Special Provincial Geand Lodge Of Cheshire.

written the first book printed in Chester which had any reference to Freemasonry . There were five generations of the Randle Holme family which had been connected with that city , and especially with St . Mary's Church . One of them had been Mayor and another Sheriff of the city in very troublesome times in English history . He was glad that the Freemasons of thc province had decided to take part in the erection of the porch to a church

which had for so long a period been dedicated to the service of Almighty God . The porch would remain an integral part of the fabric , and would be a lasting memorial of a celebrated Freemason . His lordship then quoted from a work written by Randle Holme , setting forth the objects of Freemasonry , and the high ideal sought to be attained by the brethren , and said those present could not do better than endeavour to attain that ideal which Randle Holme had so carefully and so beautifully laid down .

The stone having been laid in the prescribed form , an ode , " Now thank we all our God , " and thc " Gloria in Excelsis " were sung . In the cavity below the stone a bottle , hermetically scaled , was placed containing several coins of thc realm , three circulars of Provincial Grand Lodge , and a copy of the Times . The cavity was covered with a polished brass plate bearing the following inscription : — " Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire . This corner-stone was laid by the Rig ht Hon . Lord Egerton of TattonP . G . M ., Easter Monday , iSth April , 1 S 92 . "

, Bro . E . BRASSEY , W . M . 425 , on behalf of the Building Committee , moved a vote of thanks to the P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire for their attendance . Bro . H . TAYLOR , S . W . 425 , in seconding the vote of thanks , gave some details of the history of the Holme family . Thomas Holme , the first member of the family , came from Tranmere , and settled in Chester

in the 16 th century . He died in 1610 , and was buried at St . Michaels Church . His son , Randle Holme , who was bound apprentice in 159 S to Thomas Challoner , "herald , antiquary , poet , player , and permanent member of the Chester Company of paynters , glasiers , imbroiderers , and stacioners . " He was Sheriff of the city in 1615 , ' Mayor in 1633 , and churchwarden of St . Mary's . He died in 1635 , and was buried at St . Mary ' s , where his

monument still exists . Randle Holme , son of the preceding , who was baptised at St . Mary ' s on the 16 th July , 1601 , was Sheriff in the same year that his father was Mayor ( 1633 ) , and was himself Mayor in 1643 , when the city was beseiged by the Parliamentary forces , and in the defence of which he took a leading part . He was also a justice of the peace and one of the city treasurers , likewise a churchwarden of St . Mary ' s , at which church he was buried in 1659 . Another Randle Holme , who was baptised at St ,

Mary ' s on the 30 th of December , 1620 , similarly distinguished himself in life , and died in 1699 . A fourth descendant was born in 1659 , filled the office oi Sheriff in 1705 , was also a churchwarden of St . Mary ' s , and died on the 13 th August , 1707 . This ended thc line of the Randle Holmes , his only son d y ing before him . All were Freemasons , all distinguished members of the Stationers' Company , and all filled various important offices in the city . The vote of thanks was accorded with acclamation .

The National Anthem ( Masonic version ) was then sung ; the members of Prov . Grand Lodge then returned to the Castle in reversed order , where the especial lodge was closed .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Sussex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF SUSSEX .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Sussex was held at the Royal Pavilion , Brighton , on Monday , the nth instant . Comp . Lieut .-General C . W . Randolp h , Grand Superintendent , was unable to attend , having become suddenly prostrated through falling down the lift at the Orleans Club , just previous to the time for holding the meeting . Happily the General sustained no serious injury , but hc was very much shaken and unable to leave the club . Comp . Dr . Alfred King presided in his

absence , the other chairs being filled by Comps . R . Clowes and B . Roberts . The formal business of the Prov . Grand Chapter having been transacted , The PRESIDING OFFICER addressed the companions on the work of the past year , and alluded in feeling terms to the unfortunate circumstance which had led to his presiding . He proposed a vote of sympathy with General Randolph , expressing a fervent hope that no serious results would attend the accident which they all so much regretted . Comp . CLOWES seconded , and the motion was carried unanimously .

The Prov . Grand Officers for the year wcre invested as follows : Comp . W . E . Morrison , P . Z . 916 ... ... Prov . G . H . „ J . St . Clair , P . Z . 38 ... ... ... Prov . G . J . „ V . P . Freeman , P . Z . 311 , 315 , 732 ... Prov . G . S . E . „ C . Bampfyldc Warre , P . Z . 1466 ... Prov . G . S . N .

,, j . M . Reed , P . Z . 732 ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ R . Pidcock , P . Z . 016 ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ L . R . Styer , P . Z . 315 .. ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ E . Histed , P . Z . 732 ... ... ... Prov . ist A . G . S . „ G . Holman , P . Z . 311 ... ... ... Prov . 2 nd A . G . S . „ J . Easter , P . Z . 916 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B .

„ R . B . Higham , P . Z . 811 ... ... i ' rov . U . Std . lir . „ F . Holford , P . Z . 271 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . of C . „ W . N . Roe , 811 ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . S . Burrows P . Z . 27 . ] Prov . G . Stewards . ,, C . C . Cook , P . Z . 732 ... ... ... ) ,, H . II . Hughes ... ... ... Prov . G . Janitor .

At thc close of the Provincial Grand Chapter , Comp . W . E . Morrison ( Mayor of Eastbourne ) presided at a banquet served by Comp . J . Sayers in the banqueting room . About 30 were present . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and a very pleasant evening spent , thanks to an excellent musical programme provided by thc outgoing Stewards , Comps . W . V .. Morrison and Bampfyldc Warre .

Library Of The Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

LIBRARY OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE .

With the exception of the four Masonic MSS . of the old Constitutions , particulars of which have been announced in your columns from time to time , no addition to thc library has been made which approaches in importance the one I have now the pleasure to announce . By the generosity of our Provincial Grand Master ( R . W . Bro . T . W . Tew , J . P . ) I have bcen enabled to secure a copy of " A 'Serious and Impartial Enquiry into the Cause ol

Library Of The Provincial Grand Lodge Of West Yorkshire.

the Present Decay of Freemasonry in the Kingdom of Ireland , " & c ., by Dr . Dassigny , A . D . 1744 . I can scarcely fully estimate the value of this acquisition to our noble collection . During this century but one copy has been traced until now , and that passed over to America some years ago to form part of one of the largest Masonic libraries in the world—that of the late Bro . Bower ' s , which is now the property of the Grand Lodge of Iowa . The chief value of this almost unique volume consists in its containing the first known reference to the Royal Arch Degree , having two interesting passages on the subject . Bro . W . J . Hughan ' s " Memorials of the Masonic Union of A . D . 1813 " contains a reprint of Dr . Dassigny ' s work . Bro . Hughan ' s " Memorials " is now almost unobtainable , and purchasable only at rare intervals at a heavy premium , but those so fortunate as to get a sight of a copy may read a faithful transcript of this orig inal essay of such importance . I feel sure that all students and lovers of Masonic literature will heartil y congratulate West Yorkshire on securing this invaluable prize , and be grateful to Bro . Tew for stepping in to prevent any chance of its following manv other precious treasures of the Craft to the New World , which our own is now the property of the Grand Lodge of Iowa . The chief value of this almost unique volume consists in its containing the first known reference to the Royal Arch Degree , having two interesting passages on the subject . Bro . W . J . Hughan ' s " Memorials of the Masonic Union of A . D . 1813 " contains a reprint of Dr . Dassigny ' s work . Bro . Hughan ' s " Memorials " is now almost unobtainable , and purchasable only at rare intervals at a heavy premium , but those so fortunate as to get a sight of a copy may read a faithful transcript of this orig inal essay of such importance . I feel sure that all students and lovers of Masonic literature will heartil y congratulate West Yorkshire on securing this invaluable prize , and be grateful to Bro . Tew for stepping in to prevent any chance of its following manv other precious treasures of the Craft to the New World , which our own heavy premium , but those so fortunate as to get a sight of a copy may read a faithful transcript of this orig inal essay of such importance . I feel sure that all students and lovers of Masonic literature will heartil y congratulate West Yorkshire on securing this invaluable prize , and be grateful to Bro . Tew for stepping in to prevent any chance of its following manv other precious treasures of the Craft to the New World , which our own supineness in the Old Country in the past has allowed to drift there . WILLIAM WATSON , Honorary Librarian West Yorkshire . Leeds , April iCth .

Masonic Literature.

MASONIC LITERATURE .

It has always been a matter of great wonderment to us why there are so few Masons who take any special interest in Masonic literature . It cannot be because it is of no value or interest to them , for every reading Mason will bear testimony to the contrary . More than that , it is essential to every Mason who would acquire a sufficient knowledge of Masonry to enable him to appreciate ils purpose and enjoy its benefits .

There are hundreds and thousands of Masons who know nothing of Masonry beyond the little communicated to them while receiving the various Degrees , 'they were then simply learning thc alphabet of Masonry , and were thus given the right and privilege to attain a more complete knowledge

of ihe marvellous wonders of this great and mysterious Institution . Stopping at this point in their search for light and knowledge , the } ' may appropriately be compared to the child who has just entered school and learned his letters . Much more must be acquired before he becomes a ripe schnlnr .

Again , it seems strange that men will go on and take all the Degrees and orders in the several branches of Masonry , at an expense of some 200 dollars or more , and thus entail upon themselves thc payment annually of quite a sum of money in the way of dues , and be content to get so little in return . Having satisfied their curiosity , their interest likewise seems to be satisfied . They might advance and explore the vast fields of Masonic

history , traditions , symbolism , laws , and regulations for the government of the Craft , all of which are exceedingly interesting and instructive . Eminent and learned authors have furnished valuable works on these and many other Masonic subjects . The Masonic journals of the day enable their readers to keep posted in all important events as they transpire , and present to them

the best thoughts of well-informed brethren on all matters affecting the welfare of the Craft . At a very small sum in addition to what he had already invested , a Mason can thus acquire a knowledge of the science of Freemasonry which will benefit him an hundredfold more than thc little smattering of it unfolded to him while taking his Degrees .

In our experience of nearly a quarter of a century as publisher of thc Masonic Advocate , we have lound it much easier to get renewals of subscriptions than to obtain new subscribers . From this we infer that a brother who has been reading the paper more fully appreciates its value to a Mason than one who has not enjoyed the beneiit of it . In our experience we have learned , too , that the best and most prosperous lodges are generally those

which have the largest number of members who read Masonic literature . Is it not then the duty of every brother who appreciates the value anil importance of Masonic reading to recommend it to his less informed brethren ' ! Is it asking too much of the readers of the Advocate to req uest each one to use his influence in extending its circulation , even to soliciting

subscriptions from the brethren around them who are not taking it * ' " c would greatly appreciate such favours , for they would be of great benefit to us , while at the same time every new reader thus obtained would be more largely benefited . Brethren , please act upon this suggestion , and Masonry in general , and your lodge in particular , will also reap a benefit . —Masoiw Advocate .

BAVARIA . —The history of Freemasonry in Bavaria is a very chequered one , and a very long one , so that we can only give a precis of it here . Mackey says that Freemasonry was introduced into Bavaria in 1737 , but the " Handbuch declares that though in 1777 the Lodge " Theodor zum guten Rath , " at Munich , was in existence , hailing from the Lodge Royal York , at Berlin , and irregulai lodges had previously existed , 1777 was the beginning of Freemasonry in Bavaria proper . Mackey is probably thinking of the old lodge at Baireuth " Zur Sonne , founded in 174 1 but Baireuth did not come to Bavaria until 1810 . About 17 80 the

, Illuminati , those pests to Freemasonry , seem to have got the upper hand in ^ he Lodge "Theodor , " etc ., and in consequence , in 1784 , the reigning prince , h- a *" Theodor , issued a decree against the lodges . This order was received in I 7 ° 5 ' The government officials were ordered to withdraw from Freemasonry , wine weakened the Order greatly . In 1799 another adverse order was issued an renewed in 1804 , under the ministry of Graf Von Montgela- * . In ¦ 'j ? the principality of Ausbach , Niirnberg , and other territory , fell into th ^

Bavarian succession , and in these localities several lodges existed , that . 1 new rescript in 1807 was published allowing the existence of the l-j ^ S under certain conditions of surveillance . This concession seems , we are tola , have been mainly owing to the personal good-will of the King Maximilian J ' ? " i But in 1808 all oflicers of the state , schoolmasters , and other employes , even rJ- ut , public servants , were forbidden to belong to Masonic lodges . In 1810 , by accession to Bavaria of other portions of territory , many old and active lo" 8 came under its authoritv . and in 1812 some dozen of lodges were in conseque

in active life . In 1814 another order appeared , and in 1815 another , by whicl * function-Aries had to leave even the lodges of the late attached provinces . "'* ^ of the lodges accordingly ceased to meet . In 1831 another order appear * which for many years the Masonic lodges were directed and controlled in Ba until quite recently . At tbe present moment many lodges are working in " yer . as the " Kette , " at Munich , " Augusta , " Augsburg , " Maurer Kriinchen z < "" , s bruderung , " Bamberg , " Maurer Kriinchen , " Kissingen . There are three W s ^ at Nuremberg , the " Bruder Treue , " at Schweinfurt , " Zu den drei Sliulen Stein , " Wurzburg , and many more . —Kenning ' s Cyclopadia of Freenmsonry-