Fourth Annual Ball Of The Fellowship Lodge, No. 2535.

from a bed of sickness in order that the enjoyment should in no way be diminished by his absence . The President was ably supported by the Cprretarv , Bro . Jas . Stephens , P . D . G . D . C , whose arrangements for the

comfort of all present were of the most complete description . The W . M ., Bro . Wm . Thomas , lent the wei ght of his influence and assistance , and supported as these brethren were by such members as Btos . Carter , Hayler , and Sanderson , with a powerful and influential Iodge behind them , the

result was complete enjoyment , the revival of old friendships and associations , and a healthy participation in the dance programme . There is generally a happy coincidence in the dates on which these gatherings are held , last year ' s falling upon the President ' s birthday . This year it was the Secretary ' s birthday , who received many congratulations , and the handsome and costly present described below , whilst rumour whimpered that in 1900 Bro . Step hens not only hopes to celebrate his jubilee , but also his silver

wedding- It is a feather in the cap of those responsible for the ball that on the last three successive occasions they have been honoured by the presence of Bros . Sir John Monckton , P . G . W ., and E . Letchworth , G . Sec . Dancing was commenced soon after nine o ' clock , and when half the programme had been enjoyed , the company adjourned to the smaller half , where an excellent supper was partaken cf . "The Queen " was the first of the three toasts on the programme .

The PRESIDENT next gave " The Ladies , " and said to do that full justice would be as sounding brass or tinkling cymbal . They were pleased to see the ladies present to charm their assembly , and they hoped to enjoy a similar privilege for many years . He gave them the toast coupled with the name of Bro . Cyril Sims , as it was probably the last occasion on which that brother could respond to the loast .

Bro . C YRIL SIMS briefly replied , and said that the words had been put into his mouth that that was his last dying spetch . He thanked them on behalf of the ladies , who had enjoyed themselves very much indeed . Bio . W . THOMAS , W . M ., asked their indulgence whilst he proposed a toast which would be agreeable to all the brethren of the lodge and chapter , and also to those who had been associated in the delights and pleasures of

the ball . It was logical to say that if the lodge had not been in existence there would have been no ball . The fact that the lodge and also the ball had existed for four years was due entirely to a brother whom they all revered and regarded . The work of launching a lodge ball to a successful issue was dependent entirely upon the enthusiasm of the brother who carried it out , and the success of the Fellowshi p Ball was the result of the

individuality of Bro . Jas . Stephens . They had , then fore , thought that a mere tangible recognition of the services that brother had given to the Iodge , chapter , and ball was due ; something that he could hand down to his sons and daughters . As \ V . Masier of the Fellowship Lodge , he ( Bro . Thomas ) had been asked to present Bro .

Stephens with a testimonial in recognition of his splendid work , and as a token of the sympathy and regard of everymemberof thelodge and chapter . This was not an organised testimonial , but a spontaneous offering of the lodge . This was intended as the expression of the feelings of their hearts and sympathies towards Bro . Stephens and his wife .

Bro . J . STEPHENS , P . D . G . D . C , said , in reply , lhat the magnificent display of presents had almost taken his breath away . Evidently what he had done , humble though it may have been , had at least given sathfaction to the members of the Iodge and chapter . He tried to do his best . It was not given to every man to have that even temperament and masterly manner at a moment ' s notice that was characteristic of their brother , the

President in the chair . He could assure them that during the whole of his social life , in Masonry or out , he had ever studied to act fairly and honourably by all men . It was because , in his humble opinion , he was conscientious , and acted according to his conviction . The W . M . had been gocd enough to mention his wife and the kindly acts she had exhibited on behalf of the Masonic Institutions , and he only hoped that out cf their goodness to

him those hearts would continue to beat in the future with the same spirit of philanthropy as in the past . Before he came into the Masonic world he was associated in the district in which he lived wilh a philanthropic institution with Bro . Ruddiforth , ' some 15 years ago , and he hoped to assist such objects in the future . On the consecration of the lodge they voted 25 guineas to the central Masonic Institutions , and that had been supplement ! d by other sums amounting to no less a sum than 1500 guineas . He could not

forget their kindness three years ago in presenting him wilh lhe Grand Chapter clothing ; and two years ago , when H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . was good enough to confer Grand Lodge rank upon him , they presented him with Grand Lodge clothing . He had told ihem that he should , perhaps , have given up the Secretarial work , but now he could only say he was theirs to command so long as God gave him breath . He only hoped with his wife to be spared many years to be present on these festive occasions .

Bro . Sir JOHN MONCKTON , P . G . W ., briefly proposed " The President , " which was duly acknowledged by Bro . W . H . BAILEY , P . G . Treas . Jhe company then returned to the ball room to again enjoy the strains ol Bro . Evans' band , and dancing was continued until a late hour in ihe morning . The testimonial to Bro . Stephens consisted of a very handsome gilt drawing room clock suite , beautifully designed and finished in richest gold and cloissomc enamel relief , standing on mounted velvet plinths . The clock strikes

the hours and half hours on a deep cathedral toned gong and is regulated b y a pendulum charged with mercury . There were also four 'arge silver vases , and a complete silver toilet set . Amorgst the company present were—J ^ -os . Sir J . Monckton , P . G . W . ; E . Letchworth , G . Sec ; Bro . and Mrs . W . H . naiiey and party ; Bro . and Mrs . J . Stephens and party ; Bro . W . Thomas , I'V ,. '• ., ' and Mrs ' - Wchards and party Bro ., Mrs ., and Miss Dearing 1 l > 0 . W . H . G . Uutherforth , P . M . ; W . J . Batho and B . Carter -, Bro . and Mrs . 1 A r c ¦? ' s '' and Mrs ' ' ' Terrv ( R-M-B . I ); Bro ., Mrs ., and Miss Lake 1 w M ' ' ., Bro' and Mrs- Jas' Speller Bro . and Mrs . Sims and party ; Bro . J-W . Morrell , and many others .

din . ' Tk „ vV 'he Duke and Duchess of Saxe-Coburg celebrated their silver wed-Scviiour !?„ . of Cff doii , representin-f the Queen , and Commander the Hon . Fiidav ZiY i ' * # * " ¦ of T * KlH'the 1 > r - ¦»¦¦< - Wncess of Wales , left London on anniver « r [ f 'nB 'l 51 ' ?? . havc arived at Gotha - bearing valuable souvenirs of the happy Saturdav rl ~ ° ¦ , , Jesty and their Royal Highnesses . The festivities began on Soo voice * ; . ! " ? £ Wlth \ serena < l-- given by the united choral societies of Gjtha—about 'mpnsinffin ^ Ti- L . great - . ^ o £ the Castle o £ Friedenstein . Subs : quentW „ an Kiorcmignt procession was organised , in which 5000 torchbeirers took part .

Masonic Service At All Saints', Southport.

MASONIC SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS ' , SOUTHPORT .

The first Masonic service that has been held at All Saints' Church , Southport , took place on Sunday afternoon , the 22 nd instant , and was rendered particularly interesting by the presence of Bro . the Ven . W . Macdonald Sinclair , D . D ., Archdeacon of London , P . G . Chap . Eng . Despite the unfavourable weather , about 100 brethren attended the service , and the collection was devoted

to a fund which the Freemasons of Southport are raising to provide the amount necessary for the endowment of a Masonic cot in the infirmary . Assembling in the All Saints' Institute , Rawlinson-road , the brethren walked in procession to the church , and , having donned Craft clothing in the western porch , took their places in the nave , where seats were reserved for them .

The Provincial G . Officers included the Mayor of Southport ( Bro . C . E . Austin , P . G . D . East Lanes . ); Bros . H . Kidson , P . G . Reg . ; T . E . Williams , P . G . Reg . ; M . H . Boyd , P . G . Reg . ; R . Sharrock , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; W . Platt , P . P . G . Treas . ; W . J . Worden , P . P . G . Dep . Reg . ; and R . Davies , P . P . G . Std . Br . Amongst other brethren in attendance were the Vicar of All Saints' ( Bro . Dr . C . T . Porter , P . M ., Chap . 2360 ); Bros , the Rev . W . Millington , M . A ., R . D ., Chap . 2295 ; theRev . J . Williams , M . A . ; A . A . W . Phillipps , W . M . 613 ; C . Marshall , 1313 ; R . Thistlethwaite

Casson , 1144 ; Fawcett Cave , 2325 ; F . Walker , 2360 ; E . Wright , 2325 ; R . Harvey , W . M . 2360 ; B . Purser , 613 ; W . Walmsley , 613 ; F . Walmsley , 613 ; S . Pearson , 613 ; D . H . Ball , 613 ; W . O . Matteson , P . M . 430 ' ; " J . Knowles , 2295 ; Tudor R . Davies , 2325 ; Charles A . Simon , 2360 ; J . Vaughan , 2360 ; J . Robinson , 1313 ; J . M . Petrie , 613 ; John Petrie , 613 ; R . A . McFeeter , P . M . 613 ; H . W . Hatch , 613 ; W . J . Pierce , 2325 ; T . N . Holliday , 2360 ; W . Stewart , 2360 ; A . F . Campbell , 3 80 ; N . Mason , 2325 ; C . F . Woodworth ,

2325 : Dr . Stopford , P . M . 2360 ; K . Shuttleworth , 613 ; John J . Caddock , P . M . 1647 : W . Pye , P . M . 1094 ; J . W . Hudson , W . M . 2325 ; S . Barrett , 2360 ; R . Brittain , 613 ; H . B . Jagger , P . M . 1313 ; E . Leigh , 2325 ; J . Lever , 1313 ; R . T . Duerdin , 1313 ; B . Ash Roberts , 232 s W . Lewis , P . M . 2360 ; T . Seddon , 613 ; W . White , 1313 ; W . Cunliffe , 2360 ; J . Jump , 1313 ; S . Rostron , 1313 , J . Holey , 2325 ; J . Hargreaves , P . M . 1077 : J . Johnson , 613 ; T . Birtwistle , 613 ; E . Pritchard , 613 ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M . 1239 , P . G . S . West Yorks ; G . K .

Geill , 613 ; F . A . Levy . 993 ; N . Yates , 2325 ; T . H . Hickson , 2360 ; F . W . Hickson , 580 ; T . Waithman , 613 ; R . G . Rothwell , 2360 ; J . E . Maiden , 1313 , W . Stewart , 2360 ; Pownall , 295 ; H . Astley , 2360 ; H . Malley , 2325 ; DL . E . Rimmer , 613 ; J . T . Gale , 613 ; W . Peacock , 9 86 ; Dr . Storrar , 2325 ; E . Lawton , 1313 ; James Hes ' : eth , P . M . 1070 ; F . Goulding , 613 ; Jno . Hughes , 1313 ; H . Robinson , 2360 ; G . Davies , 2360 ; R . Kay , 1313 ; J . F . Hindle , P . M . 2325 ; Willis Brunt , 2325 ; W . R . Stoyle , 2360 ; S . Bell , 2325 ; and others .

Apologies for absence were received from Bros . Rev . C . S . Hope , M . A ., and Rev . J . S . Gardiner , M . A . The Revs . Dr . I Porter , W . [ Millington , and J . Williams officiated , while the Rev . R . B . de Wolf , M . A ., was also present . A shortened form of evening ser ^ vice was used , and the anthem , " Remember Now Thy Creator , " was admirably

svng . Bro . Dr . SINCLAIR then delivered a thoughtful sermon from the text 2 Peter , i ., 7— " Add to godliness brotherly kindness . " At the close of the sermon the collection was taken , and it amounted to £ 12 i 3 « . The final hymn having been sung , the Archdeacon pronounced tho Benediction , and the service was brought to a close with the National Anthem .

Ladies' Banquet And Dance Of The Eccleston Lodge, No. 1624.

LADIES' BANQUET AND DANCE OF THE ECCLESTON LODGE , NO . 1624 .

The ladies night of the Eccleston Lodge , No . 1624 , is always eagerly anticipated by the members , and especially by their relatives and friends , for a successful and pleasant gathering is invariably the result . The function of the present season proved no exception to the rule , for a goodly company were welcomed on their arrival at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 18 th inst ., by Bro . Geo . Lane , the W . M .

Greetings having been exchanged , the members and guests adjourned to the Victoria Hall , where a capital banquet was served . After dessert a few toasts were honoured , the usual loyal toasts being first briefly given by the W . M . Bro . W . SMITH , I . P . M ., then proposed " The Health of the W . M ., "

remarking that it was the toast of the evening . They possessed an efficient ruler in Bro . Lane , whom every officer and member would support during his year of office . As the ladies were anxious to get into the ball-room , he would not detain them longer with a speech , but ask them to drink the toast in bumpers . Thc toast was accorded musical honours .

Bro , G . LANE , W . M ., in reply , thanked them all for their cordial reception of the toast . He had been a considerable time attaining the chair , but no < v that he occupied that position he was more than grateful for the manner in which his health bad been proposed and received . Bro . W . SMITH , I . P . M ., replying for " The Past Masters and Officers , " said he thought such senior Past Masters as Bros . Bignold and Colthard should have

been given the tasK . He was pleased that so far they had had an enjoyable evening , and hoped it would continne throughout the whole proceedings . Bros . W . E . LANK , S . W ., and E . BADDELEY , J . W ., also briefly responded . "The Ladies and Visitors" was next given by the W . M ., who said the members were pleased to avail themselves of this opportunity of inviting the ladies , and hoped they would thoroughly enjoy themselves .

Bro . E . Nicu , J . D ., in appropriate and humorous terms replied for the ladies . Having alluded to the ancient Greek festivals , he said they had no such festivals at the present time , but they had institutions which answered the same purpose . On such occasions as this a single man was called upon to respond for the ladies , which he always did with the best of intentions . They had all heard of the three great pillars of wisdom , strength , and beauty . That night they had

the wisdom of the W . M ., the strength and support of the visitors , and the exquisite beauty of thc ladies . He would not detain them long , as he knew they were all anxious to ruralise and although some might think that impo > siblc there were several lanes adjacent . He returned thanks on behalf of the ladies , and he hoped this annual gathering would be repeated on many occasions in the future . There were some familiar faces absent , but as their numbers were maintained ' there must be many new ones present .

Bro . RKDI - replied for " The Visitors , " and said that as Master of the Prince Frederick William Lodge he envied them their happy gathering . The company then adjourned to the ball roam , where the devotees of Terpsichore glided through the mazy waltz until the morning hours had . well advanced . Bro . F . W . Middleditch ' s band was in attendance ,