Consecration Of The Kirby Lodge , No. 2818.

In reply , Bro . Lord ADDINGTON , Prov . G . M . of Bucks , expressed the p leasure he had in being present to witness the ceremony of consecration . j 4 e bad heard of an occasion when the ceremonies of consecration and installation were performed in less than one hour . The lodge in question mig ht consider it held the " record , " but anyway , the Kirby Lodge held the ii Recorder . " ( Cheers and laughter . )

Bro . Gi'Y REPTON , G . D ., also responded , expressing his conviction that under the guidance of the W . M ., Bro . Sir Forrest Fulton , assisted by the I . P . M ., Bro . W . R . Bennett , the lodge would have great success . The W . M . next gave the toast of " The Consecrating Officers , " and expressing , on behalf of the founders , appreciation of the services that day ,

0 f these distinguished brethren stated that he was desired by Bros . Letchworth , Frank Richardson , and ] . S . Brownrigg to express regret that a longst anding engagement prevented their remaining to the banquet . He therefore , coupled the toast with the names of Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale , P . G . T ., and Bro . C . E . Keyser , P . G . D ., who had kindly acted as Wardens at the consecration .

Bro . Sir J OSEPH DIMSDALE , in reply , said he considered he had been comp limented by being asked to act as one of the Consecrating Officers . This was not the first time he had met the brethren , as a few years ago he acted as President at a Festival of the Kirby Lodge of Instruction , and should never forget the earnest working he witnessed on that occasion . As a member of Lodge No . i , it was perhaps fitting that he should assist in

consecrating the youngest lodge in the Craft . Bro . C . E . KEYSER , in a most cheery speech , expressed the pleasure he had in again meeting Kirby brethren , he also , like Sir Joseph Dimsdale , having acted as President at a Festival of the Kirby Lodge of Instruction . Although he did not pretend to be as accurate a worker as Emulation members , still he had a certain reputation in the provinces for

good working , which he greatly appreciated and valued ; and continuing , in a humorous vein , stated that he would have been prepared to assist in closing down the lodge in the Three Degrees if he had been called upon to do so . Bro . Keyser stated that he was a member of Lodge No . 2 , and caused much amusement by reminding the previous speaker that No . 2 was a much older lodge than No . 1 .

Bro . Keyser's cheery and encouraging speech was much appreciated . The toast of "The Worshipful Master" was given by Bro . W . R . BENNETT , I . P . M ., who spoke with great feeling . In expressing the deep respect and affection in which Sir Forrest Fulton was held by all the Founders , Bro . Bennett reminded the brethren that their lodge motto was

" Mindful and Faithful , " and that the motto under Sir Forrest Fulton's crest meant " Strength and Virtue . " The lodge would endeavour to perpetuate these mottoes by proving to the W . M . that they were a strong body of Masons , to be relied upon , while they would endeavour to emulate the virtues and qualities of character which the W . M . possessed .

The WoRsmiTUL MASTER , who was received with very great enthusiasm , expressed in most kindly and graceful language the great interest he took in all that appertained to the Kirby Lodge of Instruction , and the pleasure it had given him to accede to the request of the brethren to become the first W . M . of the Kirby Lodge . Although he had been a Mason lor nearly 30 years , the demands of an exacting profession had

prevented his giving the time and attention necessary to secure promotion in the Order until a few years ago , when , having been appointed to the ancient and honourable position of Common Sergeant of London , he found sufficient leisure to renew his interest in the Craft . With the idea of mastering the details of the ceremonies , he sought for a good lodge of instruction , and not daring to venture to work at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , was

recommended to the Kirby Lodge of Instruction , which lodge he attended for some time , receiving the utmost kindness and consideration from the Preceptor and the members generally , who did all in their power to assist him in rehearsing the ceremonies of the Craft . He should always remember the association with pleasure , particularly as last year , having received the honour of Grand Office , he was invited to preside at the annual festival

of the lodge . In the most kindly and encouraging manner Sir Forrest went on to recommend any brethren present who had not yet attended one of those festivals to take the next opportunity of doing so , feeling sure they would be impressed as he had been by the excellent and perfect working of the lectures they would there witness . As the oflicers he had that day

invested were these same brethren he had no hesitation in associating himself with them in a regular lodge , which he was sure was destined to be a great power in the Cralt . He then called on the brethren to drink the toast of " The Officers of the Lodge , " coupling the toast wilh the names of the Wardens .

Bro . GEO . RANKIN , S . VV . ( the Preceptor of the lodge of instruction ) and Bro . OLDHAM , J . W ., replied , the former feelingly expressing the devotion of himself and his brother officers to the newly-installed W . M ., and the great privilege they felt it to be to serve under so eminent a man and Mason . He also expressed the gratification of himself and fallow officers at the true Masonic spirit displayed by the Committee of the lodjje of instruction , who , waiving their own claims , allowed precedence in office to those of the founders who were as yet below the rank of Installed Masters .

The toast of " Thc Visitors" was responded to by Bro . Sir HOMEWOOD CRAWFORD , P . G . D ., and others , and after the Tyler ' s toast had been given , a most enjoyable and memorable occasion was brought to a close . The jewels , Jtc , were supplied by Bros . George Kenning and Son .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Suffolk.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SUFFOLK .

WHAT THE CRAFT DOES FOR CHARITY . A numerous company of brethren , representative of every portion ol | l'e Masonic Province of Suffolk , assembled in the Library of the Ipswich town Hall , on the 13 th inst ., to take part in the annual Provincial Grand Lod ge , which was held under the presidency of the Prov . Grand Master , Br o . the Right Hon . Lord Henniker , P . G . W . Eng ., who is also the P . G . M .

° 1 the Province of Isle of Man . This being the first occasion that his lordsh ip had presided over the Prov . Grand Lodge of Suffolk since her Majesty called him to the onerous post of Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle

° ' 'Man , and also since his recovery from a long and dangerous illness , it is a 'iiost needless to state that his lordship met with an enthusiastic reception ° his entry into the lodge—a reception the more cordial as the brethren "ad evidence of the completeness of Lord Hcnniker ' s restoration to health ,

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Suffolk.

Indeed , it was generally admitted that his lordship had not looked more robust for a number of years . The Prov . G . M . was supported bv his Deputy , Bro . the Rev . C ] . Martyn , 1224 , P . G . Chap . Eng . ; the Prov . G . Sec , Bro . N . Tracy , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; the Prov . Asst . G . Sec , Bro . H . Cockrell ; and the following Prov . Grand Officers :

Bros . Geo . Booth , jun ., 81 , P . A . G . D . C ; J . W . B . King , 376 , P . G . S . B . ; H . C . Casley , 114 , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . F . . Page , 166 3 , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Kemp , 950 , P . P . G . P . ; C . Oliver , 1008 , P . J . G . D . ; J . E . Barnes , 1823 , P . P . G . Treas . ; Rev . J . R . M . Vatcher , 1823 , P . P . G . Chap . ; J . Campbell Smith , 1592 , P . P . G . S . of Works ; J . C . B . Winder , 1008 , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . J . N . Row , 1224 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; S . R . Anness , 376 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . A . Pettit , 225 , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; Owen A . Clark , 100 8 , P . P . G . O . ; H . J . Salmon , 1008 , P . P . G . Reg . ; George Abbott , 225 ,

P . P . G . S . B . ; W . G . Everitt , 71 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Harry Martin , 929 , P . G . P . ; A . E . Smith , 1983 . P . P . J . G . D . ; A . R . Trew , 959 , P . P . J . G . D . ; G . H . Jackson , 2371 , P . Asst . G . P . ; E . P . Youell , Treas . 81 , P . P . S . G . W . ; f . W . Blunderfield , 71 , 1193 , 305 , P . P . G . P . Norfolk ; W . I . Wilton , 71 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . E . Leach , 376 , P . P . G . P . ; T . Thwaites , 376 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . M . Canova , 19 S 3 , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . O . Green , 3 88 , P . P . Asst . G . D . C ; J . H . Gray , 859 , D . P . G . M . Cambs . ; H . J . Eastaugh , 1452 , P . P . J . G . D . ; G . P . Price , 225 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; R . Tidbury , 114 ,

P . P . G . Std . Br . ; R . Barker , 1983 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; T . B . Read , 114 , P . P . J . G . D . ; H . J . Wright , 2371 , P . P . G . D . C . ; J . M . Harvey , 936 , P . P . S . G . W . ; A . W . Cook , 225 , P . P . G . P . ; W . J . Whitehead , 225 , P . P . G . P . ; C . H . Vincent , 1823 , P . P . G . Reg . ; the Rev . J . Holme Pilkington , 555 , P . P . G . Chap . ; the Rev . A . Robb , 81 , P . G . Chap . ; J . Foyster , 305 , P . G . Treas . ; T . A . Woodroffe , 305 , P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; V . D . Colchester , 114 , P . P . S . G . D . ; Walter Cocks 555

, , P . P . J . G . D . ; Frederick Binckes , 60 , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; B . W . Syer , 376 , P . G . T . ; F . C Peecock , 516 , P . G . Reg . ; J . Legge Currie , 929 , P . P . J . G . D . ; the Rev . Richard Peek , 936 , P . G . Chap . Eng . ; John Talbot , 225 , P . P . G . S . B . ; George Turner , 376 , P . P . J . G . D . ; James Price , 376 , P . G . Org . ; and H . C . Monteith , 376 , P . P . J . G . W . A large number of Masters and brethren also signed the presence book .

The Prov . G . Lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of the Woodbridge Lodge were read and confirmed , after which the roll of Prov . G . Officers , as well as that for the several lodges , were called . Regret was expressed at the absence , in consequence of an accident , ot the P . G . D . C , Bro . J . M . Franks , 37 G , but his duties were ably discharged by his assistant , Bro . G . Booth , jun ., Si . Bro . P . J . Jolly having been unanimousl y elected Prov . G . Treasurer , Bros . C E . Tempest , T . E . Mayhew , and A . A . Bennett were re-elected Auditors . The P . G . M . appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows :

Bro . the Rev . C J . Martyn | ... ,., ... Dep . Prov . G . M . „ A . Gibb , 114 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . W . „ G . L . Oxborrow , 376 ... ... ... p . J . G . W . „ the Rev . W . E . Fletcher , 376 ... ... •)D „ the Rev . S . J . S . Banks , 2371 ... ... j Prov - - Chaps . „ Philip J . Jolly , 305 ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ F . G . Mayhew , 1452 ... ... ... p . G . Reg . „ N . Tracy , P . M . 376 , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ( reappointment ) ... ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ F . Spashett , 71 ... ... ... p . s . G . D . „ C . C . Vincent , 1823 ... ... ... p rov < J . G . D . „ T . T . Shilhtoe , 1008 ... ... ... p . G . S . of W . „ J . M . Franks , 376 ... ... ... p . G . D . C . „ Alma Cocks , 959 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ G . Andrews , 388 .........Prov .G .S .B . ,, G . W . Senton , 22 5 ... ... f „ R . S . Joy , 1224 ... ... ;;; jProv . G . Std . Brs „ J . Price , 376 ( re-appointment ) ... ' .. . p v . G . Org . „ Harry Cockrell , 225 ... ... ... p rov . A # G # Sec-„ H . Rix , 1663 ... ... „ , Prov- G > Purst # „ J . Durrant , 1631 ....... ... Prov . AiG . Purst „ E . Hills , 959 ... ... ,.. - ) „ H . C Ranee , 225 ... ... ... }¦ Prov . G . Stwds . „ ] . Stringer , 2371 ... ... /

„ B . W . Syer , 376 ... ... ... p . G . T yler . Thc report of the Board of General Purposes announced the continued prosperity of the Order in the province , and stated that a warrant for a new lodge had been granted , the consecration to take place probably in September . The membership of the province showed a substantial increase while financially the province was in a fairly sound state , there being a good balance at the bank . Sums of . £ 5 5 s . had been granted to needy brethren , 20 guineas to the Benevolent , and 10 guineas to the Boys' and Girls' Institutions , and live guineas to the South African MasonkfRelief Fund . The report was adopted nem . con .

Thc report of the Suffolk Masonic Charity Association stated that during the past year a total of / S 23 4 s . had been subscribed in the province to the Royal Masonic Benevolent and the Girls' and Boys' Institutions During the past 12 years ( for which period the Secretaryshi p has been in the ab ) e hands of Bro . J . M . Harvey ) , 38 men , four widows , seven girls . and 10 boys had been elected to the various Masonic Institutions , with a total poll of 106 , 167 votes . The amount contributed by the province in thp -Im

period was no less than ^ 10 , 803 IQ s . ( Applause . ) The PROV . G . M . cordially thanked Bro . Harvey for the trouble he had always taken , and his continued interest in the Charities . The Prov . G . Lodge was then adjourned , while the brethren marched in procession to St . Mary-le-Tower Church , where a brieht musical scrims

had been provided . Bro . V . D . Colchester and Mr . A . Nelson Howe having attended to the seating of the brethren , the surpliccd choir sang the well-known hymn , « All people that on earth do dwell . " as a processional . They also effectively rendered the " Nunc Dimittis" ( Stainer in B flat ) and the anthem , " Blessed be the God and Father " ( Wesley ) The Prov

G . Chaplain ( Bro . the Rev . W . E . Fletcher ) preached fro m St . lohn i di to 45 , while Bro . the Rev . S . J . S . Banks read the lesson . The Prov ' G Organist ( Bro . James Price ) presided with his accustomed skill attheorran ' An ofleriory was taken , amounting to £ 7 ios . 2 d ., for the benefit of the East Suffolk Hospital .

After service , the brethren returned in procession to the Town Hall where the business of Prov . G . Lod ge was resumed . ' Addressing the brethren with his wonted geniality , the PROV . GRAND MASTER expressed his pleasure at being present . He regretted that business engagements would compel him to return to town immediately after the Provincial Grand Lodge , without staying to the banquet . His lordshio referred to the unfortunate circumstance that both his Deputy and himself