Cheshire Masonc Benevolent Institution.

CHESHIRE MASONC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL HELD AT SOUTHPORT . The first Anniversary Festival of the Cheshire Masonic Benevolent Institution was celebrated on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., by a banquet held at the Prince of Wales Hotel .

The chair was occupied by Bro . the Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . Chap . Eng ., and amongst the brethren attending were Bros . J . Salmon , A . G . D . C . Eng . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . G . Std . Br . Eng . ; J . Clayton , P . P . G . W . Cheshire ; R . Newhouse , Prov . G . Sec . Cheshire ; T . C . Thorburn . P . P . G . W . Cheshire ; I . Cookson , P . P . G . Treas . Cheshire , and Treasurer of

the Institution ; Herbert Finch , PP . G . Reg . Cheshire ; H . Jackson , P . P . G . D . Cheshire ; H . E . Heywood , P . P . G . Std . Br . Cheshire ; Capt . J . Andrew , P . P . G . D . of C . West Lanes . ; W . Eardley , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . F . Roberts , P . P . G . D . of C . West Lanes .: Thomas Whitehead , P . P . G . D . of C ; G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org . E . Lanes . ; J . Hamilton , P . P . G . S . of W . ; Harry

Gordon Small , P . G D . of C . ; and G . H . Brown , P . P . G . D . of C . There were also several ladies present . The the toast of " The Queen , " and of " The princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family , " having been proposed from the chair , and duly honoured , Bro . J . CLAYTON proposed "The Prince of Wale ? , M . W . G . M ., and the Grand Rulers of the Craft . "

Since his installation as Grand Master of the Order , the Prince of Wales had proved a worthy and zealous Mason , and had ever shown a deep regard for the welfare of the Craft . He had always been very careful in the selection of his officers whether of high or low degree . They were fortunate in having three representatives of the Grand Lodge of England with them that evening , namely the Chairman , Bro . Sillitoe , and Bro . Salmon .

Bro . SILLITOE said that so far as the Past Grand Officers were concerned , they could only refer to their past work , and trust that what they had done had been to the satisfaction of the Grand Master who appointed them , and of the brethren with whom they had come in contact , as well as to the benefit of the province to which they belonged . He congratulated them most

sincerely upon the gathering they were holding that day , and upon the grand amount which he understood from the Secretary had been subscribed towards their Charity . He thought their Grand Officers could not be better occupied than in attending such meetings , and , therefore , he was proud to be present and to take part in their proceedings . He trusted that year by

year , as time went on , the Institution , in aid of which they were assembled , would continue to prosper , and that the Provinces of Lancashire and Cheshire would join together hand in hand in promoting the interests of Masonry . Bro . SALMON also responded in a brief but appropriate speech .

Bro . Capt . J . A . VOREW proposed " The R . W . P . G . M ., for Cheshire , the Right Hon . Lord Egerton of Tatton , and the Provincial Rulers of the Craft . " Representing , as he did , Lancashire Masonry , he took it as a compliment to Lancashire that he had been asked to discharge that duty . He regretted , in the first instance , that they had not Lord Egerton of Tatton present with

them , but anyone connected with Manchester knew -what Lord Egerton had on his hands at the present moment , and had had for the past few weeks . He thought , therefore , that under the circumstances , his lordship might very fairly be excused . Bro . G . H . BROWN submitted the toast of the evening , " Success to the Cheshire Masonic Benevolent

Institution . " He mentioned that that was the first birthday of the Institution , and he was sure the directors had the most earnest sympathy and support of those whom he was addressing . That such was the case was evinced by the large number who had attended the festival . It was only fitting that when they were met to rejoice they should call their neighbours together to

rejoice with them and he thought those who were with them that day would rejoice that they were able to give a good report of what had been done during the twehe months . He thanked them all most sincerely for the encouragement they had given to the brethren of that province in endeavouring to consolidate and build up an Institution which represented to the outside

world one of the grandest facts upon which the ' r noble institution was founded , that of helping one another in time of need ; and though they did not profess to be a Charitable Society , still they were a society of self-help and help towards one another . In the Province ot Cheshire , as distinguished from the other districts of England , they had be : n endeavouring

Jo establish a fund upon which their decayed and indi gent brethren might draw in times of need and sorrow . He was sure after so noble an effort and after having put their hands to the plough in connection with it they would not look back . The province to which they were proud to belong had for years past gained a name second to none in the cause of Mas . n c Charity , and when the claims of an Institution of that

sort were made upon the brethren they were sure they would always be heartily responded to . He expected that in years to come the seed they were now sowing would have grown into a gigantic tree ; , and that when People saw its wide-spreading branches they would wonder how such a result had been brought about . Bro . RICHARD NEWHOUSE , Prov . G . Sec , who has worked in this cause so indefatigably , said before readm gthe list he was requested by the Committee to thank

Cheshire Masonc Benevolent Institution.

the brethren most sincerely for the manner in which they had assisted to carry out the object of the Institution . Twelve months ago he read out a list which had never been touched by any province in England , and he assured them he had received letters from provincial Secretaries all over England asking him to give them a tip as to how it had been done . That day 30 lodges

had subscribed , and 16 had not done so , but he would explain why they had not done . Next year their Provincial Grand Master had consented to tike the chair at the Boys' School Festival in London , and it had been thought advisable that those lodges should hold themselves back for next year , so that they might be enabled to support his lordship . He had

had a letter from his lordship that morning , in which he expressed great regret that he could not be with them , and he had also received a telegram from the House of Commons , in which Bro . Alan Egerton , who had consented to take the chair that day , stated that he had received command to dine with the Speaker of the House of Commons . He wished his

great regret to be expressed to the brethren that he was not able to attend , and he also extended to them his " Hearty good wishes . " Bro . NEWHOUSE then read a list of subscriptions amounting to . £ 520 4 s ., and said he was sure they would all be perfectly satisfied with that result . He was more than satisfied , and could only thank them personally

for the manner in which they had assisted him in carrying out the objects of the Institution . Before sitting down , he wished to say that he was very happy indeed to see so many ladies among them . It was very seldom that they had ladies' society in their Masonic gatherings , and when they did have the opportunity they rejoiced at it , and hoped that in the future ,

whenever it was possible , they might see a large gathering of ladies amongst them . He would like to call attention to the fact that they had a lady present that evening who had been acting as Steward , and he had had the honour and privilege of pinning on her breast the jewel of the Institution , he referred to the wife of their Treasurer , Bro . Cookson .

Bro . COOKSON , in responding to the toast , said that the amount subscribed that year would enable them to relieve the declining years of such aged brothers and widows as might be directed to the fund , and he mentioned that in November next they would be enabled to appoint four annuitants . The question of relief to the aged poor was receiving the attention of eminent

statesmen , and their Worshipful Grand Master , the Prince of Wales , had taken an active part in the matter . He assured them that the funds of that Institution had been , and would continue to be , safely employed , and he prophesied that that Institution would have a successful future . Bro . H . J ACKSON then proposed "The Health of the

Chairman . " He said he was sure the toast was one which would be most cordially received by every brother in the room . They had in Bro . Stanhope a most indefatigable worker in the cause of Masonry , and when he said that their Chairman stood second to none in Cheshire in the interest he took in the cause he was sure they would all heartily agree with him .

The CHAIRMAN , in acknowledging the toast , said whatever he could do for the cause of Masonry in that province or throughout the country generally , or even the'Colonies , he would only be too glad to do . He was glad that they had had such a successful meeting that evening , and he thought the result was such that they might all be proud of . They had had a first-rate

banquet provided for them , and for this they had to thank the excellent arrangements made by Bros . Cookson and Clayton , who , he thought , deseeved their highest praise . He had no doubt every one present would be glad to accord their heartiest thanks for the trouble they had taken in the matter . The remaining toasts were " The Ladies , " prooosed

by Bro . W . F . ROBINSON , and responded to by Bros . HEBHERT FINCH , HERVWOOD , and EARBI . EV , and "The Musical B-ethren , " responded to by Bro . I . F . ROISERTS , P . P . G . D . of C During tVe evening selections of vocal and instrumental music were given by the following : Bros . L . Coinard ; Aldripe ; J . F . Roberts , P . P . G . D . of C . :

James Hesketh , P . M . ; Tom Chambers , P . M . ; and G . W . Hesketh . Vocalists : G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org . ; and Thomas Whitehead , P . P . G . D . of C We must congratulate the Prov . ( jrand Secretary and Committee upon the succe-s of the meeting . Everything about the whole malter was carried out in an admirable manner under the directorship of Bros .

Harry Gordon Small , P . G . D . of C ; Herbert Finch . P . P . G . Reg . ; and H . Powell Jones . Gieat praise is due to Mrs . Palethorpe , the manageress of the Prince of VVales Hotel , who had the tables laid in an unique manner with charming decorations , and the banquet was of the most recherche

character . Everybody present giving the highest praise . During the evening the Stewards were presented with the beautiful jewel and others with the bars which were ail worn during the banquet . The above jewels and bars were all manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

The Late Bishop Of New Westminster, British Columbia.

THE LATE BISHOP OF NEW WESTMINSTER , BRITISH COLUMBIA .

In our last week ' s issue we briefly noticed the death of the Bishop of New Westminster . A correspondent sends us the following further particulars : The death of Dr . Acton Windeyer Sillitoe will be an irreparable loss to the Craft in British Columbia .

The Late Bishop Of New Westminster, British Columbia.

For several years he held the position of Grand Chi . ; - lain to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia , and his influence was felt in every way that tended for tht advancement of Masonry . He was always ready - . 0 take part in any Grand Lodge function , and his sermons to the brethren and Masonic orations were full oi practical teaching . It was quite a picture to see the

late bishop assisting at the laying of a foundationstone or the consecration of a new lodge . Vested in his scarlet convocation robes , wearing his episccp :. ' mitre , and clothed in the purple and gold regalia of ; Grand Lodge Officer , he presented a most imposing appearance . His services to Masonry were not confined to taking part in the ceremonies of the CraL ,

our late brother was an active promoter of the building of the Masonic Hall at New Westminster , and wher . that edifice was destroyed by fire , he interested hirr . sel in its restoration . His loss will be " mourned by all the brethren of the Grand Lodge which has jurisdictiur . ' over the farthest bounds of the far , far West . The late Dr . Sillitoe was born in Melbourne , Australia . He :

was educated in England , and graduated at Pembroke College , Cambridge . He held several curacies , and ir 18 77 was appointed Chaplain of the British Legatiorat Darmstadt , where he also acted as Chaplain n the late Princess Alice . His position at Darmstadt lei to his being selected for the bishopric of New

Westminster , and he was consecrated on November . s : , 18 79 . The difficulties of his work in a country where the bishop is called on to be continually travelling told on his health ; and we have to lament the loss of a zealous and influential brother who , in the prime o ? life , has been called to join the Grand Lodge abore .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . FRED . HORSMAN , P . M . 51 . On Thursday , the 7 th inst ., the remains of Brc . Frederick Horsman , P . M . 51 , P . P . A . G . D . C . Essex , were interred in thechurchyard of St . Paul ' s , Colchester , amidst every demonstration of respect . Notwithstanding the fact of its being early closing day , a very large congregation assembled—indeed , the church wa : ;

more tha . i comfortably filled , and many were unable to obtain admission—and the presence of so many friends , and the drawn blinds at the houses in the vicinity , eloquently testified to the widespread feeling of regret at Bro . Horsman ' s death . The attendance included many members of the Craft , of which Bro . Horsman was a member , also representatives of the

Conservative Club and other organisations with which he had identified himself . Among the members of the Angel Lodge , No . 51 ( to which deceased belonged ;; who attended to pay a last mark of respect to his memory were Bros . G . F . Wright , W . M . ; C . CobL , P . P . G . S . of W . ; S . D . Ablitt , P . P . G . D . ; H . Wisbey ; Rev . Morgan Jones , P . P . G . Chap . ; W . Fitzjohn ; W .

W . Scott ; T . M . Lloyd ; J . A . Hawes ; C . Osmond , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . G . Org . ; A . S . B . Sparling , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; and T . Bailey . The S . W ., Bro . Claude Egerton-Green ; the J . W ., Bro . Capt . Naylor-Leylanci , M . P . ; the Sec , Bro . T . J . Railing ; the D . C , Brc . Haward Ives , and other members of the lodge were unavoidably prevented attending . United Lodge , Nc .

697 , was represented by Bros . Thomas Rix , P . M . and P . P . G . S . B . Essex ; J . G . Renshaw , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ( who also represented the Colchester Conservative Association ) , J . T . Wade , F . W . Mallinson , and J . G . Bryan . Bro . W . T . Wild , Easterford . Lodge , No . 234 :-, was also present . A large number of floral tribute :, were sent by relatives and friends . The deceased ' s

father sent a handsome wreath of roses from Lyndhurs :. '' To his good and beloved son" ; there was magnificen : horse-shoe shaped devices formed of lilies Irom his family ; his brother sent a nice wreath ; a beautifu . wreath , kindly made by Miss Philbrick , was sent " Jr loving remembrance ot VV . Bro . Fred . Horsman , P . M . 51 , P . P . A . G . D . C , from the brethren of his lodge

( Angel Lodge , No . 51 )"; and the members of the Crusaders' Football Club sent " A tribute of respect . " At the conclusion of the service at the grave , the Freemasons , according to custom , filed past , and each deposited a sprig of acacia and white glove on ' . he coffin . The grave had been lovingly prepared , beir . j lined with moss and decorated with choice cut flower .. ..

the luneral arrangements were entrusted to Mr . Jos . Grimes , of Northgate-street Works , and were efficiently carried out under the supervision of Mr . T . Bailey . The coffin was of polished oak , with massive bras ; , furniture , and the inscription on the plate was" Frederick James Serle Horsman , born Jan . 15 . 1844 ; died June 2 , 18 94 . " i " ne deceased , wno has for ; .

number of years managed tne extensive business a ' . Messrs . Fred . Horsman and Co ., florists , of Marks 'Fey , was widely known as one of the best judges of orchids ,, having made several journeys to South America and other places in pursuit of rare specimens . He regularly attended the London markets , and on returning freer one of these journeys he experienced a severe shock to

his system in the Manor Park railway accident . O late he suffered considerably from Bright ' s disease , and , although he was able to attend to business up to ; few days betore his death , it was a sharp attack of th ! malady which proved fatal . Bro . Horsman took ; great interest in the Church of St . Paul ' s , near whici

he resided , and had for some years been the Vicar ';; Churchwarden . His manly and genial dispositior , endeared him to many , and his untimely death at the : comparatively early age of 51 , has caused a widespread feeling of regret . He leaves a widow and six chHdreii —two sons and four daughters .