Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
1876.
and friendship with Mazzini and others , he was admitted into some one of the Italian secret societies . We think that it is a great reflection on Freemasonry to attempt to uphold evidence which is entirely " manufactured for the occasion , " so to say , and rests on no reliable foundation .
During this month three boys from the Boys School passed the Cambridge Local Examination in honours , the only ones in this class of those examined at the London main centre . One also passed in third class , nine satisfied the examiners ; fourteen , in fact , out of eighteen
candidates sent up , passed . A correspondence began this month about a spurious French lodge in London , " Les Philadelp hes et la Concorde Reunis , " alike repudiated by the English Grand Lodge , and the Grand Orient of France . March saw the consecration of the Royal Naval College Lodge ,
No . 1593 , at Greenwich , by Bro . Rev . Thomas Robinson , P . P . S . G . W . Kent , and P . P . G . C . Cumberland . Our able Bro . Professor R . Kalley Miller was installed as its W . M . The Upper Norwood Lodge , No . 15 86 , was also consecrated in this month by Bro . H . E . Francis . The
Abbey Chapter , No . 1225 , was also consecrated at Barrow-in-Furness . In France the Lodge "Orion , " of Gaillac ,. through some fictitious sentimentality , openly , notwithstanding the warning of Bro . St . Jean , defied , so to say , the constitution of the Order , and the " Conseil de
L'Ordre , " very properly suspended it . We wish we could think that things Masonic were prospering as with us , amid our friendly and lively neighbours of "Outre Manche . " The Chapter of Rose Croix , at Gibraltar , gave a very magnificent ball to Bro . H . R . H . the Duke of
Connaught , who was on duty at" Old Gib , " which wasnumerous ! y _ attended , and was a great success . The Musgrave Lodge , 1597 , was opened and consecrated at Staines , By Bro . Col . Burdett , P . G . M . for Middlesex . The consecration of the Royal Commemoration Lodge , 1585 , took place
with great eclat at Putney by Bro . James Terry , and we also heard of the Consecration of St . Bryde Lodge , 579 , Scottish Constitution , at Uddington , Lanarkshire , by Bro . Provost J . C . Forbes , of Hamilton , D . P . G . M . of Lanarkshire . We had to deplore in March the loss of a very
worthy and hardworking Metropolitan brother , John , Newton Tomkins ; and also of aJ Kentish brother of some Masonic celebrity , Bro . Benjamin Thorpe . During the month many Roman Catholic attacks on Freemasonry were brought before the Craft , some violent and vulgar , some
childish and impertinent . The old Craft heeds them not , but moves on majestically and strai ghtforward , neither "turning to the right hand or to the left . " APRIL , —The consecration of the Wanderers ' Lodge , though reported in April , took place
actually on March 29 th , at Freemasons' Hall , by our esteemed G . S ., Bro . John Hervey , before an assembly from all parts of England , the lodge being for convenience of our military brethren . The meeting and movement appeared to bc a great success . Two Royal Arch Chapters were
consecrated the same day by that excellent Mason , Bro . John Huyshe , P . G . M ., and Grand Superintendent of Devon . The one was the Dundas Chapter , 1253 , the other the Devon Chapter , 1235 . A new Masonic Hall at Exeter , long needed , was at last completed ; a move in
the right direction , and one bound up as much as anything else with the permanent well-being of our English Craft . Brp . Kenning struck a very admirable commemoration medal to perpetuate the installation of our Royal Grand Master , which was much admired , as it deserves , for it
is an excellent work of art . English Numismatology is very weak , and all such praiseworthy efforts deserve to be recorded . A very important meeting of the Governors and Subscribers ofthe Royal Masonic Institution for Boys took place in the large Hall of Freemasons '
Tavern , on the xoth April , nearly two hundred brethren attending the meeting . The main cause of the gathering was a notice of vote of confidence in the executive and Bro . Binckes , P . Prov ., moved [ by Bro . Woodford , P . G . C , and
S . G . W . for West Yorkshire , in answer to pamphlets published and suppressed , and an unwise agitation and an ' unmasonic attack . After an animated and , at times , excited debate , and a very able speech from Bro . Gill , the worthy
1876.
Mayor of Wakefield , in opposition to Bro . Woodford ' s view , the original motion was put to the meeting , and carried nearly unanimously , a strong proof , if proof be needed , that the Craft generally disapproved of a factitious agitation , unwise in itself , unjust to the Executive
and Secretary of the Boys' School , and hurtful to the Institution . Our gallant and " energetic Bro . Colonel Creaton , had carried a resolution at the Quarterl y Court of the Girls' School , for the enlargement ofthe buildings , and his propositions were warmly supported by a lar ^ e and decisive
majority . It was clear that his proposal obviated many difficulties , and prevented any chance of excessive expenditure , greatly to be deprecated in the best interests of the School . We heard from Scotland this month , with much pleasure , ofthe laying with Masonic honours by P . G . S . W .
Sheriff Steel , and the Prov . G . L . of Dumbartonshire , of workmen ' s houses , at Clyde Bank , Dalmuir , Scotland . The Skelmersdale Lodge , 1599 , was consecrated this month , at Mason ' s Hall , Mason ' s Avenue , Basinghall-street , by Bro , JameS * " Terry , before a numerous gathering of
the brethren . The same energetic brother also consecrated in March the Ley-Spring Lodge , 15 88 , at Leytonstone . In Lincolnshire , Bro . W . H . Smyth , D . P . G . M ., consecrated the Hamilton Lodge , No . 160 b , at Alford , in his province . On the arrival of our
Grand Master at Malta on the 6 th , on his homeward route , the Chamber of Commerce at Malta presented an address to him , to which he made a gracious reply . In this month the Lodge of Truth , No . 521 , Huddersfield , had a very successful social gathering . The Annual Festival
was held at Freemasons Hall on Wednesday , April 17 th . Under Lord Carnarvon , and subsequently under Bro . Col . Burdett , all passed over most happily , though the absence of the G . M . was much regretted . The brethren of Lodge Carnarvon , No . 804 , having long wanted a "local
habitation , in addition to a " name , resolved to erect , from the design of Bro . Triggs , a convenient and comely hall " at Havant . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , the able P . P . G . M . of Hampshire , with a large muster of the Provincial Grand Lodge , laid the foundation stone of the new
building in March . Subsequently the brethren had a very successful banquet , in which some excellent Masonic addresses were made . The Surrey Masonic Hall was opened to our " sisters , ' ' a very important portion of the Masonic family , let us not forget , by a numerously
attended ball . Bro . Samuel Poynter delivered a very fraternal and trul y Masonic ode , well worth re-perusal , on the occasion . The hall was Masonically dedicated , as our readers will remember , by Lord Skelmersdale , July 13 th , 18 75 . The Provincial Grand Lodge
of Derbyshire paid a visit on the 16 th of April to the Phcenix Lodge of St . Ann , Buxton , 1235 , which event was an " alba dies , " for all the parties concerned in this truly Masonic meeting . We think the idea a good one per se , and like Captain Cuttle . are glad to " make a note " of it . We
have to deplore in this month the death of Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrows at Bri ghton , and ofthe Hon . Walpole , P . G . M . for Norfolk . MAY . —The Sir Hugh Myddelton Lodge , as reported in the Freemason of the 6 th , was consecrated April 29 th , at the Agricultural Hall ,
Islington , by the G . S ., Bro . John Hervey , in his usual workmanlike and truly Masonic style . The Grand Master appointed Lord Suffield as P . G . M . for Norfolk , in succession to the Hon . F . Walpole , M . P . A needless question was raised during some Masonic ceremonies at
Gibraltar , while our Grand Master was there , at the opening of the new market , whether our Chaplains were to act , if some hi gher ecclesiastical authorities were present . There could but be one reply , and one rule : our own Chaplains act for us , be they who they may .
Bro . Col . Creaton carried , very properly and seasonably , an increase in the allowances to our annuitants , for which his name will be "blessed , " as they say among them , just as his " personnel " among his brethren generally , is always in good
repute and truly respected . Bro . S . B . Ellis brought forward a scheme for a Masonic Library at Sheffield , which seemed to be admirabl y conceived , warmly supported , and for which we hope all possible success . Sir Henry Edwards ,
1876.
the worthy P . G . M . for West Yorkshire , paid a visit , with Lady Edwards , to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , May Sth , and distributed the prizes , and expressed his earnest approval of all that ha saw in that ad mirable Institution .
On the 9 th of May he presided at the anniversary of the Girls' School , when the goodly sum of £ 8214 r 6 s . rewarded the energy of the Stewards , and the efforts of Bro . R . W . Little . His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales landed at Portsmouth on Monday , May nth , when , having
met the Princess of Wales and his children at sea , he was received with a thoroughly English and loyal reception . His advent in London was also warmly and enthusiastically greeted , and among all classes of society who rejoiced in the safe return of the Prince of Wales , the English
Craft was certainly not the least interested . The Freemason contained a full and admirable account of our Royal Grand Master ' s arrival and welcome at Portsmouth , and of his return to the metropolis , and his reception at Covent Garden Theatre . A very important question was raised
m the Freemason this month— " Has the Church of Rome a moral right to excommunicate Freemasons ? " There can , we apprehend , be but one answer to such a query , namely , in the negative , except we are prepared to concede to a spiritual body to-day powers which it clearly has not , and
cannot claim . A very interesting presentation took place to Sir Frederick M . Williams , Bart ., by the Rose Croix Chapter , in May . The Bayard Lodge was consecrated during this month , May 17 th , by Bro . the Earl of Limerick , Prov . G . M . Bristol , in the presence of a very influential
gathering of our brethren . Bro . Sir . VI . Shaw Stewart , G . M . of Scotland , with the Grand Lodge , laid the foundation stone of the new Blind Asylum , at Craig Millar , on the 22 nd , with all Masonic ceremonies , and before a large assemblage . The institution was afterwards
formally opened by the Lord Hig h Commissioner . The foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall at Galashiels , was also laid in May by Bro . Inglis , P . G . M . of Peebleshire and Selkirkshire . During May our Royal brother tho King of Hanover , paid a visit to the Queen and Royal Family .
J . —At the Quarterl y Communication of June 7 th , Bro . Havers proposed that the Order should offer a suitable recognition of our beloved Grand Master ' s return , and that Grand Lodge should vote £ 2000 to the St . Alban ' s Restoration Fund and /^ ooo to St . Paul ' s .
We shall always think that this was alike a reasonable and a Masonic proposal , and shall always regret that any opposition was made to it , as the arguments against it were purely " ad hominem , " inasmuch as , if they appealed to anything at all , except a little clap-trap , it was to the
great principle of Masonic selfishness . In saying this we onl y maintain the liberty of expressing our honest conviction and opinion , and do not deny to others the ri ght of coining to an entirely opposite conclusion , but we should not be honest
Masons or men , if we did not say what we really felt , and feel still about that " vexata qu . estio . " An amendment was moved by our Bro . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , practically to refer the whole matter to a committee , which amendment was carried . We still are of
opinion that our Order lost a grand opportunity , and as honest chroniclers of the past ' . twelve J months we take the liberty of repeating our often expressed opinion , which subsequent occurrences have not modified or shaken , but have rather strengthened and
confirmed . Ihe Lewis s Chapter , No . 1185 , was consecrated on the 10 th of May by E . Comp . John Hervey , G . S . E ., assisted by a large circle of eminent companions . H . R . H . Prince Leopold was exalted in the Apollo University Chapter on the 27 th May , at the University Masonic Hall ,
Oxford . The Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , was consecrated by Lord Skelmersdale , D . G . M ., in the Masonic Hall , Liverpool , before a very numerous and influential gathering of the Craft , and amid much very commendable Masonic enthusiasm and e * ood feelin-r . The Hamer
Chapter , No . 1393 , was also consecrated in June at Liverpool , by Comp . R . Wylie , P . Z ., and the ceremony seems to have been very effectively performed . The Masons in Sheffield laid the foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall at Sheffield on the 23 rd of May by the hands of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
1876.
and friendship with Mazzini and others , he was admitted into some one of the Italian secret societies . We think that it is a great reflection on Freemasonry to attempt to uphold evidence which is entirely " manufactured for the occasion , " so to say , and rests on no reliable foundation .
During this month three boys from the Boys School passed the Cambridge Local Examination in honours , the only ones in this class of those examined at the London main centre . One also passed in third class , nine satisfied the examiners ; fourteen , in fact , out of eighteen
candidates sent up , passed . A correspondence began this month about a spurious French lodge in London , " Les Philadelp hes et la Concorde Reunis , " alike repudiated by the English Grand Lodge , and the Grand Orient of France . March saw the consecration of the Royal Naval College Lodge ,
No . 1593 , at Greenwich , by Bro . Rev . Thomas Robinson , P . P . S . G . W . Kent , and P . P . G . C . Cumberland . Our able Bro . Professor R . Kalley Miller was installed as its W . M . The Upper Norwood Lodge , No . 15 86 , was also consecrated in this month by Bro . H . E . Francis . The
Abbey Chapter , No . 1225 , was also consecrated at Barrow-in-Furness . In France the Lodge "Orion , " of Gaillac ,. through some fictitious sentimentality , openly , notwithstanding the warning of Bro . St . Jean , defied , so to say , the constitution of the Order , and the " Conseil de
L'Ordre , " very properly suspended it . We wish we could think that things Masonic were prospering as with us , amid our friendly and lively neighbours of "Outre Manche . " The Chapter of Rose Croix , at Gibraltar , gave a very magnificent ball to Bro . H . R . H . the Duke of
Connaught , who was on duty at" Old Gib , " which wasnumerous ! y _ attended , and was a great success . The Musgrave Lodge , 1597 , was opened and consecrated at Staines , By Bro . Col . Burdett , P . G . M . for Middlesex . The consecration of the Royal Commemoration Lodge , 1585 , took place
with great eclat at Putney by Bro . James Terry , and we also heard of the Consecration of St . Bryde Lodge , 579 , Scottish Constitution , at Uddington , Lanarkshire , by Bro . Provost J . C . Forbes , of Hamilton , D . P . G . M . of Lanarkshire . We had to deplore in March the loss of a very
worthy and hardworking Metropolitan brother , John , Newton Tomkins ; and also of aJ Kentish brother of some Masonic celebrity , Bro . Benjamin Thorpe . During the month many Roman Catholic attacks on Freemasonry were brought before the Craft , some violent and vulgar , some
childish and impertinent . The old Craft heeds them not , but moves on majestically and strai ghtforward , neither "turning to the right hand or to the left . " APRIL , —The consecration of the Wanderers ' Lodge , though reported in April , took place
actually on March 29 th , at Freemasons' Hall , by our esteemed G . S ., Bro . John Hervey , before an assembly from all parts of England , the lodge being for convenience of our military brethren . The meeting and movement appeared to bc a great success . Two Royal Arch Chapters were
consecrated the same day by that excellent Mason , Bro . John Huyshe , P . G . M ., and Grand Superintendent of Devon . The one was the Dundas Chapter , 1253 , the other the Devon Chapter , 1235 . A new Masonic Hall at Exeter , long needed , was at last completed ; a move in
the right direction , and one bound up as much as anything else with the permanent well-being of our English Craft . Brp . Kenning struck a very admirable commemoration medal to perpetuate the installation of our Royal Grand Master , which was much admired , as it deserves , for it
is an excellent work of art . English Numismatology is very weak , and all such praiseworthy efforts deserve to be recorded . A very important meeting of the Governors and Subscribers ofthe Royal Masonic Institution for Boys took place in the large Hall of Freemasons '
Tavern , on the xoth April , nearly two hundred brethren attending the meeting . The main cause of the gathering was a notice of vote of confidence in the executive and Bro . Binckes , P . Prov ., moved [ by Bro . Woodford , P . G . C , and
S . G . W . for West Yorkshire , in answer to pamphlets published and suppressed , and an unwise agitation and an ' unmasonic attack . After an animated and , at times , excited debate , and a very able speech from Bro . Gill , the worthy
1876.
Mayor of Wakefield , in opposition to Bro . Woodford ' s view , the original motion was put to the meeting , and carried nearly unanimously , a strong proof , if proof be needed , that the Craft generally disapproved of a factitious agitation , unwise in itself , unjust to the Executive
and Secretary of the Boys' School , and hurtful to the Institution . Our gallant and " energetic Bro . Colonel Creaton , had carried a resolution at the Quarterl y Court of the Girls' School , for the enlargement ofthe buildings , and his propositions were warmly supported by a lar ^ e and decisive
majority . It was clear that his proposal obviated many difficulties , and prevented any chance of excessive expenditure , greatly to be deprecated in the best interests of the School . We heard from Scotland this month , with much pleasure , ofthe laying with Masonic honours by P . G . S . W .
Sheriff Steel , and the Prov . G . L . of Dumbartonshire , of workmen ' s houses , at Clyde Bank , Dalmuir , Scotland . The Skelmersdale Lodge , 1599 , was consecrated this month , at Mason ' s Hall , Mason ' s Avenue , Basinghall-street , by Bro , JameS * " Terry , before a numerous gathering of
the brethren . The same energetic brother also consecrated in March the Ley-Spring Lodge , 15 88 , at Leytonstone . In Lincolnshire , Bro . W . H . Smyth , D . P . G . M ., consecrated the Hamilton Lodge , No . 160 b , at Alford , in his province . On the arrival of our
Grand Master at Malta on the 6 th , on his homeward route , the Chamber of Commerce at Malta presented an address to him , to which he made a gracious reply . In this month the Lodge of Truth , No . 521 , Huddersfield , had a very successful social gathering . The Annual Festival
was held at Freemasons Hall on Wednesday , April 17 th . Under Lord Carnarvon , and subsequently under Bro . Col . Burdett , all passed over most happily , though the absence of the G . M . was much regretted . The brethren of Lodge Carnarvon , No . 804 , having long wanted a "local
habitation , in addition to a " name , resolved to erect , from the design of Bro . Triggs , a convenient and comely hall " at Havant . Bro . W . W . B . Beach , the able P . P . G . M . of Hampshire , with a large muster of the Provincial Grand Lodge , laid the foundation stone of the new
building in March . Subsequently the brethren had a very successful banquet , in which some excellent Masonic addresses were made . The Surrey Masonic Hall was opened to our " sisters , ' ' a very important portion of the Masonic family , let us not forget , by a numerously
attended ball . Bro . Samuel Poynter delivered a very fraternal and trul y Masonic ode , well worth re-perusal , on the occasion . The hall was Masonically dedicated , as our readers will remember , by Lord Skelmersdale , July 13 th , 18 75 . The Provincial Grand Lodge
of Derbyshire paid a visit on the 16 th of April to the Phcenix Lodge of St . Ann , Buxton , 1235 , which event was an " alba dies , " for all the parties concerned in this truly Masonic meeting . We think the idea a good one per se , and like Captain Cuttle . are glad to " make a note " of it . We
have to deplore in this month the death of Bro . Sir John Cordy Burrows at Bri ghton , and ofthe Hon . Walpole , P . G . M . for Norfolk . MAY . —The Sir Hugh Myddelton Lodge , as reported in the Freemason of the 6 th , was consecrated April 29 th , at the Agricultural Hall ,
Islington , by the G . S ., Bro . John Hervey , in his usual workmanlike and truly Masonic style . The Grand Master appointed Lord Suffield as P . G . M . for Norfolk , in succession to the Hon . F . Walpole , M . P . A needless question was raised during some Masonic ceremonies at
Gibraltar , while our Grand Master was there , at the opening of the new market , whether our Chaplains were to act , if some hi gher ecclesiastical authorities were present . There could but be one reply , and one rule : our own Chaplains act for us , be they who they may .
Bro . Col . Creaton carried , very properly and seasonably , an increase in the allowances to our annuitants , for which his name will be "blessed , " as they say among them , just as his " personnel " among his brethren generally , is always in good
repute and truly respected . Bro . S . B . Ellis brought forward a scheme for a Masonic Library at Sheffield , which seemed to be admirabl y conceived , warmly supported , and for which we hope all possible success . Sir Henry Edwards ,
1876.
the worthy P . G . M . for West Yorkshire , paid a visit , with Lady Edwards , to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , May Sth , and distributed the prizes , and expressed his earnest approval of all that ha saw in that ad mirable Institution .
On the 9 th of May he presided at the anniversary of the Girls' School , when the goodly sum of £ 8214 r 6 s . rewarded the energy of the Stewards , and the efforts of Bro . R . W . Little . His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales landed at Portsmouth on Monday , May nth , when , having
met the Princess of Wales and his children at sea , he was received with a thoroughly English and loyal reception . His advent in London was also warmly and enthusiastically greeted , and among all classes of society who rejoiced in the safe return of the Prince of Wales , the English
Craft was certainly not the least interested . The Freemason contained a full and admirable account of our Royal Grand Master ' s arrival and welcome at Portsmouth , and of his return to the metropolis , and his reception at Covent Garden Theatre . A very important question was raised
m the Freemason this month— " Has the Church of Rome a moral right to excommunicate Freemasons ? " There can , we apprehend , be but one answer to such a query , namely , in the negative , except we are prepared to concede to a spiritual body to-day powers which it clearly has not , and
cannot claim . A very interesting presentation took place to Sir Frederick M . Williams , Bart ., by the Rose Croix Chapter , in May . The Bayard Lodge was consecrated during this month , May 17 th , by Bro . the Earl of Limerick , Prov . G . M . Bristol , in the presence of a very influential
gathering of our brethren . Bro . Sir . VI . Shaw Stewart , G . M . of Scotland , with the Grand Lodge , laid the foundation stone of the new Blind Asylum , at Craig Millar , on the 22 nd , with all Masonic ceremonies , and before a large assemblage . The institution was afterwards
formally opened by the Lord Hig h Commissioner . The foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall at Galashiels , was also laid in May by Bro . Inglis , P . G . M . of Peebleshire and Selkirkshire . During May our Royal brother tho King of Hanover , paid a visit to the Queen and Royal Family .
J . —At the Quarterl y Communication of June 7 th , Bro . Havers proposed that the Order should offer a suitable recognition of our beloved Grand Master ' s return , and that Grand Lodge should vote £ 2000 to the St . Alban ' s Restoration Fund and /^ ooo to St . Paul ' s .
We shall always think that this was alike a reasonable and a Masonic proposal , and shall always regret that any opposition was made to it , as the arguments against it were purely " ad hominem , " inasmuch as , if they appealed to anything at all , except a little clap-trap , it was to the
great principle of Masonic selfishness . In saying this we onl y maintain the liberty of expressing our honest conviction and opinion , and do not deny to others the ri ght of coining to an entirely opposite conclusion , but we should not be honest
Masons or men , if we did not say what we really felt , and feel still about that " vexata qu . estio . " An amendment was moved by our Bro . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , practically to refer the whole matter to a committee , which amendment was carried . We still are of
opinion that our Order lost a grand opportunity , and as honest chroniclers of the past ' . twelve J months we take the liberty of repeating our often expressed opinion , which subsequent occurrences have not modified or shaken , but have rather strengthened and
confirmed . Ihe Lewis s Chapter , No . 1185 , was consecrated on the 10 th of May by E . Comp . John Hervey , G . S . E ., assisted by a large circle of eminent companions . H . R . H . Prince Leopold was exalted in the Apollo University Chapter on the 27 th May , at the University Masonic Hall ,
Oxford . The Liverpool Dramatic Lodge , No . 1609 , was consecrated by Lord Skelmersdale , D . G . M ., in the Masonic Hall , Liverpool , before a very numerous and influential gathering of the Craft , and amid much very commendable Masonic enthusiasm and e * ood feelin-r . The Hamer
Chapter , No . 1393 , was also consecrated in June at Liverpool , by Comp . R . Wylie , P . Z ., and the ceremony seems to have been very effectively performed . The Masons in Sheffield laid the foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall at Sheffield on the 23 rd of May by the hands of