Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Berks And Oxon.

The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY moved a vote of thanks to Ihe W . M ., ollicers , and brethren of the Porchester Lodge for the kind and hospitable manner in which they had received the Provincial Grand Lodge on that occasion , which was only another instance of the good feeling and fellowship which the Newbury Masons always extended to visiting brethren .

Ihe PROV . GRAND TREASURER said that the arrangements for the reception of the Provincial Grand Lodge had undoubtedly involved the expenditure of much time and trouble , and it afforded him much pleasure to second the motion . Lord VALENTIA said he most cordially supported the resolution , and

he felt sure th ; tall the brethren were grateful for the kind reception given , The proposal was then carried by acclamation , and Bro . HiI . L , the W . M ., in reply , assured Lord Valentia and the Pro vincial Grand Lodge that it had given him and the brethren of the Por Chester Lodge great pleasure to receive them , and he hoped to bs honoured with another visit from the Provincial Grand Lodge in due course .

( Applause . ) The P . G . Officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and invested by the P . G . M . as follows : Bro . John Tomkins , Abbey Lodge ... ... Dap . P . G . M . ,, C . E . Keyser , Porchester Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . W . ,, C . Batting , Jersey Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . W . ,, E . Margrett , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ A . E . Preston , Abbey Lodge ..: ... Prov . G . M . O . „ W . R . Nicholas , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ G . H . Annetts , Alfred Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . O . „ Rev . A .. T . Morland , Abbey Lodge ... Prov . G . Chap . „ J . N . Day , Porchester Lodge ... ... Prov . G . R . of Mks . „ W . Ravenscroft , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Isaac Fowler , Porchester Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ VV . B . Biddies , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . D . ,, R . C . Davey , Jersey Lodge ... ... Prov . G . I . Wks . ,, F . A . Sargeant , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ W . A . C . Slay , Alfred Ldge ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . ,, E . R . Bourne , University Lodge ... ,.. Prov . G . S . B . „ C . H . Dodd , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ A . M . Shepherd , Abbey Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Org . ,, VV . C . Long , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . A . G . Sec ,, A . H . Bull , Leopold Lodge ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ R . C . Parr , University Lodge ... •••1 Prov G Stwds „ J . Moore , Jersey Lodge ... j Prov . U . btwds . „ W . Hemmings , Leopold Lodge ... " ¦( p mvrTTvlm „ G . Norwood , University Lodge ... j Prov . G . lylers .

The names of brethren willing to represent the Province at the next festival , in aid of the Mark Benevolent Fund , having been received , the concluding anthem , " Supreme Grand Master , God of Power , be with us in this solemn hour , " was sung , after which the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge was closed .

Through the liberality of the W . M ., Bro . Hill , light refreshments were served to . the brethren and their lady friends by Mr . John Staples , of Northbrook-street .

Shortly before three o ' clock the party , numbering nearly ioo , took their seats in several roomy brakes , and drove , via Pyle Hill , Greenham , and Crookham Commons , Brimpton , and Wasing , through the village of Aldermaston to Aldermaston Court , the stately seat of Bro . Keyser , overlooking the pretty valley of the Kennet , through a scene of fresh mown meads and

waving corn-fields , now rapidly assuming a golden hue under the influence of the powerful rays of the sun . The number of the visitors was materiall y increased by arrivals of brethren and ladies who had been unable to proceed via Newbury , and it is almost needless to mention that the whole received a most cordial greeting from Bro . and Mrs . Keyser .

The guests included , in addition to those already mentioned : Bros , the Rev . A . T . Murland , Rev . P . H . Ditchfield , J . W . Martin , F . J . Ferguson , W . Fenton , G . T . Phillips ( Mayor ot Wokingham ) , J . Stradling , E . Farrer , J . Kick , D . N . Heron , E . Turner , A . ] . Rowley , Stephen Knight , ] . Lege ; , Captain G . H . Morland , E . L . Shepherd , A . H . Simpson , W . G , Millar , W . J . T . Stapley , Theodore H . WhiteF . W . Ansell J JohncockJ . BlissD . WiltonR . Nicholson

, , . , , , , W . E . Beal , A . C . Hewitt , H . Arrowsmith , J . J . Simcox , C . E . Willing , W . Hickie , C . Slaughter , W . W . Ridley , E . W . Ridley , Rutland , T . Sawyer , Major Ricardo , T . S . Cambridge , j . Wright , C . M . Taphouse , Tunbridge , G . Boyer , H . G . M . Williams , Slevens , Butler , and others . Among the ladies were ;

Mrs . W . W . Ridley , Miss Ravenscroft , Mrs . Hill , Miss Cooper , Mrs . Dodd , Miss Symons , Miss Eeles , Mrs . Boyer , Mrs . Cosburn , Mrs . Hickie , Mrs . ] . Stradling , Mrs . Reed , Mrs . Bull , Mrs . and Miss Stapley , Mrs . Slaughter , Mrs . Fenton , Mrs . Bliss , Mrs . Johncock , Mrs . Simcox , Miss Butler , Mrs . Heron , Mrs , Phillips , Mrs . Tomkins , Mrs . Rowley , Miss Rowley , Mrs , Batting , Mrs . Ross , Mrs . Blowfield , Miss Hewitt , Mrs . Beal , Mrs . Biddies , Mrs . Sawyer , and others .

The weather was splendid , and one and all expressed their appreciation of the natural beauties of this well-wooded estate , the ancient oaks attracting special attention . Some of the visitors repaired to the lake and enjoyed a little boating , while others strolled about the park and grounds , which togelhrr with the mansion and its many art treasures were thrown open to inspection . Bo . Keyser conducted a numerous party to the Parish Church , which the squ ' re is restoring in a very perfect manner at his own cost . The

interesting fealutes of the sacred edifice were described , after which Bro . Keyser Kd the way through the shady yew tree walks and other attractive spots in the immediate neighbourhood of the house . Towards five o ' clock the whole party congregated on the south lawn and terrace , where they were photographed by Mr . Walton Adams , after which there was an adjournment to a spacious marquee , beneath which the visitors partook of a recherche banquet , on the kind invitation of Bro . Keyser , who presided .

Grace was sung by Bros . Percy Coward , Malcolm Boyle , Wilfrid Kearton , and Bertram Mills , cf St . George ' s Chapel , Windsor , who also contributed greatly to the pleasure of the company by their performances during the remainder of the afternoon , the accompa-iist being Bro . VV . B . Chapshaw , P . P . G . Org . Bucks . A formulated toast list was dispensed with , and , owing to the shortness of time , the speeches were curtailed .

Bro . KEYSER , in eloquent and befitting language , dwelt upon the blessings which had been enjoyed during the long rcgi of her Mij ^ sty , and proposed the tcast of "The Queen and Mirk Masonry , " which was drunk with enthusiasm , and the National Anthsm was sung . The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Health of the Grand Mark M ister , the Prince of Wales , and the rest of tlie Royal Family . '

Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Berks And Oxon.

Bro . MARTIN proposed , as a two-fold toast , "The Health of the Grand Mark Officers and that of the Prov . Grand Master , Viscount Valentia . " Whatever his lordship took in hand he did most thoroughly . As P . G . M . he discharged his duties most satisfactorily , and they all felt proud to be honoured with his presence on that occasion . ( Cheers . )

ViscountVAi . ENTiA , in responding , expressed his gratitude for the kind reception accorded to him . He regretted that his numerous engagements had prevented him visiting the various lodges in the province as often as he could have wished , and he assured them it was through no lack of interest that he had not been amongst them more frequently . If , however , he gave

thorn satisfaction , it would give him great pleasure to continue to hold the high office to which some years ago the Grand Master did him the honour of appointing him . His lordship proceeded to propose " The Health of the Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Tomkin > , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . "

Bro . TOMKINS having made a suitable response , Viscount VALENTIA proposed "The Health of the Host and Hostess , Bro . and Mrs . Keyser . " ( Cheers . ) His lordship observed that Bro . Keyser had not only shown himself to be an expert and indefatigable Mason by the excellent work he had done in that province , but he had also been most

kind and hospitable , and they all thoroughly appreciated the generous entertainment of that day , and the privilege of enjoying a visit to that beautiful spot . Bro . Keyser ' s lines had evidently fallen in pleasant places , and they all hoped that he and Mrs . Keyser and family would long be spared in health and happiness . ( Loud cheers . )

Bro . KEYSER , in reply , said that Mrs . Keyser and himself were only too delighted to receive and entertain their Masonic and lady friends , and they hoped the visitors had enjoyed their short stay at what he believed was one of the prettiest places in that part of England . He hoped they would all return home with pleasant recollections of their visit to Aldermaston . ( Cheers . )

The toast of " The Mark Benevolent Fund was then honoured , and a sum of upwards of £ S was collected at the tables for the same . " The Health of the W . M . and Brethren of the Porchester Lodge " was also drunk , thanks being tendered to them for their admirable arrangements for the reception of the P . G . Lodge .

The Tyler s toast was also given , after which the company rose . The repast was served in a manner which reflected much credit upon the butler and domestic staff of Aldermaston Court . After a short interval the brakes were drawn up in the courtyard , and the visitors took leave of the host and hostess , who were vociferously cheered .

Masonic Service At Kensington.

MASONIC SERVICE AT KENSINGTON .

Freemason Sunday at Kensington on Sunday , the nth inst ., was a success in every sense of the word . The weather was fine , the congregation was large , the sermon was an excellent one , and the collection for the Kensington Dispensary a good one ; in fact , Dame Fortune seemed to smile on the whole undertaking . The Most Worshipful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , had granted a dispensation to hold the service at St . Mary Abbot's Church ,

Kensington , and the publicity given to the meeting attracted both a large congregation at the church and a large assembly of sight seers . Brethren not only attended from the immediate neighbourhood , but the Provincial lodges were well represented , whilst the wide-spreading influence of Masonry was evident by representatives , not only from Australia and Nova Scotia , but from the wilds of South Africa and tropical India .

Nearly 600 members of the Craft assembled in the Council Chamber of the Kensington Town Hall , and having donned the various regalia , jewels , & c , of their offices , marched bare-headed to the church in the following order : Bros . James Stephens , Dep . Grand Director of Ceremonies ; G . Read , P . G . Std . Br ., Eng . ; W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas . Eng . ; and E . Warden Dennis , P . M ., M . E . Z . 2108 . Then came the full choir chanting the processional hymn " Through the night of doubt and sorrow ; " the churchwardens ; Bros , the Rev . Canon Somerset

Pennefather , P . M . 6 S 5 , Past Prov . Grand Chap , of Northumberland , Vicar of Kensington ; the Rev . H . V . Tyrrel , A . K . C . ; the Rev . C . Darby Reade , M . A . ; and the Rev . W . Smale , M . A . ; the Worshipful Master of the Kensington Lodge , Bro . A . J . Turner ; the Grand Officers ; Bros . C . J . Hatt , F . L . Chandler , E . Clare , S . W . Keenc , C . A . Walters , and R . H . Williams ; Prov . Grand Ollicers the Royal Arch Masons , Masters of lodges , Past Masters of lodges , Wardens , ollicers of lodges , Master Masons , and others .

After the brethren had taken the places allotted to them in the centre of the church , the usual evening service was intoned . The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . Canon PENNEFATIIEK , w ' . io , selecting for his texts Galatians chap . 6 , verses 5 and 2— " For every man shall bear his own burden " and ' Bear ye one another's bjrdens , and so fulfil the law of Christ "—remarked that there appeared to be some difference between the two

texts . They were told not only to bear their own burdens , but they must help bear one another ' s burdens . Although this appeared somewhat contradictory , yet it was perfectly true . Every one had his own burden , one which was particularly his own , and which no one else could bear for him . These were more particularly felt when friend sympathised with friend , and at tim ; s when they stole away from busy scenes , and were alone with God . Even when walking through the most

crowded thoroughfares they realised they were alone , bearing their own responsibilities . They might see a man or woman at dinner with a careworn look on their face ; the sign of sorrow could be read there . What was the meaning ? It was that the individual was realising his own individuality in Christ when the sorrows of life were pressing on them . The sorrows might have entered their home , and friends speak kindly and write letters of sympathy ; but still there was that aching

in the heart when they realised they were alone , comparatively sp ; aking , with God , and bearing their own burden . But they must remember that it was the burden God had made for them . It mi ght be with respect to the responsibilities of life . He hoped they realised the meaning of such responsibilities . Why had God sent them into the world and endowed them with such powers as they had ? Was it that they should live for their own interest ; simply to acquire wealth and

get on in the world as some had done so well ? If they did so they did not understand God had sent them not to live a selfish life , but to live for others , to spend their time in the Master ' s service . Did thsy reilise that the most bless ^ d diy s in life were those in which they carried out the will of the Father—doing good to others ? Did they understand the responsibility—that one day they would have to give an account of their work ? Every man bore his own burden when he realised his individuality . The memory of sin which fell on every one seemed to