Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

COLCHESTER . Constantine Lodge ( No . 145 ) . —On Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., Lord Henniker , as Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Masons of East Anglia ( which comprises the counties of Essex , Suffolk , Norfolk , and Cambridgeshire ) , visited Colchester for the purpose of being present at the installation meeting of the above lodge . His

lordship reached Colchester from Thornham Hall , Eye , by the 4 . 38 train , and was met at Colchester Station by Bros . Welch and Bailey , Past Masters of the lodge , and by them escorted to the lodge room , where his lordship was met by Bro . Rev . C . J . Martyn , D . P . G . M ., and Bro . N . Tracy , P . G . Sec . A large number of brethren were present in the lodge , and Lord Henniker and his Deputy were received with the honours due to their exalted rank .

The principal business of the meeting was the installation of Bro . William Sowman , S . W ., as W . M . for the ensuing year , which ceremony was ably performed by Bro . Tracy , who was ably assisted by Bro . J . P . Lewin , Treas . The officers for the year were invested as follows : Bros . Geo . A . Eustace , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., I . P . M . ; R . D . Poppleton , S . W . ; A . H . Bowles , J . W . ; the Rev . VV .

Morgan Jones , P . P . G . C , M . O . ; H . J . Skingley , S . O . ; J . J . C . Turner , Prov . G . Org ., J . O . ; the Rev . E . H . Crate , P . M ., P . G . C . England , P . P . G . C , Chap . ; J . P . Lewin , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . England , P . P . J . G . W ., Treas . ; T . ] . Railing , P . M ., P . G . D . England , P . P . G . O ., Sec . ; T . Rix , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Reg . ; J . G . Renshaw , S . D . ; S . D . C . Ablitt , J . D . ; J . Ashdown , D . C . ; Turle Lee ,

Org . ; H . Hills , I . G . ; T . J . Grant and H . Becker , Stewards ; and Munson and VV right , Tylers . At the conclusion of the lodge business , the Worshipful Master proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Lord Henniker for his kindness in honouring the lodge by a visit . The motion was seconded by the Treasurer of the lodge , Bro . Lewin , and carried by acclamation . Lord Henniker ,

in responding , thanked the brethren for their hearty reception . He was glad to have the opportunity of visiting the Constantine Lodge , which , he was happy to know , was one of the strongest and best worked in his province , and he congratulated the Installing Masters upon the ability they had displayed in conducting the ceremony of the day . He was glad to be supported by his dear old friend , Bro .

Martyn , and said that their joint aim was to do all they could to promote the good of Mark Masonry in the Province of East Anglia . Thanks were also accorded to Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn for his attendance , and to the Installing Masters for the able manner in which they had carried out their work . Before the lodge was closed , Bro .

A . J . H . Ward ( Town Clerk of Harwich ) presented a petition , for the recommendation of the lodge , for the formation of a Mark lodge at Harwich . This having been signed by the VV . M . and principal officers , Lord Henniker attached _ his signature , saying he should have great pleasure in recommending the petition to the favourable consideration of the M . W . G . M .

Subsequently between 40 and 50 brethren dined together at the George Hotel , under the presidency of the W . M ., who was supported by Lord Henniker , the Rev . C . J . Martyn , Bro . Tracy , and other distinguished brethren . In proposing "Lord Henniker's Health , " the W . M . alluded to the fact that it was mainly through the good offices of his lordship that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales had joined this branch of Freemasonry , and was now the Grand Master .

In responding , Lord Henniker said that , being a resident in the eastern counties , he had , he supposed , passed through Colchester thousands of times , but had only been in the town on two occasions—in 1 SS 4 , when he held his Provincial Grand Lodge , and on the present occasion . All he could say was that those two visits had been very agreeable ones , and he should always look back on them with great pleasure .

At the time that he had the honour of occupying the post of Grand Master of this Degree it progressed by leaps and bounds , and although at the present time they had fallen upon quieter times , still he was happy to know that the Mark Degree was flourishing , and nowhere more than in his Province of East Anglia . He had been particularly pleased that a new Mark lodge at Harwich had been brought

forward that day , and he trusted that if H . R . H . was pleased to grant a warrant , the promoters of the lodge would invite himself and Bro . Mart yn to the inauguration . His lordship then alluded to the erection of the new Mark Masons' Hall in London , contiguous to Freemasons' Hall—in fact , under

the same roof ; and concluded by acknowledging the great assistance he received in ruling the province from Bro . Martyn , his Deputy , and Bro . Tracy , the P . G . Sec . His lordship shortly afterwards left the lodge , amidst the hearty plaudits of the brethren , and proceeded by the 7 . 50 train to town .

WOOLWICH . Florence Nightingale Lodge ( No . 44 ) . —The installation meeting of the above eminent lodge took place on the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Williamstreet , when Bro . H . Mason , J . W . and W . M . elect , was placed in the chair of A . The lodge was opened by Bro . C . E . Birch , P . J . G . D ., and the minutes of the previous

meeting were confirmed . Bro . F . G . Nichols , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., then assumed the chair as Installing Officer , and , in due course , inducted Bro . Mason into the chair . The W . M . appointed and invested such of his officers as were present as follows : Bros . C . E . Birch , I . P . M . ; J . H . Roberts , S . W . ; VV . C Taylor , P . G . I . G ., J . W . ; E . Morris , M . O . ; E . Palmer , P . M . 226 , P . P . S . G . W .,

S . O . ; F . J . Down , J . O . ; Major Eugene Sweny . P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., Treas . ; E . Denton , P . M ., P . P ! S . G . D ., Sec ; R . Pidcock , Reg . of Marks ; Rev . C . Solbe , Chap . ; Capt . Hansard , S . D . ; W . E . Soltaw , J . D . ; Davies , I . G . ; and Baron de Worms , M . P ., D . C . Bro . Nichols then delivered the addresses most impressively

, and _ concluded the ceremony , which was faultless in its perfection . He was tendered a cordial vote of thanks , the same to be recorded on the minutes of the lodge , for which he returned thanks . Bro . Birch was presented with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , for which he returned thanks .

The lodge was closed , and the brethren banqueted in the hall . The usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts were duly honoured ,

Mark Masonry.

Bro . C . Coupland , P . M . 244 , P . G . Stwd . England , and P . P . S . G . W ., in responding for " The Pro G . M ., the Dep . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said they might imagine the pleasure it gave him to be in a position to respond for such an important toast as that of the officers of Grand Lodge . They all knew how hard a worker was Lord Egerton of Tatton , their esteemed

Pro G . M ., for the good of the Degree , and also the great interest he took as a large landed proprietor in the Province of Cheshire , while in the Marquis of Hertford , their Dep . G . M ., they had a most ardent worker and excellent Mason . Now , he thought that the Mark Degree must be a wonderful Degree to attract to its ranks such distinguished noblemen and gentlemen as those who were its rulers , and if it was

sufficient to attract them , it ought also to attact more of the brethren of the Craft than it did at present . There was no doubt that the Mark Degree was one of the best Degrees outside the Craft . At the present time it was in an independent position , and must and would take high rank amongst the Masonic Degrees . He congratulated the VV . Master upon attaining his present position , and felt sure the brethren could not have elected a more suitable or better

Mason for the position . The Worshipful Master , in felicitous terms , proposed the toast of " Bro . the Rev . T . Robinson , P . G . M . ; the Rev . H . Cummings , D . P . G . M . ; and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He said no words of his could do justice to the worth , both as a divine and a Mason , of their esteemed P . G . M ., and those who knew Bro .

Cum-rungs knew that two more devoted Masons than he and the P . G . M . never existed . The Mark Masons in that district were under a deep debt of gratitude to both , and he asked them to drink the toast heartily . Bro . Birch , in responding , said on behalf of the present officers he thanked them , and might indeed thank them for the proud position he occupied amongst the P . G . Officers .

At present he had not done anything for the Province of Kent , but he hoped some day an opportunity wouid occur , such as the consecration of a new Mark lodge , when he should have thehonour ' of following their P . G . M . and Bro . Cummings , with a gold stick in his hand . At any rate he was quite ready , should he be called upon at any time to prove himself worthy of the position he held amongst the

Grand Officers of the Grand Mark Lodge of the Province of Kent . Bro . Spinks said it was an honour to be associated in any way with their Prov . G . M . and Deputy Prov . G . M ., because they had their hearts and souls in Masonry , and it was an honour to serve under their chief . On behalf of the Prov . Grand Officers present he cordially thanked them .

Bro . Birch then proposed the toast of " The W . M . " He said he had been in a great many lodges , and had always heard the I . P . M . say when he took up the gavel that the brethren all " knew what it meant . " Well , he was glad that he was in a position to take up the gavel , because now that he had gone out of the chair , and he was afraid they were rather glad to get rid of him , Vie knew , and they all

knew , what it meant . It simply meant that his successor was a better man than he ( Bro . Birch ) was . What he meant by that was that Bro . Mason , who resided and was well known and esteemed by every Mason in the neighbourhood , was in a position to do more for the prosperity of the lodge than he had done . Bro . Mason was not only a sound man but a sound Mason . He was not only a Mason by

name but a Mason at heart . He was also their W . M ., and from what he knew of him he anticipated a good year of office , and a goodly increase to the strength of the lodge . He asked them to drink the toast heartily , and wish Bro . Mason a good year of office . Bro . Mason , in response , said first of all he must thank the I . P . M . for the very kind manner in which he had

proposed the toast , and the brethren for their kind reception of it . So far as doing better than their l . P . M ., no man could do that , for Bro . Birch had done his best , and none could do more . _ How could he sufficiently thank the brethren for placing him in that chair ? He could assure them that during his year of office he intended to do his best for the interests of the lodge , and to make the social board as

pleasant as he could . He thanked Bro . Coupland for the high encomiums placed upon him by that esteemed brother , and felt sure that if he were worthy of that brother ' s praise at the end of his year of office , he should know that he had done his duty , and that the honour of the lodge would leave his hands as pure and unsullied as it was when he received it .

Bro . Sweny , in responding for " The Past Masters , " said that as senior Past Master of that lodge it was a great honour to have to respond to the toast , for the cordial reception of which he thanked them . The Past Masters of that lodge were . he believed , no worse than the Past Masters of any other lodge . They had to the best cf their abilities , faithfully carried out the duties entrusted to their care , and

carefully preserved the prestige of the lodge , and intended ever to do so . He thanked them . Bro . Birch said he felt it his bounden duty to respond for the many kindnesses he had received from the Past Masters , officers , and indeed every member of the lodge , and also for the handsome jewel presented to him that day . Bro . Sydney Clark , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W ., and Bro . Nichols also briefly responded .

Bros . Coupland , Capt . G . Spinks , P . M . 226 , P . P . G . A . D . C , and C . Jolly , M . O . 226 , P . P . G . O ., responded for " The Visitors , " and the latter for a hearty reception of the " Masonic and Local Press . " " The Installing Officer , " "The Officers , " and Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings , which were thoroughly enjoyable , thanks to some excellent singing and reciting , Bro . Nichols presiding at the piano .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 25 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 22 nd inst ., at Tupp ' s Restaurant , S , Tottenham Court-road , when there were present Bros . Hewett , VV . M . ; Densham , S . W . ; Klein , J ; W . ; Marx , P . M ., acting Preceptor ; Blundell , P . M ., Treas . ; Bonham , P . M ., Sec ; R . J . Harvey , J . D . ; Shales

, I . G . ; and Robinson , P . M . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Harvey candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and resumed . Bro . Klein rehearsed the ceremony of in-

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

stallation , and Bro . Hewett investiture of officers . Bro . Densham , S . W ., was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , which wascarried unanimously . Theofficers tobe in rotation . Proposed by Bro . Marx , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Blundell , P . M ., and carried unanimously , that a hearty vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to Bro . Klein for the able manner in which he worked the ceremony of installation . AH Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

CLARENCE LODGE ( No . 263 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., at Tupp ' s Restaurant , S , Tottenham Court-road , when there were present Bros . G . A . Knock , VV . M . ; F . M . Smith , S . W . ; D . G . Imlay , J . W . ; R . C Sudlow , P . M ., Preceptor ( pro tern . ) ; J . B . Bulling , Treas . ; J . W . Freemantle , Sec . ; Hastings , S . D . ; J . Bulling ,

J . D . ; H . T . Sykes , I . G . ; H . Sadler , P . M . ; F . Perkins , J . W . Harvey , H . Saunders , H . F . Sykes , F . M . Smith , J . B . Corp , J . Corp , F . Mason , T . Stallabrass , Baker , H . Joy , C . Hurst , R . Home , and others . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Baker being entrusted , the lodge was opened in the Second

Degree , and the ceremony of passing - worked , after which Bro . Sudlow , P . M ., rehearsed the ceremony of installation in a most able manner . The lodge was then closed in the Third and Second Degrees . On the third time of rising , Bro . Imlay presented , in the name of Bro . Fenwick , two columns to the lodge , and the brethren unanimously passed

a vote of thanks for the handsome present of Bro . Fenwick ' s . It was proposed and seconded that a hearty vote of thank's be recorded on the minutes for the able manner in which the VV . M . had worked the ceremony for the first time in this lodge . Bro . Sudlow , P . M ., was complimented on the effective manner in which the installation was worked . The lodge was then closed .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No . 753 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 22 nd inst ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , Maida Hill . Present : Bros . J . Page , W . M . ; VV . J . Stratton , S . W . ; G . V . Wood , J . W . ; G . Wood , Preceptor ; J . J . Thomas , Sec . ; VV . ' ] . Mason , S . D . ; W . T . Dillon , " J . D . ; R . O . Ogilby , " I . G . ; N . Turner , P . M . 72 ; R . ' H . Dillon , P . M . 156 7 ; J . Tapping , S . Stretch , A . Pozzati , W . Chappie , R E .

Cursons , J . R . Hill , and b . W . Manktelow . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed . Bro . Stretch candidate . The 4 th Section of the Lecture was worked by the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Stratton was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed the officers in

rotation . I he Secretary read the report and balance-sheet for the past session , which , after subscribing £ 10 10 s . to the R . M . B . I . and paying the small expenses for stationery , & c , shows a balance in the Treasurer ' s hands of £ . ' 2 Ss . 711 . It was unanimously resolved that a Benevolent Fund be established in connection with this lodge of instruction . The

annual dinner will be held on the 13 th prox ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , when Bro . Page , W . M . of the mother lodge , will preside . The ceremony of installation will be worked at the next meeting . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on the iSth inst ., at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith , when there were present BrosT T . Jobson , W . M . ; A . Williams , S . W . ; J . Snooks , J . W . ; j . Sims , P . M . Preceptor ; D . S . Long , Sec ; D " . G . Haylock , S . D . ; H . Blackman , I . G . ; E . Fox , and W . VV . Williams .

Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Haylock being the candidate . The 2 nd Section of the Lecture was worked by Bro . A . Williams , under the direction of the Preceptor . The W . M . having risen , Bro . A . Williams was duly elected VV . M . for the ensuing meeting , and the lodge was closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the 21 st inst ., at the Porchester Hotel , Leinster-place , Cleveland Gardens , Paddington , W . Present : Bros . J . Cruttenden , VV . M . ; J . VV . Belsham , S . W . ; C . G . Wetzlar , W . M . 141 , J . W . ; " W . H . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 , Asst . Preceptor ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , Sec . ; J . H . Taylor , S . D . ; J . C Conway , J . D . ; H . Campbell ,

I . G . ; VV . Jackman , Stwd . ; VV . Death , I . P . M . 511 ; James Stevens , P . M . 121 C ; J . R . Allman , I . P . M . 1425 ; E . F . Ferris , P . M . 1543 ; j . V . Woodman , John Smith , and O . W . Battley . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . Bro .

Wetzlar , at the request of the VV . M ., assumed the chair , and , after the usual preliminaries , the ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro . Death being candidate . The W . M . gave the traditional history . The lodge was closed down to the First Degree . The 21 proxies , in addition to the four last week , were handed to Bro . Ferris , who thanked the

brethren for their kindness . Bro . Belsham was elected W . M . for next meeting , the officers to be in rotation , should the officers of the mother lodge not be present . Bro . Smith thanked the brethren for their kind present to himself and wife on the occasion of their giving up the Porchester Hotel , and entering in private life . After "Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed .

ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —The regular weekl y meeting was held at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , on Tuesday , 22 nd inst ., when there were present Bros . A . Wolter , W . M . ; R . Loomes , S . W . ; J . Duncan , J . W . ; W . Hancock , Preceptor ; C M . Coxon , Sec ; E . H . Moore , S . D . ; R . VV . Nicole , J . D . ; C . G . Gray , I . G . ; J . Speller , and J . M . Scarlett .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . Gray answered the questions leading to the Third Degree , and was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Speller being the candidate . The W . M . vacated the chair in favour of

Bro . Scarlett , who resumed the lodge in the Second Degree . Bro . Wolter was presented as W . M . elect , and the ceremony of installation rehearsed , and the addresses given by Bro . Scarlett in an excellent manner . Bro . Loomes was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , and appointed his officers in rotation . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed .