Masonic Festivities.

viz ., a success . ( " Hear , hear , " and loud cheers . ) In the person of the W . M . he felt they had a good Master , and one who studied their interests in every possible way , and who also studied Masonry . ( Hear , hear ) . The toast was received with much applause .

The W . M . said , unaccustomed as he was to public speaking —( laughter)—they would pardon him if he were not able to express himself in a sufficiently thankful way for the honour they had been pleased to do him . If they would believe him , it was no small matter to be the W . M . of the Domatic

Lodge , although he might not have been able to give satisfaction to every one of the eighty or ninety persons who sat down to dinner at lodge , yet he hoped he had been able to do so that day . ( Hear , hear . ) He was rather sorry the chairmanship of the lodge was of so short duration , for if it wei - e , like

some appointments , for three or four years , he would better learn how to please them , and suit everybody before he retired from office . He was glad to be able to say that he believed his name was cordially and kindly remembered . After some other appropriate remarks , which were received with

cheers , he concluded by proposing "The P . M . ' s , " to which Bro . Carpenter replied in a happy speech , and said that , after being thirty years a Past Master , he was very glad , indeed , to come again amongst them .

To " The Visitors " Bro . Motion and Bro . Major Finney responded . The other toasts were " The Officers and Stewards , " " The Ladies , " and " The Press . ' To the latter the representative of THE FREEMASON responded , and a most delightful day was brought to a close and the brethren returned to town .

SUMMER FETE OF THE EUPHRATES LODGE , No . 212 . Summer banquets have now become so frequently introduced into all Masonic lodges , that it would almost seem a necessity for the brethren to have at least one retreat where they can meet durin ? the

summer vacation . I hat through these meetings harmony and friendship among the members is promoted needs scarcely any comment . But there is another reason which makes these summer banquets desirable , and that is , that it is usual to admit ladies to them . As we all know , ladies cannot join

the Craft itself , but by the husbands being allowed on these occasions to bring their wives , relatives , and friends with them , it is obvious that ladies become acquainted with the various Masonic and other charities with which our Order has , since its existence , been so nobly associated . In fact , a good

many gentlemen , who have , perhaps , no idea of joining Masonry , might , at the request of their wives , seek to join such a nobleSccicty , and to beadmitted into our ancient Order . And even if such were not the case , the fame of Masonry becoming more and more known in our households can have but a

beneficial influence . Who amongst us can say that , by misfortunes and calamities , he may not be glad to seek the benefit that could be conferred on him by our charities ? Charities , which are not only established for the good of Masons themselves , hut which equally divide their bouniy to their widows

daughters , and sons , should they require it . If , therefore , these summer meetings were not to take place , a great deal of good would be left undone , which otherwise could be accomplished . In this instance we refer to the Euphrates Lodge , No . 212 , one of the city lodges of long standing , which held

its summer banquet on Wednesday , July 19 th , at the Bald-faced Stag Hotel , Buckhurst Hill , kept by their I . P . M ., Bro . Henry Lock , which , to all intents and purpsscs , was a great success , Bro . J . C . Franks , the W . M ., presiding . Last year ' s summer banquet held there , being the first revival after

a number of years omission , was , owing to the late decision of the committee on the subject , not so well attended to as the present . This year , however , the banquet showed a large muster , it being attended by about sixty guests , including between twenty and thirty ladies .

The dinner was served at three o ' clock in Bro . Lock ' s usual way , which met with the approbation of all present , everything being placed on the table in a first-rate style . After dinner had been served , and between the dessert , the company adjourned for half an hour to the grounds , and on their return

the dessert was served , which gave general satisfaction , the table being ornamented with bouquets and flowers in a most tasteful manner . The cloth having been drawn , the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and heartily responded to . So were also " The Visitors , " " Ladies , " " Offi-crs , " & c , the intervals being filled up with capital songs .

Owing to the lateness of the banquet , a great many of the members left at nine o'clock in the evening , but some stayed till ten o ' clock , enjoying themselves heartily in dancing to the strains of the piano . In the absence of the S . W ., Bro . Thomas Hammond , J . W ., took the vice-chair , which duties he discharged most admirably , great compliments

Masonic Festivities.

being paid to him by all those who had occasion to witness his zeal and energy in making every one in the West comfortable , and assisting in the arrangements prior to the festivity .

PICNIC OF THE EVERTON LODGE , No . S 23 . As a pleasant sequel to the installation festivities , which took place on the 19 th inst ., the brethren of the " Everton , " with their fair friends , to the number of about 200 , started on Friday , 21 st inst ., for a picnic excursion [ to Gresford , some dozen

miles from Chester , being their second annual visit to that picturesque and charming village . The large party assembled on the George ' s Landingstage , and the start was made shortly before ten o ' clock , the arrival taking place about half-past eleven . Many were the anxious glances at the

threatening sky , and numerous the expressions of hope that the wind would carry off the rain . These hopes , however , were not realised , as , shortly after the arrival of the party , the rain began to fall with unquestionable pertinacity , and the down-pour continued for several hours without intermission ,

rendering out-o ' -door pleasure utterly impossible . Application was made to the parish clergyman—a gentleman rejoicing in the name of Archdeacon Wickham—for the use of the schoolroom as a temporary shelter for the ladies , the application being backed by the assnrance that it would be

only used as a shelter , and not for profane dancing or any other purpose . With a consideration and kindness , however , which does the rev . gentleman great credit , the application was refused point blank , and no amount of special pleading could move him from his charitable resolution .

About four o ' clock the clouds began to lighten , the rain cease J , and the remainder of the stay went as merry as any amount of marriage bells . A very appropriate opening to the day ' s proceedings was made by a visit to the church , where the 100 th Psalm was sung by the whole company with

very impressive effect . During the continuance of the rain , the majority of the company amused themselves in a variety of ways , some dancing at the hotel , others singing under the tent , while some even braved the unpleasantness of the weather in order to see the

splendid scenery of the Vale of Gresford and its surroundings . After enjoying themselves heartily , the party returned to Liverpool , arriving shortly after eleven o ' clock . The whole of the merry meeting passed off with scarcely a hitch , and the day ' s " out , " though curtailed by the rain , was

generally voted the most successful and one of the plcasantest which the lodge has ever had . Dinner , tea , and other refreshments were provided in a liberal manner , and special praise is due to the Stewards , who spared no end of labour to supply creature comforts to all who sat down .

Poetry.

Poetry .

—?—AN ORPHAN'S THANKSGIVING .

Being the reflections of a deceased Freemasons daughter , residing with her afllicted Mother in the Koyal Masonic Benevolent Institution , Croydon , after receiving an unexpected visit from a gentleman who ( with his lady ) had been one of the kindest of her benefactors .

I glance around the peaceful home , Unto my mother given , To soothe the few remaining years Allotted her by Heaven .

I prize the precious privilege Of being always near her , And strive , despite her suffering , To solace and to cheer her .

And then I ask with gratitude—Who gave us each dear blessing ? Who , under Providence , relieved Our grief when most distressing ? Kind Masons ; 'twas their sympathy

That soothed our bitter sorrow , And caused upon our woe to dawn A brighter , ' happier morrow . And I will bless them , whilst my heart With gratitude is thrilling ,

For thus in noble charity Their Master ' s work fulfilling . O ! may their deeds be written down , By angel-hands recorded , Till in a fairer home on high Their love shall be rewarded . AGNES S .

Masonic Songs To Popular Airs.

MASONIC SONGS TO POPULAR AIRS .

No . 3 . —AIR , " Here ' s to the Maiden . " Here ' s to the Mason that ' s young in the Craft , Whether Apprentice or Fellow , To his good health let the vintage be quaffed , May his inexperience soon mellow . Fill up a bumper , and let the toast pass , I warrant ' twill serve you to empty your glass .

Here ' s to the Master , who sits in the East , Good and wholesome instruction conveying ; May all ' neath his sway , whether greatest or least , Support him—true deference paying . Fill up , & c .

Here ' s to the Past Masters , may they increase , The power of the lodges to strengthen ; May they as contributing members ne ' er cease The roll of such worthies to lengthen . Fill up , & c .

Here ' s to the Grand Officers , still may they stand Secure against every disaster , In Peace , Love , and Harmony still rule the land , And be ruled by our own loved Grand Master . Fill up , & c .

Here ' s to our brethren , when poor and distressed , May the right hand of fellowship meet them , May they still find a warm heart in each brother ' s breast As with kindness he hastens to greet them . Fill up , & c .

Here ' s to " The Craft , " may its influence extend , Uniting all good men and true men , As time rolls along till at length in the end Opposed to its power shall be few men . Fill up , & c . Dublin . J . H . W ,

A NEW TEMPLAR ODE . Iiv SIR S . T . CLARK , M . D . Sir Knights attention ! Sheathe your shining steel ! Doff helms , and at the pall-clad Trigon kneel ,

And there remember Judas ! Eleven burning lights—one smothered flame Left to proclaim the name , the sin , the shame And fame , of fallen Judas !

The traitor Judas—who , for love of gold , In days of old , his brother Jesus sold—The bold , but blinded Judas ! The burning world the eye of Tyco spied , Could hide itself in darkness when it

died—This was denied to Judas ! For while our Christ is God to fallen man , On him the ban , he still must lead the van ,

None can out-Judas Judas ! Then pledge me . Knights , beneath an arch of steel ; Seal me in five libations ne'er to feel In woe or weal like Judas !

O Jesus , Master ! from the mercy scat Come down and meet us ! we will kiss thy feet And not Thy cheek , like Judas ! —Masonic Trowel .

SONG OF THE ROSE CROIX . BY REV . J . GIEHLOW , 32 ° . Waving their banners high—Snow-white insignia of the Reign of Peace—For which the Lord of Glory left to die

His Father ' s Salem—never more to cease—They hail their great Shekina , who arose From death , that Heaven might triumph o ' er her foes !

Crying aloud , All hail ! Unto the Mighty ! unto Him who reigns At the right hand of God in Heaven ? prevail , Ye Mighty Ones ! Jerusalem ! thy stains Arc washed away ! thou art as white as snow , And shall remain on earth for ever so !

All hail I all hail ! arise , Ye Legatees of Endless Life ! shake Heaven With clapping your white hands ! he dies , he dies ! The Demon of the Earth ! fierce Truth has riven Him , as the lightning rends the clouds in twain—Never to vex , with blood , the earth again !

Aloud , ye Sons of Men ! Rejoice ! rejoice ! the Reign of Peace is come ! The Sun of Righteousness descends again , With healing on His wings , to take us home—The ransomed of His love—the righteous given To enter joyful with their Lord in Heaven I Mirror .