Opening Of A New Masonic Hall At Lyme Regis.

with leaded lights of obscured cathedral glass . Round the entire hall runs a warm dado of pitch pine , four feet high , with moulded capping . The fire places comprise slow combustion grates of the " teale" pattern , having glazed brick borders with black marble curbs . Between pine and marble rise arches of Ham Hill stone to support massive overmantles of the same kind of wood , stuccoed

panels , in light blue , fill in the remaining wall-surface . The pronounced groinings of the entrance doors are extremely effective . In keeping with the other woodwork , the fioois are laid in pitch pine blocks of the herring-bone pattern . A door in the N . W . corner opens into anante-ioom , 15 ft . by 10 ft ., having a lantern roof also , and abutting , an office and store-room . The walis are hollow-built of brick , exteriorly rough-cast , with slate roof .

Bro . Philpot has been generous enough to lease the hall to the brethr n for 21 years , at the nominal rental of £ 5 a year only . Thus it will be seen that the brethren of No . 665 are peculiarly fortunate in securing one of the nicest halls in the province on extremely easy terms . The Provincial Grand Master ruled that a consecration was unnecessary , inasmuch as a lodge for Lyme Regis had already been consecrated , hence only official sanction to the removal was needed . This obtained the Worshipful Master and officers settled on a short dedication office as a fitting mode of opening the new building .

On the evening of the nth inst ., Bro . Kerbey , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , as D . C , organized the following procession , viz ., Bro . J . L . Rumsey , P . P . G . Org ., at the organ , playing the " March of the Israelites , " the members of the lodge juniores priores , Bros . C . E . Smith , I . G . ; H . Randall , S . D . ; J . Beer , J . D . ; R . C . Radford , Sec . ; J . Radford , P . P . J . G . D ., Treas . ; Rev . R . Hill , Chap . ; H . R . Morgan , J . W . ; W . H . Wilson , S . W . ; E . H . Wallis , I . P . M . ; S . S . Hasluck , W . M .,

P . M . 18 ; Oakley , P . P . G . Std . Br . Devon , 1181 ; G . Bailey Toms , 1181 ; F . E . Yapp , 1181 : W . H . Shepheard , and G . Legg , Tyler . Having proceeded three times round the lodge the brethren took their respective places , and the W . M . proved the brethren . The National Anthem ( Masonic version ) was next loyally and heartily sung . Then the brethren were ordered to turn to the E , for the benefit of the dedicatory prayer offered by the CHAPLAIN as follows :

" Let us invoke a blessing from the G . A . O . T . U . upon the building to be set apart for the teaching and labours of Freemasonry . Here may we meet upon the level of equality , in perfect brotherhood , in trusting belief in the Most High for the furtherance of morality , benevolence , and common worship ! As our lodge stands on holy ground , so may the Most High guide our feet in a straight path ;

as our lodge is supported by pillars of wisdom , strength , and beauty , so may our lives be enabled in the power of the Most High by the knowleege of the volume of the Sacred Law and mercy ; and our actions properly squared , according to the principles of our Craft to the glory of God and in obedience to His precepts—High and Holy—So mote it be . "

The W . M . then read the lesson taken from the V . O . T . S . L . ( f . Kings , vii . 13 to end ) , after which Dr . Watt ' s hymn " O God our help in ages past , " was sung . The CHAPLAIN proceeded with the following oration , viz .: " Worshipful Master and Brethren , the building and consecration of another lodge fills the hearts of all true and accepted Masons with gratification and encouragement , and it reminds us of the building , completing , and dedicating of the Temple at Jerusalem by our Master . Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty were the great

characteristics of His work—even as the Wisdom of God is infinite , His Strength omnipotent , and the Beauty of His presence and His handiwork eternal . Every building whether the material building of operative or stone masonry , or the moral and spiritual edification , which is the aim and object of speculative Freemasonry—every building reflects the care and knowledge and overruling Providence of God , who filleth all in all . Year after year and century after century men continue to look upwards for the mighty cause of all the marvellous story of

human life and death , no less than for the significance of the great scenery of the Heavens and the succession of the seasons . Behind the orderly and sublime beauty of Nature , behind the intelligence and capacity and working powers of man , we worship and admire the omnipotence of the Most Highwhose attributes and qualities are far in excess of those which are revealed in Man and Nature , and which are in course of continual evolution through Nature and Man . Therefore , we do well with all reverence and humility to

express our gratitude to the G . A . O . T . U . for his favours already received , and for bringing to completion and perfection this new home of Masonry to the Honour and Glory of His name . To Him we ascribe the strength which has supported our efforts with men and materials and masterly workmanship in beautifying and adorning the building . And , lastly , let us learn the moral lessons which are taught so evidently by material things that he who runs may read them . By the help of the Most High , let us adjust the rectangular

corners of our characters , so that we be not at cross purposes with our neighbours ; let us bring rude matter into due form by subduing our evil tempers and fleshly lusts ; let us try and prove and practise what is honest and honourable , and pure and temperate , and of good report ; let our actions be properly squared with our principles and our principles brought to the level of the law of God : so

in silence , by not talking of ourselves , in secrecy , the life being hid in God , and in the security of the faith and protection of the Most High , each esteeming his brother better than himself ; let us raise within ourselves a building whose foundation is solid and whose masonry is sure , till we be raised to the Grand Lod ge above , where the world ' s Great Architect lives and reigns for ever , where everyone shall give account of himself to God . "

The Masonic hymn , " Hail , Masonry divine , " was next sung , after which The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave a short address , urging the brethren to practise outside the lodge the ennobling precepts they are taught within it , and giving a concise resume of the duties inculcated in the First Degree—principally " Trust in God " and " Charity . " Let there be no opportunity for the least shadow of reproach on account of excess , but a real striving after happiness in showirg sincere love for our fellow men .

An apropos poem by Leigh Hunt pointed an excellent moral to the Master ' s address .

The chanting of Psalm exxxiii ( without the Doxology ) , the Mosaic Benediction , and "All Gratitude to the Most High" brought a most impressive and reverent ceremony to an end . Lod ge was then opened and Mr . F . G . Greenham initiated by the Master , after which Bro . Kerbey gave the charge . Congratulations and interchanges of " Hearty good wishes" were proffered prior to retirement from labour to rerefreshment . Bro . host Grove served up the usual Christmas supper , and a very pleasant hour was sper . t in fare , toast , song , and sentiment .

Annual Meeting Of The Kirby Lodge Of Instruction, No. 263.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE KIRBY LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 263 .

Irear . rual mcelirg for the election of permanent officers and Committee for the inr was held at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on Tuesday evening , the 12 th inst . The members present were Bros . A . D . Kennaby , as W . M . ; Martin Kennaby , S . W . ; Oldham , J . W . j jowett . S . D . ; Jenkins , J . D . ; Whitemore , I . G .: W . Baker , Sec ; Lewis and West , Preceptors ; Humphries , Mills , Bennett , West , Watts , Clark , Reside , Hamel , Codina , F . W . Ward , Jeffery , Rankin , and Macarthy .

Annual Meeting Of The Kirby Lodge Of Instruction, No. 263.

The lodge having been opened in the First Degree , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . for the evening , Bro . A . D . Kennaby , then worked the ceremony of initiation , Bro . Mills acting as candidate . The lodge having been opened in the Second Degree , Bro . D . D . West , Preceptor , assumed the W . M . 's chair , and condue ' ed the ceremony of installation in his well-known masterly manner , Bro . W . R . Bennett , acting as Master elect . The ceremony being concluded , and the

lodge resumed in the First Degree , the permanent officers and members of the Committee for the year were appointed as follows : Committee—Bros . Henry Sadler , P . M ., & c , Grand Tyler ; M . B . Evans , S , Grand Steward ; and W . R . Bennett , W . M . igG . s Treasurer—Bro . Henry S . Welcome , P . M . 3 . Preceptors—Bros . Charles Lewis , P . M . 1706 , 230 S , Prov . J . G . D . Essex ; and D . D . West , P . M . 10 S . Secretary—Bro . Baker , S . D . 2205 . It was announced that programmes of the work for the year would be issued to members within a few days .

The meetings are held every Tuesday evening throughout the year—in room No . 7 6 , at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras ( one of the most comfortable and convenient lodge rooms in London ) , and the work is conducted strictly on the lines of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , for which university of the Craft , the Kirby Lodge of Instruction is a good preparatory school .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . J . H . Matthews , the President , in the chair . Bro . D . D . Mercer , Senior Vice-President , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , Junior Vice-President , occupied their usual seats . Bros . E . Letchworth , G . Sec . ; W . Lake , A . G . Sec . ; G . S . Recknell ; W . Dodd ; and H . Sadler , G . Tyler , represented the Grand Secretary ' s department . The brethren first confirmed

recommendations to the Grand Master at the meeting of December last , to the amount of . £ 735 . There were 21 cases on the new list , qualified through lodges in the London District , and at Manchester , Port Louis , Norwich , Jersey , Cheltenham , Nottingham , Birkenhead , King ' s Lynn , Antigua , Buckhurst Hill , Wareham , Beckenham , Workington , Grand Lodge of New York , and Saugor . Out of this

number , 17 petitioners were awarded the total sum of . £ 480 , one case was deferred , and three petitions were dismissed . Of the relieved petitioners , one was recommended to Grand Lodge for a grant of , 675 , seven were recommended to the Grand Master for , £ 40 each , and two for . £ 30 each . Six petitioners were awarded , £ 10 each , and one petitioner received £ 5 .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . THE REV . J . SENIOR , LL . D ., P . G . CHAP . ENG . On the ' 7 th instant there passed away , at his residence , 14 , Trafalgar-square , Scarborough , in his 91 st year , Bro . the Rev . Joseph Senior , LL . D ., G . Chaplain of England 1861 , the oldest holder of that distinguished office ; the same year he was appointed Assistant Grand Sojourner . Bro . Dr . Senior was initiated in the Three Grand Principles Lodge , No . 208 , Dewsbury , in 18 3 6 , to which lodge he

subscribed 16 years , resigning in 1852 . He served the office of W . M . for three years ( by dispensation ) , viz ., 1838-9 , 1840 . He was appointed Head Master of Batley Grammar School about this time , and joined Nelson of the Nile Lodge , No . 264 , Batley , 1837 ; after subscribing 15 years , resigned in 1852 . He became Vicar of the newly-formed parish of St . Mary's Wakefield , and joined the Wakefield Lodge , No . 495 , in 1851 , to which he subscribed up to the time of his death 45

, years . He held the appointment of evening lecturer at the parish church ( now the Cathedral ) , Wakefield , and was for some years Vicar of Horton , in Ribblesdale . He took at one time a very active part in Freemasonry , and held many appointments and offices in the Craft and Royal Arch , viz ., th it of Prov . G . Chaplain in 1854 , Prov . S . G . Warden in 1861 , and Provincial Prior in 1866 . He assisted in the formation of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee in i 860 , of

which he was Chairman in 1867 . He was exalted in Wakefield Chapter , No . 495 , in 1838 , and was at the time of his decease a subscribing member . He joined the Three Grand Principles Chapter , No . 208 , Dewsbury , in 1842 , and served the office of M . E . Z . in 1844 , and continued his membership of this chapter until his death . He assisted at the formation of the Provincial Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire in 1858 , and served the office of Prov . G . H . in 1859 . He was interred in St . John's Burial Ground on the nth inst .

BRO . LIEUT .-COL . H . SOMERVILLE BURNEY , P . G . D . Very sincere regret will be felt throughout the Craft at the news of the death of Bro . Lieut .-Col . H . Somerville Burney , Past G . Deacon of England . The sad event occurred at Princes Mansions , Victoria-street , on the 17 th inst ., the deceased being at the time in the 79 th year of his age . Bro . Burney was initiated while serving with his regiment ( the 51 st ) in the East Indies , at Bangalore , on the 13 th

April , 1847 , and was passed and raised in the Lodge of Perfect Unanimity , No . 150 , Madras , in 1850 . In 1857 he joined the Angel Lodge , No . 51 , Colchester , and the same year took part in founding the United Lodge , No . 6 97 , which meets in the same town . In 18 59 he joined the Wellington Lodge , No . 784 , Deal , and in 1863 was elected and installed its W . M . In 1875 he joined the Friends-in-Council Lodge , No . 1383 , which had been founded four years previousl y , and in

18 7 6 was a founder of the Bayard Lodge , No . 1615 . For these many and varied services he was honoured in 1880 with the collar of Junior Grand Deacon of England . In Royal Arch Masonry he took an equally active part . He was exalted in August , 1851 , in the School of Plato Chapter , No . 150 ; was a founder in 1861 of the Wellington Chapter , No . 784 , Deal , and accordingly filled the three Principal' chairs . Subsequently in 1876 he

helped to found the Friencs-m-Council Chapter , No . 1383 , and was elected to the office of Treasurer , and in 18 78 , the Bayard Chapter , No 1615 , of which he occupied the chair cf First Principal . In 1880 he was appointed G . S . B . in Supreme Grand Chapter . In the Order of the Temple , he was a Past E . P ., a Past Knight Commander , and Past Prov . G . Commander ; in the Ancient and Accepted Rite he was perfected Rose Croix , at Manchester , in 1856 , took the 30 0

in i 860 , and the 33 in 1879 , and at the time of his death was G . Marshal of the Supreme Council , having previously served as Inspector General of the E . C . district , and G . Director of Ceremonies . He was a founder and a first M . W . S . of the Bayard Rose Croix . Chapter , and a founder of the Studholme Chapter of the same Degree , while in the Mark Degree , in which he was a founder of the

Studholme Lodge , No . 197 , he was a P . M ., and a Past G . Officer ot Grand Lodge . He had also rendered many important services to our Charitable Institutions , of which he was a generous supporter , both by his personal contributions and the sums he raised for them as Steward . We tender our respectful sympathy to his family and many friends both in and out of Masonry ,