Keys.

As the key was commonly used to signify authority over men and affairs , so it became the emblem of power in modern Freemasonry and has been adopted as the official insignia of the Lodge Treasurer , he who commands the source of the organisation ' s material power . As interpreted by Freemasons the key is a beautiful and significant emblem , pointing to those hidden truths which members of the Fraternity do well to study and enjoy .

The key , imaginatively used , is the synonym for all opportunities and observations which unlock the closed doors of life ' s mysteries and reveal its hidden treasures . Have we a talent , it is a key to some store-house filled with the g lories of another world ; have we an acquisition , a proui possession , it may mean an entrance into a realm of unselfishness , an abode of bliss Have we friends and fortune , they mav be golden key s which will unlock

heaven ' s gates , or with false glitter make easy our admission to the orchards filled with Dead Sea fruits , to the inferno of blasted hopes and unfulfilled desires ! Have we a hope , a thought ; it may be the key to some great achievement , to some victory that shall win the world ' s admiration and praise . The key of life is power over self . Its use will unlock

the doors which bar the way to success , the success which is not merely temporal , but eternal , the birth of a soul into everlasting life . This key has many forms , it unlocks strange doors which lead to dark and dreary chambers where the pilgrim suffers and is strong , but if he clings to his key of life he passes from gloom to brightness and reaches the heig ht he seeks .

The key of life hast thou , oh Brother mine ? Then use it daily , keep its lustre bright 'Twill ope the gates that lead to truth divine , To fields elysian , realms of love and light . Freemasons' Repository

Testimonial To Bro. Hudson.

TESTIMONIAL TO BRO . HUDSON .

The following cutting from the Newcastle Daily Chronicle is of a most gratifying character , proving , as it does , how hearty is the appreciation of Hro . Hudson ' s invaluable services as Prov . Grand Secretary throughout the whole Province of Durham . Bro . Robert Hudson ( P . G . S . B . of England ) was appointed Prov . Grand Secretary of Durham by the . Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., in 1882 , and has ever since discharged the onerous duties of that office " without fee or reward , " and to the complete satisfaction of all concerned .

The R . W . Bro . Sir Hedworth Williamson , Bart ., P . G . W ,, has re-appointed Bro . Hudson ( since succeeding the late Lord Londonderry ) from 1885 , and for certain no one else will be acceptable in this large and zealous province whilst the present Prov . Grand Secretary will kindly continue to wear the collar , and do the enormous work connected with such an office .

A meeting of the Sub-Committee entrusted with the carrying out of the project of making a presentation to Mr . Robert Hudson , the esteemed Secretary of the Durham Province , was held at Durham on the 21 st inst . It was stated that thi subscriptions now amounted to about £ . 1000 , the larger portion of which sum will , at Mr . Hudson's own desire , be invested forthe purpose of forming a Benevolent Fun ! to be named after Mr . Hudson , for the assistance of the widows and children of Freemasons . It was , however , felt at the same time by the many friends of Mr . Hudson that some personal gift should be made to him in addition , and at Saturday's meeting it was decided that this should take the form of a silver tea and coffee service .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

King Harold Lodge , No . 1327 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Four Swans Hotel , Waltham Cross , Heits , on Thursday , the lyth inst . The W . M ., Bro . G . 3 . Metcalfe , pre'ided , and was supported by Bro . Joseph Priddle , the W . M . elect , and all his ofiicers , viz ., Bros . John Mark , I . P . M . ; Henry Park , | . W . ; W . A . Sproat , P . M , P . P . A . G . P ., Treas . ; J . Reilly , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Sec . ; W . Bangs , P . P . G . Org ., S . D . ; John Robinson , P . M ., P . P . J G . W ., D . C ; J . W . Crockett , Org . ; H . Trask , P . M . 2372 , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , J . D . ; Piatt and Witte , Stwds . ; Young , Tyler ; Charles Lacey , P . M .. P . P . G . D . Herts ; J . Tydeman , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . Herts ; J . Fisher , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Herts . ; W . A . Rogers , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Herts ; F . M . Bilby , P . M .,

P . P . G . Std . Br . Herts ; P . L . Blackmore , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works Herts ; W . H . Blckel . P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Herts ; W . Metcalfe , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Herts ; Herbert E . Smith , P . M . ; W . J . Rotiir . san , S . Clifton , J . T . Simmons , G . Message , J . Brown , Lewis Cohen , Otto Guttentag , Captain Count Peter Stiens , W . A . Cook , D . | . Shepherd , A . J . Maxfield , J . Hartnell , Fiederick G . dfree , W . M . elect 2372 ; j . Parnell , G . H . Caiter , H . Brant , T . Keates ,

T . Paul , A . J . Williamson , P . M . 251 S , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; G . H . Burgum , W . Harwood , John Jackson , G . H . Chittenden , VV . J . Brown , J . S . Gregory , E . W . Newman , J . W . 2518 ; C . W . Wiggs , W . J . Nash , J . Sharp , and G . Eversfuld . Visitors : Brcs . John Black , P . M . 70 ( 1 ; F . P . Warren , P . M . 2372 , P . P . J . G . W . ; Geo . Jones , 174 ; C . H . Webb , 174 ; M . A . Mclnernay , P . M . 234 O ; J . A . Dent , 234 G ; Stuart Leaman , 217 ; C . A . McRae , 2045 ; G . A . Ball , 1981 ; G . W . Collyer , 19 S 1 ; W . Rich , 234 G ; J . Wood , 145 ; and Burgess , 2372 .

The ledge was opened and the minutes were read and confirmed . Mr . John Whyte was initiated and Bro . W . A . Ccck elected a joining member . The installation of the W . M . elect then took place , Bro . J . Robinson , P . M ., & c , beinj the Installing Officer , assisted by Bro . Charles Lacey , P . M ., as D . C . The follo * ing were then invested : Bros . G . S . Metcalfe , I . P . M .: Henry Park , S . W . ; Wm . Bangs , J . W . ; VV . A . Sproaf , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; Thos . Reilly , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Sec ; Henry Trask , P . M . 2372 , P . P . G . S . of W ., S . D . ; E . G . Piatt , J . D . ; John Robinson , P . M ., & c , D . C . ;

Lewis Cohen , A . D . C . ; D . J . Shepherd , Org . ; D . J . Witte , l . G . ; G . J . Holdsworth and J . W . Crockett , Stwds . ; and A . G . Young , Tyler . There were votes ot I hanks to all those distinguished brethren who assisted Bro . John Robinson , P . M ., in performing the ceremony of installation . The death of Bro . G . Holdsworth , P . M ., was reported , and the Secretary was directed to send a letter of condolence to the family of the deceased brother . The W . M . then said he had a very pleasing duty to perform , which was to place on the breast of the I . P . M ., Bro . G . S . Metcalfe , a Past Master ' s jewel of a most

un : que character , and one which all admired , and were pleased to see on their worthy bro ther's breast . The jewel was made in such a way that while it reflected honour on the recipient , it also had a patriotic and loyal allusion to the Diamond J ubilee year of her Most Gracious Majesty the Oueen . Bro . G . S . Metcalfe , i . P . M ., was well worthy the distinguished honour , as he had worked hard for the sacred cause of Charily , ar . d it was unanimously hoped that he might long bs spared to wear this handsome memento of a most remarkable year .

The accessions ] to Masonry during his year of oflice , and the Past Master ' s jewel was voted to him out of the lodge funds as a mark of esteem and respect , and in appreciation of his services as W . M . during the past year , he being the 27 th Master of the King Harold Lodge since its consecration by Bro . Terry , on September 27 th , 1870 . Bro . Metcalfe is a man of deeds rather than words , but he found sufficient eloquent language toexprtss his heartfelt thanks to the brethren lor the unvaried kindness and support they had given him during his year of ollice . The death of Bro . George Holdsworth ,

P . M ., was n ported to the lodge , and the Secretary was directed to send a letter of condolence and sympathy to the family . It was resolved that a testimonial b ; presented to Bio . Thomas Reilly , P . M ., in consideration of his long services to the lodge as Secretary , and that 10 guineas be taken from the lodge funds , and supplemented by voluntary contributions , in furtherance of that object , Bro . Reilly being shortly about to lay down the Secretary ' s pen , and seek that rest which his advanced age amply justifies . Bro . John Mark , P . M ., and Bro . Charles Lacey , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., spoke in support of the

Craft Masonry.

motion , stating that they had known Bro . Reilly as Secretary for many years . The motion was put and carried unanimously , and a Committee—consisting of the W . M ., I . P . M ., Treasurer , and other Past Masters—was asked if they would kindly carry out the intention of the resolution . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren retired to a banquet , served up in Bro . J . VV . Nash ' s usual style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , and the evening was enlivened by vocal and instrumental music . After spending a pleasant evening , the brethren dispersed , well pleased vt ' Xh the day's proceedings .

Lodge Of Instruction.

Lodge of Instruction .

PROSPERITY LODGE , No . 65-A meeting was held on Wednesday , the 25 th inst ., at the Weavers' Arms , 17 , London Wall , when there were present Bros . G . T . Kinipple , W . M . ; S . Spencer , S . W . ; VVilliam Baker , J . VV . ; D . Harlow , P . M ., Preceptor ; H . T . Meadows , P . M , Sec . ; J . G . Robeson , S . D . ; Saunion , P . M ., J . D . ; Emden , P . M ., I . G . ; J . Greig , P . M . ; James Smith , P . M . ; Stevenson , Garton , E . Collins , J . Farr , Brown , Dawe , and Wynman .

The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was then rehearsed , Bro . Brown being the candidate ; Bro . Collins afterwards answering the questions leading to the Second Degree , was entrusted . The W . M . then opened the lodge in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , at the conclusion of which Bro . G . T . Kinipple gave the lecture on the second tracing board in a most admirable manner . Opening the lodge in the Third Degree , the W . M . put the brethren through Masonic drill , then closing down to the First and dues being collected , the lodge was closed in ample form .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . W . E . WILLBY , P . M ., P . Z . 538 . Bro . W . E . Willby , P . M ., P . Z . Lodge La Tolerance , No . 538 , died on the 25 th ult ., and was interred at Norwood Cemetery on the 28 ' . h . Bro . Willby joined Lodge La Tolerance in January , 18 9 6 , and was elected W . M . in December , 1892 . He had a very successful year of office , and was a most zealous and energetic member of the lodge . He was also a prominent member of the Vane Chapter , No . 538 , and had only recently vacated the Third Principal's chair .

The La Tolerance Lodge of Instruction will greatly miss Bro . Willby , as he was a most energetic worker amongst them , and by his unceasing efforts brought the lodge to its present state of prosperity . He undertook the duties of Secretary , which were carried out in a manner highly creditable to him , sparing neither time nor trouble , and his kind and genial presence will be sorely missed by very many of the brethren . Bro . Willby was only 43 years of age , and leaves a widow and daughter to lament his decease . On his daughter he spared no

expense in training her as a musician and vocalist , and she promises to become a talented artiste . At the funeral there were upwards of a hundred sorrowing friends , and amongst them many members of the Craft . The lodge was represented by the W . M . and his two Wardens , the Treasurer , and Secretary , in addition to others , and a number of brethren from other lodges who were anxious to pay t heir last sad tribute of respect to one who was so much beloved and cut off in the prime of his life .

BRO . W . R . FELTON . The funeral took place on Saturday , the 21 st inst ., at Cheltenham , of Bro . W . R . Felton , whose death occurred at Weston-super-Mare on the previous Tuesday . The first portion of the Burial Service was solemnised in the parish church and was attended by the Mayor , Bro . Baron de Ferrieres , and a number of the officials and members of the Royal Union Lodge , of which the deceased was a

member . The brethren , who wore sprigs of acacia as buttonholes , inclu led Bros . C . Williams , W . M . ; Alderman Norman , Alderman Lawrence , J . Waghorne , J . Ryland , B . Combe , 'J . T . Darby , T . A . Huband , G . Dinmer , and others . Bro . the Rev , Dr . Childe and the Revs . C . G . Ledger and P . Nash officiated . Wreaths were sent by the Royal Union Lodge , the Oswald Preceptory of Knights Templar , and Provincial Grand Lodges of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire .

BRO . DANIEL SPRY , PAST G . M . OF CANADA . Bro . Daniel Spry , well-known and prominent in Masonic circles for the past 40 years in the Dominion of Canada , died at his residence in London , Ontario , on the 15 th inst . Bro . Spry was a Post Office Inspector , and was considered one of the most efficient officers in the department . He was born at Burritt ' s Rapids , November 29 th , 1835 , and was initiated into Freemasonry in King Solomon's Lodge , No . 22 , Toronto—of which he was subsequently six times W . M . —March

nth , 1858 ; he was District Deputy Grand Master of the Eleventh , or Toronto Masonic District in 18 7 6 , and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada during the years 1882-3 ; he was for many years the Grand Chancellor of the Knights Templar in Canada , and it is not too much to say that his work as Grand Chancellor has contributed much to the success of Templarism in this country ; he was well-known to the Craft , and one of the popular Grand Masters . For the past year he had been suffering from Bright ' s disease , and was very low for some weeks

past . About a week ago his old and intimate friend , Bro . Ross Robertson , who had known him for 43 years , went to London and spent a day at his bedside , and at that time Bro . Spry , while weak from his illness , conversed , and was not suffering much pain . Within the next three or four days , however , he became suddenly worse , and" died about two o ' clock in the morning . His remains were buried in the cemetery in Barrie , Ontario , beside those of his son , a fine young fellow , who died some years ago . The services were under the auspices of the

Masonic brethren of Barrie , and in the absence of the Grand Master , Bro . William Gibson , M . P ., the Craft ceremonies were conducted b y Bros . Ross Robertson and Hugh Murray , Past Grand Masters , and E . T . Malone , Deputy Grand Master . The attendance was very large . In Capitular and Cryptic Masonry , and in the Sovereign Great Priory of Knights Templars he has filled the chief offices , having been elected in 1879-80 Grand First Principal Z . of the Grand Chapter of Canada ; in 1872-71 , to the office of

Grand Master of the Grand Council Royal and Select Masters , and Honorary Grand blaster of the Templar body , both in Canada and Australia . He was one of the few selected some years ago by the Grand Master of the Order in England , his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , for the distinctive decoration of Knight Grand Cross of the Temple . At the time of his death he was Grand Chancellor of the Order . He has also received the 33 of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , and was a prominent officer of the Supreme Council . In the various rites closely and legitimately allied to Masonry Bro . Spry has been

as prominent as in the larger bodies . He in 1871 received the Degrees of the Order of the R ? d Cross ot / Rome and Constantine , and was installed as Most Puissant Sovereign ol Holy Land Conclave , No . 26 , Toronto , in November , 1874 . On the formation of the Grand Imperial Council in August , 18 75 , he was elected Grand Sovereign and held the office for some years . He was the representative of the Grand Imperial Councils of Scotland and of the United States . Bro . Spry was also Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of tho Dominion of Canada , organised in August , 18 75 ,