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Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 2 Article INSTRUCTION. Page 1 of 1 Article Mark Masonry. Page 1 of 1 Article Ancient and Accepted Rite. Page 1 of 1 Article Canada. Page 1 of 2 →
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Holdsworth , I . G . ; F . M . Bilby , W . S . ; T . Brewster , W . S . ; Page , Tyler ; Bennett , VV . O . Bull , Byerlee , Diamond , Eversfield , Fuller , Goodale , Hillier , Milam , Newman , Osman , Peacock , and others . Visitors : Bros . Rev . CH . Roberts , 453 , P . G . Chap . Essex ; J . Black , P . M . 70 G ; E . Holt , 754 ; Jones , P . M . 174 ; Parsons , 1237 ; Bryant , W . M . 1237 ; and others .
The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the installation ceremony was proceeded with , and Bro . John Robinson , the W . M . elect , was duly placed in the chair of K . S . by his predecessor , Bro . John Noyes , in excellent style . Having been saluted in the usual manner , the W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . John Noyes . I . P . M . ; VV . A . Rogers , S . W .:
VV . Lewis , J . W . ; E . West , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Reilly , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . A . Sproat , S . D . ; G . Holdsworth , J . D . ; j . Fisher , P . M ., D . C . ; F . M . Bilby , l . G . ; T . Brewster and H . C . Osmon , Stwds . ; and Page , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . John Noyes , I . P . M ., in token of the esteem and respect in which he is held by the brethren , and a vote of thanks was unanimously
passed to him for the able manner in which he had performed the installation of the W . M . Bro . Noyes returned thanks in suitable terms . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , Little Britain , London . The lodge was then closed and the brethren retired to banquet , after which the usual toasts were honoured . The W . M . in responding to the toast of his health said
he was very proud of the high honour of being placed in the Master's chair , and would use his utmost endeavours to carry out his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . Bro . the Rev . C . H . Roberts responded for " The Visitors " in an eloquent speech . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very pleasant evening , in the course of which some very excellent harmony was rendered .
YORK . — Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 13 th inst . Bro . M . Millington , VV . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . J . Blenkin , S . W . ; G . Balmford , P . M ., as J . W . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . M . ; and a full attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst whom were Bro . Mills , S . W . 2 , S . C . Thebusiness
consisted of an initiation and a passing , after whicli Bro . Whytehead presented to the lodge on behalf of Bro . Buckle , P . M . 236 , a set of that brother's etchings of the Manor House , York , very artistically grouped in two mounts ; also from Bro . Evans a copy of his history of Relief Lodge , No . 42 . The W . M . presented to the lodge a seal for official use , bearing the arms of the lodge
encircled with a band with the name and number . Bro . T . Humphries , Secretary , presented a curious Masonic design nearly a century old , painted by hand , figurative of a lodge and its contents . Votes of thanks were accorded by the brethren forall these interesting and valuable gifts , and the Secretary- was instructed to forward letters of thanks .
ALDERSHOT . —Army and Navy Lodge ( No . 1971 J . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on the 16 th inst . After the minutes of the last regular meeting had been confirmed , the W . M ., Bro . Asst .-Com .-Gen . Cook , P . D . G . S . B ., initiated Lieut . E . St . C . Pemberton , R . E ., and subsequently passed to the second Degree Bro . the Rev . T . F . Falkner , M . A . The
chair was then taken by Bro . Captain Croisdale , P . P . G . Swd . Br ., and Bro . Dr . Simpson , was raised to the third Degree , the ceremonies beinjr performed in the careful and impressive manner for which this lodge is distinguished . After the transaction of other routine business , the installation of the VV . M . elect , was then proceeded with , and the whole of the ceremony , including the subsequent addresses
to the VV . M ., Wardens , and brethren , was correctly carried out by Bro . Capt . Croisdale , the Installing Master , in a way that elicited most hearty approbation . Bro . Dr . Grier having been duly proclaimed and greeted by the brethren according Io ancient form , appointed the following as his ofiicers : Bros . Major-General Reilly , S . VV . j Major Turner , J . W . ; Assist .-Com .-Gen . Cook , Treas . ; Captain
Croisdale , Sec . ; Rev . C . Gregson , Chap . ; Rev . 1 . P . Mullins , S . D . ; Dr . Barker , J . D . ; Dr . Simpson , Organist ; Foster , D . C . ; Burns , Tyler . There were present in addition to the above mentioned : Bros . Rastrick , P . M ., Prov . G . Treasurer ; Hickley , P . M ., P . G . S . D . ; Major Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Glasspool , W . M . 723 ; Romeau , VV . M ., P . G . R . Surrev : Laoham , Dean , and Bendall .
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the banquet , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and duly honoured . Bro . Captain Croisdale , at the request of the VV . M ., proposed the toast of " The R . W . the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Beach , M . P . ; the V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand
Alaster , Bro . Hickman ; and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and in doing so said that , although the toast was a most important one , yet in introducing it to their notice it required but few words from him , inasmuch as the eminent Masonic services of their Provincial Grand Master were not only generally acknowledged and appreciated , but were also the theme of
universal admiration , and he trusted the day was far distant when his jurisdiction over their Masonic life would be brought to a close . In their Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Hickman , they had one who had many difficult Masonic ' ' ' - ' to with , and whose zeal , impartiality , and ability in dealing with them it was perhaps impossible to overestimate . He was very deservedly held in the highest
possible esteem by the brethren , and the manner in which jie performed his many onerous duties had fairly earned jneirwarmest acknowledgments . As regarded the rest of the provincial Grand Ofiicers , Present and Past , he ventured to _ ay they were all brethren who had done good service in the c ^ Th Freemasonry : that their advancement to provinia . 1 honours had given general satisfaction , and they might jeiy "pon it that they would not have been selected and
th v . by tne ' r esteeme < l Provincial Grand Master if Do " . not P roved themselves fitted for their respective 2 f " . ^ e toast was drunk with enthusiasm . _ W- ° " l ° Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., in reply said mat it was only by the favour of the P . G . M . that they to hi r col , ars of office , and it was a great honour to th .- to wear those collars a"d the jewels attached Work " / o elr P - - - was indeed a great lover and cauJ ^ . Ln emasonr y » ai > d'his unwearied exertions had mm . _ . e , Mason 'c affairs of the province to flourish in a u « remarkable manner ; and as regards their D . P . G . M .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
he was also a gentleman of great Masonic attainments whose abilities and zeal in the performance of his duties were worthy of all the honour they had it in their power to bestow . As regards the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , he had no hesitation in saying they all had an earnest desire to promote the best interests of the Craft , and it was very gratifying to find that their efforts were observed and appreciated . That this wasso , they had
received ample proof that evening , and on behalf of the Prov . Grand Officers hc returned hearty thanks , and congratulated the lodge upon the admirable work they had witnessed that day , the ceremonies having been carried out in a way which during his long Masonic experience hc had never seen excelled . The next toast was that of "The W . M ., " proposed by Bro . Cook , I . P . M ., P . D . G . S . B ., who , in the course of his
observations , said he had much pleasure in doing so , for he was quite sure Bro . Dr . Grier would do his best to promote thc welfare of the lodge ; the cordial support of his brethren would undoubtedly lie given to him , and he trusted they would be able to find him plenty of work . The duties which fell upon a master of a lodge were of such a character that any brother might be justly proud of occupying so important a position in the Craft ; yet it must he
acknowledged that those duties involved upon thc part of him whoperformed them much labour . contimiousattendance , and no insignificant amount of anxiety and responsibility . They believed Bro . Grier was fully equal to the occasion . They all knew how hard he had worked to establish the lodge , that he had also been a most efficient S . W ., and they had no doubt he would prove to be equally efficient as their Worshipful Master .
Bro . Grier in response said he duly appreciated the honour which had been conferred upon him , and he thanked the brethren and the visitors for their very cordial response to the toast , proposed as it had been with much kindness by their esteemed I . P . M . He should certainly endeavour to follow in the footsteps of his worthy predecessor , under whose working the lodge had made satisfactory progress , and he trusted his year of office would not be behind hand
in well doing . As a military lodge there had been many difficulties to contend with during the past year , caused by the Egyptian . campaign and other exigencies of the service , having removed at short notice many of their working members ; but now that matters were more settled , they might look hopefully forward for better times , and no effort on his part would be wanting to ensure success . Bro . Captain Croisdale having been again entrusted
with the gavel , proposed " I he Health of the Visitors , " and in the course of his observations said they were always pleased to give their visitors a cordial welcome , and they wanted them to be , as it were , at home , for many reasons ; firstly , because it would be admitted that the interchange of visits between the members of different lodges would have a tendency to secure uniformity in the working of their various ceremonies ; secondly , because they were all
members of one united Masonic family , and as such required opportunities to discuss in a social way various matters which they hoped would promote the interests of the Craft in general , and their own mutual benefit in particular ; and , lastly , because they knew these meetings often proved the means of giving birth to true friendship among brethren who would otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance . In this sense the toast was drunk with a
heartiness which showed how deeply it was appreciated by the whole of the brethren present . Bro . Hickley , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., on behalf of the visitors , expressed the gratification and pleasure they had one and all experienced , not only from the hearty welcome and the generous hospitality with wliich they had been greeted , but also for the opportunity afforded them of witnessing some most excellent work . The First and Second Degrees
were most admirably worked by Bro . Cook , the outgoing W . M ., and then came the Third Degree and installation ceremony by Bro . Croisdale . He ( Bro . Hickley ) was an an old Past Master , and during the many years he had been connected with the Craft he had never witnessed any Masonic ceremony more correctly and more impressively carried out than those he had had the gcod fortune to listen to that day . His lodge might be considered as the mother lodge , inasmuch as the Aldershot Camp Lodge was an of t-
shoot from it , and this lodge had sprung from the latter lodge ; and the members of the older lodges in the district were watching the progress of this new lodge with pleasure and wished it God speed . In conclusion he thanked the brethren on behalf of the visitors for their cordial reception of the toast and in their name wished the VV . M . a happy , pleasant , and prosperous year of office . Other toasts followed , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings .
YORK . — Agricola Lodge ( No . 1991 ) . — An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday week last , when the chairs were occupied by Bros . Major McGachen , P . M ., as W . M . ; Capt . Cavenagh , S . VV . ; Harding , J . W . ; T . B . Whytehead , as I . P . M , ; and other
brethren and visitors . The business consisted of the raising to the Third Degree of Bro . the Rev . D . Soames , chaplain to the forces , which was done by Bro . McGachen , assisted by Bro . T . B . Whytehead . Amongst the visitors was Bro . Mills , Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 , S . C . A pleasant evening was spent , enlivened by singing and toasts .
Instruction.
INSTRUCTION .
MERCHANT NAVY LODGE ( No . 781 ) . —A very successful meeting of this lodge was held on the 22 nd inst ., at the Silver Tavern , Burdett-road , E . The chair was occupied by Bro . Lax , W . M . of the parent lodge , who was supported as follows : Bros . Harvey , P . M ., S . W . ; Clements , J . VV . ; J . H . Pringle , Preceptor ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec ; Kiniple . S . D . ; Wilkinson , J . D . ; Smith , l . G . ;
Ould , P . M . ; Daniels , P . M . ; Stuart , Kennett , Barrett , Robinson , Stephens , and Bro . Firth , S 71 , visitor . Lodge having been duly opened and advanced , the ceremony of raising was worked , Bro . Barrett as candidate . Bro . Firth was elected a member , and Bro . Harvey was elected VV . M . for next meeting , and the lodge then closed . The usual monthly meeting of the Association in aid of the funds of the Masonic Institutions was then held . We
are p leased to notice this Association is continuing its uselul mission most successfully , being thoroughly supported by the members of the Merchant Navy Lodge , and other brethren .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
YORK—York Lodge ( T . I . )—A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., when thc chair was occupied by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., in thc absence of Bro . C . G . Padel , W . M . Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., acted as S . W ., and Bro . G . Balmford , P . M ., as J . VV . 1 here was a small attendance of members . The business consisted in the advancement of Bvo . j . A . Banks , Quartermaster 5 th Dragoon Guards . Before the close of the lodge two candidates were proposed .
STONEHOUSE ( EAST ) . —Brunswick Lodge ( No . 48 ) . —1 his lodge , held at the Ebrington Masonic Temple , Hobart-street , was honoured on the 15 th inst . with an official visit from the Prov . G . M . M . M ., R . W . Bro . Cul . Fanner Davy , accompanied by the D . P . G . M . M . M ., V . W . Bro . C . Spence Bate , F . R . S . The above lodge , the largest in the Three Towns and the second largest in the
province , was well attended on the occasion . The VV . M ., W . Bro . C D . Stentiford , P . G . J . O ., presided , and among the brethren present were the following Prov . Grand Officers-. VV . Uros . S . lew , P . P . G . M . O . ; J . 13 . Gover , P . P . G . M . O . ; E . J . Knight . P . P . G . S . D . ; E . Aitken-Davies , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . W . Trevan , P . P . G . J . D . ; F .
Littleton , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . R . Lord , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; H . Miller , P . P . G . D . C ; XV . II . Hunt , Prov . G . A . D . C ; Langmcad , P . P . G . Purst . ; ) . II . Stephens , P . P . G . S . B . ; B . S . Johns , P . P . G . Stwd . ; and J . Gildley , Prov . G . Tyler . Two candidates were advanced , and the Prov . Grand Master expressed himself as very much pleased with the excellent working of the lodge .
HASTINGS . —East Sussex Lodge ( No . 166 ) . — The usual quarterly meeting of this lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , on Tuesday , the 21 st inst ., Bro . the Rev . E . F . Cave-Browne-Cave , M . A ., P . P . G . Mark Chap ., VV . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Thomas Trollope , M . D ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Sussex , P . M . ; C VV . Duke , P . M ., Prov . G . S . W ., I . P . M . ; 1 * . Rossiter , Prov . G . D . of
C , S . W . and Treas . ; Capt . E . W . J . Hennah , Prov . G . Supt . of Wks ., J . W . ; W . II . Russell , Prov . G . Stwd ., M . O . ; T . XV . Markwick , S . O . ; the very Rev . Ii . R . Currie , M . A ., Chap . ; R . J . Reed , Prov . G . Sec , acting Sec ; F . II . Hallett , Org . ; J . B . Fonrd , I . G . ; and Leslie , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . G . )•" . Wood and F . VV . Robertson . The minutes of last meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Bro . T . H . Case , 40 , and
was unanimously accepted as a candidate for advancement , and being in attendance was advanced to the honourable Degree of Mark Master in a very able manner by the W . M ., assisted by his ofiicers . Thc ceremony was greatly enhanced by the beautiful music wliich characterises the Mark Degree , and which was done full justice to by the Organist , Bro . F . H . Hallett . Some further business having been disposed of the lodge was closed .
Ancient And Accepted Rite.
Ancient and Accepted Rite .
DEVONPORT . —St . Aubyn Chapter ( No . 20 ) . —The annual meeting of this chapter was held on the 15 th inst ., at the Ebrington MasonicHall . Ihe M . W . S . elect , Bro . J . Allen , was installed by his predecessor in office , Bro . VV . H . Honey , 1 . P . M . W . S ., with the following board of P . M . W . Ss .: Bros . T . Goodall , R . H . Rae , Jno . Baxter , and C . Watson . At the close of the installation
the M . W . S . invested the following brethren as the ofiicers for the ensuing year : Bros . W . H . Honey , I . P . M . W . S . ; Jno . Baxter , Prel . ; Lieut . E . L . Wilson , R . N ., ist G . ; F . T . W . Curtis , R . N ., 2 nd G . ; E . Woodland , G . M . ; C . Watson , R . ; R . II . Rae , Treas . ; T . Goodall , Recorder ; James Spry , C . G . ; J . Flanigan , IL ; and S . Harvey , Equerry .
Canada.
Canada .
ALLOCUTION OF THE GREAT PRIOR . The allocution is too long to print " in extenso , " and we therefore only extract that portion of it which may have an interest for our readers . ORIGIN OF MASONRY A . VD THE TEMPLAR ORDER . Before entering on the subject of the all-absorbing question of a change in our organisation , wliich was placed
in the hands of a committee appointed by Great Priory , and will be reported upon in the course of these proceedings , I would wish to draw your particular attention , and claim your patience to an explanation of that part of my Allocution read at our meeting of last year , in wliich I affirmed that the "Ancient Builders" or " Masons , " who devoted tlieir exclusive attention to the erection of sacred edifices , as also the confraternities of " Military Monks , "
the cluet or these being the "Hospitallers of St . John " and the "Templars" had the same origin , viz . : from the " Benedictine" Order of Monks , of the early ages of tlie Christian dispensation , and who had based all their religious doctrines on the " Divine Mysteries" they taught . It becomes necessary for a right understanding of the subject , lo give you a brief summary of such records as exist , premising that 1 have pursued quite a different track from the usual " sheep walk " information available .
THE MYSTERIES . The Divine Mysteries , as a svstem , are entirely distinct from everything else that has at the present day the name of Masonry . They are the root out of which has sprung much of what is seen , but the meaning of which is perverted and lost . To understand the Templar system , as connected with
Masonry in the British Dominions , it must be looked at from quite another standpoint than that of " Free and Accepted Masonry" of the present day . The real and true meaning of " Spiritual , " orspeculative Masonry , is widely different from its commonly accepted definition of the term , and this is of much importance to a
proper knowledge of the subject . The words " Mason " and " Masonry , " according to the construction put upon them hy the wise and devout of former times , who , looking to its true and sacred signification never contemplated its being applied or having reference to edifices , building , material , works , or anything of that kind whatever—the words are claimed to be cor-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Holdsworth , I . G . ; F . M . Bilby , W . S . ; T . Brewster , W . S . ; Page , Tyler ; Bennett , VV . O . Bull , Byerlee , Diamond , Eversfield , Fuller , Goodale , Hillier , Milam , Newman , Osman , Peacock , and others . Visitors : Bros . Rev . CH . Roberts , 453 , P . G . Chap . Essex ; J . Black , P . M . 70 G ; E . Holt , 754 ; Jones , P . M . 174 ; Parsons , 1237 ; Bryant , W . M . 1237 ; and others .
The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , the installation ceremony was proceeded with , and Bro . John Robinson , the W . M . elect , was duly placed in the chair of K . S . by his predecessor , Bro . John Noyes , in excellent style . Having been saluted in the usual manner , the W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . John Noyes . I . P . M . ; VV . A . Rogers , S . W .:
VV . Lewis , J . W . ; E . West , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Reilly , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . A . Sproat , S . D . ; G . Holdsworth , J . D . ; j . Fisher , P . M ., D . C . ; F . M . Bilby , l . G . ; T . Brewster and H . C . Osmon , Stwds . ; and Page , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . John Noyes , I . P . M ., in token of the esteem and respect in which he is held by the brethren , and a vote of thanks was unanimously
passed to him for the able manner in which he had performed the installation of the W . M . Bro . Noyes returned thanks in suitable terms . The jewel was manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , Little Britain , London . The lodge was then closed and the brethren retired to banquet , after which the usual toasts were honoured . The W . M . in responding to the toast of his health said
he was very proud of the high honour of being placed in the Master's chair , and would use his utmost endeavours to carry out his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . Bro . the Rev . C . H . Roberts responded for " The Visitors " in an eloquent speech . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very pleasant evening , in the course of which some very excellent harmony was rendered .
YORK . — Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 13 th inst . Bro . M . Millington , VV . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . J . Blenkin , S . W . ; G . Balmford , P . M ., as J . W . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . M . ; and a full attendance of brethren and visitors , amongst whom were Bro . Mills , S . W . 2 , S . C . Thebusiness
consisted of an initiation and a passing , after whicli Bro . Whytehead presented to the lodge on behalf of Bro . Buckle , P . M . 236 , a set of that brother's etchings of the Manor House , York , very artistically grouped in two mounts ; also from Bro . Evans a copy of his history of Relief Lodge , No . 42 . The W . M . presented to the lodge a seal for official use , bearing the arms of the lodge
encircled with a band with the name and number . Bro . T . Humphries , Secretary , presented a curious Masonic design nearly a century old , painted by hand , figurative of a lodge and its contents . Votes of thanks were accorded by the brethren forall these interesting and valuable gifts , and the Secretary- was instructed to forward letters of thanks .
ALDERSHOT . —Army and Navy Lodge ( No . 1971 J . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on the 16 th inst . After the minutes of the last regular meeting had been confirmed , the W . M ., Bro . Asst .-Com .-Gen . Cook , P . D . G . S . B ., initiated Lieut . E . St . C . Pemberton , R . E ., and subsequently passed to the second Degree Bro . the Rev . T . F . Falkner , M . A . The
chair was then taken by Bro . Captain Croisdale , P . P . G . Swd . Br ., and Bro . Dr . Simpson , was raised to the third Degree , the ceremonies beinjr performed in the careful and impressive manner for which this lodge is distinguished . After the transaction of other routine business , the installation of the VV . M . elect , was then proceeded with , and the whole of the ceremony , including the subsequent addresses
to the VV . M ., Wardens , and brethren , was correctly carried out by Bro . Capt . Croisdale , the Installing Master , in a way that elicited most hearty approbation . Bro . Dr . Grier having been duly proclaimed and greeted by the brethren according Io ancient form , appointed the following as his ofiicers : Bros . Major-General Reilly , S . VV . j Major Turner , J . W . ; Assist .-Com .-Gen . Cook , Treas . ; Captain
Croisdale , Sec . ; Rev . C . Gregson , Chap . ; Rev . 1 . P . Mullins , S . D . ; Dr . Barker , J . D . ; Dr . Simpson , Organist ; Foster , D . C . ; Burns , Tyler . There were present in addition to the above mentioned : Bros . Rastrick , P . M ., Prov . G . Treasurer ; Hickley , P . M ., P . G . S . D . ; Major Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Glasspool , W . M . 723 ; Romeau , VV . M ., P . G . R . Surrev : Laoham , Dean , and Bendall .
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the banquet , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and duly honoured . Bro . Captain Croisdale , at the request of the VV . M ., proposed the toast of " The R . W . the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Beach , M . P . ; the V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand
Alaster , Bro . Hickman ; and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and in doing so said that , although the toast was a most important one , yet in introducing it to their notice it required but few words from him , inasmuch as the eminent Masonic services of their Provincial Grand Master were not only generally acknowledged and appreciated , but were also the theme of
universal admiration , and he trusted the day was far distant when his jurisdiction over their Masonic life would be brought to a close . In their Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Hickman , they had one who had many difficult Masonic ' ' ' - ' to with , and whose zeal , impartiality , and ability in dealing with them it was perhaps impossible to overestimate . He was very deservedly held in the highest
possible esteem by the brethren , and the manner in which jie performed his many onerous duties had fairly earned jneirwarmest acknowledgments . As regarded the rest of the provincial Grand Ofiicers , Present and Past , he ventured to _ ay they were all brethren who had done good service in the c ^ Th Freemasonry : that their advancement to provinia . 1 honours had given general satisfaction , and they might jeiy "pon it that they would not have been selected and
th v . by tne ' r esteeme < l Provincial Grand Master if Do " . not P roved themselves fitted for their respective 2 f " . ^ e toast was drunk with enthusiasm . _ W- ° " l ° Douglas , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., in reply said mat it was only by the favour of the P . G . M . that they to hi r col , ars of office , and it was a great honour to th .- to wear those collars a"d the jewels attached Work " / o elr P - - - was indeed a great lover and cauJ ^ . Ln emasonr y » ai > d'his unwearied exertions had mm . _ . e , Mason 'c affairs of the province to flourish in a u « remarkable manner ; and as regards their D . P . G . M .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
he was also a gentleman of great Masonic attainments whose abilities and zeal in the performance of his duties were worthy of all the honour they had it in their power to bestow . As regards the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , he had no hesitation in saying they all had an earnest desire to promote the best interests of the Craft , and it was very gratifying to find that their efforts were observed and appreciated . That this wasso , they had
received ample proof that evening , and on behalf of the Prov . Grand Officers hc returned hearty thanks , and congratulated the lodge upon the admirable work they had witnessed that day , the ceremonies having been carried out in a way which during his long Masonic experience hc had never seen excelled . The next toast was that of "The W . M ., " proposed by Bro . Cook , I . P . M ., P . D . G . S . B ., who , in the course of his
observations , said he had much pleasure in doing so , for he was quite sure Bro . Dr . Grier would do his best to promote thc welfare of the lodge ; the cordial support of his brethren would undoubtedly lie given to him , and he trusted they would be able to find him plenty of work . The duties which fell upon a master of a lodge were of such a character that any brother might be justly proud of occupying so important a position in the Craft ; yet it must he
acknowledged that those duties involved upon thc part of him whoperformed them much labour . contimiousattendance , and no insignificant amount of anxiety and responsibility . They believed Bro . Grier was fully equal to the occasion . They all knew how hard he had worked to establish the lodge , that he had also been a most efficient S . W ., and they had no doubt he would prove to be equally efficient as their Worshipful Master .
Bro . Grier in response said he duly appreciated the honour which had been conferred upon him , and he thanked the brethren and the visitors for their very cordial response to the toast , proposed as it had been with much kindness by their esteemed I . P . M . He should certainly endeavour to follow in the footsteps of his worthy predecessor , under whose working the lodge had made satisfactory progress , and he trusted his year of office would not be behind hand
in well doing . As a military lodge there had been many difficulties to contend with during the past year , caused by the Egyptian . campaign and other exigencies of the service , having removed at short notice many of their working members ; but now that matters were more settled , they might look hopefully forward for better times , and no effort on his part would be wanting to ensure success . Bro . Captain Croisdale having been again entrusted
with the gavel , proposed " I he Health of the Visitors , " and in the course of his observations said they were always pleased to give their visitors a cordial welcome , and they wanted them to be , as it were , at home , for many reasons ; firstly , because it would be admitted that the interchange of visits between the members of different lodges would have a tendency to secure uniformity in the working of their various ceremonies ; secondly , because they were all
members of one united Masonic family , and as such required opportunities to discuss in a social way various matters which they hoped would promote the interests of the Craft in general , and their own mutual benefit in particular ; and , lastly , because they knew these meetings often proved the means of giving birth to true friendship among brethren who would otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance . In this sense the toast was drunk with a
heartiness which showed how deeply it was appreciated by the whole of the brethren present . Bro . Hickley , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., on behalf of the visitors , expressed the gratification and pleasure they had one and all experienced , not only from the hearty welcome and the generous hospitality with wliich they had been greeted , but also for the opportunity afforded them of witnessing some most excellent work . The First and Second Degrees
were most admirably worked by Bro . Cook , the outgoing W . M ., and then came the Third Degree and installation ceremony by Bro . Croisdale . He ( Bro . Hickley ) was an an old Past Master , and during the many years he had been connected with the Craft he had never witnessed any Masonic ceremony more correctly and more impressively carried out than those he had had the gcod fortune to listen to that day . His lodge might be considered as the mother lodge , inasmuch as the Aldershot Camp Lodge was an of t-
shoot from it , and this lodge had sprung from the latter lodge ; and the members of the older lodges in the district were watching the progress of this new lodge with pleasure and wished it God speed . In conclusion he thanked the brethren on behalf of the visitors for their cordial reception of the toast and in their name wished the VV . M . a happy , pleasant , and prosperous year of office . Other toasts followed , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings .
YORK . — Agricola Lodge ( No . 1991 ) . — An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday week last , when the chairs were occupied by Bros . Major McGachen , P . M ., as W . M . ; Capt . Cavenagh , S . VV . ; Harding , J . W . ; T . B . Whytehead , as I . P . M , ; and other
brethren and visitors . The business consisted of the raising to the Third Degree of Bro . the Rev . D . Soames , chaplain to the forces , which was done by Bro . McGachen , assisted by Bro . T . B . Whytehead . Amongst the visitors was Bro . Mills , Canongate Kilwinning , No . 2 , S . C . A pleasant evening was spent , enlivened by singing and toasts .
Instruction.
INSTRUCTION .
MERCHANT NAVY LODGE ( No . 781 ) . —A very successful meeting of this lodge was held on the 22 nd inst ., at the Silver Tavern , Burdett-road , E . The chair was occupied by Bro . Lax , W . M . of the parent lodge , who was supported as follows : Bros . Harvey , P . M ., S . W . ; Clements , J . VV . ; J . H . Pringle , Preceptor ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec ; Kiniple . S . D . ; Wilkinson , J . D . ; Smith , l . G . ;
Ould , P . M . ; Daniels , P . M . ; Stuart , Kennett , Barrett , Robinson , Stephens , and Bro . Firth , S 71 , visitor . Lodge having been duly opened and advanced , the ceremony of raising was worked , Bro . Barrett as candidate . Bro . Firth was elected a member , and Bro . Harvey was elected VV . M . for next meeting , and the lodge then closed . The usual monthly meeting of the Association in aid of the funds of the Masonic Institutions was then held . We
are p leased to notice this Association is continuing its uselul mission most successfully , being thoroughly supported by the members of the Merchant Navy Lodge , and other brethren .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
YORK—York Lodge ( T . I . )—A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., when thc chair was occupied by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., in thc absence of Bro . C . G . Padel , W . M . Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., acted as S . W ., and Bro . G . Balmford , P . M ., as J . VV . 1 here was a small attendance of members . The business consisted in the advancement of Bvo . j . A . Banks , Quartermaster 5 th Dragoon Guards . Before the close of the lodge two candidates were proposed .
STONEHOUSE ( EAST ) . —Brunswick Lodge ( No . 48 ) . —1 his lodge , held at the Ebrington Masonic Temple , Hobart-street , was honoured on the 15 th inst . with an official visit from the Prov . G . M . M . M ., R . W . Bro . Cul . Fanner Davy , accompanied by the D . P . G . M . M . M ., V . W . Bro . C . Spence Bate , F . R . S . The above lodge , the largest in the Three Towns and the second largest in the
province , was well attended on the occasion . The VV . M ., W . Bro . C D . Stentiford , P . G . J . O ., presided , and among the brethren present were the following Prov . Grand Officers-. VV . Uros . S . lew , P . P . G . M . O . ; J . 13 . Gover , P . P . G . M . O . ; E . J . Knight . P . P . G . S . D . ; E . Aitken-Davies , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . W . Trevan , P . P . G . J . D . ; F .
Littleton , P . P . G . J . D . ; J . R . Lord , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; H . Miller , P . P . G . D . C ; XV . II . Hunt , Prov . G . A . D . C ; Langmcad , P . P . G . Purst . ; ) . II . Stephens , P . P . G . S . B . ; B . S . Johns , P . P . G . Stwd . ; and J . Gildley , Prov . G . Tyler . Two candidates were advanced , and the Prov . Grand Master expressed himself as very much pleased with the excellent working of the lodge .
HASTINGS . —East Sussex Lodge ( No . 166 ) . — The usual quarterly meeting of this lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , on Tuesday , the 21 st inst ., Bro . the Rev . E . F . Cave-Browne-Cave , M . A ., P . P . G . Mark Chap ., VV . M ., presided , supported by Bros . Thomas Trollope , M . D ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Sussex , P . M . ; C VV . Duke , P . M ., Prov . G . S . W ., I . P . M . ; 1 * . Rossiter , Prov . G . D . of
C , S . W . and Treas . ; Capt . E . W . J . Hennah , Prov . G . Supt . of Wks ., J . W . ; W . II . Russell , Prov . G . Stwd ., M . O . ; T . XV . Markwick , S . O . ; the very Rev . Ii . R . Currie , M . A ., Chap . ; R . J . Reed , Prov . G . Sec , acting Sec ; F . II . Hallett , Org . ; J . B . Fonrd , I . G . ; and Leslie , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . G . )•" . Wood and F . VV . Robertson . The minutes of last meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Bro . T . H . Case , 40 , and
was unanimously accepted as a candidate for advancement , and being in attendance was advanced to the honourable Degree of Mark Master in a very able manner by the W . M ., assisted by his ofiicers . Thc ceremony was greatly enhanced by the beautiful music wliich characterises the Mark Degree , and which was done full justice to by the Organist , Bro . F . H . Hallett . Some further business having been disposed of the lodge was closed .
Ancient And Accepted Rite.
Ancient and Accepted Rite .
DEVONPORT . —St . Aubyn Chapter ( No . 20 ) . —The annual meeting of this chapter was held on the 15 th inst ., at the Ebrington MasonicHall . Ihe M . W . S . elect , Bro . J . Allen , was installed by his predecessor in office , Bro . VV . H . Honey , 1 . P . M . W . S ., with the following board of P . M . W . Ss .: Bros . T . Goodall , R . H . Rae , Jno . Baxter , and C . Watson . At the close of the installation
the M . W . S . invested the following brethren as the ofiicers for the ensuing year : Bros . W . H . Honey , I . P . M . W . S . ; Jno . Baxter , Prel . ; Lieut . E . L . Wilson , R . N ., ist G . ; F . T . W . Curtis , R . N ., 2 nd G . ; E . Woodland , G . M . ; C . Watson , R . ; R . II . Rae , Treas . ; T . Goodall , Recorder ; James Spry , C . G . ; J . Flanigan , IL ; and S . Harvey , Equerry .
Canada.
Canada .
ALLOCUTION OF THE GREAT PRIOR . The allocution is too long to print " in extenso , " and we therefore only extract that portion of it which may have an interest for our readers . ORIGIN OF MASONRY A . VD THE TEMPLAR ORDER . Before entering on the subject of the all-absorbing question of a change in our organisation , wliich was placed
in the hands of a committee appointed by Great Priory , and will be reported upon in the course of these proceedings , I would wish to draw your particular attention , and claim your patience to an explanation of that part of my Allocution read at our meeting of last year , in wliich I affirmed that the "Ancient Builders" or " Masons , " who devoted tlieir exclusive attention to the erection of sacred edifices , as also the confraternities of " Military Monks , "
the cluet or these being the "Hospitallers of St . John " and the "Templars" had the same origin , viz . : from the " Benedictine" Order of Monks , of the early ages of tlie Christian dispensation , and who had based all their religious doctrines on the " Divine Mysteries" they taught . It becomes necessary for a right understanding of the subject , lo give you a brief summary of such records as exist , premising that 1 have pursued quite a different track from the usual " sheep walk " information available .
THE MYSTERIES . The Divine Mysteries , as a svstem , are entirely distinct from everything else that has at the present day the name of Masonry . They are the root out of which has sprung much of what is seen , but the meaning of which is perverted and lost . To understand the Templar system , as connected with
Masonry in the British Dominions , it must be looked at from quite another standpoint than that of " Free and Accepted Masonry" of the present day . The real and true meaning of " Spiritual , " orspeculative Masonry , is widely different from its commonly accepted definition of the term , and this is of much importance to a
proper knowledge of the subject . The words " Mason " and " Masonry , " according to the construction put upon them hy the wise and devout of former times , who , looking to its true and sacred signification never contemplated its being applied or having reference to edifices , building , material , works , or anything of that kind whatever—the words are claimed to be cor-