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read for many years past . He was therefore somewhat familiar with English Freemasonry . He had travelled in the far East—the place of light , but he could assure them it was a very dark place now ; he had been up the Nile , nearly into the Mahdi ' s land , to Syria and bathed in the Red Sea , and from there through Athens , Constantinople , and Paris to London . Everywhere he bad met with the most cordial , fraternal , and brotherly greeting . He had learnt to appreciate

Freemasonry as the I ' reemason who remains at home never could appreciate it , because he knew not the warm-hearted , generous , brotherly love which existed everywhere among all true Freemasons . In the city of Philadelphia , where he resided , if a man desired to travel 300 miles west , which took him across the Alleghany Mountains , he would ascertain who had friends there and secure letters of introduction . Those letters were necessary in their boyhood days ,

for I < reemasonry was under a cloud then . Now all was changed , not only in the United States , but in Great Britain and all over the civilised world , and he who bears the impress of a gentleman and a man upon his countenance , if he was true to himself and his manhood , and was a Freemason in truth and spirit , could pass into the best society in the Universe . He was discovered in London , he knew not how , by Bro

Langley , and he presumed he belonged to tnat brother by reason of original discovery . Bros . Hughan and Speth had been very kind to him , and Bro . Murray Lyon from Scotland had given him notice of his intention to take him to Stirling . It was true he had worked with tbe Craft and for it to the best of his ability for more than 30 years . He had been honoured with all the grades of Freemasonry including the Royal Order of Scotland and the Knghtsof Constantine ,

but there was no honour in Freemasonry equal to that of a VV . M . The VV . M . was the most honourable position in the ancient Order save that of the Grand Master . He had the honour of being Grand Master for several years of a little jurisdiction only second to Great Britain , numbering over 45 , 000 true Freemasons—the Grand Lodge of Illinois . He wished to make his acknowledgments for the distinguished honour conferred by making him an honorary

member , and he desired to do so from the bottom of his heart . He came close enough to be a member , having been born in Carlisle , all his family having served in the Army or Navy . He should be happy to furnish this lodge with some of the proceedings of his own Grand Lodge , and also to present it with the bronze semi-centennial medal of that body . Propositions having been received , the lodge was closed ,

and the brethren adjourned to the Victoria Hall , where an excellent banquet was well served . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards heartily honoured . Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , G . Reg ., replying for " Thc Grand Officers , " said they could point in that body to some of the noblest , some of the most honoured men , who felt that the cause of common humanity and universal

brotherhood was an attraction for them , and that in serving Masonry they were promoting that which was congenial to their better feelings . With regard to the rest of the Grand Officers , he was satisfied all present would agree that the ship had not been badly managed , considering her course had been prosperous . Since the accession of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales to the throne of the Order , the Craft had been prospering , and he trusted would prosper , and they

might be well assured that not only had the M . W . Grand Master been well advised by the body of brethren he had called around him , but that the tone Masonry took , and was taking , was an earnest of the position it was destined in the future to occupy . Long might that continue , and might that progress be a guerdon of future attainments . One of the most encouraging signs of the times was lodges like this which bound the biethren together over the great

Atlantic , and it was a most hopeful sign that the universality of the brotherhood was being recognised . In times past the narrow idea of nationality was supposed to stop all sympathy , but they felt now in Masonry that those creeds were not consistent with the great traditions of the Craft , and that in uniting two of the great English-speaking nations in one happy band under the mystic tie , the Anglo-American Lodge was setting , and the Grand Officers were

delighted to think it was so , an example not merely in theory , but in the practice of their Masonic principles . Bro Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C , also briefly replied . Thc Worshipful Master then proposed "The Sister Grand Lodges of the United States and Dominion of Canada , " and said that considering the lodge was formed to be a bond of brotherhood between English and American Masons , that toast was always introduced . They were

honoured with the presence of Bro . General Smyth , whose name he would couple to reply . Bro . General J . C . Smyth , P . G . M . Illinois , in response , said that a distinguished American Statesman once in attempting to describe the grandeur , magnificence , and power of Great Britain , said that the English drum-beat accompanied the sun round the globe . English lodges were in all quarters , and English Freemasonry preceded

civilisation round the globe . Their ancient Cralt was one of the most powerful agents cf civilisation of the present age . He was happy indeed to be with them and say that a Fieeinason—a true and worthy Freemason—was his brother , no matter from what clime he came or what creed he belonged to . As a Past Grand Master of Illinois , the gr . at empire state , with its unbounded agricultural and mineral resources , unequalled by any piece of land of equal

areahe gave them thc hearty greetings of 50 , 1 x 10 Masons , and on behalf of the 4 S Grand Lodges of tbe United States and Canada , be gave liatemal greetings , and wished them Godspeed in their labours of humanity . Bro . J . J . Woolley , I . P . M ., next gave "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He said the Worshipful Master was well recommended , fiom the simple fact that during the time he had been with them they knew his working ,

and he would make as brilliant a Master as any they had had . I le hoped every member would support Bro . Hancock , VV . M ., and make his year a successful one . Bro . Walter Hancock , VV . M ., thanked the I . P . M . for the short but pungent way in which he had proposed the toast . As mest of the brethren knew , from the time he entered the lodge he had taken the most thorough warm

interest in it , not onl y as an English lodge , but for the noble purposes for which it was started . lie could only thank them most cordially for the kind reception given the toast , and assure them that he would strive to the utmost of his strength and ability to perform the duties of W . M . with the same fidelity and zeal that they had been performed by the I . P . M . and his highly esteemed friend , Bro . Kedge .

Craft Masonry.

"The Initiate" was next honoured , after which the Worshipful Master gave " The I . P . M . and Past Masters . " He said Bro . Woolley , I . P . M ., had thrown life into the Iodge during his year and had performed the ceremonies well . No brother had felt more interest or devoted more zeal or had done his work more perfectly than Bro . Kedge , who retired from the office of VV . M . with the cordial good wishes of all

the brethren . He could only regret that Bro . Brackston ' e Baker , P . M ., was unable to attend , for he was the father of the lodge . Bro . J . J . Woolley , I . P . M ., said that with respect to the duties he had performed , including the installation ceremony , he had simply done his duty , and having done it to their satisfaction he was amply repaid . The handsome

jewel given him would be prized as long as he remained in the lodue , and he hoped it would be his pleasure to do everything he could to enhance the honour of that lodge . Bra . F . Kedge , P . M ., said that from the earliest foundation of that lodge his energies had been directed to its service . He had endeavoured to do his duty in the several offices to which he had been appointed , and the reception

given him on leaving the chair was a testimony of the satisfaction of the members . Their lodge had entertained a vast number of distinguished Americans , and on the present occasion they had been favoured from the other side . He had been appointed to represent the Iodge at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and it was his ambition to take up one of the largest lists , if

not the largest . He was . happy to say he should take up over £ 145 , but he wished to increase that total to over £ ' 5 ° . Bros . S . Cochrane , P . M . 3 ; Stimpson , and McDiarmid responded for "The Visitors , " after which The VV . M . proposed " The Treasurer and Secretary and Officers , " and said that in Bro . Cummings , Treasurer , they had an American brother who had devoted his best energy

to the advancement of the Iodge . It was well known to the members that the founding of the lodge , its working , and the success to which it had attained was greatly due to the hard work of Bro . George Reynolds , Secretary . No lodge had a more hard-workingorzealous Secretary , for Bro . Reynolds bad been fired with the importance and object with which it was founded . There was one object present in the minds

of many , and that was the desire to see Bro . Reynolds occupy the chair . Bro . George Reynolds , P . M ., Sec , regretted that Bro . Gumming had been obliged to leave on account of ill-health , but their Treasurer reported a very favourable position financially . They had to thank the I . P . M . for the firm manner in which he had conducted the affairs during the

past year . He thanked the VV . M . from the bottom of his heart for the way in which he had spoken of him as Secretary , and in the coming year he should endeavour to perform those duties with the same sincerity he had done under previous Masters . That night they had another seal placed on the Anglo-American Lodge , and they had added another Grand Officer of the United States on their

roll , which meant that the lodge was performing its duty in cementing that good fellowship which had existed between the two great nations . He looked upon that lodge as his child , and the feeling of goodfellowship was cemented when Bro . Skinner and he visited America . It gave them great pleasure to take to Bro . Shryock the honorary membership of the lodge , in return for which that

distinguished brother sent a loving cup . The lodge was doing the good work for which it was started , having entertained 1200 visitors , and there was no lodge that had equalled that number in the same space of time . As for his duties , he should endeavour to carry them out in the same way as

before . He had worked very hard , and if he was only spared with health and strength , if it was possible to work harder he would do so . The Tyler's toast then closed the proceedings , during which Bro . Herbert Schartau ' s Part Singers rendered some quartets and part songs in a very excellent manner . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Hendon Lodge ( No . 220 G ) . —The election meeting of this highly successful lodge was held at the Welsh Harp , Hendon , on Saturday , the I ith inst ., when there were present Bros . A . A . Nottingham , VV . M . ; Lewis , I . P . M . ; A . Scurrah , S . W . ; W . Langley , J . VV . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . M ., Sec . ; A . J . Hearne , S . D . ; VV . M . Parsons , J . D . ; VV . Powell , D . C . ; A . M . Parsons , l . G . ; F . W .

Hearn , Org . ; J . Hudson , Steward ; R . Whittinp , P . M ., Tyler ; C Johnson , J . Mason , Joseph Mason , T . Ling , G . H . Stansell , H . C Parsons , Jabez Mason , G . Adam , J . H , Gunn , T . Dobbs , and J . Bucknell . The visitors were Bros , C . II . Stone , S . W . 507 ; F . J . Lackman , J . D . 7 S 0 ; , VV , Brett , 1305 ; R . Andrews , 35 ; and Geo . Griffiths , J . W . 1310 .

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . H . C . Parsons and T . Ling were passed to the Degree of F . C . in a highly creditable manner by the VV . M . 'The ballot was taken ior Mr . J . Bucknell , which proving unanimous in his favour , he was afterwards initiated very commendably by the W . M . A ballot was next taken for the W . M . for the ensuing year ,

which proved unanimous in favour of Bro . A . Scurrah , S . VV ., the Worshipful Master highly congratulating him on thc result , which the S . VV . most suitably acknowledged . Bro . Stiles , P . M ., was unanimously re-elected Treasurer . Three propositions for initiation , all residents in Hendon , were tendered , which speaks most hifihly for the success of the lodge . It was proposed by Bro . Lewis , I . P . M ., and seconded

by Bro . Scurrah , P . M . and Sec , that a Past Master ' s jewel be voted to the VV . M ., Bro . A . A . Nottingham , for thc excellent service he had rendered the lodge and the able manner in which he had performed his duties in the chair . The W . M . most cordially accepted the kind sentiments expressed . A telegram was read from Bro . Stiles , P . M ., regretting his first absence from the lodge through

illness . It was resolved that a letter be sent him wishing him speedy restoration to health . Bros . H . C . Parsons , T . Ling , and G . Adam were appointed the Audit Committee T he business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to a capital repast supplied by the proprietor . Supper ended , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were ably given by the W . M . and as loyally received .

That of "The Pro G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was duly honoured . In proposing the next toast , Bro . Lewis , I . P . M ., remarked il was that ot "The VV . M ., " which he was very proud to give , for it was a very pleasant duty indeed , and one which he for the last time would have the privilege of proposing . He would state that the W . M . had had a most

Craft Masonry.

successful year of office , had brought in good and true men to the lodge , and in every respect had acquitted himself worthily , and when in a very short time he took his seat among the Past Masters it would be with honour . The VV . M ., in reply , thanked all most cordially for the manner in which the toast had been given and received . He had endeavoured to do his best , and felt that he was just beginning to realise his position and getting used to the

duties . However , he could assure the brethren as in the past so he would do all he possibly could to ensure the success of the lodge . The VV . M . next gave the toast of "The Initiate" in very appropriate terms , feeling confident he would prove one of the most worthy m the lodge . In reply , Bro . Bucknell thanked tbe brethren most heartily for such a cordial greeting , remarking that he was

proud to become associated with such a body of brethren and their W . M ., whom for years he had known as an upright , straightforward man , and he would endeavour to follow in the same manner , and carry out all he had heard that evening to the very best of his ability . The toast of " The W . M . elect" was given most ably , and responded to in the same appreciative terms . "The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " the

W . M . remarked , was one deserving of the greatest thanks of all the brethren , for they did splendid service . Bros . Lewis and Scurrah suitably replied , and acknowledged the compliment paid them , and offered their assistance at all times to further the interest of the lodge . The toast of " The Visitors " received , at the hands of the W . M . and brethren , a most cordial greeting , and was appropriately responded to by Bros . Larkman and Griffiths .

That of "The Officers" was given by the W . M . in terms of strong commendation , who said he was grateful to them for their services rendered so ably . This was replied to most suitably by all . The Tyler ' s toast closed a most happy meeting . The following brethren added greatly to the harmony : Bros . F . W . Hearn , Org ., Dobbs , Hearne , S . D ., Griffiths , Jabez Mason , and H . C Parsons .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BURSLEM . St . Martin ' s Lodge ( No . 9 8 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this ancient lodge was held at the Municipal Buildings on Thursday , the 16 th inst ., when Bro . John Mason , VV . M ., was supported by the following : Bros . VV . Garner , I . P . M . ; J . Scarratt , S . W . ; E . Pearson , P . M .,

acting J . W . ; R . Dain , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , Treas . ; T . K . Pedlcy , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; J . Beech , S . D . ; R . Wilkinson , J . D . ; R . Owen , I . G . ; F . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., D . C ; J . B . Davis , Org . ; H . VV . Critchlow , Stwd . ; J . Boardman , Tyler ; and others . Visitors : Bros . Strange , VV . M . 1942 ; Bradford , I . P . M . 2149 ; Finney , 20 G 4 ; and Macauley , 1994 .

The lodge being opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Bros . Kelsall and Pointon were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by the W . M . After " Hearty good wishes" from the visitors , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Bro . J . Whittaker ' s , Black Lion Hotel , for refreshment . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been duly

honoured , Bro . Pediey , P . P . G . S . of Wks ., Sec , proposed the toast of " The Newly-raised Candidates . " Bros . Pointon and Kelsall suitably responded . The toast of " The Visiting Brethren " was proposed by Bro . E . Pearson , P . M ., who , on behalf of the lodge , gave the visitors a very hearty welcome .

Bros . Strange , VV . M . 1942 ; Bradford , I . P . M . 2149 ; Finney , 20 G 4 ; and Macauley , 1994 , responded , and complimented the jnnior officers on the excellent manner they did their work . They also expressed the pleasure it had afforded them to visit the lodge . Bro . Pediey , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Wks ., proposed " The W . M . " in felicitous terms .

Bro . John Mason , VV . M ., suitably responded . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most enjoyable and happy evening . Bros . J . B . Davis , Emery , Critchlow , and Macauley contributed songs and recitations , which added much to the harmony of the meeting .

CHESHUNT . Gresham Lodge ( No . 869 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Cheshunt Great House , Cheshunt Park , on Saturday , the nth inst ., under the able presidency of Bro . William T . Grant , VV . M . Thelodge was attended by a goodly number of brethren and visitors , including Bros . Chas . E . Keyser , J . G . D . ; Chas . Bullock ,

Prov . G . Ssc ; John Larkin , P . M ., & c . The lodge having been opened , the W . M ., b y special request , vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Chas . A . Gompertz , P . M .. P . P . G . Std . Br ., to whom were presented Dr . A . IC . A . Lathbury and Mr . C A . Reeve for the benefit of initiation , the ceremony being performed in a most able manner . The VV . M . then resumed the chair and passed

Bro . W . B . D'Almeida to the Fellow Craft Degree . At the conclusion of this ceremony the VV . M . proceeded to install the S . W ., Bro . Banker , W . M . elect , in the chair of K . S ., Bro . Chas . A . Gompertz acting as D . of C The admirable way in which this ceremony was performed deserves great praise , each officer performing the work without a hitch . The VV . M . afterwards proceeded to invest his officers as

follows : Bros . VV . H . Dunn , S . W . ; G . S . Elliott , J . VV . ; F . D . Rees Copestick , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ( for the 19 th time ); W . E . Gompertz , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Sec . ( for the 22 nd time ); C . E . Everett , S . D . ; A . D . Mann , J . D . ; F . A . Taylor , I . G . ; VV . li . Dixon , P . M ., D . C . ; Apeltand Rees , Stwds . ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler . The lodge having been closedthe brethren sat down to a

, good substantial dinner , provided on the premises , under the direction of the Curator , Bro . B . Mitchell . It is worthy of remark that the members cater for themselves , and by the aid of a Committee are enabled to entertain their visitors in a manner that does not disgrace the old baronial banqueting hull in which they dine . well those

The usual loyal toasts were well received as as more particularly pertaining to the Province of Her '' . ? . shire , that of "The Provincial Grand Master , Bro . !• ' '• Halsey , M . P ., " being received with enthusiasm . . Bro . Bullock responded for "The Provincial Granu Officers , Present and Past , " in an interesting and eloquent speech , and finished by congratulating the members upu