Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The warrant is granted for the West Smith-Held Lodge , No . 1623 , Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P ., P . M . — & c , W . M . designate ; T . W . Adams , 765 , S . W . . toi ' gnate ; G . S . Elliott , 74 ) , J . W . designate ; F . Walters , P . P . G . P . Middlesex , P . M . 73 , Secretary pro tern . The lodge will be held at the New Market Hotel , West . Smithfield , City .

' Bro . Colonel Peters , P . G . S . D ., P . M ., will be P G . S . W . ; H . G . Buss , P . M ., P . G . T ., P . G . J . W . ; H . iV Dubois , P . M ., P . P . A . D . C , P . G . S . D . ; and F . Walters , P . P . G . P . Middlesex , P . M ., P . G . J . D . of Middlesex , at the riisuing Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex . The selection of such well known and popular brethren as those four named will be sure to give great satisfaction in the

province . There are a number of Masonic lodges now at vvciik in Valparaiso , Chili—two of them working under the fend Lodge of Massachusetts , one under the Grand Lodge of England , and one under that cf Scotland . All meet in ihe same building , and the most fraternal relations exist lienveen them .

The Grand Lodge of Mississippi is about to fuund an asylum for the widows and orphans of Freemasons , as well as an industrial school . The last number of the " Monde Maconui . iue " contains several interesting papers , especially from

A French point of view . We in England must be content with the simple and more humdrum work of charity and beneficence . Social and political questions are beyond our cognizance and scope . At the last Annual Commemoration of the

Pistrict Grand Lodge of New South Wales , the Right Worshipful the District Grand Master was pleased to app oint and invest as Deputy District Grand Master of New riouth Wales , Very Worshipful Bro . Ernest O . Smith , Past : i-nior Grand Deacon of England . The Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex

will be held this ( Saturday ) , afternoon at the Greyhound , Hampton Court , at half-past two . A full report will appear in our next . At the last meeting of the Liverpool Town Council , Bro . Dr . J . S . Taylor , P . M . 823 , was appointed Assistant Medical Officer for the borough , at a salary of

, ( , ' 800 . At the same meeting Bro . Councillor E . Samuelson was unanimously elected an Alderman in the room of Bro . Taylor , who resigned to accept the above named office . It is stated that the Duke of Marlborough is 1 ,, succeed His Grace the . Duke of Abercorn , ( M . W . G . M . ) , as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland .

There was a large gathering of people on Tuesday last in Highclere Park , the beautiful seat of the flight Hon . thc Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . M ., on the occasion of a united festival of the local branches of the National Deposit Friendly Society , of which Lord Carnarvon is president .

Brazil contains two rival Grand Lodges , both if which declare thc other to be clandestine . The first Master Mason ' s J _ odge in America , i-. said to be " 'The Hoop , Water-street , " Philadelphia , ilnrlered in 1730 by Provincial Grand Master Bro . Daniel Coxf , and No . 7 . ) on the English Grand Lodge Register .

I ' ATRAORDINARV R 01111 HRV . — On Sunday , ¦ | di ult ., during thc absence of Bro . Robert Ramsay and liis famil y from his home ( Orillia , Canada ) , the premises were entered by some person or persons unknown , and a number of . Masonic works and valuable Masonic litters and

manuscripts carried off . Bro . Ramsay lias offered a liberal leward , but no clue has been found to the perpetrators of this extraordinary theft . What renders the circumstances more peculiar is that works of an ordinary character were not molested , fortunately , however , the robbers did not

enter an adjoining room in which there were four hundred volumes of Grand Lodge Proceedings and other books dialing to thc Mystic Art . There are ninety-six English and twenty Scotch bil ges now at work in British India .

The Grand Jurisdiction of Virginia contains 9 . 101 Master Masons , and has in its treasury 4605 dols . The first Masonic Magazine was published in June , 1793 , and was known as " The Freemasons' Maga"ne , or General and Complete Library . " ... ™ regret to announce the death of Bro .

hchard Spencer , thc w . 11-known Masonic publisher , the "itcllig ence of which melanchoV event reached us at the momtnt of going to press . BRO . James Lick , the Californian millionaire a ' ann ° unced , is about to erect a Masonic monument , at ost of 20 , 000 dols ., in Lebanon County , Pa ., in memory . r , —w uutj ., 111 l ^ v-UdllUll l ^ UUIliy , I d ., ill HlClMUiy rtam

" of his Masonic ancestors . Stat t ? are l 8 o 4 R ° y al Arc ! l Masons in the ' e of v « mont , and the annual convocation of the Grand apt r will be held at Burlington , September 29 th . l , y a singular coincidence the anti-Masons placed SeCUred SpacC at the Centenn'al Exhibition , and ihe di ^ array of their Publications directly opposite to V- , " P'aya the Masonic Publishing Cnmnanv of TJeiu

• i nere is Masonry and its foe face to face . Ncw z | ° T GRAND LODGE , North Island of ^ istricf r ' — " ^ c ' otmn f > ar | d jewels for the above new Show D aml Lod ge are now on view at the Masonic ° w R 00 rnS i Little Britain . Saturdf . SATUI * DAY . —This year ' s Hospital "mber collectior ' has been fixed for the 2 nd of Sep-

Masonic And General Tidings.

TI-IE LONDON TAVERN . —This well-known building is in course of demolition , prior to the erection of a bank upon the site . PALESTINE . —Colonel Gawler , Tower of London , has received a letter , dated June 27 , 1876 , from the heads of thc Jewish community in the district of Haifa ,

in the Holy Laud , stating that they are sending a deputy to England " to stir up the princes anu nobles of thc land , that they may hasten to help us in the establishment of a system for the cultivation of the soil , " as was projected some two years ago , and asking his good offices . Colonel Gawler invites suggestions .

Private letters from Philadelphia state that the intense heat has paralysed business and greatly interfered with the Centennial Exhibition . Seventeen deaths from sunstroke were recorded in one day . STRAND THEATRE . —Bro . Edward Terry announces his farewell benefit and last appearance at this theatre this ( Saturday ) morning , when an attractive performance will be given .

Grand Centennial Reunion Of Knights Templars In Philadelphia.

GRAND CENTENNIAL REUNION OF KNIGHTS TEMPLARS IN PHILADELPHIA .

We take this from the " New , York Herald " : The reunion of Knights Templar , vinder the auspices of the RT E . Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania , in commemoration of the hundrcth anniversary of American independence , of which this city has been the scene for

two days past , culminated in the most imposing dem onstration ever made by the Order in this country . Last year it was determined by the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania , in view of the important position Philadelphia was about to assume as the scene of the Centennial Exhibition , to celebrate thc annual reunion with the most elaborate ceremonies . It was resolved to have the

most imposing turn-out of the O rder ever before had here , and to invite not only the commanderies of the country , but those of foreign nations as well . The idea was no sooner broached than the Grand Commandery , assisted by the subordinate comm anderies of the State , began the work of arranging for the display . The Philadelphia commanderies went into the work with

especial enthusiasm . The street display has fully proved the success of their endeavour , although the number of visiting Knights present , large as it was , would have been still larger had not the selfishness and greed of the railroad companies in refusing to make the anticipated and promised reductions to Centennial visitors kept away many of those from far distant sections .

For the past three days the city has been flooded with Sir Knights from other ( parts , and thousands of people who have accompanied thc subordinate commanderies to witness the witness the ceremonies incident to the reunion . Philadelphia , with her centennial record , of which she is very proud , with her Centennial Exhibition , and with her centennial flag waving from every publrc institution and

private residence , is eminently fitted for these Masonic events , and extending , as she does in heraccustomed good grace , the hospitalities of the city to the visiting Templars , the festivities of the day will not soon be forgotten . Since last evening thc street of Philadelphia have been crowded as they never were before with moving throngs of knights in military uniform , ladies and gentlemen in

civilian attire , and all thc motley personage of a city crowd . Bands of music by the dozen , accompanying the visiting commanderies , paraded the street , making the air joyful with stirring strains , occasionally pausing to compliment by a serenade some head-quarters of their Order or some notable knight . Brilliant with llags and decorations , bright with calcium lights , vocal with martial music , the

streets of this staid city scarcely ever presented such a sight as they have witnessed last night and to- day , for the spec tacle of to-day , without the calicum lights and illuminations , was a still more impressive military pageant . As early as eight o ' clock the various commanderies began to assemble and assume the places assigned them , preparatory to joining in the line . The Grand

Commander of Pennsylvania , S . E . Sir Charles H . Kingston , with his mounted escort from Philadelphia Commandery , No . 2 , of thirty-two men ; the Grand and Past Officers of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania , accredited representatives of commanderies , preceptories , & c . ; Grand Officers of Grand Commanderies not otherwise represented , and members of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania

assembled on Broad-street , below Chestnut , where a force of policemen kept the streets clear of the crowds , thus preventing accidents and interference . The Grand Commanderies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island , with their escort , Sutton Commandery , of New Bedford , Mass ., took a position on Spruce-street , east of Broad , while the Grand Commandery of New York and subordinates

occupied the same street west of Broad . Along Broad-street , on east and west sides , where the various subordinate commanderies . The Grand Commanderies of Connecticut , Ohio , Kentucky and Maine were on the east side of Broad , south of Spruce ; Grand Commanderies of Indiana , Texas and Tennesse , west side ( f the street ; Grand Commandery of New Jersey , north side of Pine , east of Broad ,

Grand Commanderies of Georgia , Mississippi , Alabama , Louisiana and Kaasas , south side of Pine , west of Broad ; Grand Commanderies of Maryland and Washington , D . C , east side of Broad , south of Pine , with Wilmington , Del ., on the west side . The carriages with knights in full templar uniform , who were unable to march , occupied

Broad-street , south of Lombard . , From eight o ' clock till nine there was a stream oi Knights passing to and fro to take their positions , and as they passed those already assembled on the street , they were saluted , while the crowd vainly endeavoured to secure places as near the curb as possible , past which stal-

Grand Centennial Reunion Of Knights Templars In Philadelphia.

wart minions of the law forbade them trespassing . Then housetops , windows , verandahs and awning posts were resorted to , which soon became so crowded with men and Voys that they were often in danger of falling . As the various commanderies marched and countermarched they were greeted with enthusiastic applause and waving of handkerchiefs by those who had been fortunate enough

to secure elevated positions . Thc appearance of the Marine band , of Washington , was the signal for an outburst of applause . As they marched down the street , their gala uniforms and instruments shining resplendent in the rays of the morning sun , and followed by Washington Commandery , the scene presented was a grand one . Grafulla ' s Band was also greeted with applause .

The Northwestern Commandery , of Meadville , had with them a band which attracted considerable attention from the beauty of their uniform . McClurgis Band had on their new uniform , and presented a fine appearance . A grand reception and promenade concert was given at the American Academy oi Music and Horticultural Hall

at eight o'clock . The two buildings were connected by a bridge . At eight o ' clock an address of welcome was delivered by the Most Eminent Grand Master of the United States , Hon . James Herron Hopkins , at the close of which the promenade commenced . At half-past nine the signal to start was given , and the procession moved in the order arranged .

Supreme Grand Chapter.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .

The following is the Agenda of business for the Quarterly Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter , on Wednesday , the 2 nd prox . The minutes of the last Quarterly Convocation to be read for confirmation .

The report of the Committee of General Purposes . To the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England : — Thc Committee of General Purposes beg to report that they have examined the accounts from the 19 th April to

the . 18 th July , 1876 , both inclusive , which they find to be as follows : — To Balance Grand Chapter £ 627 17 0 ,, „ Unappropriated Account 149 12 n „ Subsequent Receipts 45 6 16 9

A 1234 6 8 By Purchase of , £ 500 Consols at 95 J- and Commission ' , £ 478 2 C „ Disbursements during the Quarter 178 14 4 „ Balance ^ f ,, 11 11 Unappropriated Account ... ' 178 7 n

£ ' 2- ! 4 6 8 which balances are in thc hands of Messrs . Willis , Percival , < fc Co ., bankers of the Grand Treasurer . The Committee have likewise to report that they have received the following petitions : — 1 st . From Companions John Chalmersas Z . ; Edward

, John Jones , as H . ; Richard M . Blaker , as J , and seven others for a chapter to be attached to the Jumna Lodge , No . 1394 , Delhi , to be called the "Chalmers Chapter , " and to meet at Delhi , Punjab , in the East Indies . 2 nd . From Companions Edward Twizill , as Z ; George Awburn Allan , as H . , Addison Potter , as J . j and six others

for a chapter to be attached to thc Tyne Lodge , No . 991 , WiUinglon Quay , to be called the " Tyne Chapter , " and to meet at thc Masonic Hall , Willington Quay , in the county of Northumberland . 3 rd . From Companions Robt . Hamilton , as Z . ; Samuel Rawson , as H . ; Hugh David Sandeman , as I . ; and

fifteen others for a chapter to be attached to the Friendsin-Council Lodge , No . 1383 , London , to be called the ' Frieuds-in-Council Chapter , " and to meet at No . 33 , Golden Square , London . 4 th . From Companions Anthony Stewartas Z . ; Charles

, Alfred Gorham , as H . ; Henry Studholme Browning , as J . j and eight others for a chapter to be attached to th Lodge of Charity , No . 563 , Umballa , to be called the " Umballa Chapter , " and to meet at Umballa , Punjab , in the East Indies .

The foregoing petitions being in all respects regular , the Committee recommend that the prayers thereof be respectively granted . The Committee have also received a petition from the Fortescue Chapter , No . 847 , Honiton , stating that the Charter having been unfortunately lostand that although

, diligent search has been made there appears to be no chance of its recovery , they pray Grand Chapter to grant them a Charter of Confirmation . The Rev . John H uyshe , Grand Superintendant of Devon , supports the prayer of the petition , which the Committee recommend Grand Chapter to grant .

The Committee are sorry to have to report that on the simple ipse dixit of a brother that he had been 12 months a Master Mason , the Old Globe Chapter , No . 200 , Scarborough , exalted him , contrary to Article 6 7 , page 22 , of the Koyal Arch Regulations , which requires that satisfactory proof of a brother having been 12 calendar months at least a Master Mason shall be given . The Committee believe

that the chapter did not wilfully err , but in order to mark their displeasure of the carelessness displayed have inflicted a fine of one guinea on the chapter , have directed the Grand Scribe E . to admonish it to be more careful in future , and not to issue the certificate without the companion has been re-obligated at its next meeting . ( Signed ) BENJAMIN HEAD ,

In the chair Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C . July 19 th , 1876 .