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Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
MACDONALD LODGE ( No . 104 ) - —The installation meeting of this lodge of Mark Masters was held at the GuildhalfTavcrn , Gresham-street , on Friday , the iSth inst ., and there were present Bros . G . Ward Verry , G . S . B ., W . M . ; VV . P . Collins , P . Prov . Steward , S . VV . ; F . H . Cozens , P . G . Organist , J . W . ; N . J . Basnett , P . P . G . Steward , M . O . ; G . Yaxley , P . Prov . M . O ; , S . O .
W . Johnson , S . D . ; T . de Leliva , S . S . and Vrov . <__ J . D . > J . O . ; Thomas Meggy , P . G . M . O ., P . M . and Treasurer > XV . Worrell , P . G . Or" -., P . M . and Secretary ; James ! Stevens , P . G . J . O ., P . M ., D . C ; T . VV . Simons , I . G . ; Alfred Williams , P . G . S . D ., P . M . ; Robert Berridge , G . D . C , P . M . ; R . P . Spice , J . 13 . Humphreys , J . Mainwairing , T . Nettleship , M . Mildred , A . Meade , and others .
Visitors : W . Bros . F . Davison , Deputy Prov . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O . and G . Asst . Sec . ; Bros . Capt . Berridge , C . E . Soppet , T . Distin , A . Hubbard , and VV . Lake , P . P . G . R . ( Freemason ) . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes the candidates in attendance—Bros . W . H . Bale , of the Vitruvian Lodge , No . S 7 ; Henry Parker King , of the Great City Lodge , No .
1426 ; and Auguste Leon , of the Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 7 S 0—were duly advanced . The ceremony was most ably performed by the W . M ., Bro . G . Ward Verry , and the opinion unanimously expressed by those present was that the beautiful ceremony of the Mark Degree had never been more effectively rendered , even in the Macdonald Lodge , than by the VV . M . The musical service is , we
believe , peculiar to the lodge , and , conducted as it was by Bro . Worrell , it added greatly to the impressiveness and beauty of the ceremony . Owing to ill-health , the S . VV ., Bro . Collins , had urgently requested that his election to the chairshould be postponed for another year , and that the J . W ., Bro . F . H . Cozens , should bechosen in his place . This desire had been complied with , and thc installation
was then proceeded with , and Bro . Verry performed the ceremony in the same able manner as had characterised the whole of his work . The VV . M . then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . W . P . Collins , S . W . ; N . J . F . Basnet , J . W . ; G . Yaxley , M . O . ; W . C . Hale , S . O . ; VV . Johnston , J . O . ; VV . Bros . Meggy , P . G . M . O ., Treasurer ; VV . Worrell , P . G . Organist , Secretary ; and
James Stevens , P . G . J . O ., D . C ; Bros . T . de Lehva , S . D . ; " | . K . Pitt , J . O ., T . ' VV . Simms , R . M . ; T . 13 . Humphreys , l . G . ; F . E . VV . Collard and R . P . Spice , Stewards ; and L . G . Reinhardt , . Tyler . The usual addresses to Master , officers , and brethren were delivered by the Installing Master , Bro . Verry , and the W . M ., Bro . Cozens , then presented him with the P . M . jewel of the lodge , evidently
to the complete satisfaction and with the best wishes of the lodge . After thc usual business , including propositions for advancement , the brethren adjourned to a most enjoyable banquet , where , as may be readily surmised when it is remembered that Bro . Cozens occupied the chair , additional pleasure was afforded by the admirable musical arrangements . Thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed
from the chair and suitably responded to , but while there was no lack of ability and harmony in the direction of spcechmaking , it could not be wondered at that , with the musical talent at command , the harmony of sweet sounds was preferred , and the post-prandial speeches were wisely curtailed to give time for the more enjoyable strains of the vocalists . The VV . M . did duty in the double capacity , and
in the musical department was assisted by Bros . Theodore Distin , A . Hubbard , H . Ashton , H . Taylor , and T . VV . Simons , who carried out a well-selected musical programme with their well-known skill and taste . Altogether we must pronounce this the twelfth anniversary a most successful and enjoyable one , bespeaking a long and prosperous career for the Macdonald Mark Lodge .
PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE ( No . 238 ) . —A very excellent gathering of thc members of this lotlge took place at Anderton's Hotel , on Tuesday , the 13 th inst . There were in attendance among others Bros . T . C Walls , W . M . ; Alfred Tisley , . S . W . ; Richnell , J . W . ; VV . Wigginton , P . G . S . of Works , I . P . M ., Secretary ; Sir Chas . Palmer , Bart , M . O . ; I . II . Dodson , S . O . and Treasurer ;
!•' . Farrington , S . D . ; XV . E . Farrington , J . D . ; C . Brown , I . G . ; R . Skelton , D . C ; anil Harrison , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . T . Poore ; P . G . I . G ., & c ., and Poynter ( Panmure ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken upon behalf of Bros . Dalwood , Gruggen , Groves , and VV . Farrington , all of 15 S 0 , Captain Cole , Royal Savoy , and Taylor , 1503 ,
and it proving to be unanimous in each case , Bros . Gruggen , Groves , and Cole , who were in attendance , were duly advanced by the VV . M ., assisted by his officers , to the honourable Degree of M . M . M . Apologies for non-attendance were read from the R . VV . Bro . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; Davison , V . W . D . P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O . ; J .
Bedingfield ; and others . A resolution having been passed condoling with Bro . Sir F . Burdett in his recent domestic bereavement , fhe lodge was formally closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was well served by Bro . Clemow and assistants . Upon the removal of the cloth the long routine of toasts were duly honoured . W . Bros . Wigginton and Poore
responded on behalf of "The Grand Officers , " and VV . Bros . Sir Chas . Palmer and Poore for " The Provincial Grand Officers . " The I . P . M . proposed " The Health of the VV . M ., " in very complimentary terms . The VV . M . having responded , then gave "The Advancees , " which toast was acknowledged by Bro . Gruggen , Groves , and
Captain Cole . "'Ihe Health of the I . P . M . " was warmly received and duly responded to by Bro . Wigginton , in which he tendered his obligations to the lodge for the very handsome and unique Past Master ' s jewel presented to him that evening . "The Visitors" was acknowledged by Bro . Poynter in a witty speech of some duration . " The Health of the Officers , " coupled with the name of Bro . Tisley , S . VV ., brought thc proceedings to a conclusion .
ALDERSHOT . —Aldershot Lodge ( No . 54 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Bro . George Douglas , VV . M ., P . P . D . C , in the chair , assisted by the following ofiicers : Bros . Hacker , S . VV ., P . P . J . W . ; Kuchoffer , JAV . ; Stone , P . P . A . D . C , S . O . ; Ea ' irbank , J . O . ; Cossey , R . M . ; Croisdale , S . D . ; Sherer , I . G . ; Burns , Tyler . The minutes of the last regular meeting having been read
Mark Masonry.
and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Bros . Marrs and Proctor . Being unanimous , these brethren , being present , were duly advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason . Bro . Benham , I . P . M ., was then presented by the W . M . with a Past Master ' s jewel on behalf of the lodge . The W . M . in presenting- the decoration stated that he
believed that it was one of the most pleasing duties that a W . M . had to perform , when a brother had so faithfully performed his duty as their I . P . M . had done , wishing him health and long life to wear it . Bro . Benham replied in a few well chosen words . The lodge closed in good _ harmony at 0 . 30 p . m .
MARYPORT . —Whitwell Lodge ( No . 151 ) . — The installation festival of this lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , Eaglesfield-street , Maryport , on Thursday afternoon , the 17 th inst . Lodge was opened by Bro . P . Dodgson , W . M ., assisted by the following officers : Bros . E . G . Mitchell , S . W . ; J . A ' dair , J . W . ; Jos . Nicholson , P . M . and Treasurer , P . G . Treasurer ; and several others
Bro . VV . F . Lamonby , P . M . 229 , P . G . Secretary ( Freemason ) , was a visitor . The minutes having been read and confirmed , including the unanimous election for the second time of Bro . J . H . Banks , P . M ., P . P . G . I . G ., VV . M . elect , that brother formally took the chair of A ., and was saluted and proclaimed . The officers were invested as follows Bros . G . VV . Thompson , S . W . ; F . Harrison , J . W . ; R .
Brown , M . O . ; A . Walter , S . O . ; J . Wilson , J . O . ; J . R . Banks , Chaplain ; Jos . Nicholson , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . J . Coverdale , R . M . ; W . Stoddart , Secretary ; T . Milburn , S . D . ; J . H . Raven , J . D . ; T . Mandle , P . M ., P . G . S . O ., D . C ; T . Weatherston , I . G . ; J . Smith , Organist ; VV . Dobierand J . Elliot , Stewards ; and J . Harrison , Tyler . No fewer than six candidates were proposed for
advancement . The sum of two guineas having been voted to the Steward ' s list of Bro . Lamonby , P . G . Secretary , for the Mark Benevolent Fund , the lodge was closed . The brethren then , on the invitation of Bro . Banks , VV . M ., and Mrs . Banks , partook of an excellent tea , a la fourchette , and , after the cloth was drawn , a couple of hours were harmoniously whiled away in toast and song .
PLUMSTEAD . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . — The installation meeting of the above Mark lodge took place on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burrage-road , when l 3 ro . James Smythe , S . VV ., and P . G . J . O . of Kent , was , in the presence of a distinguished gathering of the Degree , placed in the chair as W . M . M . for thc
ensuing year . The lodge was opened shortly after three o ' clock p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . Coupland , P . P . G . S . O . of Kent , and the following brethren of the Craft having been balloted for and approved , were advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Masons , viz .: Bros . Charles Ellis , 913 ; J . Steer , and Robinson , 153 G . The VV . M . elect was then presented
tothe Installing Officer , Bro . J . G . Podevin , P . M . 152 , and D . P . G . M . Kent , who undertook the office at the request , and in the unavoidable absence , of the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., and our distinguished Bro . Smythe was , with the usual formalities , duly installed in the chair to which he had been at the previous meeting unanimously elected .
Thc VV . M . then proceeded to instal his officers as follows Bros . VV . Weston , P . P . G . O . Kent , S . VV . ; A . Penfold , P . P . G . J . W ., J . W . ; H . Shaw , P . P . G . D . C , M . O . ; the Rev . C . A . So ' lbd , P . G . Chap ., S . O . ; D . Deeves , P . P . G . Swd . Br ., J . O . j H . Prycc , P . P . G . R . M ., Treas . ; VV . A . Watkins , Reg . of Marks ; G . Kennedy , P . P . A . G . S ., Sec ; T . Holleyman , P . P . G . Stwd ., S . D . ; D . C . Capon , P . P . G . Stwd .. I . D . ¦ C . Hurkl .-ind . D . C . : Ashworth . I . G .: nnrl
VV . B . Lloyd , Stwd . The Installing Officer then finished a grand rendering of an impressive ceremony by giving thc three addresses most eloquently . The W . iVl . then drew the attention of the brethren to thc fact that the festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund would take place on the 7 th of July next , and that hehad undertaken thc post of Steward for the Florence Nightingale
Mark Lodge and for this . He mentioned that the firstnamed lodge had given him the sum of ten guineas to start with , and he trusted that this lodge would not be behind that in its contributions to the list he hoped to make worthy of the lodges . Bro . Weston proposed , as the lodge was not over flush in its finances , "That the sum of five guineas be given to Bro . Smythe ' s list . " Bro . Penfold
seconded the proposition , believing it better to be just than generous , and look at home before they searched abroad . He had no doubt that if Bro . Smythe's " list was sent round the lodge the other five guineas would be made up . The resolution was then put , and carried . The W . M . then proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Bro . Podevin , D . P . G . M ., the Installing Officer , for his kindness in coming all the way
from Dover to instal him ( the VV . M . ) that day . Bro . Coupland seconded it , and it was carried with enthusiasm . Bro . Podevin , in reply , thanked the VV . M . and brethren for their kind expression of regard for him , and assured them that it had afforded him no ordinary gratification to be present and see thc excellent manner in which the work was done in the Excelsior Lodge . He should feel it bis duty to
report most favourabl y to the Grand Master , and wished the lodge every success . The subscription list for Bro . Smythe ' s Stewardship was then passed round , and realised nearly six guineas . " Hearty good wishes " were then given by the representatives of the various lodges present , and the lodge was closed in due form . Among the brethren present , besides those already named
( with the exception of Bros . Shaw and Solbe , who were installed by proxy ) , were Bros . F . Binckes , G . Sec ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . S . O . and G . Asst . Sec ; J . ScuIIey , J . Whomes , P . M . 107 ; VV . Stevens , VV . Mould , T . Kirkbride , T . O . Hayes , J . Anderson , T . Ovenden , J . Purnell , G . R . Nichols , W . Iron , T . Hosgood , and C . Jolly ( Freemason ) , all of 22 G .
The banquet was elegantly served by Bro . Tucker , thc host , and at its conclusion the VV . M . gave , in his happy and eloquent style , the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts . In giving the toast of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " he said that he should proceed witli the most important toasts at once , as he hail shortly to leave
them to attend a gathering at London . He could only say that he had very recently had one of the greatest treats it was possible for a Mason to have , and that was in hearing Bro . Binckes discuss , during dinner , the vast improvement that had taken place ia the working of thc Mark Masons ' lodges during thc last few years , and he had Bro . Binckes ' word for it , that theincreaseof Mark Masonry in England was astounding . It was a gratifying thing for him to be able ta
Mark Masonry.
say that he now , at the present moment , had the honour of presiding over two different Mark Masons' lodges in this district , one in Woolwich , the Florence Nightingale , and one of the most important in the Province of Kent , and the Excelsior in Plumstead . He remembered when the Florence Nightingale was first established in Woolwich it was worked under the Scotch Constitution , but it did not last long ; it went into a state of abeyance , but hc had had
not only the happiness of helping to found this , but had been instrumental in resuscitating that , and hc trusted that for both of them there would be a lasting term of prosperity . After expressing the pleasure he felt at the presence among them of Bros . Binckes and Dewar , the former of whom would presently address them with that eloquence that flowed from his lips as if the goddess of persuasion sat upon them , Bro . Smythe asked them to drink the toast
with a good fire . Bro . Binckes , in reply , expressed his admiration at thc wonderful flow of eloquence with which their W . M . was gifted . He had proposed the toast of their health , "The Grand Ofiicers , " in the most complimentary language , and he only wished that he had the power of being so complimentary and eulogistic as the W . M . was . He then spoke in the cause of charity , and said it was a subject tbat every true Mason should take to heart ; but
the best plan for him that night would be to simply return thanks for the honour done the Grand Officers , and more particularly their Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom . Their Grand Master had just been honoured by his Sovereign in such a manner that increased , if such a thing was possible , their love for her , and their respect and
admiration for her . And they all wished—and they all wished it most heartily—that he might be spared long to enjoy the confidence of his Sovereign and the esteem in which he is held by every Mason who knew his splendid abilities as a worker for the prosperity of both Craft and Mark Masonry . The whole of the Grand Officers were imbued with the
same desire to do their duty in the various positions in which they were placed . He then proceeded to say that Bro . Smythe had done a good work by resuscitating the Florence Nightingale Lodge , which was only another instance of the remarkable vitality of the man . There was an old maxim that " no man could serve two masters , " but Bro . Smythe was a direct contradiction to that argument , because at the present time he was doing that and more .
As he said before , Bro . Smythe was a most remarkable man , and if he went on as he was now doing he would be , ere long , the tenth wonder of the world . The toast of " Thc Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present , " was responded to by Bro . Coupland , who referred with pride to the number of Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers who were members of the Excelsior Lodge , and felt sure that if Bro . Robinson , their esteemed Grand Master , had been
present he would have been satisfied with what had been done in the lodge that day . He then , in complimentary terms , proposed "The Health of the W . M . " Bro . Smythe returned thanks in an eloquent speech , in whicli he referred to the rise and progress of Mark Masonry , and assured them of his determination to do all he could to
ensure its prosperity in this district . Bro . Coupland returned thanks on behalf of thc Past Masters , and then the newly-advanced brethren were toasted and modestly responded . The toast of "The Officers" was responded to by Bro . Weston . Bro . Lackley gave thc Tyler's toast , and shortly afterwards the brethren dispersed , after an enjoyable and memorable day's labour and refreshment .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
ROSICRUCIAN LITERATURE . I said in a previous little communication on this subject that the earliest trace of actual Rosicrucian literature of the fraternity of the Rose Croix seemed to be about the first fifteen years of the seventeenth century , but earlier tracts and MSS . might yet be discovered , and Hermetic literature has yet to be studied to see if there be any connection between Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism . I have amused
myself by looking into the matter slightly since then , but have found , so far , none earlier than those mentioned from 1 G 12-G , 1615 . But others may exist . When I looked into Hermeticism—it is indeed a study by itself . Pierre Borel , in 1054 , issued a catalogue of Hermetic writers , whom he made to amount to 4000 . The " Histoire de la Philosophic Hermetiquc , " published at Paris , 1744 , declares , however , the number to be only 000 , and the treatises 2500 in
number . Among some of the earliest of these may be cited "Divers Traitcs d'Alchemic , " Lion , 1557 ; "Volumen Tractatuum' & c , " Nuremberg , 1541 ; "De Alchemifl , Dialog ! , " duo Lyons , 154 S ; "De AIchemiA . Opuscula Complura , " Frankfort , 155 ° ; " Chemisticum Artificum Naturae , " 15 GS , noplace ; "Vera Alchimia : Doctrina Folio Basilcc Perna , " 15 G 1 ; "Enchiridion Physical Restituta ; , " Paris , 1 G 0 S ; "Alchimia Vera , " & c , Magdeburg ,
IGIQ ; " Aventures du Philosophe Inconnu , " Pans , 1 G 46 ; "Tractatus Aliquot , " & c , Geismari .-e , 1 G 47 ; "Alcaest Discours Philosophiques , " 167 S ; "AltusMutus Liber , " Rupelkc , 1 G 77 ; ' , Aphorismcs Chimiques , " Paris , 1 G 92 . Numerous other books may be mentioned by all familiar in Hermetic works , and I leave out the earlier Hermetic MSS ., in various languages . If any correspondent knows of an earlier Rosicrucian book or MS . than any I have alluded to , I shall be glad to record it in this
column . EDITOR "FREEMASON . "
For thc better and more costly kind of Masonic Jewels a great saving can be made by getting them direct from the manufactory . Messrs . J . R . Williams and Son made the most costly badge in the kingdom for the Mayor o £ Liverpool , and many others , and many of the sheriffs ' badges and chains . The linn are now supplying the nobility and gentry ( direct ) at the same prices as thev
have for forty years served the best houses in London and the country , and co-operative stores . Messrs . J . R . Williams and Son have always been celebrated for specially fine diamond work and choice gem rings . Thc two advantages thus offered to the public are far superior quality
and an immense saving in price . Manufactory and warehouse , 10 S , Hatton-garden , ICC The usual saving is 20 to Go per cent . Bridesmaids' lockets and all kinds of jewellery for wedding presents . Dealers in diamonds , pearls , and coloured gems , loose or mounted . Elegant designs furnished ( gratis ) for re-mounting diamond work . Caltaogues sent post free on application . —[ ADVT . ]
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Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
MACDONALD LODGE ( No . 104 ) - —The installation meeting of this lodge of Mark Masters was held at the GuildhalfTavcrn , Gresham-street , on Friday , the iSth inst ., and there were present Bros . G . Ward Verry , G . S . B ., W . M . ; VV . P . Collins , P . Prov . Steward , S . VV . ; F . H . Cozens , P . G . Organist , J . W . ; N . J . Basnett , P . P . G . Steward , M . O . ; G . Yaxley , P . Prov . M . O ; , S . O .
W . Johnson , S . D . ; T . de Leliva , S . S . and Vrov . <__ J . D . > J . O . ; Thomas Meggy , P . G . M . O ., P . M . and Treasurer > XV . Worrell , P . G . Or" -., P . M . and Secretary ; James ! Stevens , P . G . J . O ., P . M ., D . C ; T . VV . Simons , I . G . ; Alfred Williams , P . G . S . D ., P . M . ; Robert Berridge , G . D . C , P . M . ; R . P . Spice , J . 13 . Humphreys , J . Mainwairing , T . Nettleship , M . Mildred , A . Meade , and others .
Visitors : W . Bros . F . Davison , Deputy Prov . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O . and G . Asst . Sec . ; Bros . Capt . Berridge , C . E . Soppet , T . Distin , A . Hubbard , and VV . Lake , P . P . G . R . ( Freemason ) . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes the candidates in attendance—Bros . W . H . Bale , of the Vitruvian Lodge , No . S 7 ; Henry Parker King , of the Great City Lodge , No .
1426 ; and Auguste Leon , of the Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 7 S 0—were duly advanced . The ceremony was most ably performed by the W . M ., Bro . G . Ward Verry , and the opinion unanimously expressed by those present was that the beautiful ceremony of the Mark Degree had never been more effectively rendered , even in the Macdonald Lodge , than by the VV . M . The musical service is , we
believe , peculiar to the lodge , and , conducted as it was by Bro . Worrell , it added greatly to the impressiveness and beauty of the ceremony . Owing to ill-health , the S . VV ., Bro . Collins , had urgently requested that his election to the chairshould be postponed for another year , and that the J . W ., Bro . F . H . Cozens , should bechosen in his place . This desire had been complied with , and thc installation
was then proceeded with , and Bro . Verry performed the ceremony in the same able manner as had characterised the whole of his work . The VV . M . then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . W . P . Collins , S . W . ; N . J . F . Basnet , J . W . ; G . Yaxley , M . O . ; W . C . Hale , S . O . ; VV . Johnston , J . O . ; VV . Bros . Meggy , P . G . M . O ., Treasurer ; VV . Worrell , P . G . Organist , Secretary ; and
James Stevens , P . G . J . O ., D . C ; Bros . T . de Lehva , S . D . ; " | . K . Pitt , J . O ., T . ' VV . Simms , R . M . ; T . 13 . Humphreys , l . G . ; F . E . VV . Collard and R . P . Spice , Stewards ; and L . G . Reinhardt , . Tyler . The usual addresses to Master , officers , and brethren were delivered by the Installing Master , Bro . Verry , and the W . M ., Bro . Cozens , then presented him with the P . M . jewel of the lodge , evidently
to the complete satisfaction and with the best wishes of the lodge . After thc usual business , including propositions for advancement , the brethren adjourned to a most enjoyable banquet , where , as may be readily surmised when it is remembered that Bro . Cozens occupied the chair , additional pleasure was afforded by the admirable musical arrangements . Thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed
from the chair and suitably responded to , but while there was no lack of ability and harmony in the direction of spcechmaking , it could not be wondered at that , with the musical talent at command , the harmony of sweet sounds was preferred , and the post-prandial speeches were wisely curtailed to give time for the more enjoyable strains of the vocalists . The VV . M . did duty in the double capacity , and
in the musical department was assisted by Bros . Theodore Distin , A . Hubbard , H . Ashton , H . Taylor , and T . VV . Simons , who carried out a well-selected musical programme with their well-known skill and taste . Altogether we must pronounce this the twelfth anniversary a most successful and enjoyable one , bespeaking a long and prosperous career for the Macdonald Mark Lodge .
PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE ( No . 238 ) . —A very excellent gathering of thc members of this lotlge took place at Anderton's Hotel , on Tuesday , the 13 th inst . There were in attendance among others Bros . T . C Walls , W . M . ; Alfred Tisley , . S . W . ; Richnell , J . W . ; VV . Wigginton , P . G . S . of Works , I . P . M ., Secretary ; Sir Chas . Palmer , Bart , M . O . ; I . II . Dodson , S . O . and Treasurer ;
!•' . Farrington , S . D . ; XV . E . Farrington , J . D . ; C . Brown , I . G . ; R . Skelton , D . C ; anil Harrison , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . T . Poore ; P . G . I . G ., & c ., and Poynter ( Panmure ) . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken upon behalf of Bros . Dalwood , Gruggen , Groves , and VV . Farrington , all of 15 S 0 , Captain Cole , Royal Savoy , and Taylor , 1503 ,
and it proving to be unanimous in each case , Bros . Gruggen , Groves , and Cole , who were in attendance , were duly advanced by the VV . M ., assisted by his officers , to the honourable Degree of M . M . M . Apologies for non-attendance were read from the R . VV . Bro . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; Davison , V . W . D . P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . M . O . ; J .
Bedingfield ; and others . A resolution having been passed condoling with Bro . Sir F . Burdett in his recent domestic bereavement , fhe lodge was formally closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was well served by Bro . Clemow and assistants . Upon the removal of the cloth the long routine of toasts were duly honoured . W . Bros . Wigginton and Poore
responded on behalf of "The Grand Officers , " and VV . Bros . Sir Chas . Palmer and Poore for " The Provincial Grand Officers . " The I . P . M . proposed " The Health of the VV . M ., " in very complimentary terms . The VV . M . having responded , then gave "The Advancees , " which toast was acknowledged by Bro . Gruggen , Groves , and
Captain Cole . "'Ihe Health of the I . P . M . " was warmly received and duly responded to by Bro . Wigginton , in which he tendered his obligations to the lodge for the very handsome and unique Past Master ' s jewel presented to him that evening . "The Visitors" was acknowledged by Bro . Poynter in a witty speech of some duration . " The Health of the Officers , " coupled with the name of Bro . Tisley , S . VV ., brought thc proceedings to a conclusion .
ALDERSHOT . —Aldershot Lodge ( No . 54 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Bro . George Douglas , VV . M ., P . P . D . C , in the chair , assisted by the following ofiicers : Bros . Hacker , S . VV ., P . P . J . W . ; Kuchoffer , JAV . ; Stone , P . P . A . D . C , S . O . ; Ea ' irbank , J . O . ; Cossey , R . M . ; Croisdale , S . D . ; Sherer , I . G . ; Burns , Tyler . The minutes of the last regular meeting having been read
Mark Masonry.
and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Bros . Marrs and Proctor . Being unanimous , these brethren , being present , were duly advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason . Bro . Benham , I . P . M ., was then presented by the W . M . with a Past Master ' s jewel on behalf of the lodge . The W . M . in presenting- the decoration stated that he
believed that it was one of the most pleasing duties that a W . M . had to perform , when a brother had so faithfully performed his duty as their I . P . M . had done , wishing him health and long life to wear it . Bro . Benham replied in a few well chosen words . The lodge closed in good _ harmony at 0 . 30 p . m .
MARYPORT . —Whitwell Lodge ( No . 151 ) . — The installation festival of this lodge was held in the Freemasons' Hall , Eaglesfield-street , Maryport , on Thursday afternoon , the 17 th inst . Lodge was opened by Bro . P . Dodgson , W . M ., assisted by the following officers : Bros . E . G . Mitchell , S . W . ; J . A ' dair , J . W . ; Jos . Nicholson , P . M . and Treasurer , P . G . Treasurer ; and several others
Bro . VV . F . Lamonby , P . M . 229 , P . G . Secretary ( Freemason ) , was a visitor . The minutes having been read and confirmed , including the unanimous election for the second time of Bro . J . H . Banks , P . M ., P . P . G . I . G ., VV . M . elect , that brother formally took the chair of A ., and was saluted and proclaimed . The officers were invested as follows Bros . G . VV . Thompson , S . W . ; F . Harrison , J . W . ; R .
Brown , M . O . ; A . Walter , S . O . ; J . Wilson , J . O . ; J . R . Banks , Chaplain ; Jos . Nicholson , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . J . Coverdale , R . M . ; W . Stoddart , Secretary ; T . Milburn , S . D . ; J . H . Raven , J . D . ; T . Mandle , P . M ., P . G . S . O ., D . C ; T . Weatherston , I . G . ; J . Smith , Organist ; VV . Dobierand J . Elliot , Stewards ; and J . Harrison , Tyler . No fewer than six candidates were proposed for
advancement . The sum of two guineas having been voted to the Steward ' s list of Bro . Lamonby , P . G . Secretary , for the Mark Benevolent Fund , the lodge was closed . The brethren then , on the invitation of Bro . Banks , VV . M ., and Mrs . Banks , partook of an excellent tea , a la fourchette , and , after the cloth was drawn , a couple of hours were harmoniously whiled away in toast and song .
PLUMSTEAD . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . — The installation meeting of the above Mark lodge took place on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burrage-road , when l 3 ro . James Smythe , S . VV ., and P . G . J . O . of Kent , was , in the presence of a distinguished gathering of the Degree , placed in the chair as W . M . M . for thc
ensuing year . The lodge was opened shortly after three o ' clock p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . Coupland , P . P . G . S . O . of Kent , and the following brethren of the Craft having been balloted for and approved , were advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Masons , viz .: Bros . Charles Ellis , 913 ; J . Steer , and Robinson , 153 G . The VV . M . elect was then presented
tothe Installing Officer , Bro . J . G . Podevin , P . M . 152 , and D . P . G . M . Kent , who undertook the office at the request , and in the unavoidable absence , of the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., and our distinguished Bro . Smythe was , with the usual formalities , duly installed in the chair to which he had been at the previous meeting unanimously elected .
Thc VV . M . then proceeded to instal his officers as follows Bros . VV . Weston , P . P . G . O . Kent , S . VV . ; A . Penfold , P . P . G . J . W ., J . W . ; H . Shaw , P . P . G . D . C , M . O . ; the Rev . C . A . So ' lbd , P . G . Chap ., S . O . ; D . Deeves , P . P . G . Swd . Br ., J . O . j H . Prycc , P . P . G . R . M ., Treas . ; VV . A . Watkins , Reg . of Marks ; G . Kennedy , P . P . A . G . S ., Sec ; T . Holleyman , P . P . G . Stwd ., S . D . ; D . C . Capon , P . P . G . Stwd .. I . D . ¦ C . Hurkl .-ind . D . C . : Ashworth . I . G .: nnrl
VV . B . Lloyd , Stwd . The Installing Officer then finished a grand rendering of an impressive ceremony by giving thc three addresses most eloquently . The W . iVl . then drew the attention of the brethren to thc fact that the festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund would take place on the 7 th of July next , and that hehad undertaken thc post of Steward for the Florence Nightingale
Mark Lodge and for this . He mentioned that the firstnamed lodge had given him the sum of ten guineas to start with , and he trusted that this lodge would not be behind that in its contributions to the list he hoped to make worthy of the lodges . Bro . Weston proposed , as the lodge was not over flush in its finances , "That the sum of five guineas be given to Bro . Smythe ' s list . " Bro . Penfold
seconded the proposition , believing it better to be just than generous , and look at home before they searched abroad . He had no doubt that if Bro . Smythe's " list was sent round the lodge the other five guineas would be made up . The resolution was then put , and carried . The W . M . then proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Bro . Podevin , D . P . G . M ., the Installing Officer , for his kindness in coming all the way
from Dover to instal him ( the VV . M . ) that day . Bro . Coupland seconded it , and it was carried with enthusiasm . Bro . Podevin , in reply , thanked the VV . M . and brethren for their kind expression of regard for him , and assured them that it had afforded him no ordinary gratification to be present and see thc excellent manner in which the work was done in the Excelsior Lodge . He should feel it bis duty to
report most favourabl y to the Grand Master , and wished the lodge every success . The subscription list for Bro . Smythe ' s Stewardship was then passed round , and realised nearly six guineas . " Hearty good wishes " were then given by the representatives of the various lodges present , and the lodge was closed in due form . Among the brethren present , besides those already named
( with the exception of Bros . Shaw and Solbe , who were installed by proxy ) , were Bros . F . Binckes , G . Sec ; D . M . Dewar , P . G . S . O . and G . Asst . Sec ; J . ScuIIey , J . Whomes , P . M . 107 ; VV . Stevens , VV . Mould , T . Kirkbride , T . O . Hayes , J . Anderson , T . Ovenden , J . Purnell , G . R . Nichols , W . Iron , T . Hosgood , and C . Jolly ( Freemason ) , all of 22 G .
The banquet was elegantly served by Bro . Tucker , thc host , and at its conclusion the VV . M . gave , in his happy and eloquent style , the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts . In giving the toast of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " he said that he should proceed witli the most important toasts at once , as he hail shortly to leave
them to attend a gathering at London . He could only say that he had very recently had one of the greatest treats it was possible for a Mason to have , and that was in hearing Bro . Binckes discuss , during dinner , the vast improvement that had taken place ia the working of thc Mark Masons ' lodges during thc last few years , and he had Bro . Binckes ' word for it , that theincreaseof Mark Masonry in England was astounding . It was a gratifying thing for him to be able ta
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say that he now , at the present moment , had the honour of presiding over two different Mark Masons' lodges in this district , one in Woolwich , the Florence Nightingale , and one of the most important in the Province of Kent , and the Excelsior in Plumstead . He remembered when the Florence Nightingale was first established in Woolwich it was worked under the Scotch Constitution , but it did not last long ; it went into a state of abeyance , but hc had had
not only the happiness of helping to found this , but had been instrumental in resuscitating that , and hc trusted that for both of them there would be a lasting term of prosperity . After expressing the pleasure he felt at the presence among them of Bros . Binckes and Dewar , the former of whom would presently address them with that eloquence that flowed from his lips as if the goddess of persuasion sat upon them , Bro . Smythe asked them to drink the toast
with a good fire . Bro . Binckes , in reply , expressed his admiration at thc wonderful flow of eloquence with which their W . M . was gifted . He had proposed the toast of their health , "The Grand Ofiicers , " in the most complimentary language , and he only wished that he had the power of being so complimentary and eulogistic as the W . M . was . He then spoke in the cause of charity , and said it was a subject tbat every true Mason should take to heart ; but
the best plan for him that night would be to simply return thanks for the honour done the Grand Officers , and more particularly their Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom . Their Grand Master had just been honoured by his Sovereign in such a manner that increased , if such a thing was possible , their love for her , and their respect and
admiration for her . And they all wished—and they all wished it most heartily—that he might be spared long to enjoy the confidence of his Sovereign and the esteem in which he is held by every Mason who knew his splendid abilities as a worker for the prosperity of both Craft and Mark Masonry . The whole of the Grand Officers were imbued with the
same desire to do their duty in the various positions in which they were placed . He then proceeded to say that Bro . Smythe had done a good work by resuscitating the Florence Nightingale Lodge , which was only another instance of the remarkable vitality of the man . There was an old maxim that " no man could serve two masters , " but Bro . Smythe was a direct contradiction to that argument , because at the present time he was doing that and more .
As he said before , Bro . Smythe was a most remarkable man , and if he went on as he was now doing he would be , ere long , the tenth wonder of the world . The toast of " Thc Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present , " was responded to by Bro . Coupland , who referred with pride to the number of Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers who were members of the Excelsior Lodge , and felt sure that if Bro . Robinson , their esteemed Grand Master , had been
present he would have been satisfied with what had been done in the lodge that day . He then , in complimentary terms , proposed "The Health of the W . M . " Bro . Smythe returned thanks in an eloquent speech , in whicli he referred to the rise and progress of Mark Masonry , and assured them of his determination to do all he could to
ensure its prosperity in this district . Bro . Coupland returned thanks on behalf of thc Past Masters , and then the newly-advanced brethren were toasted and modestly responded . The toast of "The Officers" was responded to by Bro . Weston . Bro . Lackley gave thc Tyler's toast , and shortly afterwards the brethren dispersed , after an enjoyable and memorable day's labour and refreshment .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
ROSICRUCIAN LITERATURE . I said in a previous little communication on this subject that the earliest trace of actual Rosicrucian literature of the fraternity of the Rose Croix seemed to be about the first fifteen years of the seventeenth century , but earlier tracts and MSS . might yet be discovered , and Hermetic literature has yet to be studied to see if there be any connection between Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism . I have amused
myself by looking into the matter slightly since then , but have found , so far , none earlier than those mentioned from 1 G 12-G , 1615 . But others may exist . When I looked into Hermeticism—it is indeed a study by itself . Pierre Borel , in 1054 , issued a catalogue of Hermetic writers , whom he made to amount to 4000 . The " Histoire de la Philosophic Hermetiquc , " published at Paris , 1744 , declares , however , the number to be only 000 , and the treatises 2500 in
number . Among some of the earliest of these may be cited "Divers Traitcs d'Alchemic , " Lion , 1557 ; "Volumen Tractatuum' & c , " Nuremberg , 1541 ; "De Alchemifl , Dialog ! , " duo Lyons , 154 S ; "De AIchemiA . Opuscula Complura , " Frankfort , 155 ° ; " Chemisticum Artificum Naturae , " 15 GS , noplace ; "Vera Alchimia : Doctrina Folio Basilcc Perna , " 15 G 1 ; "Enchiridion Physical Restituta ; , " Paris , 1 G 0 S ; "Alchimia Vera , " & c , Magdeburg ,
IGIQ ; " Aventures du Philosophe Inconnu , " Pans , 1 G 46 ; "Tractatus Aliquot , " & c , Geismari .-e , 1 G 47 ; "Alcaest Discours Philosophiques , " 167 S ; "AltusMutus Liber , " Rupelkc , 1 G 77 ; ' , Aphorismcs Chimiques , " Paris , 1 G 92 . Numerous other books may be mentioned by all familiar in Hermetic works , and I leave out the earlier Hermetic MSS ., in various languages . If any correspondent knows of an earlier Rosicrucian book or MS . than any I have alluded to , I shall be glad to record it in this
column . EDITOR "FREEMASON . "
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