Ireland.

between the frieze and the soffit of the rib , there is represented a Bible open at the ist Chapter of St . John , resting on a crimson cushion and appropriate drapery , and above on a ribbon the well-known words , in Greek letters , " In the beginning was the Word . " Under the frieze and surrounded by the scroll work is a blue lozenge , on which is inscribed in gold . " St . Brendon ' s Lodge , 163 , dedicated

15 th June , 1875 . " At the opposite end and occupying a sim ' ular position to the Bible , is the All-seeing Eye before referred to , shining out through a bank of summer clouds , and casting down a flood of lig ht which illuminates an expanse of mountain , and forest underneath , which stretches away on either sitle , and appears to extend backward to the distant horizon . Thc door leading from the

ante-room is a very fine piece of work . The side showing into the hall has its panels raised , and on each panel is a shield bearing Masonic emblems ; the framing is all moulded with quirked mouldings wrought in the solidand having O . G . stops . The reverse of the door is stop chamfered , ° the stops being Scotia and fillet , and the jamblings are finished so as to correspond , as are also the architraves ,

which have their sides and heads produced past their intersections , and finished with ogival termination . All the chairs and benches are of red pine , stained and varnished ; those for the brethren having plain backs ; those for the various officers being distinguished by gablets , behind which rise staves bearing bannerets , on which are displayed their insignia . The ends of the benches and

officers' chairs are of open work of original design , and become more ornate as their occupants are higher in degree . The lighting is provided for by two gaseliers formed like five pointed stars , suspended from ornamental ventilators fixed in the ceiling , through which and the aperture in the wall ribs the heated air is carried off , while cold air is admitted under the side platforms and dais by three

large valves which communicate with the outer air , and can be opened or closed from the inside . In winter this air supply will be taken from a hot air chamber which is situate on the ground . The ante-room is lighted by a very handsome bracket in mediaeval style , with Masonic emblem . Throughout the whole there has been an endeavour to

keep to the media-val spirit which caused all work to exhibit its construction , and to make the constructive features ornamental—not to hide any work or material , but to let it tell its own story of its quality and use . All thc exposed woodwork , as the ribs , consoles , pilasters , door , and door-case , are simply stained and varnished , thus showing out the natural grain and beauties of the timber , while

machine mouldings stuck on and all imitations of any kind have been carefully avoided . By adherence to this principle'Lodge 16 3 now possess a hall pronounced by the universal consent of the brethren from various parts assembled there , to be second to none in thc province , and for its size not surpassed in Ireland . For the architect and designer , Mr . A . B . Milne , praise

in our columns would be superfluous , as his work speaks for itself , and it will be an eloquent and lasting testimonial to his fine taste and architectural abilities . To the energetic Secretary of the Building Committee , Mr . R . J . Sheppard , belongs the second meed of praise ; under his careful supervision the Masonic details were stringently adhered to , adding in no small degree to the innumerable

points of beauty possessed by the architect's design . _ he ribs , consoles , and entire gasfitting and heating arrangements were supplied and erected by Messrs . Wallace & Co ., Wilmer Road , in their ' usually excellent style . To Messrs . Brooks , Thomas , & Co ., of Dublin , were entrusted the painting and decorating department , and thc manner

in which this eminent firm acquitted themselves claims for them thc utmost credit , aided as they were by their talented artist , Mr . Morris . The carpentry and all the erecting work was executed by Mr . James Carroll , and Mr . Henry Dillon constructed the benches and chairs in thc most tradcsmanlike manner .

Pic-Nic Of The Skelmersdale Lodge, No. 1380.

PIC-NIC OF THE SKELMERSDALE LODGE , No . 1380 .

By the kind permission of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , D . G . M . Eng ., Prov . G . M . West Lancashire , a pic-nic party in connection with the lodge that bears his name , and of which he was thc first W . M ., took place on Wednesday , the 16 th June , in his lordship ' s grounds ,

Lathom House , near Ormskirk . The weather , unfortunately , was not of the most favourable character , as shortly after the start thc rain began to fall and continued so until the afternoon , when the rain cleared off and remained so until the arrival of the party on their return home . A select party of about 40 ladies and brethren met at

thc Queen ' s Hotel , Waterloo , where the lodge holds its meetings , shortly after half-past twelve o ' clock , and as a pleasant preliminary of the day's proceedings , the W . M ., ( Bro . Bark ) presented Bro . George Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M . 1380 , with a very handsome dining room timepiece , and ornaments to match , in recognition of services which he had rendered to the "Skelmersdale Lotlge , " at and since

its formation . The timepiece bore the following inscription : — " Presented to Bro . George Broadbritlge , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , West Lancashire , by the members of the Skelmersdale Lodge , JNo . 1380 , as a mark of their esteem and appreciation of his valuable services in promoting the prosperity of the lodge since its formation . June , 18 75 . " After the whole

of thc company had assembled in one of the large rooms of thc hotel , anti partaken of cakes and wine , Bro . F . G . Bark , W . M . of the lodge , gave thc toast oi "Tlie Queen , " in felicitous terms , and afterwards proceeded to make thc presentation to Bro . Broadbridge . He said that many of the members would be aware , that when thc lodge was started , one brother ( Broadbridge ) particularly took very

Pic-Nic Of The Skelmersdale Lodge, No. 1380.

active part'in forming it , and since then he had nurtured it , so as to enable it to grow to the state in which it now stood . He did not for one moment say that Bro . Broadbridge was the sole cause of thc lodge coming to thc perfection which it had reached , because they knew he had received valuable help from one who was no longer amongst them ( the late Bro . Capt . Motl ) . Nevertheless ,

Bro . Broadbridge was thc chief promoter and nurturer of the lodge , and if anything wanted doing , he vvas always ready and willing with a helping hand . ( Hear , hear . ) There was nothing in the Order which Freemasons more liked to sec recognised than valuable services ; and in the present instance the brethren of the Skelmersdale Lodge had felt it their bounden duty

to recognise thc services of their brother in a substantial manner . Bro . Broadbridge was not only esteemed by thc members of that lodge , but by every one who knew him in the province of West Lancashire . He trusted that Bro . Broadbridge would long oe spared to give the lodge his countenance , advice , and help . After referring to the fact that nearly every one in connection with the lodge hatl

subscribed , the W . M . made the presentation of the testimonial . In acknowledging thc gift , Bro . Broadbridge , who was loudly applauded , briefly thanked the brethren for their very handsome testimonial . Since the consecration of thc Skelmersdale Lodge he had watched its progress with a great amount of interest , and he assured them that that interest would not cease so long as he had health and

strength . The Skelmersdale Lodge was very dear to their P . G . M ., and he trusted the members would do everything in their power to uphold its dignity and position , and do honour to the name which it bore . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro-Broadbridge then proposed "The Health ofthe W . M ., " who responded in pointed and effective terms . " The Ladies , " given by the W . M ., was acknowledged by Bro . Melladevv .

Speech-making and present-giving over , the happy party immediately got " on board" a four-horse omnibus , which vvas waiting outside , and proceeded on thc journey to Lathom House . Rain fell the greater part of the way , making the position of outsiders anything but pleasant ; and their position was not improved by the overhanging trees under wliich they had to pass on thc way to Lathom House . It

required a pretty sharp look-out , and any quantity of stooping , to avoid contact with the branches and the reception of a shower-bath : but with all these difficulties the outside passengers enjoyed many a hearty laugh . The rain cleared off as the party , after nearly three hours' driving , arrived at their destination . Luncheon was immediately served , after which the party was allowed to inspect a portion of

the house and thc grounds . Dancing and other amusements peculiar to a pic-nic were then enjoyed until teatime came , and shortly afterwards the start was made for Waterloo . After a pleasant moonlight drive , the party arrived there about half-past ten o'clock , having greatly enjoyed the first pic-nic in connection with the Skelmersdale Lodge , which is certainly not likely to be the last .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

LIFE GOVERNORS FROM LIVERPOOL . Following the excellent example of Bro . Constable in connection with the Masonic Institution for Girls , Bro . George Broadbridge , P . Prov . G . D . C . West Lancashire , P . M . 241 , 1380 , Src , recently organised a drawing for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the result has

proved eminently satisfactory . Bro . Broadbridge personally organised the scheme , issued the books for the drawing , and spared no effort to make it worthy of the Masonic position of Liverpool . By dint of hard work , and assisted by several willing brethren , he succeeded in realising 90 guineas by thc sale of shilling tickets , which entitled the

drawing for nine Life Governorships of the Institution . The ballot took place at thc Masonic Hall , Liverpool , on Friday , the 11 th inst ., when there was a very large attendance of the brethren . The chair was occupied by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec . The following were the successful members and names of those who secured the Life

Governorships : — " 129 , Bro . E . O . C . Rothwell , 19 , „ W . Johnson , 2372 , „ H . Normanton , 220 , „ Henry Scott , 2636 , „ W . II . Ward , i ° 9 _> » H . E . Maltass ,

1414 , „ Sefton Chapter , 680 , 890 , „ Dr . J . Kcllett Smith , 22 4 , „ John Marshall . Bro . Broadbridge has set an example which might well be imitated in other provinces in England . It may also be stated that Bro . Broadbridge has undertaken to serve as one of the Stewards at the approaching festival in connection with the Institution .

Encyclopaedia Of Freemasonry.

ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF FREEMASONRY .

The attention of lodges and brethren is called to a new Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry , which Bro . Kenning is about to publish in a handy form and compendious arrangement . The work will treat fully on Masonic history and arclueology up to the present time , and will contain all

subjects which fairly form part of a Masonic cyclopaedia . Sonic-topics will be introduced for the first time ; some omitted which tend to make most ol our handbooks too bulky for the general reader , since lhey include subjects which may be considered extern to Freemasonry juniper . It

is hoped , however , that this new publication will be both condensed and yet comprehensive , lucid in statement and complete in treatment , and that it will become a real and portable vadc mecum for English , Scotch and Irish Freemasons . No efforts will be spared to make it worthy ol bur great Order .

Encyclopaedia Of Freemasonry.

Thc Cyclopaedia will appear early in 1876 . Subscribers' names will be printed with thc work . In order to meet the convenience of the brethren generally , and to ensure a large circle of original subscribers , though the selling price of thc work will be ios . 6 tl ., the Cyclopaedia will

be sent ( post free ) to lodges and individual brethren , original subscribers , for 7 s . fid . Subsequently to thc closing of thc subscrijition list thc amount will be , for the public and for the Craft , ios . fid . Orders will be received at thc Office of thc Freemason , 19 8 , Fleet-street .

Multum In Parbo; Or Masonic Notes And Queries.

Multum in Parbo ; or Masonic Notes and Queries .

THE MASONS' COMPANY . The names of Thomas Shadbolt , Nicholas Young , John Thompson , and William Stanton are of frequent occurrence in thc minute book about thc year 1682 . A Mr . Henry Wilson was elected Master in 1683 , but in the year 1621 the accounts are signed among others by

a William Wilson , with a flourish before the name which might be " Sir , " but this is 50 years before Bro . Woodford expects to see the name . William Hamond is evidently the same as Hamon . The name of —Waidsfortl is not to be found about the year 1 OS 2 , nor are the names Richard Penkct , James Collier , Richard Sankey , Henry Littler , John Elam , and Hugh

Brewer , to be found about the year 1646 . . , There appears to have been a meeting of the Company whenever there was any business to be done . The minute book records during thc year 1682 : — ( I . ) A Quarter Court held 16 th Jan . at Masons' Hall . ( II . ) A Court of Assts . „ 28 th Feb . „ „ „ ( III . ) A Quarter Court „ nth July ,, „ „

( IV . ) A Court „ 26 th Sept . „ „ „ ( V . ) A Quarter-day Ct . „ 3 rd Oct . „ ,. „ ( VI . ) A Court held 13 th Oct ., 1 C 82 , at thc Rose Tavern , Leadenhall-street . ( VII . ) A Court held 24 th Oct ., 1682 , at thc old "Dogg " Tavern , in Ludgate-street . ( VIII . ) A Court of Assistants held 30 th Oct ., 1682 , being

Lord Mayor ' s Day , in Masons' Hall . ( IX . ) A Court of Assistants held 21 st Nov ., 1682 , in Masons * Hall . I cannot find that the Company ever dined at the " Half Moon , " Cheapside . Such is the result of another search kindly made for mc by the Clerk of the Company . ' A . F . A . W .

MASONIC NUMISMATICS . I am glad to see my notice of thc Masonic Token of 1792 has led to a little correspondence on that subject , and I hope one day we shall hear of others of a similar character , for this country is sadly behind Germany as respects either a collection or history of Masonic Tokens , probably owing , as thc Editor of thc Freemason puts it , to

there having been very few issued in this country . I bought a modest-looking Masonic token last week , quite new to me , and I shall be glad to hear if there are any others still in existence . On the obverse arc two columns surmounted by an arch , and " All sceing-Eye . " On the left column ( to thc

spectator ) is the letter C , and on the right , thc letter W . The columns rest on tcsselatcd pavement , with apparently a pedestal in thc centre . On the reverse arc simply the square and compasses , with G in thc centre . It is much worn , and if there were any inscriptions or mottoes originally , they arc now invisible . WILLIAM J AMES HUGHAN .

MASONIC MEDALS AND TOKENS . I observe under the head of " Masonic Notes , & c , " in the Freemason of the 12 th inst ., that Bro . William James Hughan mentions and describes a Masonic Token struck to commemorate thc election of the Prince of Wales as G . M . of Freemasons , 24 th Nov ., 1790 . It is identically

the same as the one that 1 have , but the words engraved on the rim of mine are very distinct , " Masonic Halfpenny Token , " the rest is not so distinct ; therefore , I think it most probable that the remaining part of the inscription is the same as stated by Bro . Hughan , namely , "Schichley Fecit , 1794 . FIIAS . BURDETT , P . G . M . Midx ., G . Supt .

Reviews.

aJcbicfos

T hose who were at the Installation will well remember thc admirable effect produced by Sir M . Costa ' s Processional March , and how much it was appreciated and ajijilaudcd . Wc arc very glad therefore to welcome it in print , as a very agreeable addition to our Masonic musical " repertoire . " The march docs its able composer , our well known and worthy brother , every credit , and we

trust thai it may receive the ready support of our good Order . Freemasons like many good things , and not the least of all , music of a high order , and effective melody ; and we commend to their patronizing notice this composition of Bro . Sir M . Costa , not only a spirited souvenir of an unforgettable day , but as a most approjiriatc mr . rch to be emjiloyed on various festive and

solemn , occasions 111 Freemasonry . _ or our part , wherecver we shall hear it , whether played by tiny hands or manipulated by the wondrous skill of some fair professor of legerdemain , we shall always recall that eventful day ; and its strain , spirited and happy , will revive in us welcome recollections , alike of an unique gathering and of our Royal Grand Master ,