Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

MACDONALD MARK LODGE , No . 104 . On Saturday last the installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Head-quarters of the First Surrey Rifle Volunteers , Brunswick-road , Camberwell , when there was an excellent atte idance of the brethren . Bros . T . Meggy , W . M ., presided , H . C . Levander , Acting as S W ., while James Stevens , G J . O ., was at his post as J . W . The

other brethren p- -sent were , Eugene F . Cronin , M . O . ; S . Rosenthal , S . O . ; James Hepburn Hastie , J . O . ; C . Swan , Sec ; C . Hammerton , S . D . ; Arthur Wolton , J . D . ; G . Watenll , D . C . ; W . Worrell , Org . ; George Neale , George Newman , Thos . W . White , Robert Bei « ridge , Alfred Williams ( 3 ) , W . II . Warr , Dr . Barringer , and H . Massey ( W . M ., 22 ) . The three candidates for

advancement did not present themselves , and after the lodge had been opened , with full musical accompaniment which produced a most pleasing effect , the W . M . informed the brethren that the S . W ., Bro . Major A . L . Irvine , had stated that as he had been unable to perfect himself in the ceremonies , he would retire as a candidate for the chair . The brethren had therefore unanimously elected

Bro . James Stevens , the next in rotation , to that distinguished office , and he should forthwith proceed to instal him as the second W . M . of this flourishing lodge . Bro . Swan then presented Bro . Stevens to the Master , who after the introductory forms had been gone through placed him with the customary solemnities in the chair for the current year . Bro . Stevens's first act was to invest Bro .

Meggy as I . P . M ., and he accompanied the investiture with the remark that the lodge was mainly indebted to him for the high degree of excellence to which it had attained . The following brethren were then appointed and invested by the W . M . as his officers for the year : — Bros . Eugene F . Cronin , S . W . ; S . Rosenthal , J . W . ; T . H . Hastie , M . O . ; G . Waterall . S . O . ; A . Wolton ,

J . O . ; C . Hammerton , Sec . ; W . Worrell , Org . and Reg . of Marks ; R . Berridge , S . D . ; Thos W . White , J . D . ; G . Newman , I . G . ; G . Neill , Steward ; and Fountain , D C . The W . M . thanked Bro . Cronin for all the assistance he had given to the lodge , and stated that it was through such exertions as he had made that lodges were indebted for their ultimate success . To Bro . Rosenthal he said , that

he hoped thc zeal he had shown would be continued for many years , and that it would place the Macdonald Mark Lodge i an exalted position among the lodges of this degree . Bro . Worrell , the Organist , was also complimented by the W . M . on the imposing effect given to all the ceremonies by the exquisite vocal and instrumental harmony which he had conducted . Bro . Meggy invested

Bro . Wm . Grant as T ., and thanked him very much for the great attention he had paid to his duties during the year . Bro . Binckes , who had been elected Treasurer , was not in attendance , and his investure was deferred till next meeting . Bro . Meggy concluded the ceremony of installation by delivering the charges in an impressive and fluent style . He afterwards announced that at the last

festival of the Grand Mark Lodge , the benevolent fund of the degree was benefited to the extent of £ 60 or £ 70 , but he would still be happy to add any other names to his list of persons desirous of subscribing . The W . M . said that in the Craft the brethren had had a great many calls on them , but in the course of twelve months , when the lodge would no doubt be in a better

position , they would probably put themselves on a proper footing with respect to this fund . The W . M . next proposed , "That the best thanks of this lodge be presented to Bro . Charles Swan , for the manner in which the duties of Secretary had been performed the last twelve months . " Bro . Swan had shown a great deal of zeal , and the minutes were admirably written

and arranged . Bro . MEGGY seconded the motion . He also thanked Bro . Swan , who had relieved him of a great deal of work . Only those who had acted as Sccreiary knew what a large amount of work it entailed , but it had been cheerfully borne by Bro . Swan , who was one of the best Secretaries he knew .

The motion was carried unanimously . Bro . SWAN thanked the brethren for their consideration . He had not expected it . He had been so short a time Secretary that they had hardly had an opportunity of valuing his services . The duties had been arduous certainly , but they had been pleasurable at the same time . It was will some regret that he retired , because he took

much delight in serving the brethren . The W . M . then closed the lodge , and the brethren sat down to a supper , which was admirably arranged . When the hour for proposing the toasts arrived , the " iV . M . wished the brethren to understand that if he hurried over them , it was not because he deemed them of no importance ; but as everything was done by rule here ,

and there was a specified hour for everything , he thought so much of time that he wished to be punctual . After having honoured "Thc Queen , " he proposed "The Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . G . R . Portal . '' His worth and the zeal he was showing for Mark Masonry would render it improper for any Master to pass over his name without some slight comment . The attention he gave to

his duties , his assiduity in their discharge , and the readiness with which he visited the lodges under his control , rendered him worthy of the utmost esteem . His conduct was giving Mark Masonry a Cum foundation . The Order had made its way under many disadvantages , and it was to such Gran 1 Misters as Lord Leigh , Lord Carnarvon , Lord Holmesdale , Bro . Beach , and Bro . Portal that its

present position was due . The Grand Master would have attended here this night , but Saturday was very inconvenient to all clergymen , and he was compelled to disappoint the lodge . On a future occasion , however , he would come , and would make arrangements for stopping in town on Saturday evening for the purpose . He ( the W . M . ) would let the brethren know what night the Grand

Mark Masonry.

Master fixed , and he hoped they would muster as numerouslyastheydid that evening , tohonourtheirdistinguished visitor . The W . M . next gave "The Deputy Grand Mark Master , Earl Percy , and the Present and Past G . Officers . " With respect to Earl Percy , it was right to say he was a very amiable and extremely well-disposed nobleman , who

had a great deal of good feeling towards both Craft and Mark Masonry , and who showed abilities which did honour to the Order and credit to himself . Respecting the Present and Past Grand Officers , it was a pleasing fact in connection with this lodge that the representatives of the Grand Lodge were rather strong among them , Bros . Meggy , Swan , Rosenthal , and Hammerton—all of

whom were members—being present : and as the lodge had been established only twelve months , he thought they might claim a greater number of Grand Officers among them than any other Mark Lodge . Bro . HAMMERTON , Grand Steward , " responded , and in the course of his observations remarked that he did not think it likely that the Mark degree would be

acknowledged by the Craft . Bio . MEGGY felt ita high honour , at the conclusion of his year of office , to have to instal into the chair a brother so capable of filling it and acting up to his obligations as Bro . Stevens . There had not been much opportunity that evening ofthe W . M . showing how proficient he was in the Mark degree ; but from the manner in which he

had fulfilled his duties in the Craft , he ( Bro . Meggy ) fell he was capable of conducting the affairs of a Mark lodge creditably to himself and to the brethren . They would be able to prove at the end of the year that he knew what he was about . In the meantime they could only hope that be would have tbat health vouchsafed to bim without which it would be impossible to discharge theduties of the

chair , which were not at all light . He had gone through them in other degrees , and no doubt the members would soon find he would also do so in this branch of Masonry with honour to himself and happiness to them . The W . M . : I have to thank Bro . Meggy very much for the manner in which he has put the toast before you . and I have to thank the brethren very much for the

cordial reception they have given it . Coming as the toast does from Bro . Meggy—who has been a leviathan in the Mark , a member who has been recognised for very many years , and who in Grand Lodge has been one of its most zealous supports throughout—I feel the compliment all the more highly . Bro . Meggy has worked with a great deal of energy , not only with regard to the Craft in

general and to Mark Masonry in particular , but in the government of this lodge ; and to receive from him the kind remarks he has just made is t j me a sourceof considerable pleasure . I can assure you that I have the interests of this Mark lodge at heart , and in it , and in Masonry generally , I desire to see all connected with me comfortable , genial , and happy . I believe it is one of the necessities

of Freemasonry to afford that degree of social converse which shall be beneficial to us in our whole daily life . As our Brother Hammerton referred just now to the impractibility , as he seemed to think , of the Mark degree being recognised by the Grand Craft Lodge , I can only say that whereas some years ago I thought there ought to be no distinction in the orders of Masonry , I begin now to

think that Mark Masonry is sufficiently strong not to cpme in any supplicatory attitude to the Craft to ask to be recognised ; but to hold its own as a separate and distinct Order . I did think at one time it was the finishing touch to the second degree , and the introduction to the third . It seemed proper that it should be so , but the Craft were of a different opinion ; and inasmuch as they

were , I do not think that the Mark degree , having held its own and placed itself in the position that it has , should come to the Craft , and ask to be blended with them . That it will be recognised by them I feel certain ; butthat it will be blended with them I do not . If it was , I do not think thc Mark degree would be f avoured by it . That , however , does not affect us . What does affect us is that

we should be a lodge recognised , and in high repute by the Order to which we belong . I feel that what has been done by my predecessor will effect this object , and I shall do the best I can to advance the interests of this lodge . While I have such support and attendance of the officers as have been given during the past twelve months . I do not fear that I shall be successful , both in

sustaining the character of the lodge as a good working lodge , and also as a lodge which has a due regard for the comforts and happiness of Masons generally . ( Hear , hear . ) The W . M . then proposed "The I . P . M . " A more creditable Master the lodge could not have wished for or expected , and could not have had if it had wished or expected . One who was more desirous to promote the

interests of No . 104 they could never have had . He had been everything he could be while Master , and the brethren would drink his health with that unanimity and genuine cordial good fellowship which the services he had rendered to the lodge would fully warrant . He ( the W . M . ) was personally indebted to him for what he had done for the lodge . They all respected him for his

goodnsssand attention both in Craft and Mark Masonry , but especially to this lodge . While they had the benefit of his gi idance and assistance , the Macdonald was not likely to fall through . He would be a bulwark and buttress to support it , and long may he be so . Bro . MEGGY : I can assure you it is with feelings ofthe greatest pleasure that I rise to thank you , W . M . for thc very kind and cordial sentiments you have expressed , and also

the brethren for their enthusiastic adoption of them . I can only reiterate what I said before , that my services will always be at the disposition of the Macdonald Mark Lodge . When I found there was the slightest chance of having a Mark Lvlge in the First Surrey Volunteer Corps , I hailed it at once with delight , aid , from the kindness I received from Major Irvine , Bro . Stevens , Bro . Cronin , and others , I am happy to say the Mac-

Mark Masonry.

donald was able to find a footing here . I only hope that those brethren who have joined us will think that whatever they have done for us they have not done everything that is expected of them . I do not think I have done all that is expected of me ; and I shall support the Master as long as I am here , and will promote the success of the lodge and the happiness of the members . The brethren

round the table will have the same feeling . Without it we can never prosper . Neither in this lodge nor in our Craft Lodge have we had any differences , and I trust the time is far distant when we shall . Differences generally result in the breaking up of a lodge . At present we have gone on satisfactorily . I am very much obliged to the brethren for the leniency they have displayed to my

shortcomings , and for the appreciation they have shown of those effoits I have made for the benefit of the lodge . I can only ask them to be equally kind to my successor . By so doing we shall be a happy and united lodge . The W . M . : The next is a toast which I am sure you will all be pleased with . On ordinary occasions we are always glad to receive visitors ; but when they are able to

perform the ceremonies of the evening , their presence is the more acceptable . In a lodge like our own , it is not to be expected—it is out of all possibility—that there should be a sufficient number of P . M ' s to enable the cerenony of installation to be performed according to the rules and regulations of the Order ; and , therefore , it is that we are more than ordinarily indebted to the P . M . 's

if other lodges when they come among us for the purpose of affording us assistance in the performance of the ceremonies . The Macdonald Lodges , both Craft and Mark , have always been , and I trust ever will continue to > e , remarkable , or at any rate recognised , as being enthu-ViaticaUy disposed to receive those who honour them with their presence ; and I should be loth to think that this

lodge at any time would lose the power and the opportunity of welcoming visitors from other lodges . On this occasion we are honoured by the presence of several j rand Officers , Masters , and P . M . 's well known in the metropolitan district . 1 may mention , amongst others , our Bro . Dr . Barringer , who is a Past Provincial Grand Overseer , Bro . Levander , Past G . D . of Cers . ; Bro .

Warr , G . D . of Cers . ; Br . Alfred Williams , of No . 23—the latter of whom has done us the honour , and I hope himself the considerable pleasure , to put his name down to be balloted for as a joining member . Three of them are either Present or Past Grand Officers , and the other two exceedingly worthy members of the Order . I feel very much indebted to them for their presence on this

occasion . I hope what they have seen has given them satisfaction , and that they will go away with the feeling in their minds that the Macdonald Lodge is likely to be a credit and an ornament to the Order . If that object is attained , I am quite sure our utmost wish will be accomplished , and I trust it will be the means of inducing them to renew their visit , and to bring other members of the Order with them .

Bro . LEVANDER : In rising to return thanks for the visitoi * who have been present this evening , I beg to thank you most sincerely for the hospitable manner in which you have received us . I am sure that all , whether Past Grand Officers or not , have been delighted with the way in which they have seen the ceremonies of the Order carried out this evening . The Worshipful Grand Master ,

I think , is fortunate in having officers m the Grand Lodge who carry out the duties of their respective offices with a zeal with which they have always shown both in past years and in the present ; and I am quite sure , brethren , that in mentioning the present Grand Officers , I may allude to the fact of your W . M . being one of them—that he will , during the present year , carry out the duties o f

his office , not only to the credit of this lodge , but to the entire satisfaction of the Grand Master and all members of the Grand Lodge . Not only is the M . W . G . M . fortunate in the selection always of his officers , but if he had lodges under his jurisdiction which always carried out the duties and the ceremonies of Mark Masonry in the same efficient manner as the Macdonald Lodge does , he would

be fortunate above all his predecessors . I thank you most sincerely on my own behalf , leaving it to the other visitors to say what they may please in addition for the very kind and hospitable way in which you have received the visitors to your lodge . I do not know whether I should be trespassing by alluding to the way in which you receive visitors in Craft Macdonald Lodge also ; but I

think those who have had the pleasure of visiting that lodge , with me , will certify to the very able manner in which the ceremonies are always worked in the Craft Lodge No . 1216 , and also in the Mark Lodge No . 104 , which , I think , emulates , if it does not exceed , the perfection which has been obtained in the Craft lodge . I beg to thank you most sincerely on my own behalf and on

behalf of those brethren who have visited the lodge , for the very kind , hospitable , and Masonic reception you have given us . In conclusion , I wish the W . M . a most -. uccessful year of office , and trust that Mark Macdonald Lodge , No 104 , may continue to flourish under his command , and ever remain one of the most efficient lodges

under the Mark Grand Lodge of England . The W . M . proposed " The Presiding Officers , " specifying the services rendered by each of them , and in reference to the S . W . said that if the rule of Grand Lodge which required that a Master of a Mark lodge must have attained the chair of a Craft lodge , was altered as had been proposed , he should hope to see Bro . Cronin installed

next year . Bros . CRONIN , S . W ., and WOLTON , J . O ., responded . " The Healths of the Treasurer and Secretary , " to which Bro . C . R . SWAN replied—and " The Junior Officers of thc Lodge , " which Mr . WORRELL acknowle Iged—followed , an I the last toast given by the W . M . was "The Masonic Charities , " which elicited responses from Bros . MEGGY , SWAN , and NEALL , nnd the brethren separated .