Craft Masonry.

MANCHESTER . Duchess of York Lodge ( No . 2482 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Mondav , the iSth inst ., at the Victoria Hotel , Bro . Robert Fox . W . M ., presided . The minutes were read and confirmed The ballot was taken for Mr . John Robinson , and , being favourable , he was initiated by the W . M . in a very creditable

manner . Bro . Bratt , S . W ., gave the addresses and Bro . Lever , J . W ., presented the working tools . It was decided , upon the motion of Bro . Lever , seconded by Bro . j . Mead , Org ., that a sum of £ 10 be given from the lodge funds , and that Bro . J . Beardmore , P . M ., be appointed Steward , qualifying Ihimself for that post , this making £ 15 to the Festival of the East Lancashire Systematic Educational

Benevolent Institution , to be held next July , and £ 10 of it to endow the chairs of the Senior and Junior Wardens . After * ' Hearty good wishes " had been expressed by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed . The following brethren were present : Bros . Robt . Fox , W . M . ; T . Archer Lowe , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Peter Bratt , S . W . ; T . W . Lever , J . W .: P . Whyman , Treas . ;

F . Walmsley , Secj E . Archer Lowe , S . D . ; Oswald Dresden , J . D . ; W . H . Boycott . P . M ., D . C . ; J . Meld , Org . ; G . H . Russell and G . Brierley , Stwds . '; Frank Du Chemin ; "| . W . Shaw , P . M . ; James Beardmore , P . M . ; A . Barker , J . B . Edwards , R . M . Patel , G . Dean , and Geo . S . Smith , P . M .. P . P . G . Org ., P . G . Org . West Lancashire . Visitors : Bros . R . W . T . Hatch , W . M . 613 ; Wm . Haworth , 11 iC ; and E . Hampson .

RAY LEIGH . Trinity Lodge ( No . 1734 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Golden Lion Hotel , the W . M ., Bro . W . Carter Wood , occupying the chair . The principal business of the evening was the installation of Bro . G . F . Golding , P . M . 160 , as W . M . for the ensuing year , which ceremony was

ably performed by Bro . F . D . Grayson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . The W . M . afterwards invested the following officers : Bro- ; . G . M . Watson , S . W . ; C . E . Judd , J . W . ; E . C . Sparrow , P . M ., P . P . A . G . P ., Treas . ; Sidney Smith , P . M ., Sec ; G . R . Dawson , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., D . C ; W . H . Judd , S . D . ; T . C . March , J . D . ; W . Harvey , I . G . ; J . P . Harvey and Wm . Fox , Stwds . ; and C . T . Witham , Tyler . Bro . W . V . Willson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., was unanimousl y re-elected to represent the lodge on the Essex Provincial Charity Committee .

About 40 brethren subsequently dined together at the above hotel , the repast being served by Bro . W . Page , the the host , in his usual liberal style . The evening was enjoyably spent with Masonic toasts and harmony , songs being given by Bros . J . Webster , G . R . Dawson , W . H . Judd , F . J . Cumine , W . Staley , Sid . Smith , F . S . Guy , W . Fox . F . J . Wiseman , and many others .

Among the visitors were Bros . T . J . Railing , Prov . G . Sec . : F . J . Cumine , W . M . 1000 ; F . S . Guy , W . M . 1343 J W . Staley , W . M . 2442 ; and J . Ayling , P . M . and Sec . 160 , P . P . G-. P . . - .- ¦ A draw was made for a Life Governorship of a Masonic Charity , which fell to Bro . E . Moat , P . M ., P . P . A . G . P .

SOUTHAMPTON . Albert Edward Lodge ( No . 1780 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., when Bro . Charles Alexander , S . W ., was installed as Worshipful Master . The ceremony was admirably performed by Bro . J . C . Jordan , the retiring W . M ., in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters composed

of Bros . Michael Emanuel , W . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; Kingman , I . P . M ., John Adams , P . P . G . D . C , and T . G . Dacombe , of 359 ; T . P . Payne , P . P . G . Reg ., and R . W . Lees , P . P . G . S . D ., of 130 ; R . R . Linthotne , W . M ., and H . Lashmore , P . P . G . S . D ., of 394 . * S . P . Crook , W . M ., and E . T . Wise , P . P . G . Stwd ., of 1461 ; AV . Berry , P . P . A . G . D . C , E . Warren , P . P . A . G . D . C , and G . Heathcote , P . P . G . Std . Br ., of the lodge ; and Hardy of 1437 ;

several other expected Past Masters being absent through the prevailing epidemic . The newly-installed W . M . invested the following brethren as officers for the year , viz .: Bros . J . . G . Jordan , I . P . M . ; J . Burrow , S . W . ; R . Prowse , J . W . ; G . Heathcote , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Holmes , Sec . j E . W . Drysdale , S . D ., * R . W . Denness , J . D . ; T . G , King , I . G . ; H . Hussey , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Groundsell ,

Org . ; A . Curtis and R . Ives , Stwds . ; and W . Vare , Tyler . At the close of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks was passsd to Bro . Jordan both for his services as Installing Master and W . M . during the year , a Past Master ' s jewel being voted to him from the lodge funds . The sum of 10 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , the amount , which was supplemented by a

private subscription from Bro . C . Perress , to be placed on the list of Bro . M . Emanuel , who is going up to the approaching Festival of the Institution as a Steward . The report of the Auditors , showing the lodge to be in a flourishing condition financially , was presented by Bro . Drysdale and

adopted . After business was over the brethren sat down to * banquet , admirably served by Bro . Biggs , under the presidency of the W . M ., to whom many " Hearty good wishes " were extended for a successful year of office . The usual Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to .

THORNE . St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . — The monthly meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Rooms , Peach Hall , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., when there were present Bros . W . Martin , W . M . ; A . L . Peace , I . P . M . ; J . Constable , Sec ; G . Kenyon , S . W . ; T . Barber , J . VV . ; H . A . Fenton , S . D . ; G . Eland , J . D . ; B . Maskill , Treas . ; W . P . Robotham , Org . ; T .

Livingstone , T . J . Smith , T . R . R . Marsden , R . Brew , and F . Pine , Tyler . Visitots : Bros . J . 1 " . Hanson , 242 , and J . H . Hardy , 264 . Mr . W . Hallgarth was duly initiated , the work being performed by the I . P . M . After lodge the brethren sat down to a complimentary supper to Bro . B . Maskill at the White Hart Hotel , where the toasts of "The New Host , Bro . Maskill , " and "The Innate " were duly honoured .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

HARTLEPOOL . St . Helen ' s Chapter ( No . 531 ) . —The annual meeting was held en the 14 th inst ., for the installation of Combs . T . J . Johnson , P . Z :, P . P . G . P . S ., as M . E . Z . ; ' C . T . Watson , as H . ; and Thomas Richardson , J . The installation Principal was Como .. E . Hudson , P . Z ., P . G . S . E ., and P . G . S . B . Eng . The following were the

officers invested : Comps . W . Belk , I . P . Z . ; Hockaday , P . Z ., Ireas . ; J . N . Taylor , P . Z ., S . E . ; Kirby , S . N . ; Jack , P . S .: Smith , ist A . S .: Powling , 2 nd A . S . ; J . Metcalfe , P . Z ., D . C ; Quincey , P . Z ., Org . ; and J . Armstrong , Asst . Janitor . At the close of the ceremony a splendid banquet was served at the King ' s Head Hotel , by Host Butterwick , a number of influential visiting brethren being present .

TWICKENHAM . Era Chapter ( No . 1423 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held at the Albany Hotel , on the 9 th inst . Among those present were Comps . C . H . Thiellay , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C , as M . E . Z . ( in the absence through illness of Comp . W . Fisher , P . P . G . P . Soj . ); G . L . Wingate , P . Z ., P . P . A . G . S . as H . ; F . Robinson , I . ; Cant . Waifs .

P . Z ., D . G . D . C , Scribe E .,- Dounton . P . S . ; Masters ! A . S . ; Collins , D . C . ; and H . Higgins , P . Z ., P . P . G . D . C . The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Bro . S . S . Holt , 1580 , and it proving to be unanimous he was duly exalted to the Royal Arch Degree by the Scribe E . Comp . H . Higgins , in the absence of Comp . R . Poore , gave the Second Principal ' s address most ably . A

resolution was passed and ordered to be entered on the minutes regretting the enforced absence , through illness , of the M . E . Z . Communications pleading inability to attend were received from Comps . W . Fisher , M . E . Z . , * R . Poore , H . ; W . H . Matthews , P . Z . ; C Stevens , P . Z ; C . H . Kohler , P . Z . ; and others . The chapter was then closed . An excellent banquet followed . The acting M . E . Z . gave the various toasts in an admirable and most vivacious manner .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

Mount Calvary Encampment ( D ) . —A meeting of this encampment took place , on the Sth inst ., at the Inns of Court Hotel , Lincoln ' s Inn Fields , when there were present , among others , Sir Knights W . Maple , E . C . ; the Rev . R . C Fillingham , M . A ., ist Capt . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . G . C of Gds ., P . E . C , Sic , Reg . ; Basil Stewart , Cof Gds . ; H . Ffrench Bromhead , ist Std . Br . ; F . Egbert Roberts , Org . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., I . P . E . C ,

Prelate ; t * . W . Driver , M . A ., P . E . C . ; H . J . Lardner , P . E . C ; and C Slater , P . E . C . The minutes of the previous encampment having been read and confirmed , the E . C , in a few well-chosen words , presented Sir . Knight * N ; Prower with a Past Eminent Commander ' s jewel . The recipient , in reply , stated that he regretted that , in consequence of being abroad in January last , he was unable to be present at the installation

meeting . It would have afforded him great gratification to have placed Sir Knight W . Maple in the chair . He thanked the sir knights very much for the jewel that they had voted to him . He should prize it as an interesting souvenir of a most agreeable event in the history of his Masonic life . It was arranged that the summer outing of the members should beheld at the Mitre , Hampton Court , on the third Tuesday in June next , subject to the rooms of the hotel

being disengaged . Sir Knight J . Henwood Thomas , who has been very ill for a long time past , having written to say that he was slowly improving , it was unanimously resolved that the Registrar be directed to forward to Sir Knight Thomas a congratulatory letter . Apologies for non-attendance were also received from Sir Knights B . Johnson , 2 nd Captain ; Harris Hills , Expert ; Lieut .-Col . F . J . Stohwasser , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; G . Graveley , P . E . C . ; L . Steele , P . E . C ; and others .

The encampment was then closed , and the members adjourned to an excellent repast . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed . The Eminent Commander proved to be an excellent Chairman . During the evening much enjoyment was afforded the members by the instrumental , vocal , and poetic selections of Sir Knights Egbert Roberts , N . Prower , F . W . Driver , and the Rev . R . C . Fillingham .

WEST HARTLEPOOL . Mount Grace Preceptory ( No . n 8 ) . — The annual meeting was held at the Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., the E . P . Sir Knight John Sinclair , Prov . Sub-Marshal , presiding . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , a ballot was taken for Comp . J . W . Horner , and he was unanimously elected . The Treasurer ' s report was received and adopted . Sir

Knight Dr . Hill Drury , Prov . Sub-Pr * or , then assumed the chair , and Sir Knight Hy . Lamb was presented to him for installation . The ceremony was carefully performed by the E . Sub-Prior , and the newly-installed E . P . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Sir Knights Hudson , Prelate ; Baumann , Constable ; Reay , Marshal ; [ . Burns , Treas . ; C . S . Line , Reg . ; S . K . Landsverk , Almoner ; C . E . Smith , Sub-Marshal ; T . E . Biddlecombe , ist Std . Fotslind

Br . ; C A . , 2 nd Std . Br . ; J . Abbey , Capt . of Guard ; J . Sinclair , Herald ; Frater B . R . Smith , Eq . Without . Alms were then collected , and the preceptory cbsed , and the sir knights adjourned to the Royal Hotil , where an excellent banquet was served . The usual toasts were duly honoured . The E . P ., in proposing "The Health of Sir Knight Dr . Hill Drury , Prov . Sub-Prior , " referred to his many services

to Masonry , and especially dwelt upon his interest in Knights Templary . Sir Knight Hill Drury had for many years past installed the Preceptor and all the candidates , both in this and the neighbouring preceptory , and he ( the E . P . ) thanked him for the way he performed the ceremony that night . The Provincial Sub-Prior , in responding , thanked the sir knights for all the kindness they had shown him , and said that as far as it was in his power to do so he would always

Knights Templar.

be glad to render all the assistance he could , and he hoped to see the province become one of the most energetic and prosperous in the kingdom . He concluded by proposing "The Health of their Eminent Preceptor . " the 14 th Preceptor he had had the honour of installing . The E . P . suitably responded . A very pleasant meeting was shortly afterwards brought to a close . . ..

Red Cross Of Rome And Constantine.

Red Cross of Rome And Constantine .

Premier Conclave—A meeting of this conclave was held at the Mark Masons' Hall , on the 4 th inst ., when there were present among others : Sir Knights T . G . Robinson , M . P . S . ; J . J . Pakes , N . E . ; John Mason , P . G . G ., P . M . P . S .. Recorder ; Capt . T . C Walls , P . G . G ., P . M . P . S . ; H . J . Urdner , P . G . C , P . M . P . S . ; W . Lake , P . M . P . S . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., P . M . P . S . ; and F . Reinardt . Sentinel .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Sir Knights J . J . Pakes was re-elected M . P . S . ; G . Gravelev , V . E . ; H . j . Urdner , P . M . P . S ., Treas ., vice Sir H . H . Shirley , M . A ., resigned in consequence of ill-health , and Frater Reinardt , Sentinel . A Past Sovereign's jewel was unanimously voted to Sir Knight T . G . Robinson . Communications regretting inability to

attend were received from Sir Knights H . H . Shirley , M . A . ; J . Purrot , P . M . P . S . ; G . Graveley , the Rev . R . C . Fillingham , M . A ., and others . l The conclave was then closed . The members then attended the Grand Conclave of tht Order , under the presidency of Sir Knight the Right Hon . the * Earl of Euston , Grand Sovereign , & c .

The Allied Degrees.

THE ALLIED DEGREES .

SAINT LAURENCE . Foremost among the Christian Saints , Whose fame shall ever last , Saint Laurence stands a beacon bright , 'Mid darkness of the past ; His life , so pure , so nobly good ,

He cheerfully laid down ; His death a witness to the truth , Which won the martyr's crown . When with the Perfect ' s stern command The Bishop must comply ,

And Holy Church oppressed by might , Her scanty wealth supply ; Riches indeed the Prelate brings , But not which yield delight , The poor , the halt , the maimed , the blind , Wealth precious in God ' s sight .

Possessed with , rage infuriate , The tyrant has decreed A cruel lingering death by fire , For disappointed greed . Prostrate the suffering Bishop lies On glowing bars of . steel , And keenest torments are applied That quivering flesh can feel .

Though long delayedlby cruel art , Death comes his pangs to cease , Whilst heavenly messengers , unseen , Diffuse a holy peace ; Yet , ere the vital spark has fled , He speaks defiant still ;

"Turn me ! sufficiently . I ' m cooked , Now eat , and take your till ! " Thus has the Saint bequeathed to us A legacy of fame , As Masons , we perpetuate The glory of his name ! The symbol of his martyrdom

We view with reverent eyes , The instrument by which he gained His title to the skies .

His holy life , his noble death , Has useful lesson taught Boldly to suffer for the Truth , And Evil set at naught ; True to each other , prompt to aid A Brother in distress , And earnest strive our lives to spend In mutual usefulness . F . W . DRIVER , M . A ., P . G . D ., P . M .

Masonic Entertainment To Old Folks At Northampton.

MASONIC ENTERTAINMENT TO OLD FOLKS AT NORTHAMPTON .

The Corn Exchange , Northampton , on Thursday afternoon , the 7 th instant , was filled by over 700 ofthe old and deserving people of the town , who had assembled at the invitation of the members of the four lodges in the borough , to partake of a meat tea and to

witness an entertainment specially arranged for them . The gathering was organised some few years since by the late Bro .. Butler Wilkins , the Deputy Grand Master of the Province of Norths and Hunts , and it is looked forward to with great interest by the old folks . The whole of the proceedings were of a most

pleasant character , and will doubtless be remembered by the numerous visitors who were privileged to witness them . The arrangements were carried out by the following Committee : Bros . T . Merry , C . E . Thorpe , G . F . E . Wilkinson , S . B . Wilkinson , A . Cockerill , H . Martin ,

and R . W . Strickland , Pomfret Lodge ; H . Manfield , T . Phipps Dorman , H . Hodges , A . Jones , J . Hughes , W . J . Hill , W . F . Tipler , and B . Thompson , Eleanor Cross Lodge ; F . Willoughby , J . Eunson , J . Haviland , H . W . K . Markham , and W . G . Hobbs , Delapre Lodge , * J . Currall , G . Butcher , T . H . Vials , T . Emery , G . T . Hawkins , and C . J . King , Kingsley Park Lodge .