The New Masonic Hall At Sidmouth.

handsome and commodious addition to their public buildings . The style of architecture is Renaissance , and is carried out in red and white brickwork , which has been artistically carved by Mr . J . E . Orchard . The Chairman of the Committee is Mr . J . A . Orchard . The architect who designed the structure and superintended

the erection is Mr . Jas . Jerman , F . R . I . B . A ., the builder being Mr . Critchley . The ceremony of dedication vvas performed by the Deputy P . G . M . of Devon , Bro . W . G . Rogers , assisted by the Prov . S . G . Wardens , the oration being delivered by Bro . E . H . SHORTO , of No . 39 , at the unanimous

request of the lodge , and his scholarly address on the teaching and symbolism of Freemasons was applauded by the large assembly from all parts of the province . A pleasing feature of the meeting vvas the presentation of a silver salver , with an appropriate address

engraved thereon , to the honorary architect , Bro . James Jerman , by the W . M ., who eulogised the work and skill displayed on the building and the care and attention devoted by him to the requirements of the brethren . The decorations of the Masonic buildings and the banqueting-room were carried out b y Bro . Berwick .

Bro. R. F. Gould, P.G.D., At Hull.

BRO . R . F . GOULD , P . G . D ., AT HULL .

On Tuesday evening , the 18 th inst ., upon the invitation of the Humber Installed Masters' Lodge of Instruction , before a large and appreciative audience of above 80 members of the Craft , our erudite brother delivered a lecture on "The Progress of Pure and Ancient Freemasonry . " The chair was occupied by

Bro . J . R . Ansdell , W . M ., and amongst others the following Past Masters were present : Bros . W . Tesseyman , I . P . M . and Sec . ; J . Bilson , S . W . ; J . Matthews , W . M . 57 , J . W . ; J . Markaill , S . D . ; A . King , J . D . ; G . Wilson , D . C ; E . Corris , I . G . ; M . C . Peck , W . D . Keyworth , W . Reynolds , M . Haberland , D . J . O .

Donoghue , H . Haigh , T . Thompson , W . C . Whiteside , L . E . Stephenson , W . M . 250 ; Thomson Foley , W . M . 294 ; H . F . Pudsey , T . A . Haigh , W . M . 1511 ; G . L . Shackles , S . Rutter , John Walton , and others . The lodge having been opened in the Three Degrees , the W . M . introduced the lecturer as the author of

the great " History of Freemasonry , " and other valuable works , and the leading spirit of the famous Quatuor Coronati Lodge . After some prefatory observations , Bro . GOULD first called attention to the date of the first Book of Constitutions 1723 , then to the formation of the Grand Lodge

of Scotland , 173 6 , and pointed out the intervening period continuously to 173 8 , when the second Book of Constitutions was published , as a deeply interesting period . He remarked that up to the latter date the First and Second , or Master Masons ' , Degrees were alone practised , and that from them the element of

universality was absent . The first Grand Lodge , established in 1717 , merely held jurisdiction over the cities of London and Westminster ; before this date vve speak of the art as Ancient Masonry , after 1717 as Modern Masonry . In 1723 the Fellow Craft , or Master Masons ' , Degree , was conferred only in Grand

Lodge or by dispensation . The lecturer stated that all Modern Masonry wasdirectl y derived from the Grand Lodge of 1717 , and no other Grand Lodge had the power to add to the First , Second , and Third Degrees , according to Article 39 of the Old Regulations . In 1725 the Masters of lodges were for the first time empowered to

raise Master Masons , the Third Degree having , however , been for some time practised without sanction , although many brethren did not proceed to that grade . Anderson ' s Book of Constitutions , 1738 , names the E . A ., F . C , and M . M . as three separate titles . Some lodges worked only as Master Masons , and were so

distinctively named . Amongst other interesting items , Bro . Gould observed that between 1723 and 1738 the W . M . vvas generally elected every six months . The Third Degree vvas not worked in Scotland until late in the last century . In 1744 the first mention of the Royal Arch occurs as an organised body of Freemasons who

have passed the chair . In 1809 the Lodge of Promulgation practised the ceremony of installing the W . M ., and in 1810 the Masters of all lodges vvere especially summoned to be installed . In 1813 the famous 2 nd Article of the Act of Union pronounced that " pure Antient Masonry consists of three Degrees , and no

more , viz ., those of the E . A ., the F . C , and the M . M ., including the S . O . of the H . R . A . " Between 1717 and 1723 the distinctively Christian character of Freemasonry was abolished , and the doctrine of universality substituted . Bro . Gould then referred to what are termed the Hi gh Degrees , in which he appeared to

include all those beyond the Master Masons , and enunciated his conclusions respecting them . At the conclusion of the lecture , which was received vvith the greatest attention , The WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Gould , which vvas seconded by Bro . M . C .

PECK , who expressed his pleasure , not only in the intellectual treat received , but also in meeting Bro . Gould , of whose works he had been a student for years . He knew , however , that the lecturer would not regret to hear that he differed in some respects from the views so ably expressed in the address ; and he might be permitted to observe that in

his opinion the science of Freemasonry vvas one of progressive development . We vvere told that at one period the Craft had but one Degree , then a second vvas evolved , and ultimately a third . Masonry vvas made for man , not man for Masonry . Therefore , as the Craft became popular amongst the educated classes , more information vvas sought upon the subject , andthe

Bro. R. F. Gould, P.G.D., At Hull.

Royal Arch , Mark , Knights Templar , and other Degrees vvere introduced to supply a natural demand . He would remind Bro . Gould that he had only quoted half the 2 nd Article of Union , in which Grand Lodge showed a wise toleration of the existing state of the Craft in 1813 , and made a broad p latform for Masonie

Degrees , which it were ungenerous and futile now to make narrower . The entire Article runs thus : " Pure Antient Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more , viz ., those of the E . A ., F . C , and M . M ., including the S . O . of the H . R . A . But this Article is not intended to prevent any lodge or chapter from holding a

meetingin any of the Degrees oi the Orders of Chivalry , according to the Constitutions of the said Orders . " Whilst for his own part he deprecated the present multiplication of Degrees , he would also deprecate wanton attacks upon several pre-Union Degrees , which were entitled to therespect and received the ardent support of the

greatest Masons in the country . As to the Royal Arch , it vvas an integral part of English-speaking Freemasonry , and has long been esteemed an essential addition to every large Craft lodge . The vote of thanks was supported by Bro . J . WILSON , and carried by acclamation .

The LECTURER acknowledged the voteof thanks , and his gratification to hear the remarks of Bro . Peck , since a little friendly discussion vvas always more pleasing to a lecturer than an attentive silence . He had the advantage of his critic , in that he would have the last word , and would ask where Bro . Peck found his proof that the Craft had ever but one Degree . *

Bro . GOULD then replied to the questions put by several brethren , and that concluded one of the most interesting of the many literary evenings which have been placed before the Craft resident at Hull by means ofthe Humber Installed Masters' Lodge of Instruction , which it is hoped will long continue the useful labours in disseminating Masonic knowledge which it inaugurated some years since .

Leeds Masonic Relief Fund.

LEEDS MASONIC RELIEF FUND .

The annual meeting of this unostentatious but valuable Charity was held at the Masonic Hall , Great Georgestreet , Leeds , on the 18 th instant . The Charity has been founded for the relief o . f itinerant Masons , and during the few years it has been in existence it has done a noble work . Bro . Allison , P . M ., P . P . G . D .,

presided , and there was a good attendance . Bro . Fretwell , W . M . 2069 , presented the Auditors' report , from which it appeared that during the year 35 cases had been relieved , at a cost of £ 8 16 s . 6 d . The average relief per case vvas 5 s . id . of the persons relieved—24 vvere English Masons ; four vvere Scotch ; seven

were foreigners ; and there were no Irish . In the previous year 44 cases had been relieved , at a cost of £ g I 2 s . 3- _ d . The balance in the hands ofthe Treasurer is . £ 8 is . 4-id ., which will carry the Society on until June next . It is 18 months since there vvas a levy on each of the eight Leeds lodges of 1 - per member .

The report was adopted as satisfactory , and ordered to be circulated amongst the Leeds Masons . Bro . Jose Rickard vvas elected President ; Bro . Tudor Trevor , Vice-President ; Bro . Craig , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treasurer ; Bro . S . Barrand , Auditor ; Bro . R . Lucas , Sec ; andBros . Fretwell , W . M ., and Tomlinson , Auditors . Great credit was given to the Almoner for the careful

manner in which he has investigated the cases . It vvas stated that the formation of the Society has done away entirely with the nuisance of travelling Masons calling upon members of lodges at their private addresses , and it has been the means of exposing many impostors . It would be wise for other towns to copy this Society .

Masonic Service At Southport.

MASONIC SERVICE AT SOUTHPORT .

A united Sunday afternoon service had for some time been under contemplation by the brethren of the various Southport lodges . Application was made in due course to the Provincial Grand Master for the holding of the service in the New Jerusalem Church in Masonic clothing . The dispensation necessary for this purpose

vvas , however , refused . It appears that the ground on which the refusal vvas based by the Grand Lodge vvas that there was no precedent for such a service being held in a church not ministered to by a Provincial Grand Chaplain . The united Committee from the several lodges , however , desiring to show their regard

for , and appreciation of , the service rendered by Bro . the Rev . J . Ashby during his year of office in the Fermor Lodge , resolved to promote a service under conditions which were possible—namely , to attend wearing only white ties and gloves . Accordingly , on Sunday afternoon , the 15 th inst ., although the day was exceedingly

wet and unfavourable , a large number of the brethren assembled in the new schoolroom adjoining the church in Part-street , and proceeded thence to the church . The following Worshipful Masters vvere present : Bros . Richard Sharrock , Fermor Lodge ; Miles Blundell , Unity Lodge ; Margerison , Scarisbrick

Lodge ; W . Piatt , jun ., Rose ot Lancaster Lodge ; and J . •Kilby , Victoria Lodge . The Starkey Lodge vvas also represented . The other officers of the lodges were also present in goodly numbers . Amongst the Prov . Grand Officers present vvere Bros . T .

Whitehead , P . G . Sec ; J . F . Roberts , P . J . Whitehead , W . Piatt , sen ., Warwick Wood , G . Duxlield , and others . The musical part of the service vvas undertaken and efficiently carried out by Bros . Boyce , Kilby , Wooler , Strong , and T . Whitehead , assisted by Mrs . Spratley

Masonic Service At Southport.

and several members of the church choir . The anthem " God is a Spirit" was beautifully given by Mrs . Spratley , Bros . T . Whitehead , Boyce , Strong , and Wooler . Bro . Hadwin ably presided at the organ throughout the service . Bro . Warwick Wood assisted in the service b y reading the lessons .

Bro . the Rev . J . Asiinv , I . P . M ., preached an eloquent sermon from the text— " And God said let tis make man , " Gen . i ., 26 . The greatest interest and attention vvere paid to the delivery of the discourse both b y the brethren and the

general congregation present at the service . The collection taken was to be devoted to a fund required to start a library in connection vvith the Sunday school recently erected belonging to the church of which the preacher is the minister . The sum obtained amounted to ^ 9 6 s . 6 Jd .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys. Pension Indemnity Fund.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . PENSION INDEMNITY FUND .

The following circular is being sent to the Worshipful Masters , Treasurers , and Secretaries of all lodges in London and the provinces that have not yet contributed to the Pension Indemnity Fund . We trust that the response will be such as to ensure the complete success of the Fund : —

10 , New Inn , London , W . C , " 24 th November , 1890 . " Dear Sir and Brother , " It will be within your recollection that the resolution proposing to grant to the late Secretary of the Institution a retiring allowance of . £ 350 per annum

out of the Funds of the Institution vvas carried at the Quarterly Court , held in October , 188 9 , by a narrow majority , and the Provisional Management Committee asked the next Quarterly Court not to confirm the resolution , thinking that a scheme to raise a fund of . £ 2500 in lieu of such retiring allowance would be preferable

thus ensuring the relief of the Institution from any charge on its Funds , and at the same time recognising the 28 years' services rendered to the Institution by the late Secretary . This compromise of the matter met with general approval , and the Pension Indemnity Fund was established , having for its object the collection of

the quota of £ 2 ios . from every lodge in London and the provinces , in order to raise the sum of . £ 2500 . An appeal was made to the Craft in aid of the Fund , and this appeal met with such success that the Provisional Management Committee was enabled to make the necessary arangements for the retirement of the late

Secretary , and on the faith of the response made b y the Craft , paid him with the sanction of the General Committee of the Institution the sum of . £ 2500 out of the funds of the Institution . Towards this sum vve have , as Trustees of the Pension Indemnity Fund , paid into the general account of the Institution , £ 1800 ,

and it is our desire to raise the balance , £ 700 , at as early a date as possible , and thus clear the funds of the Institution from all diminution on this score . Sent herewith is a statement of the lodges , both in London and the provinces , who have supported the Fund , and although some of the lodges vvere not at first disposed

to look vvith favour on the plan , yet seeing that it vvas a compromise happily suggested to permit of the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry being carried out under the new management , the brethren ultimately came to the conclusion it was worthy of their generous support , thus meeting the matter in the

true spirit which at all times distinguishes our Craft . We earnestly appeal to you as a member holding hi gh office in a lodge from which a donation to the Fund has not as yet been received to bring the matter to the attention of your lodge , and use your influence vvith the brethren to support the Fund to the extent above

indicated , and thus assist us to bring to a speedy conclusion a scheme inaugurated in the best interests of a noble Institution , and which has been so universall y accepted as a practical solution of the difficulties involved in starting the new management .

' Begging the favour of as early a reply as possible , and trusting sincerely your lodge will think right to concur in helping in this most desirable object . — We are , dear Sir and Brother , very faithfully and fraternall y yours ,

"FRED . A . PHILBRICK , Grand Treasurer . " EDWARD TERRY , Past Grand Treasurer . " RICHARD EVE , Past Grand Treasurer . " P . S . —Donations can be sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Fund , Bro . Stanley J . Attenborough , 10 , New Inn , London , W . C . "Cheques to be crossed ' Union Bank , Chancery Lane Branch—Account Trustees Pension Indemnity Fund . ' "

Asthma Cured,

ASTHMA CURED ,

No matter of how long standing or how severe , by DR . SPENCER'S ASTHMA CURE . The beautifully illustrated book , fourth edition , entitled "ASTHMA : Its Treatment and Cure , " by that eminent authority , E . Edwin Spencer , M . A ., M . D ., Sic , & c , gives

plain , intelligent , and comprehensive infoimation , which meets every phase of Asthma , Catarrh , and Bronchitis . It presents a course of treatment which is instant in relieving , permanent in curing , safe , economical , and never-failin" - bent post free on receipt of 3 d . by THE GEDDES MANUFACTURING COMPANY , 249 , High Holborn , London .

PILES . — " PILANTRA , " file Cure . Immediate relief and a permanent cure guaranteed . Sample Free . Postage 3 d . Address — T 11 r . ( JEUUES MANUFACTUKINII COMPANY , J 49 , riigt ) Holborn , London .