Original Correspondence.

No . i Question . —Is there anything in the Constitutions , or usages of the Craft to prevent the loelge from adding these words to the Bye-law . No 2 Question . —Can a loelge make a Bye-law whereby all the voting can be done in the Third Degree . By giving a reply to the above questions , you will greatly oblige a b M . M . iti .

[ In our humble opinion , both Bye-laws , the actual and proposed one , are illegal . I . —There is no law possible by which a brother can be compelled to vote . 2 . —The restrictions to Master Masons is entirely illegal , as the election of W . M . for instance , takes place in the First Degree , and Entered Apprentices , and Fellow Crafts have as " much right to vote as Master Masons . 3 . —We feel sure that on appeal to the Board of General Purposes , the law would be found to be as wc have stated it . ]

Consecration Of The St. George's Lodge, No. 1723.

CONSECRATION OF THE ST . GEORGE'S LODGE , No . 1723 .

For some time past a desire has been expressed for the establishment of a new lodge at Bolton , and a petition was recently forwarded to the authorities of Grand Lodge , duly recommcneled by the R . W . Prov . Grand Master of East Lancashire ( Col . Le Genelre N . Starkie ) , praying

H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , to grant a warrant for a new lodge , to be named after the patron saint of England , and nominating Bro . George Parker Brockbank , P . Prov . S . G . Deacon , as the first W . M . ; Bro . Thomas Entvvisle , P . Prov . G . S . of W ., as Senior Warden ; and Bro . J . W . Taylor , P . Prov . G . Org ., as Junior Warden . The M . W . Grand Master was graciously

pleased to grant the prayer of the petition , and , accordingly , a warrant bearing His Royal Highness ' s signature has been issued , numbeied 1723 . It may be here remarked that Bolton previously possessed four Masonic lodges , namely , the Anchor and Hope , No . 37 , warranted in 1731 ; the Antiquity , No . 144 , warranted in 1776 ; the St . John ' s , No . 221 , warranted in

1797 ; and the St . John , No . 348 , warranted in 1815 . From this it will be seen that the youngest of these lodges is sixty-two years of age , and as Bolton is now a town of 100 , 000 inhabitants , it was naturally felt that there was quite room for the establishment of a new lodge without injuriously affecting any of the existing lodges . The consecration of the new lodge was appointed by

the R . W . Prov . Giand Master to take place on Thursday , November 15 th , and the brethren of the Anchor and Hope Lodge , No . 37 , havipg kindly granted permission , the ceremony was performed in their beautiful lodge room , at the Church Institute , which , in addition to the ordinary banners adorning its walls , was further decorated by a splendid silk banner belonging to the new lo . lge , also

the banner of the St . John ' s Lodge , No . 221 , and a number of the private banners of the promoters of the new lodge . A large muster of the brethren testified to the interest taken in the proceedings , amongst those present being Bros . Col . de Gendrc N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . Master ; George Mellor , W . Dep . Prov . Grand Master ; E .

Ashworth , Prov . S . G . Warden ; Albert Dickens , Prov . J . G . Warden ; J . L . Hine , P . Prov . S . G . Warden ; R . H . Hutchinson , P . Prov . S . G . Wanlen ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshavv , Prov . G . Chaplain ; Rev . E . H . Aldridge , Prov . G . Chaplain ; James Hall , Prov . G . Treasurer ; John Tunnah , Prov . G . Secretary -, John Smith , Prov . S . G . Deacon ; Franklin Thomas , Prov . J . G . Deacon ; G . P . Brockbank

P . Prov * . S . G . Deacon ; Eelmund Hartley , Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; Thos . Entvvisle , P . Piov . G . Supt . of Works * , J . H . Sillitoe , Pfov . G . Dir . of Ceremonies ; Robt . Whittaker , P . Prov . G , Dir . of Ceremonies ; J . W . Taylor , P . Prov . G . Organist ; H . Greenwood , Prov . G . Pursuivant ; Thos . Mitchell , Prov . G . Tyler ; C . Fitzgerald Matier , P . G . W . of Greece ; R . K . Freeman , W . M . 37 ; James

Newton , P . M . 37 ; James Walker , P . M . 37 ; Rev . J . H . Gibbon , Chap . 37 ; Richel . Hough , W . M . 146 ; Robt . Horridge , J . W . 146 ; Thos . Morris , P . M . 221 ; Geo . Ferguson , P . M . 221 ; Wm . Hewitt , P . M . 221 ; W . H . J . Jones , P . M . 221 •, j . M . Rutter , P . M . 221 ; Chas . Stanley , W . M . 221 ; Jas . Richardson , S . W . 221 ; J . H . Greenhalgh , J . W . 221 ; Thos . Higson , P . M . 348 ; Thos . Chambers ,

P . M . 348 ; Jas . Horrocks , P . M . 348 ; John Harwood , P . M . 348 ; Saml . Barrett , P . M . 348 ; and others . The ceremony of consecration was effectively performed by the R . W . Prov . G . Master , the Chaplain ' s part being impressively rendered by Bro . the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , Prov . G . . Chaplain . The brethren selected to bear the elements of consecration were Bros . Jas . Hall , Prov . G .

Treas . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . W . Greece ; and the Rev . E . H , Aldridge , Prov . G . Chaplain . An efficient glee party , consisting of Bros . Lister , Bailey , Kershaw , and Prestwich , contributed the musical portion of the ceremony , accompanied on the organ by Bro . Peter Staton . The lodge having been constituted and dedicated , Bro . G . P . Brockbank , P . M ., P . Prov . S . G . Deacon , was

installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . J . Sillitoe , Prov . G . Director of Ceremonies , who also invested the officers , viz .: —Bros . Thos . Entvvisle , P . M ., P . Prov . G . Supt . of Works , S . W . ; J . W . Taylor , P . M . P . Prov . G . Organist , J . W . ; George Ferguson , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . M . Rutter , P . M ., Secretary ; Thos . Morris , P . M ., S . D . ; W . H . J . Jones , P . M ., 7 . D . ; Charles Stanley , W . M . 221 , I . G . ; J . W . Roiley , Tyler .

The lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned to the Conservative Club , where the banquet was served , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and heartily responded to . The whole of the proceedings , both in the lodge and at the banquet , passed off in the most satisfactory manner , and reflected the highest credit on those concerned in the arrangements .

Dedication Of A Masonic Hall At Galashiels, N.B.

DEDICATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT GALASHIELS , N . B .

On Friday , the 16 th inst ., at Galashiels , a notable addition was made to the many Masonic balls which are springing up all over Scotland . The object of these structures is a most laudable one , that of separating the meetings of the Craft from the deleterious influences of

taverns , and we wish our Scotch brethren God speed in their praiseworthy endeavours . St . John ' s Lodge , No . 262 , was founded in 1816 , and is a flourishing body , having also a Royal Arch Chapter , in full working order , in connection therewith , Flowers of the Forest , No . 128 . The building under notice comprises a large hall , suitable for public meetings , as also lodge purposes , ante-rooms , a

cottage for the custodian , three or four other cottages , and a handsome shop , the cost of which is about £ 3000 , furnished by the brethren of Galashiels in the shape of a joint stock company . The corner stone of the structure was laid with Masonic honours in May last , by Bro . Henry Inglis , of Torsonce , R . W . Depute Grand Master of Scotland , and Provincial Grand Master of Peebles and

Selkirkshire . Bro . Inglis on Friday last delegated the important duty of dedication to Bro . Dr . Middlet -n , Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Peebles and Selkirk , and the proceedings opened at four o ' clock in the afternoon , when upwards of seventy members and visitors were present . Besides the acting Provincial Grand Master there were present Bros . D . Murray Lyon , Grand Secretary of Scotland ; W .

M . Bryce , Grand Tyler ; J . Donaldson , Lodge 24 , Peebles Kilwinning , as P . G . b . W . ; R . Scott , Lodge 32 , St . John's , Selkirk , as P . G . J . W . ; R . Sanderson , Lodge 216 , St . John's , Stow , P . G . Sec . ; J . F . Walker , Lodge 216 , P . G . Treas . ; Rev . J . Murray , Lodge 24 , P . G . Chap . ; R . Scott , Lodge 262 , St . John ' s , Galashiels ; R . Melrose , Loelge 262 , P . G . Tyler . There were deputations present from Lodges No .

2 , Canongate Kilwinning , Edinburgh ; No . 8 , Journeyman , Edinburgh ; No . 24 , Peebles Kilwinning ; No . 32 , St . John ' s , Selkirk ; No . 111 , St . John ' s , Hawick ; No . 216 , St . John's , Stow ; No . 261 , Tweed , Kelso ; and No . 392 , Caledonian , Edinburgh . Bro . Adam Thompson , R . W . M . of No . 262 , St . John's , Galashiels , was also supported by a strong muster of Galashiels brethren .

The R . W . acting Provincial Grand Master having opened the Provincial Grand Lodge in the Three Craft Degrees , the ceremony of cedication was proceeeled with , antl throughout was performed in the most impressive manner by the Provincial officers meniioneel . Bro . Bryce , the Grand Tyler , acted as Director of Ceremonies , anel the incidental pravers were delivered by Bro . Rev . J . Murray ,

P . G . Chaplain , whilst the music was under the direction of Bro . Robert Hogg . After the closing anthem had been sung , Bro . Adam Thomson conveyed the warm thanks of the brethren of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 262 , to the R . W . P . G . Master in the chair for his kindness in performing the ceremony of deelication , and he invited the members of the P . G . Lodge to be their guests for the

evening . Bro . Dr . Middleton expressed the pleasure it had afforded him and the members of the P . G . Loelge to be present on so auspicious an occasion , and he had the greatest pleasure in accepting the invitation . Bro . Adam Thomson , R . W . M . of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 262 , presided at the banquet , which was provided in the new hall .

The Chairman having given " The Holy Lodge of St John , " which was drunk in silence , " The Health of Her Majesty , " followed by that of "The Prince of Wales , our Royal Patron , " and " The Princess of Wales , with the other Members of the Royal Family , " were drunk with all the honours . After "The Army , Navy , and the Volunteers , " which { was responded to by Bro . Boyce ,

R . W . M . Lodge 392 , Caledonian , the Chairman , in the most fraternal terms , proposed "The Grand Lodges of England , Ireland , and Scotland , and their respective Grand Masters , " coupling the Grand Lodge of England with the name of Bro . T . Lamonby , P . M . 1002 ( Freemason ) , Cockermouth , P . G . Reg . Cumberland and Westmoreland , who replied . The Chairman next proposed " The R . W ,

P . G . Master of Selkirk and Peebles , Bro . Henry Inglis , of Torsonce , " which was drunk with " three times three . " Bro . Dr . Middleton , in responding for Bro . Inglis , apologised for the unavoidable absence of the R . W . P . G . Master , through a combination of circumstances . He ( Dr . Midelleton ) knew it woulel have given him the greatest pleasure to be present , anil thereby inaugurate and

complete the work he begun in May last . He trusteel that the interesting ceremony of that day would act as an incentive to every other lodge in the province . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman gave " The Visiting Lodges , " which was replied to by Bros . Drcchsel , R . . W . M . . Canongate Kilwinning , 2 ; Davidson , R . W . M ., Journeyman Lodge , 8 ; Donaldson , Loelge 24 ; R . Scott , Lodge 32 ; Wilson , Lodge in ,

Hawick ; Walker , Lodge 216 , Stow ; W . F . Vernon , R . W . M ., Lodge 261 , Kelso , ( who said that the Kelso brethren were setting themselves about building a hall , whilst he added a few deprecatory remaiks and hints anent against the stumbling block of holding their meetings in public-houses ); and Bro . Bryce , R . W . M . Caledonian Lodge , 392 .

The Chairman then rose to propose "The Health of Bro . D . Murray Lyon , the Grand Secretary of Scotland . " ( Cheers . ) He said no man in Scotlantl had done more for Masonry , knew more about it , or understood its failings better than Bro . Lyon . ( Hear , hear . ) They must not think he ( theChairman ) was flattering their worthy brother

because he was one of his opponents on the occasion of his election as Grand Secretary . ( Laughter . ) But from what he had seen of Bro . Lyon ' s great energy and abilities , he felt himself in duty bound to give him all the support he could . ( Cheers . ) He had found Bro . Lyon to be a thorough business man , and such a man was what they wanted in the Grand Lodge of Scotland .

Dedication Of A Masonic Hall At Galashiels, N.B.

( Hear , hear ) . He was now confident they would go on prospering , and the result would be that in a few years they would have a few thousands to devote to Masonic charity , which in Scotland had been too long neglected . ( Hear , hear . ) In conclusion , he considered Bro . Lyon the right man in the right place * , and he sincerely trusted that every lodge would assist him to the utmost of their

al ility in the great object he had m view . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Lyon , on rising to respond , was received with loud cheers . He said he had great pleasure in being present on so interesting an occasion . He was fully aware of the deep responsibilities attached to the high office he held in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and he trusted that they would accept the assurance from him that if he failed it

was not for want of energy and willingness . If he ob . tained the assistance of every lodge in Scotland , there could be no possible doubt of Masonry becoming what it should be ; and already he saw evidences of a considerable improvement in their prospects , so much so , that the day was not far distant when they could boast of . 1 considerable amount of money to devote to the widows and orphans

of their Order , as also to the relief of their aged and infirm brethren . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Dr . Middleton next gave " St . John's Lodge , No . 262 , Galashiels , " and in doing so referred to the interesting fact that in 1816 the lodge received its charter from Bro . Inglis , who was Deputy Grand Master of Scotland , whilst sixty years later Bro . Inglis's son laid the

foundation of the handsome building in which they were then assembled . ( Cheers ) That was something to be proud of . He remarked that to Bro . Adam Thomson , the R . W . M . of 262 , was due the fact of the lodge being placed in the happy possession of a settled home . He hoped the brethren of the loelge would long continue to meet on the level and act on the square in that building ;

and he wished continued prosperity to St . John ' s Lodge . The Chairman , in reply , reviewed the circumstances under which the new hall came into existence , and was hopeful that in ten or a dozen years they would be free of their liabilities , and then they would have something to spare for their poor brethren . ( Cheers . ) The remainder of the toasts were " The Health of Bro . W . Turnbull , one of the founders of St . John ' s Loelge in

1816 ; " "The Ladies , " and " Freemasonry all over the World . " The Chairman having given " Happy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to meet again , " the company joined in singing " Auld Lang Syne . " In the intervals several songs were contributed by the brethren present , and the proceedings , which throughout were highly successful , and excellently arranged , were brought to a conclusion with a ball .

Reminiscences Of St. John's Lodge, No. 58, Kelso, N.B.

REMINISCENCES OF ST . JOHN'S LODGE , No . 58 , KELSO , N . B .

So frequently have the columns of the Freemason been devoted to antiquarian research in connection with our dear old Craft , that your correspondent ( an English Mason ) may be pardoned for presuming to inflict on your many readers what he conceives to be subject matter of the

most interesting character . During my professional perigrinations through the " land of brown heath and shaggy wood , " I always make a point of attending lodge , chapter , or conclave , whichever may happen to be working , in a town where I take up my quarters for the evening . Well , then , 011 Wednesday , the 7 th of November just past , after dinner , and when I had cast away all thoughts

of work , after a hard day , I pulleel out my indispensable " Cosmopolitan Calendar , " and , on turning to Kelso , where , bye-the-bye , I was quartered , I found that Tweed Lodge , No . 261 , held their monthly meeting that very evening . Calling on an acquaintance and brother , he kindly offered to introduce me to his lodge , but prevtously , I should mention , conducted me to the R . W . M ., Bro . W . F .

Vernon , a fiater whom , I am happy to say , I was ypeedily at home with . Before proceeding to the Cross Keys Hotel , where Tweed Lodge holds its meetings , Bro . Vernon in the kindest manner gave me some valuable particulars in connection with Freemasonry in Scotland , as it existed a hundred and seventy years ago , that I was not slow to avail myself of , . for 1 must confess to being a sort of

Jonathan Oldbuck in matters Masonic . It seems that Tweed Lodge , No . 261 , is not the only lodge in Kelso , holding a charter . Many years ago there existed a St . John ' s Lodge , numbering 5 8 on the registry of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and which also flour / shed in that border town somewhere about half a century before the formation of a Grand

Lodge in Scotland St . John ' s Lodge was founded in the year 1701 , but I must first explain the how interesting particulars I am about to relate came to the knowledge of the Kelso brethren of the present day . Some few years ago , it became known to the brethren of Tweed Lodge , tbe charter of which latter , I should say , dates from 1816 , that the clothing , jewels , charter , & c ., of the old St . John ' s

Lodge were in the possession of the widow of a former R . W . M ., and who held the property in lien for a debt . The old lady , who had had the chest and its contents foity years , very willingly patted with the interesting relics for a five pound note , and the whole are now in the careful possession of my new friend , Bro . Vernon , who , on the evening mentioned , was kind and courteous enough to allow me an inspection of them . The minute book I

went hurriedly through , and can only give the first entry , which is dated Kelso , December , 27 , 17 CI . Here is the first minute , recording the formation of the lodge , and the election of its officers : — "The whilk day the companie of Masons of the honourable Lodg of Kelso , under the protection of Saint John , having met there and considered all former sedeents , ana that the Master and Wardin and Treasurers with the ofiscrs , were only to continou to this day , ( Dec . 27 , 1701 ) .