Consecration Of The Shirley Woolmer Lodge, No. 2530.

West Kent than Viscount Holmesdale . During the last io hears he had been called to the Upper House , which , although by some maligned , was supposed to bs the chief support of our Constitution . For 35 yeais he had been Provincial Grand Master of Kent—and 34 . years ago commenced by consecrating the Sydney Lodge at Sidcup . The Sydney Lodge was the 1812 , and the present consecration made the total 60 . This result was not to be attributed altrgether to the great force of the principles

of the _ Order , but must be due in a great measure to those who ruled the Craft in that county . Two or three years ago the Province of Kent produced one of the largest sums of money for the Charities , which showed that Masonry flourished greatly , owing to the great help and guidance of the Provincial Grand Officers , of whom Earl Amherst was the head . Their chief had crowned his efforts by consecrating that lodge , and they owed him a deep apology for not having recognised that fact in the lodge .

The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER , in reply , said they would thoroughly understand that after answering the same toast several times in a year for 38 years , it was somewhat d fficult to say anything original . They went on as a united and prosperous province . They we it from small things to great , and as they had always prospered , it would be a pity if he had anything new to say . ¦ They had trebled the lodges in the province , but the whole

face of the country had been changed . Hc ha"d seen hounds running where there were now acres of houses , and they would find that where a few years ago they thought no lodge could find a place , they would have to find places for new lodges , and their number would become greater and greater . It was altogether a thing they might congratulate themselves upon . As he said in the lodge , it was not so much

the numerical strength they wanted as the character of their members . In Kent they had the good fortune not to have to seek for recruits , for there were a number of worthy men continually knocking at their doors . They found not only their numbers increasing , but the credit of the Craft also increased . In that district there were great prospects for Masonry , and he was glad to come down and consecrate that lodge , vvhich had such an ensured success . One of his pleasant < : st and most important duties was the

consecration of new lodges . He wished to recognise the services rendered by Bro . Ward , as D . C , wro was always ready to give his services , knowledge , experience , and time , and lend those beautiful consecrating vessels he possessed . He thanked the Prov . G . Officers for their attendance , for he was glad to see the purple assembled in such force . What they had done had been a labour of love , and they heartily wished the lodge many years of continued prosperity .

Bro . E . BLANKS , P . M ., S . W ., proposed " The Dep . Prov . G . M . and Prov . G . Officers , " to which Bro . Rev . C . H . FIELDING , P . P . G . Chap ., responded . Bro . H . WVRD , P . P . G . S . W ., also replied , and said he knew of no Province—and he had been connected with several—where the Prov . G .

Ofiicers were more loyal . It had given him great pleasure to bs present as D . C , as he had acted in that capacity for 20 years . His services were at their disposal so long as his poor efforts were of any avail . He had been a Mason for more than 35 years , and was devoted to the cause of Masonry , which was calculated to advance the hi ghest interests of man , and make them better men and better Masons .

, Bro . C . WALLINGTON , P . M ., Acting I . R . M ., said he had the great honour of proposing "The Health cf the W . Master , " and he had taken the trouble to find but his record . Bro . Rev . Shirley Woolmer was initiated in 1849 , ar , d was acting as Prov . G . Chap , in 1852 , W . Master of the Lewises Lodge at Ramsgate in 18 S 2 , and Prov . G . Chap , of Kent in 18 S 6 . If the W . M . would allow him ( the I . P . M . ) lo say so , he had crowned his Masonic career by being installed as W . M . in that lodge . As he would have other

opportunities of proposing this toast , he would not exhaust all his information that evening . He would simply say he was a fine old English gentleman and a fine old Mason . They wished him every prosperity and happiness in the year of office before him . During the last few months there had been an increasing happy smile on the W . Master ' s face , and long might that continue , and if they allowed him to vacate his place for a few weeks , they hoped he would return to be with them for many years to enjoy every happiness and prosperity .

The toast was received enthusiastically and accorded musical honours . Bro . Rev . C . E . SIIIRLEV WOOLMER , P . P . G . Chap ., W . M ., ' said he deeply felt the honour done him . They had not only made him their first Worship ful Master but had actually named the lodge after him , and he could not but say , " What have I ever done to deserve such an hononr ? " From the time he became a Mason he had never ceased to be a Chaplain of a lodge

in the tow n where he administered . Although his career might not be as distinguished as many , he had done a certain amount of good work as Chaplain of those various lodges . He folt himself utterly humiliated when he knew how little he had done , and when he thought of the great honours given him . He would do his best to deserve it in the future , and thanked them for the kindness he had always received in Sidcup and in the province during the last 30

years . Bro . E . J . S . LAYTON , J . W ., in an effective and humourous speech gave "The Visitors" which was acknowledged by Bros . STRACHAN , P . P . G . W . Northumberland , and SI'URUEON , P . M . " The Officers' " and Tyler ' s toasts closed the proceedings which were of a thoroughly enjoyable nature , and will , doubtless , linger in the memory of those present for many years to come . Bro . C . Sheath was assisted in the musical arrangements by Bros . Ktherington Smith , Albert Hubbard , T . Powell , and E . S . Cockton .

National Great Priory.

NATIONAL GREAT PRIORY .

A Great Priory was held at Mark Masons Hall , on Friday , the 14 th inst . Present : The V . E . National Sub-Prior , the Earl of Euston , on the throne ; the V . E . Provincial Priors for East Anglia and Kent and Surrey ; the Great Officers and Officers , and many Past Great Officers and Officers , Preceptors and other Knights .

The National Great Priory having been opened in ample form , and the muster roll called , the minutes of the meeting of 1 tth May were read and •confirmed . The SUB-M ARSHAL then announced that the V . E . Sir Knight

Kear-Admiral Albert Hastings Markham was in attendance for the purpose of doing homage on his appointment as Provincial Prior of the Mediterranean . The V . E . SUB-PRIOR on the throne ordered him to be admitted , and having , on behalf of the V . H . and E . Great Prior , accepted his homage , assigned him A seat in Great Priory .

National Great Priory.

The Prov . Prior for the Mediterranean was then conducted to his stall , proclaimed , and saluted , according to ancient custom . The report of the Council was taken as read . Motions arising out of the report were made and carried . A motion was made , pursuant to notice , that various alterations be made

in the statutes of Great Priory . The motion was carried . Alms were collected , and the Great Priory was closed . A Priory of the Order of Malta , under the banner of the Bard of Avon Preceptory , was then opened . The V . E . National Sub-Prior , the Earl of Euston , occupied the throne , and the E . Sir Knight R . Loveland Loveland took his seat at the east table as E . Prior .

The V . E . National Sub-Prior then appointed and invested Great Priory Officers forthe Order of Malta , and they took their seats accordingly . Eighteen members of the Order of the Temple vvere admitted to the Order of Malta . The Priory was then closed . The V . E . Prov . Prior for East Anglia , Captain Philips afterwards presided at the banquet at Freemasons' Tavern , supported by the V . E . Prov , Prior for Kent and Surrey and a large number of Great Ollicers , Officers , and other knights .

Consecration Of The Fellowship Lodge, No. 2535.

CONSECRATION OF THE FELLOWSHIP LODGE , No . 2535 .

The Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 , was consecrated at the Frascati , Oxford-street , on Monday , the 17 th inst ., in the presence of one of the largest and most representative gatherings ever assembled at a simil tr function within the Metropolis . The new venture—which owes its origin

to its indefatigable Secretary , Bro . James Stephens , starts under exceptionally favourable auspices , having a strong body of founders with an excellent executive at their head , and has already attained a sound financial position . The quaint and significant synonym chosen to distinguish the new lodge was exemplified by the feeling of fellowship pervading the inaugural proceedings , and was evinced in a more p'actic il

form by a handsome donation of 25 guineas to each of the three Masonic Institutions . Charity will be a predominant feature of the Fellowship Lodge , which will be represented by a Steward at the next Festivals of the Institutions . The W . M . exerting his inlluence for the benefit of the Boys ' School , being a member of the Board of Management , Bro . Major Clifford

Probyn has kindly consented to act in a similar capicityfor the Royil Masonic Benevolent Institution , and last , but certainly not leist , the wife of the esteemed Secretary—a lady who is already known and appreciated for kindly services in this direction—will represent the lodge for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls .

1 he consecrating ceremony was impressively performed by Bro . E . Letchworth , G . Sec , assisted by Bros . J . B . Monckton , P . G . W ., as S . W . ; Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas ., as J . W . ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . C ; and W . M . Bywater , P . G . S . B ., as I . G .

The founders of the new lodge present were : Bros . W . H . Bailey , Prov . G . S . W . Staffordshire , W . M . designate ; J . R . Roberts , P . M . 1642 , S . W . designate ; E . Valeriani , P . M . 1687 , J . W . designate ; J . Stephen !* , P . P . G . D . Bucks ; B . Carter , H . Rogers , P . G . Stwd . ; W . B . Williamson , C . Penny , Stephen Hussers , M . S . Rubinstein , E . Floyd , M . Pratt , W . H . G . Ruddeforth , W . H . Making , W . J . Price , W . Thomas , Col . George Lambert ,

P . G . S . B . ; J . Coningham , H . W . Roberts , E . Reed , J . Welford , J . L . McCabe , W . Pearson , T . Richards , A . G . Shenstone , M . Goldstein . C . E . Braun , Major Clifford Probyn , M . H . Foster , W . G . Dickenson , J . E . Glover , D . P . Holness , J . W . Toneman , W . J . Baths , N , F . Shannaw , J . Buchman , J . Gillespie , and others . The large number of visitors present included : Bros . F . West , P . G . D ., D . P . G . M . Surrey ; Geo . Read , U . Std . Br . ; Dr . E . M .

Lott , P . G . Org . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; C . F . Hogard . P . G . Std . Br . ; J . A . Bindley , D . P . G . M . Staffordshire , G . D . ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . Ben . Inst . ; J . M . McLeod , P . P . G . W . Derbyshire , Secretary R . M . Institution for Boys ; W . F . Smithson , P . G . D . •W . H . Kempster , P . G . Stwd . ; Sir F . Seager Hunt , M . P ., P . M . ; E . St . Clair , P . G . Stwd . ; E . W . Allen , P . M . 173 ; P . Clifford Probyn , 357 ; S . Briggs , P . P . S . G . D . Staffordshire ; A . Hooper , P . P . J . G . W .

Staffordshire ; W . H . Clark , W . M . 753 ; G . V . Wood , P . M . 160 S ; T . Dutton , P . M ., Secretary 2410 ; W . H . Bolt , I . P . M . 1563 ; R . Wright , W . M . 1305 ; A . Ritchie , I . G . 173 ; J . Glass , P . M . 453 ; V . Hunter . I . P . M . 2077 ; T . L . Green , P . M . 1094 ; J . Salmon , P . P . G . Reg . Essex ; H . C Lambert , P . P . J . G . W . Herts . ; J . Kift , 1791 ; W . Morley , P . M . 1769 ; S . H . Baker , P . M . 1260 ; S . H . Parkhouse , P . M . 1642 ; H . Carman , P . P . G . Org . Norths ; F . Foxley , P . M . 173 ;

B . E . Blasby , P . M . 2022 ; W . H . Glass , P . P . G . S . of W . Essex •H . W . Parker , S . W . 2048 ; A . H . Marks , S . W . 1563 ; S . Lloyd , P . M . 239 8 ; C . Walker , P . M . 262 ; E . H . Brown , P . M . 55 ; B . A . Griffin , P . M . 975 ; A . E . Hubert , P . M . 173 ; H . Gros , P . M . 1687 ; W . Adams , P . M . 186 7 ; H . F . Nash , 1 769 ; 1 . Pearson , 1196 ; H . W . Davis , P . M . 173 ; J . W . Tyler , P . S . G . D . Essex ; T . Sewell , 65 ; F . S . Grosvenor , 185 ; Geo . Gardner , P . P . G . S . B . Bucks ; J . W . Burgess , P . P . S . G . D . West Lanes . ; E . M . Lander , P . M . 1642 ; L . LichtwiU ,

P . M . 1891 ; R . Green , P . M . 1642 ; W . J . Mason , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; R . E . H . Goffin , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey ; T . W . Thorpe , P . M . 1704 ; T . Whaley , P . M . 172 ; H . Rugg , W . M . 624 ; W . I . Rogerson , P . P . G . D . Notts . ; Haswell Thoner , P . M . 1608 ; J . G . Head , I . G . 13 ; H . E . Diamond , P . M . 1704 ; E . Gibbs , S . W . 2420 ; A . E . Smith , P . M . 1704 ; F . Gallizia , W . M . 1687 ; J . R . Riddelsdell , D . D . G . M . South Africa ; G . Gabb , P . M . 902 ; G . Davis , P . M . 167 ; W . W . Lee , W . M . 18 97 ; and many others . Lodge having been opened ,

Ihe CONSECRATING OFFICER , addressing the brethren , said : In view of the somewhat lengthy ceremonies before us , I will not presume to occupy your time for many moments with any words of my own . We are met here to-day , as you are aware , for the purpose of undertaking a very solemn ceremony—the constitution of a new lodge—and I can assure you it affords me very great pleasure to be here , by command of H . R . H . the M . W . G . M .,

as his very humble representative , for the purpose of performing the ceremony . At a time when warrants are no longer granted as a matter of course , it is a subject of congratulation for the founders of this lodge that his Royal Highness has been graciously pleased to accede to their prayer , and grant them a warrant . I can only express a hope that this lodge we are about to constitute may have before it a career of very great success .

The ceremony—which included a brief but eloquent oration by Bro . Rev . Studholme Brownrigg—was then proceeded with , and the Fellowshi p Lodge was solemnly dedicated and constituted . The W . M . designate , Bro . W . H . Bailey , Prov . S . G . W . Staffordshire , was installed into the chair by the Grand Secretary , and invested the following officers : Bros . Lieut .-Col . Geo . Lambert , P . G . S . B ., acting I . P . M . ; | . R . Roberts , P . M . 1642 , S . W . ; E . L . P . Valeriani , P . M . 1687 , J . W . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , D . P . G . M . Bucks , Chap ; J . Welfoid , P . M ., ireas .