Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

punctuality was the essence of his existence , and his general urbanity rendered him one of the most popular favourites in every circle in which he moved . Bro . Macdonald , on rising to reply , was received with applause . He said that he had no idea that he would be called upon to respond to the toast of the evening ; he thought that he would only be called on to speak in his

capacity of Hon . Secretary as to the present position of the lodge , and its work during the past year , but as Bro . Dilley had coupled his name with the toast he would thank them for the very hearty manner in which they had received it . He was pleased to be able to say that the anticipations of Bro . Dilley were fulfilled , inasmuch as he had a most satisfactory account to give them of thc year ' s

work . They had met 5 2 times during the year , and the total attendance was 799 , or an average attendance of 15 A , while , after paying £ j 3 s . 6 d . in charity and the trifling working expenses of the lodge , they had a balance in hand of over £ 2 . He considered the brethren ought to congratulate themselves on the prosperous state of thc lodge , and , in well-chosen words , urged them to continue

their attendance . He did not consider that he was worthy of all the encomiums passed upon him by Bro . Dilley . They had appointed him to the office of Secretary of the lodge , and he had—and always would , so long as he held the office—endeavoured to discharge his duties failhfully and conscientiously . That he had done so in the past was shown by thc testimonial they had , in

conjunction with the Star Lodge of Instruction , presented him with in October last , and he could assure them frat the many kindnesses he had received at their hands would stimulate him to fresh exertions for thc welfare of the lodge . Bro . Griffin , in a highly complimentary speech , proposed "The Health of Bro . Dilley , " who had done such good suit and service to the lodge . Bro . Dilley , whose rising was greeted

with prolonged applause , thanked the brethren for thc reception they had given him , and Bro . Griffin for thc kind manner in which he had spoken of his past services . He did not expect to make his fortune in his present profession so rapidly as Bro . Griffin had predicted , but when he was able to retire from the turmoil of businfss he was sure they would be able to find him a place in thc lodge ,

not to dispossess their present Excellent Preceptor , but in a quiet corner , where he could watch with delight the progress the brethren had made under him . He would now propose a toast that he knew they would drink with enthusiasm , "The Health of the Vice-Presidents that evening , Bros . Griffin and Baxter Langley . " Of Bro . Griffin he did not think it necessary for him to sneak : they all

knew his worth , and his untiling devotion to thc lodge . Bro . Baxter Langley , although not a constant attendant at ' thc lodge , never failed to give them , his assistance at their annual festival , or whenever he was called upon , and he was sure the worthy Doctor would , as of old , give them one of those eloquent addresses that had so often delighted the ears of his auditms . Bro .

Baxter Langley , in rising to respond , t . tanked the chairman for the kind and complimentary lcrms in which he had spoken of him , and then proceeded U > nfer lo tin : great use of lodges of instruction , in teaching a practical knowledge of Masonic work . Me thought , however , that occasionally a fresh interest might be thmsvn into those meetings by turning aside from the accustomed

marvellous feats of memory displayed in the Fifteen Sections to a consideration of the circumstances surrounding what might be termed Pre-historic Masonry . Arising as it did as an eclcsticism from a degraded state of society and debasing idolatry , it asserted the supremacy of a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , and associated with the highest intellectual efforts of the

age for the advancement and culture of the tribe or nation . The influence was double in its character , making use on the one hand of rites and ceremonies , more or less dramatic and public , and appealing to thc uneducated sense of the masses ; whilst on the other the secret influence was felt in the selection and withdrawal from the outer world , within the limits of the so-called priesthood ,

the best men of the tribe or nation , to join 111 the work which these ancient worker .-, in the cause of progress had undertaken . The trials to which these selected men were exposed were faintly represented in the three degrees of modern Masonry . The speaker expressed his conviction that this careful selection of candidates for initiation formerly practised was worthy of modern imitation , and that valuable lessons might be learned from the

prehistoric Masons who worked for the elevation and culture of their nations in the distant past , before the foundations of the Pyramids were laid , and when civilization had its only hope in thc lamp of the eclectic philosopher shrouded behind the veil of superstition . Bro . Langley again thanked the brethren for the kindness with which they had received him , and resumed his seat amid loud applause . The Tyler's toast brought a very pleasant evening to an agreeable close .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Chapter ( No 41 ) A regular meeting , the last of the season , was held at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , May 16 th . The fust chair was taken by Comp . Jas . Parfitt , M . E . Z . ; Comp . Geo . Parfitt , P . Z ., acted as H ; and Com )) . Dr . Hopkins , P . Z ., as J . ; Comps . Hill , E ; Hearne , N ; Brown , Pr . Soj . ; Gummer , as Sen . Soj . ; Howes , as Jun . Soj . ; 3 igwood ,

Janitor . There were also present Ex . Comps . Moutrie , Treac , and Rubie , P . Z ., and ether members . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Letters of apology were read for the absence of Comps . Thompson , H . Carey , J . Falkncr , Jun ., Soj ., and Williamson . Bro . W . Hunt was admitted properly prepared as a candidate for exaltation . The first part of the ceremony as far as the O . B . was conducted by the M . E . Z ., and the

Royal Arch.

remainder by Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins , who also gave the Historical , Symbolical , and Mystical Lectures . A vote of thanks to him for his efficient services , proposed by H . and seconded by Z ., was passed unanimously . Ex . Comp . Moutrie took the chair of J ., and after discussion of several matters of interest only to the members , thc chapter was closed at a quarter to ten .

Scotland.

Scotland .

GLASGOW . —Lodge St . Mungo ( No . 27 . )—The regular meeting of this old and flourishing lodge was held in St . Mark's Hall , 213 , Buchanan-street , on Thursday evening , lSth inst ., Bro . D . Butler , W . M ., in the chair , supported by Bros . G . Sinclair , I . P . M . ; D . Dick , S . M . ; Dr . J . Mclnnes , S . W . ; G W . Comb , J . W . ; J . McEwan , J . D . ;^ S . Dory , S . S . ; G . James , Tyler , and a good

attendance of members and visitors . Among the latter wc noticed Bros . Alex . Bain , P . M . 103 ; J . Bain , D . M . 117 ; A . lawrcr . ee , Sec . 117 ; J . Mclnnes , S . M ., 408 ; J . Neagle , J . W . 441 ; W . Ferguson , I . P . M . 543 ; ( " Freemason , " ) and others . The lodge having been opened , Bro . Robt . Hood was passed to the Fellow Craft Degree by Bro . Fergu son , P . M . 543 . The lodge was then opened on the

Third Degree , when Bro . Wm . Mc Intyre , was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason' Bro . Ferguson again performd the ceremony . The lodge wasjafterwards resame on the First Degree and closed in proper form . GLASGOW . —Lodge Thistle ( No . 87 ) . —The Provincial Grand Lodge paid this lodge their annual visit on Tuesday evening , the 16 th inst ., in the Commercial

Hall , 30 , Hope-street , Bro . J . Booth , W . M ., presiding , supported by the following office-bearers : —J . W . Bums , I . P . M . ; J . Fraser , P . M . ; Jeffrey , D . M . ; Ritchie , S . M . ; W . Stewart , S . W . ; R . Barr , J . W . ; T . Paton , Treas . ; W . Wilson , Sec . ; J . McLachlan , S . D . ; S . Gunning , I . G . ; and Sinclair , Tyler . Thc meeting was very well attended by the members and also a good number of visiting

brethren . The li : dge was opened and the minutes of last meeting read and confirmed . The Prov . G . L . deput itinn , consisting of Bros . J . Gilli s , P . G . Trcas . ; G . Sincl air , Treas . and Con . of Benevolent Fund : A . McTaggart , P . G . Sec ; A . Allison , P . G . T . ; A . Bain , P . G . B . B . ' ; J . Balfour , P . G . D . C . ; J . Milb" , P . G . J . D . ; 0 . Reid , P . G . I . G . ; and Haidie , Tyler , were admitted with the usual honours ,

and at the request of the W . M . Bro . Gillies occupied the chair , and requested Bro . McTaggart , P . G . Sec , to read the report of P . G L . Bro . McTaggart apologised for thc absence of Bio . Baird , P . G . S . M ., and sail ! Bro . Neilson , P . G . M ., was yet unable to leave his roim in consequence of his continued illness , and regretted lie was not in possesion of a letter IS ™ Baud , was in the habit of rcaiHiv '

to each lo Ige during their visitation , written by the P . G . M , In reference lo your books , they are very well kept , and you have the handsome sum of £ 101 iSs . to your credit . You have initiated 19 during the last year , and disbursed in charity in all £ \^ ; ami on ihe whole wc arc able to

give yen a goad ivp-. it . liru . I ) , lie-id , P . G . I . G ., on the million i-f Bro . I ' r . isrr , P . M ., was affiliated an him . member of tile lodge . Tne depul . it ' on tlu-n withdrew , an . I the lodge was called to refrohmeiit . Reports of the following Scotch lodges stand over : — i " 7 . 3 > ° > 5 > 55 < 57 ° ' 57 ' . 5 ' -

Laving Memorial Stone Of The Royal Blind Asylum And School At West Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

LAVING MEMORIAL STONE OF THE ROYAL BLIND ASYLUM AND SCHOOL AT WEST CRAIGMILLAR , EDINBURGH .

Bro . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Bart ., Grand Master Mason of Scotland , laid the memorial stone of thc new Blind Asylum and School at West Craigmillar on Monday , 22 nd inst ., and on the completion of the Masonic

ceremony His Grace the Lord High Commissioner formally opened thc institution . Thc occasion presented the first opportunity that has been afforded to the Freemasons of Scotland of publicly doing honour to the present Grand Master since he was chosen to fill the Throne of Grand Lodge , and thc large turn out of brethren from all parts of the country bore ample testimony , if such were needed ,

to thc high estimation in which Sir Michael Shaw Stewart is held by the Craft . The morning dawned inauspiciously , and during the forenoon rain fell in torrents . About noon , however , the sun looked out , and the weather cleared , the after part of the day being bright and genial . At one o ' clock thc members of local and provincial Masonic lodge

assembled in Charlotte-square , where , under Bro . Apthorpe , Grand Marshal , a precession was formed . The officebearers of Grand Lodge meanwhile met at Freemasons ' Hall , George-street , where Bro . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Grand Master , opened the lodge , there being also present Bros . Lord Balfour , of Burleigh , S . G . M . ; Major Hamilton Ramsay , of Garion , S . G . W . ; John Laurie , G . S . ; Rev . A .

T . Grant and Rev . Dr . Gray , G . C . ; P . S . Keir , of Kindrogan , P . G . W . ; Wm . Officer , P . G . D . 5 D . Kinnear , J . G . D . ; Daniel Robertson , B . B . ; W . Mann , representative of the Grand Lodge of Sweden ; Dr . Loth , representative of the Grand Orient of France ; Dr . Cowan , Provincial Grand Secretary , Perthshire ; J . Wolfe Murray , of Cringletie , P . G . M . Lodge Peebles and

Selkirk ; J . H . Neilson , Dublin , representing Grand Lodge of Ireland , & c . ; W . Hay , S . G . D . ; John Coghill , G . D . C . ; James Ballantine , G . T 5 . ; G . F . R . Colt , of Gartshcirie , S . B . ; Robert Davidson , G . O . ; Wm . F . B : yce , G . T . ; and James Baikie , Tyler . Fully an hour was spent in getting the brethren into marching

order , but i 1 due time the signal was given by the Grand Marshal , and thc brethren moved off , the junior-Lodges being in front . Deputations were present from Lodges 581 , 5 80 , 571 , 55 ( 1 , 553 , 540 . 54 8 , 54 ° . 5 2 ° . 505 . 482 , 468 , 4 C 5 , 448 , 429 , 405 , 400 , 392 , 385 , 374 , 362 , 355 , 349 , 327 , 318 , 317 , 309 , 305 , 291 , 276 , 272 , 261 , 254 , 250 , 248 , 244 , 233 . 22 3 . 223 , 203 , 185 , 177 , 1 G 6 , 160 , 15 6 , 152 , 151 ,

Laving Memorial Stone Of The Royal Blind Asylum And School At West Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

145 , 132 , 122 ; 117 , 166 , 11 4 112 , in 100 , 97 , , 72 , 70 , 60 , 57 , 49 , 47 , 36 , 30 , 28 , 26 , 2 i , ' 13 . ' > 5 . 3 i , 3 > 2 > and r . ' Headed by the Grand Marshal and the brass ba nd of Lodge No . 88 , Airdrie , the procession proceeded alone George Street ( the office-bearers of Grand Lodge f alling into the rear opposite the Masonic Hall ) , Frederick-street

Mound , and Bank-street , to Parliament Square , wh ere it was joined by the municipal authorities , various public bodies , and thc inmates of the Royal Blind Asylum and School . Thc procession was then re-arranged and moved off in the following order : —Six members of the cit y police three abreast ; pipers and band of the 79 th Highlanders •' official and white rod ; boys of the institution ( two deep ) in

, dark blue uniform , guided by a cord in the way the Rev . Dr . Johnston , the founder of the parent institution , used to lead the men to church ; overseer and white rod ; men of the institution ( three abreast ) , carrying emblems of the various trades carried on in the asylum ; messengers small van with old men , large van with old men and piper ; dirrctors of the institution ( in carriages ) ; master

, treasurer , assistant and clerk of Merchant Company ( in carriages ) ; Moderator and office-bearers of Hi gh Constables ; Lord Provost in his private carriage , and wearing official robes ; Magistrates of the city , Dean tf Guild , and Convenor of the Trades ( attended by the city officers ) , all in carriages and wearing official robes ; band of music ; guard of honour ;

members of subordinate lodges of Freemasons , three abreast , Junior Lodge in front ; band of music ; members and office-bearers of Grand Lodge ; carriage of the Lord Hi gh Commissioner , containing His Grace , the Countess of Galloway , Sir Michael Shaw Stewart , Dr . Hamilton Ramsay , Purse-bearer , and Rev . Mr . Russell , Chaplain ; carriage in which were Lady Jane Stewart , Lady Henrietta

Stewart , Hon . Walter Stewart , and Lord Lionel Cecil ; carriage containing General and Mrs . Ramsay Stewart , and Lieut . Spencer ; and six members of the city police force , three abreast . The procession extended nearly two miles , and along thc whole route from Parliament-square to West Craigmillar the streets and windows of thc houses were crowded with spectators . When the junior lodge

arrived at the entrance to the Asylum , the Freemasons halted and formed into line on cither side of the thoroughfare in order tj allow the Grand Lodge to pass through the ranks to the platform , the band in front meanwhile playing the " Merry Masons . " The office-bearers alid members of the Gran J Lodge were followed into the Asylum grounds by thc rest of the Freemasons , and the other

processionists arrived in due course , the appearance of the carriage of his Grace the Lord Hi gh Commissioner being greeted with enthusiastic cheering , the assemblage also uncovering , and the band of thc 71 / th Highlanders playing the Queen ' s Anthem . The Fieemasons congregated iu pmximitv to the north-east comer of the building , where the memorial-stum , w .-u , t <> be laid ,

while Hie Karl of Galloway and a large company of gentlemen assembled in an adjoining marquee . The Countfss of Galloway , Lady Jane Stewart , and Lady llemietla Stewart witnessed the Masonic ceiemony in a temporary balcony which had been erected over one of the entrances to the Asylum , which was profusely decorated with flags and bannerets . The Rev . Dr . Gray having

offered prayer , Bro . Lauri :: placed a glass jar , containing a variety of documents , & c , relating to the institution , in a cavity prepared for their reception , after which the stone was lowered and laid with full Masonic honours , thc regimental band furnishing appropriate music . At the conclusion of the proceedings , Bro . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart said : Our Masonic

ceremony is now over . It only remains for me to wish the promoters of this noble institution every prosperity . Gentlemen , directors of the Royal Blind Asylum and School , you are making a fair and a prosperous start . Vou already have the patronage of our Most Gracious Sovereign . Her Majesty ' s representative , thc Lord High Commissioner , is here in person ; so are the Lord Provost and

magistrates . You have in addition the substantial and somewhat unusual satisfaction of commencing the occupation of a very handsome new building , as lam informed , entirely free of debt . ( Cheers ., ) Before we part , I may be allowed to thank the brethren for their attendance here to-day . They have turned out in some strength , and I am not surprised , because it is a good and a charitable work

which has brought so many [ of them from a great distance to take part in the proceedings of to-day . ( Cheers . ) Many of those who do not belong to our brotherhood are , I believe , aware that one of the most distinctive features of Freemasonry is benevolence , in tbe shape of good will towards men —( cheers)—and we have , as Masons , a strong sympathy with your work

today . ( Renewed cheers . ) The Blind Asylum and School fill a most important place amongst benevolent institutions . They offer comfort , and modify the privations of those who , if left to themselves , would pass but a dreary life , and in many cases a hopeless existence . ( Hear , hear . ) You give them occupation , interest , society , and take them away from themselves , so to speak . ( Cheers . ) You lift

them up from their hopeless position , in which by God ' s providence , and for some good reason , they appear to be placed , and you teach them that they can be of use—that they can help themselves —( hear , hear)—help each other , and even by honest labour almost earn a livelihood for themselves . ( Cheers . ) Gentlemen , I have had an opportunity of going over your institution , and I must say that

thc directors are to be congratulated upon its successful results , but still more , I say , are to be congratulated the inmates of the institution . ( Hear , hear . ) All the appliances for their comfort seem to be most perfect . You have a handsome building—ornamental even to Edinburgh , which can boast of its architecture . ( Cheers . ) True it is our poor friends cannot enjoy the beautiful view which expands itself in front of the windows , but they can inhale