Consecration Of The Portsmouth Temperance Lodge, No. 2068.

down to the First , the brethren saluting the W . M . in each degree respectively . The following are the officers for the ensuing year : Bros . A . L . Emanuel , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . Hants and Isle of Wight , I . P . M . ; J . Palmer , S . W . ; G . Reading , J . W . ; J . R . Pither , P . M ., Sec . ; P . H . Emanuel , S . D . ; W . G . Robinson , J . D . ; Q . Cecconi , I . G . ; W . Robinson , D . C . ;

G . Sylvester , Org . ; C . G . Adams , P . M ., and W . Miller , Stewards . Bro . G . F . Bevis was unanimously elected Treasurer ' . The WORSHIPFUL M ASTER returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him , and expressed a hope that he would be able to carry out the duties devolved upon him with a credit to himself and honour to the lodge . On the proposition of Bro . C . G . ADAMS , P . M ., seconded by Bro . P . H .

EMANUEL , a vote of thanks with recorded to the P . G . M . and his officers for attending that day . The PROV . GRAND M ASTER briefly responded . Bro . E . O . V . HALDANE , P . M ., proposed , and the WORSHIPFUL MASTER seconded , that the P . G . M ., D . P . G . M ., and Bro . General Sir G . H . Willis , K . C . B ., be elected honorary members .

Five joining members and nine candidates for initiation were proposed , to be balloted for at the next regular meeting , Monday , Feb . 23 rd . The lodge was closed at 6 . 15 in due form . The presents to the lodge consisted ofthe pedestals and candlesticks by Bros . Adams , P . M ., and Bevis ; mahogany triangle with brass-plated shears , rough and smooth ashlar , with pulley blocks complete , from Bro . W .

Robinson ; gavels and sounding boards from Bro . Palmer ; handsome Masonic deviced g ilt frame for warrant by Bro . "Reading ; two mahogany kneeling stools , the tops worked very handsomely in silks , from Bro . P . H . Emanuel ; large bible , brass bound and gilt edges , from Bro . A . L . Emanuel , P . M . ; square and compasses from Bro . W . , G . Robinson . The room in which the lodge was held was very pretty and effective , and reflected great credit upon Bros . Adams , Bevis , and Reading .

At 6 . 30 seventy brethren sat down to a banquet held at the Officers House , Parade , admirably served by Mrs . Tufnell . This was the first temperance banquet on a large scale that has been held in Portsmouth , and full justice was done by all present . The temperance drinks , which are indeed numerous , appeared to be enjoyed . After the banquet the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

Bro . HALDANE , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . Mon ., in proposing "The Health of the P . G . M ., " said it was a pleasing duty for him to do as they all knew the good the P . G . M . did and the pains he took to make the Craft work well under his banner . The brethren owed him everything , and it was most kind of him to attend that day to open the new lodge which would , he had no doubt , prove an honour to the Craft and the province .

The R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . W . W . B . BEACH , M . P ., responded , and said that he felt sure the lodge would flourish , and from the number of propositions in lodge it was certain to prosper . It was a source of geeat pleasure to him to constitute the Portsmouth Temperance Lodge , and he was proud to have done so . He congratulated the brethren and the world at large upon the fact that while in the present day there were many who assailed Royalty , religion , and every rooted institution , a large body of

men were banded together for the purpose of brotherhood , whose creed was reverence to religion , and loyalty to their sovereign . They were threatened with many dangerous and unscrupulous attacks on Freemasonry in many quarters , and they did so from ignorance . Masons could not expose to them the mysteries of the Order . Masons had the sole justification of this by their own conduct . The Prov . G . M . concluded by thanking the W . M . and brethren for the reception that day .

Bro . C . G . ADAMS , P . M ., proposed "The R . W . Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , and Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , " and said he could hardly find words to speak of the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , who had always been a true Mason , and had always given them assistance . The Prov . Grand Master could not have made a better selection in the whole

province when he appointed Bro . Le Feuvre as Deputy Prov . Grand Master . ( Applause . ) The R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . J . E . LE FEUVRE , said that , in making his first appearance in his new office , he looked forward to an equal number of happy years , and happy and pleasant associations , as he had experienced as Prov . Grand Secretary . He was very pleased to have assisted in the constitution of the Portsmouth Temperance Lodge , and

wished it future happiness and prosperity . He hope it would prove as successful as they had elsewhere . He looked around there and saw brethren of other lodges , and some of high standing , as founders of the new lodge , and he felt sure of its success . The number of Masons in the province had increased considerably , for in 13 years they had trebled , and with that large increase it behoved them to see that , whilst numbers increased , they should look after the status of the individual introduced into Freemasonry , and try to instil into them the grand principles of Freemasonry .

Bro . E . GOBLE , Prov . Grand Secretary ( who was enthusiastically called for and received ) , said that he did not expect to have had to speak when the Deputy Prov . Grand Master ' s name was on the toast-list in conjunction with the other Provincial Officers . This was his first appearance in public as Prov . Grand Secretary , and he took this opportunity of thanking the Prov . Grand Master for the kind and considerate manner in which he had given

him the collar . It was with diffidence and regret , and yet with pleasure , that _ he returned thanks . Regret because there were many more in the province more capable for the office than he . ( " No , no . " ) With pleasure because he felt sure that , with assistance , he could carry out the duties to the satisfaction of the Prov . Grand Master . ( Cheers . )

Telegrams were here read from Bro . Tufnell ( who was the ' original founder of the lodge ) , in Alexandria , the Wolseley Lodge , at Manchester , Bro . W . Latham Cox , W . M . 1903 , who was at Lincoln , all congratulating the brethren , and wishing it success . Letters were also read from Bro . A . L . Emanuel , P . M ., who was absent through illness , and from Bro . Miles , W . M . 1776 .

The P . G . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and said he had very great pleasure in p lacing Bro . Ward in the chair , as he was sure he would be a credit to it . Bro . Ward had had experience in his own lodge , and had done justice . From his manner and courteous actions the P . G . M . lelt certain his ruling would yield cheerful obedience .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER responded , and remarked that it was some years since he had undertaken office , as when he came to Portsmouth his "ealtli prohibited him entering into Masonry as he should have liked , when in London he spent a great deal of time in Masonry , and now that he « as again in office he hoped to be of assistance to the Craft and the province . He promised to do his utmost to make the lodge a success , a

Consecration Of The Portsmouth Temperance Lodge, No. 2068.

credit to the Craft , and to carry out the principles as laid down by the P . G . M .

Bro . RASTRICK , P . G . Treasurer , proposed "The Founders , " which was responded to b y Bros . HARDANE , P . M ., and BEVIS , the latter apologising for the absence of Bro . Tufnell , to whom the credit of the formation of the lodge was due , it devolved upon him to return thanks on behalf of the Portsmouth Temperance Lodge , No . 206 S . Although Masonry is well represented in that borough , there was still room for a lodge under the principles they professed—temperance . That did not mean that it was for

total abstainers only ; it would include brethren who do not go the length of abstaining altogether from alcholic drink , but all such would be allowed to join only on the understanding that they abstain from intoxicants whilst they are at the social gatherings of the lodge . Sheffield , Manchester . Plymouth , Sunderland , and Leeds boasted of similar lodges , and he trusted that they had started under happy auspices , and could congratulate themselves on their first W . M .

"The W . Ms , and Representatives of Neighbouring Lodges , " "The Visitors , " "The Officers of the Lodge , " and '' The Press , " concluded the toast list . Bros . Sylvester , J . Gieve , A . Joliffe , and P . H . Emanuel sang several

songs during the evening , and Bro . j . Palmer recited . The company broke up about 10 . 30 . The banquet Stewards , who looked well after their guests , were Bros . J . Palmer , J . Woodhouse , P . M ., and P . H . Emanuel . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Rothley Temple Preceptory.

CONSECRATION OF THE ROTHLEY TEMPLE PRECEPTORY .

The consecration of the Rothley Temple Preceptory of Knights Templar took place at Freemasons' Hall , Leicester , on Thursday , the 5 th inst . Punctually at 2 o ' clock , V . E . Sir Knight Charles Fendelow , Prov . Prior of Staffordshire and Warwickshire , attended by his Sub-Prior , Prelate , and Chancellor , were received under an Arch of Steel . The V . E . Prov . Prior

then ascended the throne , and proceeded to open the preceptory with the assistance of the following sir knights : Sir Knights T . J . Barnett , Prov . G . C , as Constable ; G . King-Patten , E . P ., as Marshal ; Rev . T . B . Mundy , Prov . Prelate , as Chap . ; S . J . Walker , Prov . Reg ., as Registrar ; C . A . Newnham , Prov . Chancellor , as Sub-Marshal ; W . Hammond , as Capt . of the Guards ; and W . B . Marshall , Prov . Almoner , as Org . There were also present

Sir Knights T . L . Warren , Prov . Sub-Prior ; T . H . Smith , G . Chamberlain ; Rev . VV . Randall , P . G . Almoner ; T . Wardley , P . P . G . C ; J . C . Onions , G . S . Phillips , P . E . P . ; Robt . Berridge , P . E . C ; W . F . Tolliday , S . Wood , Percy Wallis , VV . Kelly , J . D . Harris , W . J . Freer , W . L . Ball , J . G . F . Richardson , Miles J . Walker , and others . The preceptory being opened , the V . E . Prov . Prior was saluted with the honours due to his rank . The V . E . Prov . Prior then consecrated the

preceptory in ancient form . The ceremony was ably and impressively rendered , the working of the beautiful ritual used being most carefully carried out by the Consecrating Officer , who was efficiently assisted b y Sir Knight Newnham , Prov . Chancellor , and the other Prov . Officers present . The Heralds having proclaimed the consecration , the V . E . Prov . Prior delivered an

eloquent address upon the principles of the Order . The V . E . Prov . Prior next installed R . W . Bro . Wm . Kelly , P . P . G . M ., Prov . G . Supt . of Leicestershire and Rutland , and Prov . G . M . M . M . of Leicestershire , Northampton , and Derbyshire , as the first Eminent Preceptor of the Rothley Temple Preceptory .

Sir Knight Kelly appointed his officers as follows : Sir Kni ghts Miles J , Walker , Constable ; John D . Harris , Marshal ; Rev . S . VV . Wigg , Chap . ; J . G . F . Richardson , Treas . ; W . J . Freer , Reg . ; W . Hammond , Capt . of the Guards ; and T . Dunn and J . Tanser , Guards .

A ballot was then taken for four companions ; it having proved unanimous , and Comps . Rev . S . Watken Wigg and J . H . Thompson being in attendance , were duly installed and proclaimed , the ceremony being performed by Sir Knight S . J . Walker , Prov . Registrar , in his usually efficient manner . The Consecrating Officers were elected honorary members , and in putting the motion , the E . P . alluded to the exceptionall y impressive manner in which their duties had been carried out .

Before the E . P . proceeded to close the preceptory he gave the following historical account of Rothley Temple : Rothley , from whence the title of our modern preceptory is taken , is an extensive parish in this county , about five miles from Leicester , in which are included six chapelries—one being Gaddesby , where the church , a fine

specimen of early English architecture , was chiefl y built by the Knights Templar . The lovely south aisle , surpassed in beauty b y few village churches in England , is of considerable interest to us Mason ically , as on almost every stone of its exterior appear the Mason ' s mark of the Craftsman who cut it . At the Conquest the King was the

Lord of the Manor ; but which in the reign of Stephen was held by Ranulph , fourth Earl of Chester , from whom it passed to the Harcourts , who were Crusaders , and it became the property of the Order of Kni ghts Templar about the year 1230 , through the gift of a John de Harcourt , who died in the Holy Land . On the suppression of the Order in 1312 , Rothley Temple , like its other possessions , devolved upon the Knights Hospitallers

of St . John of Jerusalem , whose chief preceptory in this county had been at Dalby-on-the-Wolds , which manor had been given to them by one of the famous Norman Earls of Leicester , Robert Bosyn , the founder of Leicester Abbey . Rothley Temple came into the Babington family , by purchase , in 1567 , and in modern times has become celebrated as the birth place of Thomas Babington Macaulay , who became Lord Macaulay cf Rothley . Thus it is that we call this the " Rothley Temple Preceptory . "

The preceptory having been closed in proper form , the sir knights adjourned to the banquet room , where a banquet was held in commemoration of the opening of the preceptory . The usual toasts were duly honoured .