Provincial Grand Mark Lodge . Of South Wales.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MARK LODGE . OF SOUTH WALES .

A meeting " of the Mark lodges of the Province of South Wales was held under the banner of the Langley Lodge on Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Cardiff . The province has recently been placed under the charge of the Grand , Mark Registrar of England , Bro . H . C . Levander , as acting Provincial Grand Master , who on Tuesday attended for the purpose of rc-organising the Prov . Grand Lodsre . There was a fair muster of the brethren of the

various lodges of South Wales . The acting Provincial Grand Master , accompanied and assisted by Bro . Frederick Binckes , Grand Secretary of England , opened the Provincial Grand Lodge at three p . m . The following brethren were appointed ' and invested as Grand Ofiicers ofthe province for the ensuing year : Bro . lohn Rogers , P . M . 2 S ... Prov . D . P . G . M . „ William Williams , VV . M . ... Prov . S . G . W . „ Joseph Thomas , P . M . 2 S ... Prov . J . G . W . ,. J . C . Sladen , P . M . 2 . S Prov . M . O . , ' , ' Howell Davies , W . M . ... ... Prov . S . O .

,, Major Prust , ... Prov . J . O . „ I . Marsden , ... Prov . G . C . „ N . D . Marks , P . M . 2 S •••¦••Prov . G . Sec . The other offices were distributed amongst the following brethren : Bros . A . P . Fabian , T . G . Glass , W . Whittington , William Rowe , Frederick P . Atkins , J . R . Ingram , and Aaron Jenkins . The brethren unanimously resolved to

recommend to the Grand Mark Master of England Bro . Sir Pryce Pryce , Bart ., for appointment as Grand Mark Master of this province . The ordinary business having been transacted , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and a banquet was afterwards held at the Royal Hotel , where a very pleasant and profitable evening was spent under the presidency of the acting Provincial Grand Master .

Proposed International Freemasonic Conference.

PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL FREEMASONIC CONFERENCE .

The Leipzig Latomia for April 2 nd ( the new German Freemasonic journal , edited by Bro . B . Cramer ) , under the heading " Aus Italien , " confirms thc report that steps arc being actively taken for the calling together of an International Freemasonic Re-union , at Rome , to include delegates

from the Grand Lodges of every land . It is now proposed to hold a preliminary conference of biethren favourable to such a re-union during the coming National Italian Exhibition , about to be opened at Milan . The Revista Masonica , of Rome ( thc official journal of the "Grande Oriente della Massoncria in Italia" ) , proposes that this International Masonic Re-uninn shall exclude absolutely all discussions

of , and connected with , Masonic ritualism , and shall confine itself to the elucidation of problems affecting the general welfare of our Order , and to the advancement of the international interests of the great Freemasonic Family . This projected re-union ( continues the Latomia ) is certainly a great undertaking , but presents almost incalculable

difficulties . Should it , however , prcve possible to secure the support of the principal Masonic centres of the world , such an all-world Masonic re-union might ( thinks the Latomia ) potently tend to restore that harmony between certain Masonic centres , which discordant elements of a religious and political nature have , unfortunately , disturbed .

Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Masonic Hall At Jarrow.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT JARROW .

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Masonic Hall now being erected at the corner of Ellisonstrcot and Grange-road , by the brethren of St . Bede Lodge nf l- ' ircemasons , took place on Thursday afternoon , the 21 st inst ., vtlic honourable task being entrusted to Bro . George

SpainV j agent to Lady James . Great preparations were made -J _ y Hie brethren for the important and picturesque ceicmbny , and it is pleasing to be able to state that their arrangements were as perfect as human ingenuity could make them _ . A large platform , seated with chairs and carpet id , with a separate entrance in Ellison-street , was creclet !

; j n full view of the stone for the convenience of ladies , / and provision was made on the Grange-road side of the building for the entrance of the brethren and friends . 1 he wtkather up to within an hour of the ceremony was j " ir '""" ' kut ^ inircc o'clock the clouds dispersed , and thc ( shone out with a little of spring brilliancy . Thc

nrcrnrcn i met in the lodge-room , Mechanics' Institute , and after thp lodge had becn duly opened and closed , the n ! l •"_ " '" Kllisi ' n-Street i" front of the Mechanics ' Hall , in fjul ) regalia . There was a dense crowd of spectators in th y vicinity , and along " the route taken by the procession , lA pt there was no confusion , the approaches to the ImiUling l .. »; . _ kept by constables under the command of

. Bro . Supt Harrison . The attendance of brethren was •rT ^' i ,- ' 'Vheie being those from all parts of the province . I he ladies Vlatform was comfortably filled by the wives , 'laughters , .- _ ,, „] friends of the brethren , presenting a charm'" ' < 7 j ""; " " !*' . Amongst thc visiting brethren were Bros . W . II CronlWq , P . G . Sec ; R . Hudson , P . G . I ) , of C . ; (

. . GreenwellJp . G . A . D . of C ; W . Liddell , P . P . S . G . D . I . Under , IA , M . T . Rcnton , P . M . ; VV . II . Dickinson , ' ' •' ; . , '_•'_ Uicl-inson , P . P . G . S . B . ; George Lawson , L' * - " : " ' l-l ' -Kl . S . B . -, J . T . Wilson , W . M . 240 ; George ¦ S pain , S . W r , V-. joIln Woo ( l , [ . P . M . ., s . . C . Watson , " ... 1 . 075 W . 1 Frampton , P . M . 94 ; W . Gladstone , P . M . 99 i ; J . McCullloch , P . M . , 04-, . A . I * . Munroe . VV . M .

' , r ' ¦ ' •_]}• }} m \™ . I . P . M . 240 ; ] ames Mitchell , I . P . M . '' , ' ; \ - * . ' ' -c '_ . f - W - - " > ... ; ' T . M . Watson , P . M . P . G . f Ver l !' ' ° ° Jarr 0 W - and J * Thompson , f . , i ' r '!; i "V > * V , nt , S ' room , the brethren assembled in MO it ol the MerVmnics' Institute in ( he following order : hid ' ' VI swo , ; V brethren not members of the province , » o and two ; brethren of lodges in the province , accordt

. ? , •s , . , ' - : Juniors walking first ; Bro . Roulledge junior I-..... ) , hearing IOii-Ii ashlar ; brethren of St . rill , . RC ' . ! '" a'V ( I tu' ° : , 3 ro - - I- " •M ° rt ° n ( architect ) , v th plans ; Bro . . 1 . A . Witter , bearing cornucopia with I ) ' . ' , - . ' . - ' ondVr , bearing ewer with ' winc j Bro . T . Gu . ^ . ' k ^ ring ewAr with oil ; Bro . ) . Cray ( Inner d ' hl ' l I ' " ; " _ ! nd trowd •Br ° * * Hlldson ( Sun-¦ Jenand ) , Director of Ceremonies ; Bros . I . Hickman and

Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Masonic Hall At Jarrow.

E . Tillar , Junior and Senior Deacons ; Bro . J . Sedcole ( Secretary ) , with Constitution on cushion , and plate with inscription ; Bro . J . Petree ( Treasurer ) , with phial and coins ; Bro . Lawson , with Corinthian light ; Bro . H . Colder ( Junior Warden ) , with the plumb rule ; Bro . XV . H . Dickinson , with Doric light ; Bro . A . McDougal ( Senior Warden ) , with level ; Bro . D . Cameron , bearing perfect ashlar ; Rev . VV . Medley ( Chaplain ) , bearing Sacred Law

on cushion ; Bro . J . T . Dickinson , with Ionic light ; Bro . J . Horner ( Tyler ) , with sword ; Worshipful Master , Bro . M . H . Dodd , and Bro . Geo . Spain , supported by the Stewards , Bros . J . Armstrong and H . Parker . Then followed the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past , in provincial clothing , according to rank . The brethren were all-in full regalia . Having formed , the procession moved forward , headed by the splendid band of

the ist Newcastle and Durham Engineers ( under the leadership of Bandmaster McDougall , and marched into Ormonde-street ; along that street tothe Market-square , which they crossed into Grange-road , and from thence to the building at the corner of Grange-road and Ellisonstreet . On arriving here the brethren passed within thc hoardings two and two between the Tylers with drawn swords , and formed in two lines in order to allow Bro .

Spain and the Worshipful Master to pass up the centre , and then the brethren followed in succession , thus inverting the order of procession . The ceremony then begun . After the singing of an ode , the Worshipful Master presented Bro . Spain with the trowel , and the stones having been adjusted , prayer was ' offered up by the Chaplain , Bro . VV . Hedley , vicar of Hebburn . The Secretary , Bro . J . Sedcole , havina > read the inscription on the brass plate setting

forth the character of the building , date of ceremony , & c , the Treasurer , Bro . Petree , deposited the phial containing copies of the local papers , the Freemason , coins of the realm , & c , in the cavity ; and the Secretary having laid the plate on the lower stone , cement was spread , and the upper stone was let down to solemn music . Bro . Spain then proved the stone properly adjusted by plumb rule , level , and square , and said : "In the name of the Great Architect

of the Universe I declare this stone well and truly laid . " Corn was then scattered , and wine and oil poured over the stone b y Bros . J . A . Witter , J . Ponder , and J . Renton . The Chaplain having again offered up a prayer , another ode was sung , and Bro . Spain publicly declared his approval of the plans , which he handed over to Bro . j . H . Morton . Bro . G . SPAIN said : VV . M . and brethren , the observations which I am permitted to offer on this occasion must

be brief and lew in number . I am sure I shall correctly express the feeling of all here when I say that we much regret the unavoidable absence of the R . VV . the P . G . M . and of the V . W . the D . P . G . M ., whose presence here to-day would have given satisfaction to us all . 1 have been desired by Bro . XV . H . James , thc member for Gateshead , to express his regret that , being away in Italy at the time , he was unable to respond to the kind invitation of the W . M .

and brethren of the St . Bede Lodge . Under these circumstances the W . M . and brethren of St . Bede Lodge invited me to occupy the post which I now have the honour to fill ; my first impulse was to refuse , feeling that a more worthy selection should be made , but owing to the kindness of the W . M . and brethren , you now see me here performing my duties as an operative Mason , and I now beg to thank you for the honour you have conferred upon me in asking me

to lay this foundation stone . May the superstructure which will be raised thereon be perfect in all its parts , and honourable to the builders , not only in a material and physical sense , but also in a moral and speculative point of view . The preparation of the plans has oecn entrusted to a skilful brother—the name of Bro . J . H . Morton as that of the architect will , I am sure , be a sufficient guarantee that the material parr of the work will be well done—and that when

completed the building wil ! be an ornament to the town , and well adapted for the mysteries and ceremonies whicli will hereafter be performed within the walls . Bro . Morton , I return you these plans , which are highly approved , and by the command of the VV . M . desire that you will proceed with all diligence and dispatch in the execution of the work . Brethren , upon an occasion like the present we may , I think , be fairly excused and pardoned for taking advantage

of the opportunity to congratulate ourselves upon the high position now occupied by Freemasonry . Notwithstanding its great antiquity and the attacks to which it has at various times been subjected , we Masons still remain firm and true to those beautiful principles , to those customs , traditions , and ceremonies , which have becn handed down to us by our Grand Master , King Solomon ; and thus while people and nations have passed away our ancient and honourable

Institution remains with us strong and vigorous . The progress of Freemasonry in recent years has been quite remarkable . I believe _ I am correct in stating that since the consecration of the St . Bede Lodge , in 1 S 66 , fourteen or fifteen new lodges have becn added to the roll in these two northern provinces of Durham and Westmorland alone . But , although new lodges arc constantly being formed , the erection of the material edifice set apart for , and dedicated

to , )• reemasonry is not an every-day occurrence . VV . M . and brethren of the St . Bede Lodge , by this act you plainly stamp the impress of Masonry upon the inhabitants of this town , and exhibit the beauty and strength of Masonry to be handed down to brethren of a generation yet to come ; b y this act of devotion and self-sacrifice you place an additional mark in the country , showing how thoroughly identified Masonry is with the hearts and affections of thc

brethren . May the Great Architect of the Universe preserve you ; may peace dwell within this new temple ; and may the brethren , now or hereafter discharging tlieir respective duties within its waffs , be for ever united and cemented in thc practice of brotherly love , relief , and truth . Bro . DODD , W . M ., then made a few remarks , thanking the visiting brethren for their presence .

Immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony , the brethren formed again in two lines , facing inwards , leaving the stone , officers , and ladies' platform exposed to view , and a photograph of the scene was taken . Three hearty cheers were given for the ladies , and the procession reformed , and , headed by the band as before , the brethren returned to the Mechanics' Institute .

The site is in every way an eligible one , having a frontage of fifty-two feet , and so situated that the hall will be placed due east and west , the advantage of which must be obvious to all of the initiated . The style of architecture adopted is that known as the " Oueen Anne , " and the elevation will be a very picturesque one , the material used being bricks of a deep red colour , relieved by stone dressings . The roof will be covered with red tiles

Laying The Foundation Stone Of A New Masonic Hall At Jarrow.

and the sky-line will be broken up by gables and parapets . 'I he ground floor consists of two spacious and handsome shops , each 23 ft . by 20 ft . 6 in . by 12 ft . high , that on thewest havinga show-room behind 17 ft . by 14 ft . There are also convenient yards in the rear . In the centre of the site is the main entrance to the Masonic portion of the edifice , consisting of entrance hall and

vestibule eight feet wide , the floors of which ' will be of black and white Mosaic pavement and the walls will be relieved by Ionic columns . At the rear of the entrance hall easy stairs , 5 feet wide , will lead up to the lodge-room above the shops . The first or principal floor is arranged with ante or robing room , 14 feet 6 inches square , with an inner preparation room , 14 feet 6 inches by 8 feefc ,

lor the use of candidates ; separate doorways from each communicate with the Masonic Hall . The hall will be 35 feet by 23 feet by 13 feet high , the walls of which will be relieved I b y Ionic columns and panelling . The dais and fireplace will be designed as special features adding greatly to the general ornamentation . The windows will all have double sashes to deaden any sound arising from the street

traffic . Continuing up the staircase , we arrive at a well fitted lavatory , containing all the necessary conveniences . From thc stair landing , wide folding doors will give access to the banqueting hall , which will be similar in size to the lodge beneath . Adjoining is the kitchen , 18 feet by 1 ; feet , _ with convenient store closets and other fittings . Th ; architect is Bro . J . H . Morton , South Shields ; contractor ,

Mr . John Munroe , Hepburn ; clerk of works , Bro . E . F . Prentice , Jarrow . The inscription upon the brass plate reads as follows : " Foundation-stone , New Masonic Hall of St . Bede Lodge , No . 119 , laid by George Spain , 21 st April , 1881 . Trustees : Bros . VV . H . Dickinson , P . M . ; J . T . Dickinson , P . M . ; Thomas Renton , P . M . ; R . E . Huntley , lohn Price , lohn

Armstrong , Jas . Armstrong , J . H . Dale , H . Colder , T . S . Salter , Thomas Kirk , J . VV . Ithuralde , M . H . Dodd , W . M . The cost of the building when complete will be about £ i 2 jo . The brethren afterwards adjourned to Bro . E . Forster's , where an excellent repast had been prepared , and to which ample justice was done by about eighty of the Craft . Bro . Forster is noted for good " spreads , " and on this occasion

surpassed himself . Bro . Dodd , VV . M ., occupied the chair , and Bro . McDougal , S . VV ., the vice-chair , each being supported by prominent brethren of the Order . After the cloth had been drawn , the W . M . gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , including " The Queen ;" " Prince of Wales , Grand Master of England ^ and the Grand Lodge Officers ; " "The Most Nobfe the Marquis

of Londonderry , K . P ., and Officers of the Province of Durham ; " " Earl Percy and Officers of the Province of Northumberland ; " each being responded to by provincial officers present . Bro . VV . II . DICKINSON , in glowing terms , proposed "The Health of Bro . Spain , " who suitably responded , and said he should be happy to become a member of the St .

Bede Lodge . Bro . O . II . Dtii-i-ELL gave "The Trustees of the New Building , " and Bros . J . T . DICKINSON and RENTON replied . The VV . M . gave "The Visiting Brethren , " to which Bros . WATSON , ELLISTON , and DAVIES replied . Bro . CROOKES proposed "The W . M . and Officers of St . Bede Lodge . " Bros . DODD , MCDOUGAL , COLDER , and SEDCOLE

replied . The W . M . gave "The Past Masters of St . Bede Lodge . " Bros . RENTON , J . T . DICKINSON , and W . H . DICKINSON replied . Bro . J . T . DICKINSON gave "The Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " to which Bro . MCDOUGAL responded . Bro . DODD , W . M ., gave "The Masonic Charities . "

Bro . GRAY gave " The Ladies , " to which Bro . BARRASKORB replied . ' Iiro . R . ARMSTRONG gave " The Press , " and thc proceedings closed with the Tyler ' s toast . During the evening several brethren gave songs an d recitations , and a most enjoyable entertainment was the result .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

MOUNT CALVARY CHAPTER ( No . 3 ) . — The members of this old and distinguished chapter assembled in force at the Masonic Hall , Golden-square , on the Sth inst . Among those in attendance were Bros . D . Nicols , M . W . S . ; Dr . Ace , D . D ., H . P . ; P . Curlin , i-t General ; Alfred Williams , G . M . ; T . C . Walls , Raphael ; W . Paas , Treas . ; D . M . Dewar , Recorder ; F . VV . Driver , Captain of Guards ; C . VV . Tayleur , Org . t T . XV . Coffin ,

P . M . W . S . ; R . Stewart , P . M . W . S . ; W . Roebuck , P . M . VV . S . ; E . J . Gardiner , J . E . Anderson , VV . B . Kidder , G . Pigache , F . J . Stohwasser , T . W . Adams , and II . J . Lardner . Bro . E . M . Lott , Orpheus Chapter , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , the election of M . W . S . resulted in favour of Bro . Dr . Ace , D . D . Bro . Paas was re-elected

Treasurer . Bro . Walls having given a notice of motion to consider the services of the Past Sovereigns , and what form the recognition should take , Bro . Lott was proposed as a joining member , and Bro . A . F . Aldridge for perfection at the next meeting . Bro . Stohwasser then presented to the chapter a very handsomely-carved alms plate in memoriam of his father , who was at the time of his death one of the

oldest members and Past Sovereigns of the Mount Calvary Chapter . The presentation having been duly acknowledged by the Al . VV . S ., the chapter was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Cafe Royal , where a most excellent banquet awaited them . Upon the removal of the cloth , the preliminary toasts received full justice . |* The Health of the M . W . S . " was proposed in very flattering terms hythe LP . M . W . Bro .

Nicols having replied , then gave "The Visitor . " Bro . Lott having duly acknowledged the compliment , "The Past Most VV . Sovereigns" followed , coupled with the name of Bro . Coffin , who made a modest speech in response . "The Health of the Treasurer and Recorder " came next in order , and this toast having been enthusiastically received , Bros . Paas and Dewar replied . " The Officers , " coupled with the name of Bio . Curlin , terminated thc proceedings .