Consecration Of The Sterndale Bennett Chapter, No. 2182.

Comp . Hodges had endeavoured to render the inaugural meeting successful from a musical point of view , and their thanks were due to him for his excellent musical arrangements . Comps . CLIFFORD , H ., and HODGES , X , having- replied , The M . E . Z . gave "The Founders and Officers , " and said the founders had one object in viewwhich was to devote their time and substance to make the chapter

, a success and free it from encumbrance . No lodge or chapter could have a better Treasurer , for Comp . Clowes devoted both his time and substance to Masonry , and that night had set them a good example in presenting them with all tho sceptres , which were works of art . In Comps . Smith , S . E ., and Jackson , S . N ., they had Masons who would do everything necessary for success , and Comp .

Stimson , D . C , would do the same . Comp . Wingham , P . S ., was new to the Sterndale Beunett , but not new to many of them , for he remembered his being initiated in his mother lodge , and knew him to be one of a race of Masons and an excellent example . Comp . Towers , 1 st A . S ., would , he had no doubt , give him all the assistance he required . Comp . CLOWES , P . Z ., Treas ., and the other officers responded .

The M . E . Z . proposed the health of the companions who bad kindly assisted in the music , and coupled with the toast the name of Comp . Turle Lee , who replied in appropriate terms . The Janitor ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close . The musical programme , which was admirably arranged by Comp . John

Hodges , was carried out by several of the companions present , the glees and madrigals affording the companions present considerable enjoyment . Comps . E . J . Bell and A . Kenningham contributed songs , and last , but not least , Comps . W . Little , M . E . Z ., and G . F . Smith , P . Z ., rendered a pianoforte duet , " Tarantelle " ( Rubenstein ) , in excellent style . The chapter was furnished by Comp . George Kenning .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of Middlesex And Surrey.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF MIDDLESEX AND SURREY .

The Prov . Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of the Province of Middlesex and Surrey was held at the Ship and Turtle Tavern , Leadenhall-street , E . C , on Friday , the 21 sfc inst ., when there was a good attendance . Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . Master , presided , and was supported by Bros . G . Gordon Robbins , P . G . Stwd ., S . W . ; Rev . Jas . Hutchins , Chap . ; 0 . Hammerton , P . G . Treas . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Reg . ; W . G . Brighten , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec . ;

P . Dakin , P . G . M . O . ; Jno . Larkin , P . J . G . D . ; 0 . Slater , P . A . G . D . C ; S . Fountain ^ P . G . S . B . ; F . R . Hales , P . G . Std . Br . ; W . Potter and P . Saillard , P . G , Stwds . ; G . J . Dunkley , P . P . G . Org .: C Pulman , P . J . G . O . ; D . P . Cama . P . P . G . M . O . ; J . K . R . Cama , P . P . J . G . D . ; G . H . Newingron Bridges , P . G . W . ; W . Poore , P . P . J . G . W . ; H . Lovegrove , P . G . S- of W . ; T . Clark , P . P . S . G . D . ; J M . Klenck , P . P . G-. Sec , and P . P . G . Reg . ; Egbert Roberts , PJP . G , S . B . ; E .

Hoare , P . G . O . ; J . T . Briggs , P . G . Std . Br . ; Ernest Flower , J . H . Clare , P . G . S .. Jno . Barnett , jun ., M . O . 315 ; Geo . Graveley , P . G . S . B . ; J . C Edmonds , M . o ' . 139 ; W . T . Heath , P . M . 4 ; Hugh M . Hobbs , W . M . 198 ; H . J . Sparks , P . P . D . G . M . Bengal ; C W . Maplcton , I . G . 198 ; S . 11 . Parkhouse , J . W . 198 ; H . E . Vickere , J . W . 234 ; J . Cater , Chap . 139 ; J . S . Fraser , 198 ; Rev . G . W . Weldon , S . W . 333 ; J . T . Calloway , Sec . 333 ; J . Barrett Lennard , 215 ; R . H . Cowan ,

315 ; G . Gregory , W . M . 355 ; H . Burgess , P . M . 198 ; H . H . Wells , W . M . 144 ; W . S . Neale , W . M . 350 ; C W . J . Bird , 333 ; W . G . Wise , J . W . ; E . Storr , W . M . 234 ; E . C . Bliss , 234 ; H . Tipper , W . M . 315 ; J . T . Griffith , W . M . 13 ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . 355 ; R . A . Hose , 139 ; J . N . Forge , W . M . 211 ; Chas . Lee , W . M . elect 3 S 5 ; J . H . Thomson , E . H . Wilkinson , 2 ; W . II . Forge , R . J . Cbitson , 173 ; Nelson Prower , W . M . 238 ; T . Rushby , J . T . Rowe , and W . W . Lee , 400 .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The roll of lodges was called over , and responded to by the brethren present , and the report thereon showed an increase both in number of members and lodges . The Treasurer ' s accounts were received , showing a satisfactory balance , and on the motion of Bro . GRAVELEY , seconded by Bro .

FOUNTAINS , they were unanimously adopted . The warrant of re-appointment of the Prov . G . M . for the ensuing period was read , and received with applause . This document dates from the 29 th December , 1870 , from which period Bro . Col . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., has regularly been re-appointed every three years , and the warrant endorsed accordingly .

The following officers were appointed and invested to serve during the eusuin " year : Bro . F . Davison , Carnarvon Lodge ... ... ... Deputy P . G . M . ,, Hy . Lovegrove , P . M . Prince of Wales Lodge ... Prov . S . G . W . „ J . F . Griffith , M . D ., Hiram Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . W . „ G . H . Wilkinson , Keystone Lodge ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ J . Hugh Thomson , Percy Lodge ... ... p rov . S . G . O . ,, Nelson Prower , M . A ., Prince Leopold Lodge ... Prov . J . G . O . „ Rev . R . W . Joseph Cator , M . A ., Panmure Lodge ... Prov . G . Chap . „ Rev . G . H . Weldon , Kintore and Hiram Lodges ... Prov . G . Chap . „ C Hammerton ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . „ Philip Saillard , Grosvenor Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Reg . „ W . G . Brighten , Prince of Wales Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ Wm . Heath , Prince of Wales Lodge ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ J . H . Clare , Duke of Connaught Lodge ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ Wm . Lloyd Wise , Davison Lodge ... ... Prov . G . L of Wks . „ T . 0 . Edmunds , Panmure Lodge ... .., Prov . G . D . of C . „ F . R . Hales , Tenterden Lodge ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ W . F . Potter , Brixton Lodge ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ R . J . Cbitson , Temple Lodge ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Charles Lee , Trinity College Lodge ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ Harry Tipper , P . M . King Solomon and Henniker Lodge Prov . G . I . G . „ Hy . Burgess , King Solomon Lodge ... ... "" j „ J . T . Briggs , Croydon Lodge ... ... .. | „ John Barnett . jun ., Sir Francis Burdett Lodge ... ^ Prov . G . Stwds . „ J . N . Catley , Henniker Lodge ... „ J . Byford ... ... ... \[[ „ John Gilbert ... ... ... ... p . G . Tyler .

Bro . Dunkley was appointed a Steward for the Mark Benevolent Fund , and on the proposition of the PROV . G . SECRETARY , seconded by Bro . STORR , the sum of ten guineas was voted to his list . The lodges in the province having the privilege of nominating Stewards for the Grand Lodge are taken in rotation , and the following were accorded the honour for the forthcoming year—Croydon Lodge , Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , Temperance-in-the-East Lodge , and Royal Savoy Lodge . Bros . Scratchley , Robbins , Stiles , and Newington Bridges were elected as members of the Committee for General Purposes .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of Middlesex And Surrey.

The PROV . G . SECRETARY announced that the brethren had every reason to be satisfied with the past year's progress , for although the increase in numbers was small it was in the right direction , and there was also a good balance to the credit of the Provincial Funds . In conclusion , he congratulated them on the re-appoint

ment of their esteemed Prov . G . Master , who he hoped would reign over them for many years to come . The Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and a large proportion of the brethren present adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was followed by the customary loyal and Masonic toasts .

In giving "The Queen and Mark Masonry , " the PROV . G . MASTER said there was nothing he could say in her Majesty ' s favour of which the brethren were not already aware . This toast was always accorded the foremost place , and there was no body of men who drank it more enthusiastically than the brethren of the Pro . vince of Middlesex and Surrey .

The PROV . G . MASTER then said they would receive the next toast , that of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " with equal enthusiasm , for his Royal Highness had for a considerable time ruled over them , and during that time the brethren had been perfectly satisfied with what he had done . They hoped Ms Royal Highness would continue to rule over them for many years to come , for al . though , owing to his numerous engagements , he was not often with them , he had done what he could for the Order , and had induced his sons and several others to become M . M . Masons .

In giving "The Pro G . M . and the rest of the G . Officers , " the PROV . Gr . MASTER remarked that tbe brethren knew what those officers were , and what they had done for the Order , and that they were always quite ready to come forward to assist . They had had some excellent Pro G . Masters , who had performed theii duties in a most satisfactory manner in the Mark Grand Lodge , and he had no doubt when they or any other G . Officers were called upon they would be read y and willing . Without trespassing upon the time of the brethren , he would ask them to drink the toast , with which he coupled the name of Bro . Brighten .

Bro . W . G . BRIGHTEN , in response , said that as the virtues of those whom the brethren had honoured were so great and his own so small , and as the brethren were waiting for the fragrant weed , they would take the will for the deed , as far as his speech was concerned . He fully acknowledged the manner in which the brethren bad recognised the merits of the Present and Past Grand Officers .

Bro . Rev . J . HUTCHENS proposed "The Health of the Provincial Grand Mas . ter , " and said the honour devolved upon him in consequence of tho regrettable absence of Bro . Davison , who should have occupied the Deputy's chair . He was quite sure the toast would be received by all present with the honour which should be accorded to it .

Bro . Col . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT , Bart ., P . G . M ., who was very heartily received , said he would not hesitate to rise quickly , after the toast so kindly proposed and received , and thank them most sincerely for the kindness they had shown , not only that night , but on many previous occasions wheh they had had the pleasure of meeting together . For nearly 20 years he had been Provincial Grand Master , and they might begin to think he was getting too old , but as long as he was able ,

ho would do all ho could for the interest of the province , particularly when he found ho was so kindly supported by all . It was nob only a pleasure to preside , but he also had the great pleasure of meeting so many old and kind friends whom he had known for some time . He had found so many kind friends that he could not express tho feelings of gratitude he owed to the whole of the Brotherhood in the province . He had had the honour of presiding for a considerable time , and the brethren had increased that honour by re-electing him for a

further period of three years . He had been re-elected for a term of three years until nearly 21 bad elapsed since his first appointment , and he began to find he was an old man ; but , at the same time , wherever he was , he should always look with the greatest gratitude upon the kindness he had received . He should not have held the position but for the kindness of the brethren in electing and re > electing him , and he trusted he might have the honour of holding that position for some considerable time longer . He thanked them sincerely for the enthusiastic manner in which they had received his health .

" The Provincial Grand Officers" was proposed by the PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER , who referred to them as a body of brethren who had always exerted themselves and done much , not only to support him , but for the good of the province in general . On this occasion he had the honour of calling upon a brother who had exerted himself not only in this Degree , but in all others—one whom they all loved and honoured , and whom they all felt glad to have the opportunity of seeing in the chair of Prov . S . G . W . He asked them to drink " The Health of Bro . Lovegrove and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers . "

Bro . H . LOVEGROVE , Prov . S . G . W ., said he felt very proud at being able to respond for the Prov . Grand Officers . Middlesex and Surrey comprised a very large province , being practically London—with the exception of some few lodges which , for some reason , stood aloof . He had laboured considerably in Middlesex and Surrey , having started one new lodge , revived another , and assisted in the working of another ; and some years ago he took a very active part in disseminating the

principles of Ark Masonry , and started many lodges in connection . Ark Masonry had now taken firm hold , but in the provincial towns they required assistance . He should not in the future be able to give so much time , but his interest would not decrease . On all occasions in the Mark he spoke upon one subject—the Mark Benevolent Fund—in which he was a firm believer , and for which some years ago he represented this province . It was a fund which had

no expensive buildings or officers , about £ 50 covering the expenses , and practically the whole of the sum subscribed was devoted to Charity-A certain portion went to indigent Masons and their wives , and another part to assist in the education of the children of Mark Masons without taking them from their homes , which was a very praiseworthy object . He was never tired of advocating this fund , and only hoped the brethren would do their best to send

their Steward—Bro . Dunkley—with a good sum , for the money would be thankfully received and faithfully applied . The officers appointed that night thanked the Prov . G . Master for his kindness in promoting them , and they would do their best to perform their duties to the best of their ability , and to see that all the lodges worked well . In that province they stood in a peculiar position . They were , perhaps , not the largest , but the Metropolitan province , for they included

the majority of the London lodges , and therefore it behoved them to maintop that position . Every Prov . G . Lodge sent up one Grand Steward , but they sent four . They could not speak too highly of their Prov . G . Master , for , wherever they met him , he was not only a thorough Mason , but a courteous English gentleman . He felt sorry the Dep . Prov . G . M . —Bro . Davison—was not present , but he

hoped that brother would yet be with them . Of their great executive officer- '' Bro . Brighten—he could only say , if some of the Craft provinces were manag * in the same way as theirs , greater success would ensue , for he left no stone uB turned , and kept the entire province in a first-class state . He again thanked the Prov . G . M . and brethren for the kind reception accorded the toast .

BERKELEY HOTEL ( late St . James ' s ) , i , Berkeley-street and 77 i ^ iCCL dilly , London , W . First class accommodation for residents , with a Restaurant . j ( attached for high class luncheons and dinners , at fixed prices and < L la c —C . DIETTE , Manager . —FAnvT . !

Bro . Rev . J . HDTCHENS gave "The Visitors , " which was replied to by Bro * SPARKS , and the Tyler ' s toast then closed the proceedings . Bro . Egbert Roberts gave the brethren the benefit of his vocal ability-