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have found facts ready made , and evidence " to hand" and they have not sought to verify the one , or examine into the other . How many beautiful and incongruous myths float on amongst us from generation to generation , and he is a bold man who seeks to disturb the serenity of Masonic belief on the one hand , or to destroy favourite paradoxes on the

other . If it be true , as some have asserted , that the tendency of the superstitious mind is always towards " a fetish" of some form or another , so also are we all often unwilling to accept the overthrow of favourite beliefs , precious " vanities , " the critical destruction of pet theories and old world legends . A controversy in our pages points to a curious effect of this Masonic

critical destructiveness , in the doubts cast on the generally accepted SACKVILLK medal of 1733 . If that numismatic token should be eventually proved to be the outcome of fraud or imposture , a developement of the Strict Observance " fad , " our iaith will be somewhat rudely shaken in many similarly commonly received points of Masonic history , life , chronology ,

and the like . Still there is always something of value even in such " surprises , and if only all our cautious and careful researches really pave the \ x ay for a modern , clear , and trustworthy history of Freemasonry , then will good have been produced out of evil , and light , —Masonic light , —established out of darkness .

* * THE consecration of the Strand Lodge seems to have been highly successful . Bro . J AMES WILLING , jun ., is well known as a highly zealous Freemason , and his officers all give good promise of work for the Craft . We wish the

lodge all success . We are especially struck with the opportune remarks of our GRAND S ECRETARY and the very clear , and sound , and straightforward advice of our esteemed Bro . J . STUDHOLME BROWNRIGG , Past G . Chap . We recommend our readers and friends carefully to peruse the record of

the day s meeting . * * HER MAJESTY ' S kind and thoughtful act of sympathy in attending the funeral of poor Sergeant MAYO ( Coldstream Guards ) , who died suddenly on duty at Windsor Castle , will be admiringly noted by many of our brethren of both services , and will be gratefully remembered .

Consecration Of The Honor Oak Lodge, No. 1986.

CONSECRATION OF THE HONOR OAK LODGE , No . 1986 .

On Thursday , the Sth inst ., there was added to the roll of English lodges another association of Freemasons , under the above title . If there be any assurance of success in the number and quality of those who assist , and the interest shown in the important ceremonies ot consecration and first installation , that success must surely attend the progress of a lodge so introducedas the Honor Oak Lodge has been . It has been established for the

purpose of affording numerous residents in a neighbourhood rapidly becoming attractive the opportunity for Masonic labour and pleasure , without the necessity for making distant journeys from their homes ; and the place of meeting has not only been well chosen in respect of situation , but is also admirably adapted and arranged for lodge purposes . The Moore Park Hotel , which as we understand has been built by Bro . E . Bye , and is under the management of his son , also a Freemason , is a spacious and imposing buildand

ing with numerous large rooms , excellent " cuisine" appointments , a large and lofty billiard room , which on occasion can be easil y converted into a well ventilated " salle a manger " capable of accommodating a numerous party of guests . On entering the lodge room on the occason of the consecration we were much gratified with the " tout ensemble" presented by the extremely handsome furniture and appropriate fittings , and it was evident at a glance

that whilst a judicious and liberal expenditure had been made , the exercise of good taste and judgment had not been wanting in the selection . The thought that Bro . George Kenning ( who was present during the evening ) had Been made acquainted with the wishes of the founders of the lodge and had received " carte blanche " as to what should be provided was not an unreasonable one under the circumstances , and led on to a second surmise that he had certainly not failed in the trust reposed in him .

The time appointed for commencement of the proceedings was half-past three in the afternoon , and with most commendable punctuality , that " courtesy of princes" which marks the true gentleman and Mason , the arrival of the Consecrating Officers was announced , and the brethren were requested to assemble in the lodge room . Amongst those present at the opening and during the evening in addition to those upon whom the duty of consecration fell and the officers designate

of the new lodge were—Bros . Captain Bedford Pim , 77 ; T . M . Cantrell , P . M . 1397 ; L . Binet , P . M . 179 ; W . A . Lovett , P . M . 179 ; James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 121 G , 142 G , & c . ; Thos . Poore , P . M . 720 ; H . Lovegrove , P . M . 1949 , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . Middx . ; H . Sadler , P . M ., G . T . ; W . Poore , P . M . iSO ; C . VV . Fox , P . M . 1326 ; J . Pringle , W . M . 7 G 0 ; Wm . Hammond , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx . ; C . Pugsley , P . M . 179 and 1586 ; George Kenning , P . M . 192 and 1 C 57 , P . G . D . Middx . ; H . Stiles , W . M . 1507 ; A . Milxvard ,

W . M . 1677 ; A . Middlemas , P . M . 957 ; ( . Mason , P . P . G . S . D . Middx . ; Jas . Kexv , P . M . 179 ; C . Hubbard , P . M . 820 ; A . Darch , P . M . 72 ; S . VV . Acock , 1901 ; B . Fulvvood , P . M . 742 ; C . H . Driver , P . M . 905 , P . P . G . S . W . ; Frank Baker , P . M . 1200 , P . P . G . Supt . of Wits . Kent ; A . R . Cranch , S . W . 1 GC 9 ; W . Lassam , W . S . 742 ; W . Dickeson , S . W . 179 ; W . S . Eell , S . D . 1044 ; W . C . Davey , J . W . 1512 ; J . C . Reynolds , 1329 ; A . Pilgrim , 1 G 25 ; J . VV . Allen , 1539 ; Herbert Hooper , 1949 ; J . W . Hartley , 72 ; Kev . J . Wilson-Haffenden , 1854 ; John Hammocks , 179 ; Walter E . Stark , 1765 ; Thos . Seymour , 179 ; G . J . E . Marsh , 15 SG ; H . Sxveeting , 1901 ; F . France , 1901 1 ancis 15 Letchtord

862 ; J . C . Woodroxv , 1297 ; J . Lighttoot , j -.. A . L-r , GS ; J . , 1658 ; VV . Carter , 141 ; C . J . Hoxve , 1155 ; J . Wicks , 815 ; John Cotton , 1155 ; J . VV . Aldxvinckle , 132 S ; J . Holland , 141 ; H . A . Goodall , 1 G 72 ; D . G . Hexvitt , 76 G ; D . M . Forbes , 7 G 6 ; W . Bosher , 1901 ; 1 . J . Johnson , 79 ; James Ingram , 172 ; J . Sarjeant , 1765 ; G . C . Hudson , 141 ; and others . Bro . W . E . Stark presided at the organ ( a choice instrument presented to the lodge by the first Junior Warden and Senior Deacon ) , and the choir comprised Bros . R . R . Johnstone , A . R . Cranch , II . M . Williams , J . B . Sarjeant , and J . W . Hartley .

The Consecrating Officers were V . W . Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; R . W . Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal , as S . W . ; W . Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as J . W . ; V . W . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . ; W . Bro . James Terry , P . P . G . W . Norths

Consecration Of The Honor Oak Lodge, No. 1986.

and Hunts , as D . C ; and W . Bro . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex , as I . G . A lodge having been opened in thc Three Degrees , the ceremony of consecration was carried out with due solemnity and with a very impressive effect . Special mention is due to the principal officer for the extreme care with which every portion of the beautiful ritual was rendered , and particularly for his opening address and final dedication . The Grand Chaplain ' s

oration was also most impressive , and his happy connection of the name of the locality and that of the lodge with the growth of a tree from tiny acorn to sturdy oak gave opportunity for inculcating moral lessons and enforcing Masonic precepts , of which he was not slow to avail himself . We have heard our worthy brother '' orate " on many former similar occasions , but never with

more telling effect than on this . Bro . Terry , acting as Director of Ceremonies , it need hardly be said , made " perfect work ; " and the admirable musical efforts of the * Organist and choir combined to make the entire ceremony one well worth remembering . Later in the evening the whole of the foregoing officers who had assisted were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge .

The nexv lodge having been duly constituted in the persons of Bros . Walter Hopekirk , P . M ., W . M . designate ; John Hammond , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx ., S . W . designate ; ' Charles Henry Phillips , J . W . designate ; Col . M . Ramsay , 41 , P . D . G . M . Punjab ; J . W . Hartley , Rev . J . Wilson-Haffenden , 1854 . ; H . Maunder Williams , 1669 ; Henry Stokes ,

141 ; G . W . Knight , 1507 ; R . R . Johnstone ; and Herbert Hooper , 1949 , the founders , the Grand Secretary proceeded to install Bro . Walter Hopekirk into the chair of K . S . in his customary efficient manner , and in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters numbering 33 , whose greetings on the occasion of his being placed for a second time in the position of ruler of a lodge must have been very gratifying to him .

The first duty performed by the W . M . was the appointment and investment of the R . W . Bro . Col . M . Ramsay , P . D . G . M . Punjab , as I . P . M ., a position which that distinguished brother most gracefully accepted with promises of material support on behalf ofthe new lodge . After the customary salutes and greetings of the brethren below the chair had been cordially rendered , the VV . M . invested his Wardens designate : Bros . John Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middx ., S . W . ; and Charles Henry Phillips , J . W . ; and appointed and invested the following officers ,

viz .: Bros . H . Maunder Williams , Sec ; Henry Stokes , S . D . ; J . W . Hartley , J . D . ; H . Hooper , I . G . ; G . W . Knight , W . S . ; and K . ¦ R . Johnstone , Oganist ; Bro . Edmund Bye , sen ., was elected Treasurer and invested , and Bro . C . Thomas , Prov . Grand Tyler Herts , was also elected and invested as Tyler . The addresses to the W . M ., Wa ' rdens , and brethren were impressively delivered by the InstallingMaster , andthe Grand Secretary closed the proceedings connected with an installation as interesting to all who were privileged to be present as the consecration ceremony which had preceded it . After the unanimous election of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke and his

assistant officers as honorary members , as above stated , and their respective acknowledgements , a number of propositions for initiation and joining were presented , and gave certainty of employment for Master and brethren for some time to come . That they may " square , carve , mark , and number " only such material as will be worthy of the edifice they seek to raise must be the earnest aspiration of every Freemason who was present at these auspicicious solemnities .

1 he capacities and resources of Bro . Bye s fine hotel were subsequently tried to the very utmost , for the report which had spread abroad as to the nature of what was to take place had induced an attendance far beyond any likelihood of repetition for many years to come . But thc building , its manager , and his assistants bore the test very well , and the tension did not at any time prove too great . True that a portion of the guests had to partake of the banquet in an adjoining room , in order that others might not

be inconvenienced , nevertheless all without exception enjoyed the feast . The menu and the service and attention were altogether worthy of much more pretentious hostelries , and indeed went far beyond our experiences of many palatial metropolitan hotels . We congratulate out brother the host on the great success which attended his first efforts to cater for a large gathering of Masons , who of all men can best appreciate such endeavours to " communicate happiness . " The brethren separated during the banquet

re-united on the clearance of the cloth , when grace was sung by the choir . The toasts of "Thc Queen" and " His Royal Highness the Grand Master" were duly honoured , and were followed by that of "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " the W . M . remarking that he considered it a compliment to the lodge that so many distinguished Grand Ofiicers had consented to accept

honorary membership therein . The R . W . Bro . HUGH D . SANDEMAN , P . D . G . M . Bengal , responded on behalf of the Grand Officers in a brief , humorous , and forcible speech , in the course of which he expressed the great satisfaction his colleagues and himself had experienced throughout the day's proceedings , which had been creditable alike to the founders of the lodge and those who had assisted to launch it on the sea of Masonry .

Bro . A . R . Cranch having sung m his customary good style " For ever and for ever , "

The R . W . Bro . Col . RAMSAY , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . Walter Hopekirk " whose services for FVcemasonry he briefly recapitulated and on whose behalf he solicited strict obedience and support from the members of the new lodge during the ensuing year . Bro . J . Sarjeant having sung "Then you'll remember me , " The Worshipful Master made response , and referring to the song which had just delighted his hearers , hoped that his services during this , probably

the most important year in the about to be written history of the lodge might be such as not only to endear him to its members but to merit remembrance in time to come . Gracefully putting aside further reference to himself the W . M . said he had now a serious yet pleasurable duty to perform . There could be no doubt that all present had passed a most happy day in Freemasonry and that the efforts of others than the " founders of the feast " had been instrumental in causing so much satisfaction . The serious part of his present duty was to endeavour to convey with becoming respect those

expressions of pleasure which rose to the lips from the hearts of his hearers , and his and their sense of the benefit accruing from such voluntary assistance as that rendered by thc V . W . Bro . the Grand Secretary and his associates on this occasion . He would say never had a consecration ceremony been better performed —( hear , hear ) , —indeed it could not be , for there could be no degree beyond the superlative . For himself he considered a great personal honour had been done him by his [ installation by the Grand Secretary , whose health he now proposed as ' Installing Master , together