The lodge possessed two warrants , the second being granted under the Modern

Constitution in 1792 . He hinted it was within the minds of the Past Masters of the lodge to arrange , if possible , to hold another centenary celebration in 1 S 92 , and if it should be decided to hold it , an endeavour would be made to secure the presence of Masons very high in office . The brethren would remember that in 1 S 72 Lord Ripon , then Grand Master of England ,

and his officers , visited the lodge . Bro . the Rev . Dr . Burton , Prov . Grand Chaplain , also responded . "The Health of Bro . Fewings" was proposed by the P . G . M ., and cordially honoured . Several other toasts were given .

STOCKTON . Whitwell Lodge ( No . 2104 ) . —On the 8 th inst . the annual ceremony of installation in connection with the above lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , when Bro . J . F . Craggs installed Bro . John Cradock Bage in the chair of K . S . for the ensuing year . The newly-elected W . M . then invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . C . J .

Seaman , S . W . ; H . Gaston , J . W . ; G . D . Leng , Treas . ; John Broome , Sec . ; John Harrison , S . D . ; S . Appleton , J . D . ; T . M . Taylor , I . G . j John Wilks and D . McNaughton , Stewards ; and Bedford R . Smith , Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren and their lady friends dined together in the banqueting hall . A dance was held afterwards .

TORQUAY . Jordan Lodge ( No . 1402 ) . —The regular ordinary meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., when there were present Bros . T . H . Wills , W . M . ; J . McKellar , S . W . ; John Taylor , J . W . ; Jno . Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., Sec ; J . Dodge , P . M ., P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; T . H . Crossman , S . D . ; S . Wills ,

J . D . ; W . Hersey , I . G . ; VV . Winget , D . C ; G . West , Steward ; J . E . Newton , Tyler ; T . VV . Morgan , I . P . M . ; Jno . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; W . J . Hug ' han , P . G . D . England ; F . S . Hex , P . M . ; T . Prust , P . M . ; VV . Taylor , P . M . and Sec . 32 S ; R . L . Mugford , I . P . M . 32 S ; E . Henley , W . H . Snell , J . VV . Beer , E . J . Pratt , V . Lauzell , and others .

Ihe lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . The 13 th ballot of the " Jordan Lodge Benevolent Association" was then taken , when Bro . Chapman was successful in securing another five guineas for one of the Masonic Charities . The librarian then intimated that the following books had been presented to the library by Bro . VV . J . Hughan , viz ., "The Religion of

Freemasonry , " by Bra . H . J . Whymper , " TheAnnalsof the Grand Lodge of Iowa , Vol . X ., 1 SS 5-7 , " " Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for iSSS , " " Proceedings of Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Columbia , iSSS , " "Masonic Directory of the City of St . Paul , Minnesota , 1 SS 9 , " " Official Directory of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall , Vol . 4 , 1 SS 7-S-9 , " "Mount Vernon Lodge , No . •? ,

Albany , New York , " "A Sketch by Bro . Hughan , " "The Forty-ninth Annual Report of the Royal British Female Orphan Asylum , 1 SS 9 ; Bro . L . P . Metham , Secretary . " By Bro . John Lane : " History of the Royal Masonic Institu tion for Girls—from its Origin , 17 SS , to its Centenary , iSSS , 1 st edition , " and " History of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , containing Centenary Festival , 2 nd

edition . " The thanks of the lodge were given to these brethren for their gifts . The next business upon the notice paper was of a very pleasant and agreeable nature—namely , that of the presentation to the iodge of a framed photograph of Bro . John Chapman , the originator and founder of the lodge . Bro . Hughan , on being asked by the W . M . to present

the portrait of Bro . Chapman ( senior member of the lodge ) , on behalf of the donor , Bro . T . VV . Morgan , I . P . M ., said he would do so with very much pleasure , for he and Bro . Chapman had long been intimate friends , and he considered that any compliment that could be paid that brother was well deserved , and had his warm approval . Bro . Hughan then gave a sketch of the Jordan Lodge ,

No . 1402 , from its origin , in 1 S 72 , to the present time , and pointed out the novelty in its formation , suggested and carried out by its originator and one of the petitioners ( Bro . Chapman ) , viz ., that it was to be a Masonic lodge without Masonic banquets . This feature , which was considered by many at the time as a fatal obstacle to its success , had really been the means of its prosperity , and now the

founders—Bros . Perry , the first W . M . ; Chapman , the first S . W . ; and James Murray , the first J . W . —and the others who signed the petition can point with just pride to the conspicuous success of the lodge , especially in relation to its distinctive characteristic . From first to last , not an ordinary banquet had been held under the wing of the Jordan , save once a year , on the installation of the Master , as originally

provided by its by-laws , the clause in question being read by the speaker from one of the first copies . This proved that its supporters saw something more in Freemasonry than mere eating and drinking , as in reality there was . Bro . Hughan then gave a number of interesting details , and also noted a number of events , with their exact dates , in relation to Bro . Chapman ' s Masonic career—all being done without a memorandum before him—and then summarised

Provincial Meetings.

the whole by describing that brother as one of the most zealous and enthusiastic Craftsmen he had ever known . From his initiation in the Lodge Sincerity , No . 1 S 9 , Stonehouse , Plymouth , in 1 S 70 , his progress had indeed been rapid , and was due to the intelligent interest he took in all that concerned the highest and best features of the Craft . On his installation as W . M . in 1873 , the revered Provincial

Grand Master of Devon ( the Rev . John Huyshe , M . A ., P . G . C of England ) , was present , as also the Dep . Prov . G . M . ( Bro . Dr . Metham ) , to testify to their appreciation of his efforts ; and in 1 S 74 the Prov . G . M . appointed him as one of his Prov . Grand Deacons , so that Bro . Chapman ' s progress was both rapid and distinguished . Bro Hughan did not care to mention in Bro . Chapman ' s

presence how generously his friend had aided the Masonic Charities , though he would just state that in 1 SS 1 lie served as Steward for the three , and qualified as Life-Governor of each , and last year he improved that qualification by serving again for the three , and making himself Vice President of the trio , likewise a similar position was attained in the local and excellent " Devon Masonic Educational Fund . "

Bro . Hughan , to the evident amusement of the brethren , then pointed out that the " Fortescue Memorial Fund" had not yet been supported by Bro . Chapman , and suggested his doing so shortly , which , no doubt , will be done , as no one can be more ready to aid all such excellent societies to the utmost of his power . The literary services of Bro . Chapman were then referred to , his lectures on

Freemasonry and the Great Pyramid ( delivered in America and in this country ) , and especially his editing that remarkable and most useful work , the " Masonic Orations , " b y Dr . Metham , which should be in the hands of all intelligent and worthy brethren ; his warm support of the "Masonic Exhibitions , " and also certain lodges which were in want of such an energetic member ,

were then noticed , and , finally , Bro . Hughan concluded his address by a most appreciative reference to Bro . Morgan , who was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel when formerly retiring from the chair , and now , on concluding his second Mastership , bad determined to give to , instead of receive from , the lodge , and had made an excellent selection in the portrait of the " Originator and Founder of

the Lodge . " The frame had been made by Bro . Beer , a member of the lodge , and the inscription—so artistic and suitable—was by Bro . Winget , another member ; so Bro . Hug'han congratulated the brethren on so many pleasing incidents in relation to this most fraternal gift . After short speeches from Bros . Lane , Dodge , and Chapman , the W . M . formally accepted the picture on behalf of

the lodge , and expressed the pride he felt in filling the chair of a lodge possessing , as it did , so many members of literary talent and conspicuous ability , as evidenced by the number of valuable and able Masonic works written by the brethren during the past year or two . A variety of general lodge matters were then disposed of , and " Hearty good wishes" having been tendered by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed .

TOTNES . Pleiades Lodge ( No . 710 ) . —The annual installation meeting of the above lodge took place on the 3 rd inst . Bro . Dr . Eraser , the W . M . elect , was duly installed W . M ., the installation ceremony being performed by Bro . J . Drennan , P . M ., P . G . D . C , assisted by the Board of Installed Masters . The W . M . appointed and invested his

officers as follows : Bros . L . J . Harris , I . P . M . ; R . Pearce , S . W . ; VV . Willcocks , J . W . ; the Rev . VV . M . Drake , Chaplain ; C . Barrett , S . D . ; David , J . D . ; VV . B . Maye , P . P . G . D . C , Sec ; G . L . Loam , Org . ; VV . Darke , I . G . ; Drennan , D . C ; A . H . Tanqueraz and Foot , Stewards ; and J . Crocker , Tyler . Bro . VV . B . Maye was appointed to represent the lodge on the Committee of Petitions . Bro . J . Drennan was appointed Almoner , and Bro .

J . Cole , Assistant Almoner . The [ brethren then adjourned to Bro . Darke ' s , Castle Hotel , where the annual banquet took place . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and responded to . Several good songs and recitations were given during the evening . The banquet reflected great credit on Bro . Darke , and the floral decorations were also much admired .

TWICKENHAM . Sir Francis Burdett Lodge ( No . 1503 ) . — This very prosperous Iodge met at the Albany Hotel , on the yth inst ., when there were present , among others , Bros . Capt . A . Bunn , W . M . ; H . Jenkins , S . W . ; A . Toulmin , jun ., J . W . j the Rev , S . T . H . Saunders , M . A ., P . M ., P . P . G . Chap ., Treas . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P .

G . W ., Sec ; Lieut .-Col . Cuming , S . D . ; Lieut . Perry , J . D . ; Davison , acting I . G . ; A . H . Gurney , P . M . ; E . W . Jenkins , P . M . ; Murphy , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting havingbeen read and confirmed , Bro . IT . Jenkins was unanimously elected W . M . Bro . the Rev . S . T . H . Saunders having resigned his office of Treasurer , Bro . J . T . Briggs , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., was

unanimously elected in his place . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to Bro . Capt . A . Bunn , W . M . Bro . Harrison was re-elected Tyler , and Bros . Bennett and Roberts were elected Auditors . A petition to the Provincial Board of Benevolence was duly signed in favour of a distressed member of the lodge . Apologies for non-attendance

were received from Bros . VV . H . Saunders , P . M . ; the Rev . S . Bullen , M . A ., the Rev . A . Farrar , M . A ., and others The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The customary toasts followed .

WAREHAM . Unity Lodge ( No . 386 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday , the Sth inst . The brethren having assembled , the usual business was gone through , which included the raising of a brother to the Degree of a M . M ., the ceremony being performed by the W . M ., Bro . Rev . W . C Browne , assisted

by Bros . Fookes and Best . The installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . G . Hobbs , S . W ., then took place , the induction being performed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Rev . VV . C . Browne , P . P . G . C , with the able assistance of Bro . Lawton . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows Bros . Browne , I . P . M . and Chaplain ; G . C . Filliter , S . W . ; J . J . Lawrence , J . W . ; W . Daniel , S . D . ; H . Budden , J . D . j Yearsley , Treas . j Best , Sec . j J . Beer , jun ., D .

Provincial Meetings.

of C . ; G . E . Paul , I . G . and Org . ; Page and Pett yfer Stewards ; and S . Vye , Tyler . ' The banquet was afterwards held at the Red Lion Hotel and was of Bro . Yearsley ' s well-known first-class descrin ! tion . About 40 brethren of the lodge and visiting brethren were present , the inclement weather preventing many others rom attending .

I WEDNESBURY . St . Bartholomew ' s Lodge ( No . 696 ) . —The installation meeting of the members of the above lodge wa ' held in the Masonic Hall , at the Anchor Hotel , on the 9 th inst ., when there was a large attendance of members and also of brethren from neighbouring lodges in the Provinces of Staffordshire , Worcestershire , and Warwickshire . Bro

VV . H . Bodin was installed into the chair of K . S . b y the I . P . M ., Bro . G . Piatt , who performed the ceremony in a most impressive manner . The W . M . afterwards invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . G . Piatt , LP M G . Wilson , S . W . ; E . M . Scott , J . W . ; the Rev . G Tuthill , P . M ., P . P . G . C , Chap . ; J . H . Walton , P . M ' P . P . G . R ., Treas . ; F . VV . Hackwood , Sec ; T . Jones '

P . M ., P . A . G . P ., D . C j A . Horton , S . D . j J . Dicker , J . D . ; H . Palethorpe , Org . ; S . H . Horton , I . G . ; and S . Simpson and A . Frizelle , Stewards . Amongst those present were Bros . Heelis , Eayres , S . Lees , and S . Wood , of Dartmouth Lodge ; G . M . Warinn-E . Smith , J . Powell , E . VV . Smith , J . Dearing , and VV . §!

Smith , ot Noah ' s Ark Lodge ; J . Belhngham , C Palethorpe , and J . W . Willshaw , of Royal Standard Lodge ; Lees , Longden , Rooker , and others . At the conclusion of the ceremony , the brethren were entertained at a banquet , after which the usual Masonic toasts were observed .

YORK . v EboraCUm Lodge ( No 1611 ) . —The meeting for the election of Master took place at-the Freemasons ' Hall , St . Saviourgate , on Monday , the 14 th inst . Present Bros . T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; VV . Brown , P . M . ; G . Balmford , P . M . ; G . Chapman , S . W . ; G . Lamb , J . W . ; J . Kay , Sec ; Wm . Storey , S . D . ; ] . H . Shonksmith .

J . D . ; J . L . Speech and F . VV . Halliwell , Stwds . ; W . S . Child , Org . ; P . Pearson , I . G . ; A . Bellerby , A . Archer , J . F . Chambers , J . H . Scott , J . Starkey , F . H . Vaughan , VV . T . Nance , T . Milner , VV . Ream , G . G . Poole , E . Thackray , A . Chapman , and others . In the absence of the W . M ., occasioned by serious illness , the lodge was opened by Bro . VV . Brown , P . M ., who then

proceeded to initiate a candidate . The chair was then taken by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., and Bro . Pinder was raised . The election of Master was then proceeded with , when Bro . G . Chapman , S . W ., received the unanimous vote of the brethren . Bro . G . Balmford , P . M ., was for the 14 th time re-elected Treasurer . Bro . T . B . Whytehead presented to the lodge collection an allegorical

Masonic engraving by Bartolozzi . The hall is now in process of decoration and alteration , and will , when completed , be one of the handsomest Masonic interiors in the North of England . A new organ is also being constructed by Messrs . Denman , of York .

With the exception of the organ , which will not be completed until next year , the fittings and decorations are expected to be completed in time for the installation meeting in November next . After the close of the lodge , the brethren sat down to supper , and enjoyed a social evening .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

flfoetvopolitan Meetings . Royal Jubilee Chapter ( No . 72 ) . —The election meeting of this chapter was held on Thursday , the 10 th inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , E . C There were present Comps . L . S . Fountaine , M . E . Z . ; C . J- Axford , H . ; A . Darch , J . ; F . Dunn , P . Z ., Treas . ; H . Loregrove , P . Z ., S . E . ; C . Williams , S . N . j E . Lewcock , 1 st A . S . j R . Potter , Janitor ; E . Walker , P . Z . j and E . H . Dove .

The election of officers resulted as follows : Comps . Axford , M . E . Z . ; Darch , H . ; Williams , J . Dunn , Treas . ; Lovegrove , S . E . ; Bates , P . S . ; Lewcock , ist A . S . j and Turner , 2 nd A . S . The companions afterwards dined together .

Jerusalem Chapter ( No . 185 ) . — This old chapter met at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queenstreet , on the Sth inst . Among those present were Comps . W . Best , M . E . Z . ; Kempton , H . ; Cleghorne , P . Z ., acting J . ; G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E . ; Hardy , S . N . ; Harfeld , V-L , Treas . ; J . Harris , Principal Soj . ; Capt . T . C . Walls ,

P . Z ., P . P . G . P . Soj . Middx . ; Ellborn , P . Z . ; T . Davis , P . Z . ; Mallett , P . Z . 1623 , Janitor ; and others . Comps . H . J . Lardner , P . Z . 1745 , P . P . G . Std . Br . Surrey , and 1-Simpson , J . 1745 , were visitors . , The minutes of the previous convocation were read ana confirmed . The ballot was taken on behalf of oto .

Tompkins , S 60 , and it proving to be unanimous he was duly exalted . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Comps . N . Moss , P . Z . ; Staley , P . Z . ; E . A . Hams , J- i and others . The convocation was then closed and adjourned-Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed . . The toasts , as given by the M . E . Z ., were exceedingly

brief , but to the purpose . ., c Comps . Lardner and Simpson responded on behalt 0 "The Visitors ; " Comps . Walls , Harfeld , and P . { PJi for "The Past Principals , " "Treasurer and Scribe Ji . j and Comps . Hardy and J . Harris for "The Officers . The M . E . Z . provided an excellent programme of l " . mental and vocal music . His son , Master Best , aged w played some brilliant selections on the pianoforte .

Duke of Connaught Chapter ( N ° - ^ % —A convocation of this successful chapter was ne Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Wednesday , the pW » , In the unavoidable absence of the M . E . Z ., the " 1-gj ; . chair was taken by Comp . VV . H . Lee , P . Z ., I rov \ j ' . J . Middx , Treas ., supported by Comps . A . Berry , . "' H . Hoit , J . ; Neville Green , P . Z ., S . E . ; W . » " * V P . S . ; J . L . Payne , P . Z . ; Funstan , P . Z . ; Holden , jun ., and others . Visitor : Comp . Lyons .