The Rev. A. F. A. Woodford, M.A., P.G.C. In Memoriam.

tracing several " Old Charges , " and , notably ,, the celebrated " Wilson MS . " of the 17 th century . This valuable MS . he edited in " ' Kenning ' s Archaeological Library , "

Vol . 1 , in 187 S , wilh the reprint of the " Constitutions of 1723 , ' being "the only English complete reproduction" of that remarkable work , which he dedicated to me , in the hope that " in this very library he and I may complete our ma < rnum opus of all the known Masonic Constitutions . "

The facsimile in part and reproduction of the noted " Sloane MS . 3329 , ' he brought out in 1872 , and though we did not agree as to the antiquity of this curious pamphlef , he dedicated the first edition to me . It has been a very popular brochure under the name of " Freemasons' Secrets , " a second edition being published in the following year , and the ' third—improved and enlarged—in 1885 .

His " Defence of Freemasonry " appeared in 1874 , and he was also the author of a volume of poems , which was published at an earlier period . His most laborious enterprise , however , was " Kenning ' s Masonic Cyclopaedia , " which was rightly dedicated to the spirited publisher . During his progress , I paid several visits to my friend , who was to be found literally

almost buried in MSS ., books , and papers of one kind and another , and was nearly overwhelmed with the magnitude of the work . He began on too large a scale , as a matter of fact , being determined to make it all it should be ; but at that rate he would have required a life time to complete the task . The consequence was , that , as the publisher was anxious to see its advent ,

the latter portion of the bulky volume was of a less pretentious character than originally contemplated . With this explanation , I consider Bro . Woodford has compiled the best Masonic Cyclopaedia , from a purely English standpoint , of any issued , many ofthe articles being of considerable merit and of conspicuous originality ,

But time and space forbid my dwelling longer on the varied , important , and extensive services rendered by Bro . VVoodford to Masonic Literature . Those who know most about the History of our Society can best appreciate the Masonic career of our departed friend . Every day letters , are coming to me testifying to his zeal and abiding interest in the Fraternity . Initiated

so far back as 1 S 42 , at Gibraltar , he was a connecting link between almost two past generations of Freemasons and the present . He joined No . 124 , Durham , in the same year , and served as W . M . in 1844 and 1845 . From then to now he has known Jive Prov . Grand Masters as Rulers of that

Province . He joined No . 304 , Leeds , in 1854 , and in 1858 and 1859 was W . M . His connection with this Province dates from the period when the Earl of Mexborough was Prov . G . M ., since which , the Marquess of Ripon and Colonel Sir Henry Edwards have been the Rulers , and the R . W . Bro . Thomas W . Tew is now the honoured chief . Bro . Woodford was Prov . G ,

Chaplain of Durham in 1847 , and held the same office in West Yorkshire in i 860 , but was the Prov . S . G . W . in 1857 , and chairman of the Charity Committee for eleven years from its establishment in 1859 . Of course , no one could hold the latter position without taking an active part in our London Charities . I find , in all , he served five Stewardships each for the

' ¦ Royal Masonic Institutions for Girls and Boys , " and seven for the " Benevolent Institution , " being Vice-President of each of these grand Societies . Many have been the lectures and orations he has delivered , from time to time , at consecrations , dedications , and meetings of lodges and chapters , those relating to Royal Arch Masonry particularly being of special interest

and value . No one lias taken greater interest than Bro . Woodford in the starting and subsequent prosperity of the "Quatuor Coronati Lodge , " No . 2076 , formed as a rendezvous for Masonic Students . Years ago he suggested such a lodge , but met with such little support that he dropped it for a time , but on Bros . Gould and Speth coming to his help the matter was again to

the fore , and the lodge now is not only a credit to its founders , but , I believe , is the pride of the literary Masonic world . Bro . Woodford delivered the oration at its consecration , and did his part exceedingly well . He also acted as I . P . M . for Sir Charles Warren , the first W . M ., his presence being always most welcome to the members , who enjoyed either his presidentship

or participation in the debates . He presided most ably when Bro . Gould ( then S . W . ) read the first paper " On some old Scottish Customs , " and I never remember hearing a more genial and appreciative summary from the chair lhan Bro . Woodford favoured us with towards the close of that meeting . His paper on " Freemasonry and Hermeticism , " read before the

lodge , will repay a careful perusal , as he was the facile princeps of No . 2076 in that department . The oration and paper , as also another on " The Quatuor Coronati , " are printed in the proceedings of the lodge , and in Part 1 will be found a sketch , in brief , of Bro . Woodford ' s career , by our esteemed Secretary , which embodies all the chief points in his eventful Masonic

life . Though born in 1821 , he was as one of the youngest among us , being always lively , ardent , and full of zeal for the true progress of the lodge . He worked incessantly on behalf of the Society to which he had devoted so much of the best of his days and means , and he never seemed to tire either in reading , writing , or speaking about the Craft . Bro . Gould , the respected

Master of No . 2076 , was with our dear brother to the last days and nights , as required , and was only too glad in every way possible to carry out the wishes , lighten the burdens , and ease the sufferings of the old Masonic chief , his friend , my friend , and . a true friend of the Society . No one will miss him so much as Bros . Gould , Kenning , and myself , and I grieve at my inability to take part "in paying the last sad office of respect to departed merit . " I know , however , that several of my valued friends will be there so to do , and I shall be there in spirit .

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at the South Metropolitan Cemetery , West Norwood . Owing probably to the Christmas holidays and the difficulty of communicating with the many Masonic friends of our late brother , the attendance was small . The principal mourners were : Mr

Woodford , only brother of the deceased , Mr . Woodford , jr ., Col . Newdigate , Col . Hutchison , the Right Hon . J . Lowther , Mr . Upton and Mr . Newdigate , and amongst his Masonic friends were Bros . R . F . Gould George Kenning , Professor Hayter Lewis , W . M . Bywater , H . Rylands ' , and W . Lake .

Consecration Of The Frederick West Lodge, No. 2222.

CONSECRATION OF THE FREDERICK WEST LODGE , No . 2222 .

A valuable addition to the lodges in the Province of Surrey was made on Tuesday , the 20 th inst ., when the Prov . G . M ., R . W . Bro . General J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., P . G . S . W ., attended by other Provincial Grand Officers named below , consecrated the new lodge according to ancient form , after which Bro . Frederick West , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M ., installed the first W . M ., Bro . R . T . Elsam , who then nominated and installed his officers . Bro . Frederick West

concluded the ceremonies by giving the charges in a most impressive manner . Two brethren were proposed as joining members , and two candidates for initiation . A cordial vote of thanks to the Consecrating Officers , who were made honorary members of the new lodge ( for which compliment thanks were returned by the Prov . G . M . ) , and " Hearty Good Wishes " to the new W . M . brought the proceedings to a close ,

and the brethren , with their guests , adjourned to an excellent banquet provided by Bro . John Mayo , the efficient host of the Castle Hotel , East Molesey , where the lodge meetings will be held . This hotel , when Bro . Mayo has completed his arrangements for lodge rooms , will proveofmuchservicetotheCraftintheprovince , and should certainly be a favourite place for London lodges to hold their summer banquets at .

There were present on this occasion : — Bros . Gen . J . S . Brownrigg' , C . B ., P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . M . of Surrey , as W . M . j Fredk . West , P . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M . ; Joseph D . Langton , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey , as S . W . ; John Drewett , P . Asst . G . Purst . Surrey , as J . W . j VV . VV . Morgan , P . M . 211 , Chap . ; Chas . Greenwood , P . P . G . R ., P . G . Sec , as Sec ; J . VV . Moorman , P . P . A . G . D . C , as D . C . Founders : Bros . R . T . Elsam , P . M . and Sec . 201 and 8 S 9 , P . P . G . D . C . Surrey , VV . M . ; lohn Hughes , P . M . 001 , S . W . j ] ohn Pillar , P . M . 1656

and 1793 ; J . W . ; Julian Pritchard , 141 , Treas . j Thomas Weaver , I . P . M . SSg , Secj David Hughes , P . M . 901 , S . D . j Daniel Hughes , W . M . 901 , J . D . j Wm . Lane , P . M . I 6 JS , P . P . G . S . B . Surrey , I . G . ; Abel Lawrence , P . M . and Sec . 1638 , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey , I . P . M . j Fredk . Lockett , 163 S and 2146 j Wm . Thomas , 1 S 53 , S . W . 2045 ; John Mayo , 1614 . Visitors : Bros . E . Hopwood , P . M . 141 , P . G . S . B . Middx . j J . C . Jessett , P . M . 175 2 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . j W . Chapman ,

W . M . SSg ; W . Drewett , S . W . and VV . M . elect SSg ; Major C . A . Cooper , I . P . M . 209 S ; C . J . Pettit , SSg ; T . H . Ward , 1564 ; A . H . Smith , P . M . 56 and 901 ; C . Beaumont , P . M . 901 , P . P . A . G . D . C . Essex ; VV . Glazin , I . G . Mount Moriah ; W . Stuart , P . M . 87 , 141 , 179 ; H . McClelland , P . M . goi j C . Oldridge , jun ., 163 S ; G . Moorman , W . M . iSjS . S . W . igSij H . VV . Willis , I . G . 1638 j Thos . Pennington , 1638 ,- Alf . Ginger , P . M . goij Geo . J . Tagg , 1512 ; F . Honeywell , P . M . SSg , P . P . G . Org . Surrey and

Middlesex ; J . Dhartz , 911 ; Ewd . VV . Warner , W . M . 1793 ; R . H . Forge , P . M , 1793 , P . P . G . D . C . Middlesex j J . H . Summers , 173 S ; E . J . Bell , 1319 ; C . F . Davis , igSij H . VV . Knight , IQSIJ Robt . Kerr , 697 ; H . J . _ Shelly , 1981 j F . Hullet , 19 S 1 ; A . Yardley , 901 ; H . P . Stevens , 901 j A . Martin , 2045 J A . Prince , 901 ; G . Reynolds , J . W . 1614 , Sec . 2091 ; A . Hardy , VV . M . 201 ; John Hodges , P . M , 1706 ; W . Youldon , P . M . 165 S and 19 S 1 , P . P . S . G . W . Surreyj John Youldon , W . M . 19 S 1 J and F . Croaker , P . M . 185 , S . W . 19 S 1 . The consecrating vessels , & c , were supplied by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Brooke Chapter, No. 2005.

CONSECRATION OF THE BROOKE CHAPTER , No . 2005 .

This chapter , attached to the Brooke Lodge , No . 2005 , was consecrated on Saturday , the 17 th inst ., at the Royal Forest Hotel , Chingford , by M . E . the Grand Superintendent of the Province of Essex , Comp . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , G . R ., and Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Essex , assisted by the

following Provincial Grand Officers , viz .: M . E . Comp . Gerard-Ford , G . Supt . Sussex ; Comps . E . J . Barron , P . G . H ., as H . ; A . C . Veley , P . G . J ., as J . ; Thomas J . Railing , P . G . Swd . Br . Eng ., Prov . Grand Scribe Essex , as Scribe E . ; J . G . White , P . G . Sd . Br ., as N . ; and A . Lucking , Prov . G . D . C , as D . C . The following were amongst the visitors : Comps . V ,

P . Freeman , G . Std . Br ., Prov . G . S . E . Sussex , Dep . Prov . G . M . Sussex ; Aubrey Saunders , P . G . Supt . Madras ; VV . M . Bywater , G . Std . Br . ; E . Shoddy , P . G . S . Essex ; James Ricks , P . Z . Xk ; Edward Parker , 171 ; J ,

Cranston Charles , 33 ; John Hodges , 19 ; H . R . Duke , 171 ; J . Newton , P . Z . 174 ; Thomas Humphreys , 1437 ; G . J . Brady , P . Z ., P . G . A . S . ; B . Page , J . 214 ; VV . Bridgland , P . G . Std . Br . ; F . W . Imbert Terry , P . G . S ., 214 ; Thos . Distin , and G . T . Carter .

The ceremony having been most impressively performed by the Grand Superintendent , assisted by the Provincial Grand Officers , the following companions were installed as Principals , viz .: Comps . Joseph Clever , P . Z . 12 , 171 , and P . G . S . B ., as M . E . Z . ; R . Clowes , Z . 51 , P . P . S . G . W ., as H . ; and G . H . Finch , J . 1297 , P . J . G . W ., as J . ; whilst Comps . J . Sadler Wood ,

P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., F . T . Bennett , Rowland Plumbe , Dr . W . Cock , Rev . Morgan Jones , and G . F . Smith , were respectively elected as Scribe E ., Scribe N ., Treasurer , P . S ., ist A . S ., and Organist , and Comp . Very as Janitor . A vote of thanks to the Consecrating Officers was carried " nem . con ., " and they were also elected honorary members of the chapter .

At the banquet which followed , the M . E . the GRAND SUPERINTENDENT , in replying to the toast proposed in his honour , referred particularly to his association in Freemasonry with the M . E . Z . and some of the founders , and expressed himself certain that as the lodge with which the chapter was

associated had so far distinguished itself in the charitable objects of Masonry , he felt sure that , from his knowledge ot the Masonic feeling predominating the actions of the founders , a like success would accrue to the chapter , which the province with himself hoped would be realised to the fullest extent .

The other toasts having been duly honoured the companions separated , having , we trust , inaugurated a most successful addition to the chapters in the province . The furniture , & c , was kindly lent for the occasion by Hope and Unity Chapter , the collars and jewels being supplied by Comp . George Kenning . The following is the oration delivered by Comp . A . C . Veley , P . G . J . :

Masonry may be traced in all mythology to the remotest parts of the globe in the Temples of the Sun and Moon and in the very idols of Mexico , in the Pyramids , tombs , stonehenge , and in the solemn groves of the Druids , and under various names and forms , but with the same spirit of mutual protection and charity braved time , persecution , fire , and sword for many centuries , and is now more vigorous than ever , whereas vast and powerful