Grand Festival.

by the following artists : Mrs . Osgood , Madame Alary Cummings , Miss Hopekirk ( solo pianist ) , Bros . Henry Guy , T . Baxter , C . Beckett , G . T . Carter , Winn , and Lawler . Accompanists : Bros . G . R . Egerton and C S Jekyll , G . O . The following is a list of the Board of Grand Stewards , 1 SS 1 , to whom

the greatest credit is due for the excellence of thc arrangements : Bros . Rudolph G . Glover , 259 , President ; Charles C . Cheston , 99 , Treasurer ; Robert Gresley Hall , 4 , Secretary ; Bradshaw Brown , I ; E . A . Pont if ex , 2 j

F . W . Braine , 5 ; W . A . Pope , 6 ; J . Fenn , 8 ; P . C . F . Tatham , 14 ; G Watson , 21 ; J . Palmer , 23 ; II . P . Felgate , 26 ; A . D . Everingham , 29 ; J . R . Cassell , 46 ; O . H . Colven , 58 ; R . G . Barton , 60 ; I-I . J . Chapman , 91 ; and W . H . Grimston , 197 .

The dinner was admirably supplied by Bro . Best , proprietor of Freemasons' Tavern , and was well supervised by him and Bro . Dawkins , his manager . Bro . Hayho was toastmaster .

The Girls' School.

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .

BY A STEWARD . What is the reason win- our Girls' School has always been such a favourite with the Craft is a question often asked , but never , I believe , answered before . And if I shall attempt to do so in the following remarks , it is because I believe that many brethren up and down the country , and the readers of the friendlv Freemason , mav like lo have their interest renewed and their

remembrance revived in a School which is an honour lo the Craft and a benefit to humanity . I also take up my pen to-day gladly , because , owing to a " portentious combination of circumstances , " and a remarkable " concatenation of atoms , " a random speech , or an ill-natured sneer , has tended to keep back tlie ever cheery support of thc Craft towards the festival of the Institution now just approaching .

Some one , it matters not whom , has thought well to say that "the Girls ' School does not need support , " and thc consequence is that here and there , up and down our Masonic realms , ( see Bro . James Stevens' ingenious map of the same ) , a few of our worthy brethren are holding back , and the list of Stewards is rendered far from complete .

In order , then , to help forward thc movement to render the Girls' School Anniversary a complete success , I have thought it well lo point out a few of the claims the Girls' School undoubtedly has on the support and confidence of our great and benevolent Brotherhood . 1 . It is most carefully and judiciously administered . Those of us who know it well must admit , that while all is liberal and sufficient in its

management and arrangements , there is nothing lavish or ostentatious , extravagant , or out of place . Everything , on thc contrary , is made to subserve its proper end , all adjuncts are pressed into service , and the whole system , as well as the whole " fittings , " are in thorough working and serviceable order—meant for use , not for show , for practicality , not for effect . There is no mere " gilding " or ornamentation about the School , all is solid and substantial , reasonable , utilitarian .

2 . The Institution is governed by a most zealous and harmonious Committee . The brethren who ' serve on the House Committee deserve the best thanks of the Craft for thc time they give to , nnd the care lhey bestow on , the management and devclopcmcnt of the School . The visitors to it—and they nre many—are , and must be , sensible speedily of the great benefits arising to any such Institution from intelligent and painstaking superintendence .

Everything is in most perfect order , all is governed by one uniform and steady system . There is no confusion , no bustle , no fidgettiness , no preparation for visitors , but , whether in its " gala days" or in its " working hours , " our Girls' School is really a " model " for all similar institutions in this and other countries . 1 may add that our American brethren , who have seen the Girls' School , are loud always in its praise .

3 . The Institution is , educationally , a great success . In a contrasted body like lhat of Freemasons any common system of education is a matter of much delicacy and difficulty . It is a very simple affair , either in a school where all arc on a level socially or in a purely eleemosynary school , where a common " minimum "is the educational status , tondoptand adapt a system of education as an equivalent for all the pupils . But it is not at all easy

where thc children come from different " strata" of society , and where , humanly speaking , the standard of education for one class is not necessarily the standard of education for another class . But the Girls' School system has been marked by complete success , in that by making " house work " the foundation of the whole system , it has sought to educate the girls under its charge by developing latent talent , and giving a fair chance to all .

Education to be education must " educe " and draw out the God-given powers of intellect ; and this is what thc Girls' School unfailingly does . Those who have attended the examinations will have been struck with the intelligence and animation of the girls , their freedom from constraint , and yet tlieir entire subordination and good order , and will have felt thai to Miss Davis the greatest credit must be accorded , in so ably directing and carrying out so "thorough " 1 system of education .

4 . The girls in the Institution are in a " Hume , not merely a School . Those who have seen that congregation annually of young , healthy , happy faces , will have fell pleased to think that in thc providence of T . G . A . O . T . U . it has becn their privilege to aid in sheltering those poor children of destitute , or suffering , or departed brethren , from the rough usage of a cold world , in imparting to them the inestimable blessings of a good education , and in preparing them for the stern battle of life . The gathering for

the prizes is , indeed , a sight to bear in mind and appreciate . Those who have once becn present will never forget it , and will gladly be present again . So , wishing all prosperity to thc Masonic Girls' School , an establishment unique in its organization and beneficent in its results , we may all well feel il to be a " privilege , " as well as a " chit }' , " to cast in our " mite " towards rendering thc festival of 1 K 81 a happy proof of Masonic liberality , and a striking manifestaticn of continued interest and goodwill in a great Institution , which deserves thc cheerful and hearty support of every English Freemason .

Consecration Of The Provincial Grand Chapter Of Sussex.

CONSECRATION OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF SUSSEX .

The rapid strides which Freemasonry has made throughout England since the Prince of Wales has been ils head and chief must be alike gratifying to His Royal Highness and all who take a real interest in thc mystic

Consecration Of The Provincial Grand Chapter Of Sussex.

art . The appointment of Sir W . W . Burrell , M . P ., as Provincial Grand Master of Sussex gave additional impetus to the Craft in Sussex . The hon . baronet's popularity is due to a variety of causes , not the least of these being his genial manner and the great personal interest which he takes in

every lodge under his care . Immediately after his appointment he commenced a tour of the province , lhat he might witness the working of every lodge . Thc result was most satisfactory in every way . Where praise was justly due it was bestowed ungrudgingly , and where fault was to be found it was done in a manner which clearly showed that thc command had been

entrusted to firm but gentle hands . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . H . Scott , and the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . V . P . Freeman , are also deservedly popular among thc brethren in thc province . Five new lodges have been consecrated in Sussex since the present Provincial Grand Master of Sussex undertook that office , and thc number of members has larg'ely and steadily increased throughout the county .

In connection with the twenty-four Sussex lodges there are nine Royal Arch Chapters , and last year a movement was set on foot for the establishment of a Provincial Grand Chapter . The idea met with unanimous approval , and on the circumstances being represented to the Prince of Wales , he at once issued to Sir Walter Burreil a patent appointing him Grand Superintendent of Sussex . The ceremony of his formal installation as such

took place in the Royal Pavilion , Brighton , on Saturday last . The occasion being one of unusual interest , there was a large attendance of members from the various chapters in the province , as well as many distinguished companions , as visitors , including Comps . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Scribe E . of England , the Installing Officer ; Captain N . G . Philips , P . G . S . N . ;

Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . Prin . Soj . ; P . de Lande Long , P . G . Prin . Soj . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Asst . Soj . ; Lieut .-Col . H . S . Somerville Burnt )' , G . S . B . ; Thomas Fenn , P . G . S . B . ; E . Letchworth , P . Prov . G . Reg . Middlesex ; H . W . Charringlon , P . Prov . G . P . S . Surrey ; J . Harrison , P . Prov . P . Soj . Hants ; Thomas Francis , P . Prov . G . Asst . Soj . Hants ; Lord Arthur Hill , P . Z . 66 ; and others .

The Hova Ecclesia Chapter kindly lent their new and elegant chapter furniture for thc occasion . Thc musical portions of the ceremony were conducted by Comp . A . King ( Brighton ) . About sixty Present and Past Principals were present at thc opening of the Provincial Grand Chapter , and nearly a similar number of companions were admitted afterwards . The INSTALLING OFFICER having briefly stated thc object of their

assembling-, the roll of the various chapters m Sussex was called , and it was found that each was well represented , a gratifying fact which Col . Shadwell Clerke attributed to the heartiness with which the proposal to form a Grand Chapter for Sussex had been received in the province . But , hc said , they had really met to re-establish a Provincial Grand Chapter for Sussex ; for the Grand Chapter records referred to the establishment of a Sussex

Provincial Chapter at Brighton in 1811 and the appointment of the Rev . J . Austin as its Grand Superintendent . But the documentary evidence in connection therewith was so meagre that it could scarcely be considered to have had any real existence at all . It seeined lo have become extinct almost immediately , probably through thc death of the reverend companion appointed to preside over it , or from some other unfortuilous circumstance of

which they had no record . He felt , however , that Us rc-cstabhshment was under the most favourable auspices . Sir W . Burrell Mas a most popular Grand Master and enthusiastic Mason , and he felt , therefore , thai the Grand Chapter of Sussex , to be inaugurated that day , was bound lo be a success ( applause ) . There was a singular coincidence in connection with the former and the present chapter which he felt hc ought to mention . Sir Walter

Burrell had nominated as his second officer Comp . John Henderson Scott ( applause ) . His high position in Masonry was well-known and properly appreciated . There was , however , the singular fact that Comp . Scott ' s grandfather occupied an exactly similar position lo him ( that of W . ) in thc Sussex Chapter established in 1 S 11 , and Comp . Scott ' s father also filled thc

position of Prov . Grand Standard Bearer a similar position to that which their esteemed Comp . Scott now so worthil y occupied in thc Grand Chapter of England . These circumstances clearly showed that an inherent love of Masonry existed in the line from which Comp . Scott had descended . ( Applause . )

The Provincial Grand Superintendent was then announced , and his patent of appointment having been read , the imposing ceremony of installation was proceeded with . The investiture complete , the Provincial Grand Superintendent was proclaimed in due form amid thc hearty plaudits of thc companions , and the Grand Chapter for Sussex was declared duly constituted .

Sir WALTER BURRELL then nominated and invested the following Ex . Companions as his Provincial Grand Officers : Ex . Comp . ] . H . Scott , P . Z . 38 , 271 , 732 . . . . Prov . G . M . G . W King , P . Z . 271 Prov . G . J . „ V . P . Freeman , P . Z , 311 , 315 , 732 . . Pvov . G . S . E .

W . R . Wood , P . Z . Si 1 Prov . G . S . N . T . Trollope , P . Z . 40 Prov . G . P . S . C A . Woolley , P . Z . 311 Prov . ist . G . A . S . ,, Bransby Roberts , P . Z . 916 Prov . 2 nd . G . A . S . „ R . Crosskey , P . Z . 311 Prov . G . Treas . „ Gerard Ford , P . Z . 271 Prov . G . Reg .

John St . Clair , P . Z . 38 Prov . G . Swd . Br . C J . Smith , P . Z . 811 Prov . G . Std . Br . Joseph Dixon , P . Z . 271 Prov . G . D . of C . V . Kuhe , P . Z . 271 Prov . G . Org . ,, T . Hughes Prov . G . ] nnitor .

Comp . X ' . P . FREEMAN , G . S . E ., read a tabular slatemcnt showing the relative strength of the several chapters in Sussex , and reported thc receipt of the stipulated contribution from every companion . I lc also reported the receipt of thc minute book of the former Provincial Grand Chapter , kindly forwarded by Comp . Pocock . This , he said , would be kept among the more recent records . lie also read several letters , expressing regret , from those unable lo attend , including Lord Holmesdale , Earl March , and others .

On thc motion of Comp . C J . SMITH , a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Sir Walter Burrell for his very handsome gift of a complete set of collars and jewels lo the chapter , and an official record of ihe gift was ordered to be made .

The PROV . GRAND SUPERINTENDENT , in acknowledging the vote of thanks , said the large attendance that day was the best omen of their future success . He trusted that all present might live to meet on many happy occasions , and lhat the Sussex Chapter would go on prosperously , and for an indefinite period . They might rely on his best endeavours to secure that result . ( Applause . )