Untitled Article

years of office , / not only introduced all the new members into the Society by this Lodge , but had been the means of enabling the Lodge so / to subscribe for the benefit of The Masonic Charities as to constitute the W . M . for the time being a governor of the Girls' School , and the Senior Warden a governor of the Boys '

School ; and following strictly in the advice given by our late M . W . G . M ., the Duke of Sussex , he had carefully studied the stability of the Order by adding only such members as are of the highest respectability . No man had done more for a Lodge than Bro . Fitzwilliams had done for this , his Mother Lodge , and no Brother had ever afforded greater satisfaction as W . M . than Bro . Fitzwilliams .

The healths of the newly initiated having been given , Col . Watkins rose and said : — " Worshipful Sir and Brethren , you have this day been pleased to receive me as a member of your ancient and honourable body , and I consider myself happy in being admitted amongst you . It has long occupied my thoughts , and from all I could glean from various sources I heard everything to cheer , and nothing to daunt me in my wishes . Now , that I know not the day I may be summoned with my regiment to proceed to some foreign station , I resolved to become

a Freemason , and Bro . Fitzwilliams kindly undertook thus to introduce me , for which I feel exceedingly obliged to him , as also to you , Worshipful Sir and Brethren , for the kind manner you have shown in responding to the toast . But how shall I express my heartfelt acknowledgments ^ my inward gratitude to Bro . Ribbans for the considerate attention , and very marked regard he paid me and those who were my companions during the ceremony of initiation—the worthy

Brother ' s address was noble during the ordeal , and deprived my curiosity of all anxiety . I felt as one in the hands of a friend who was determined that I should not experience the slightest uneasiness-r-and to him—my Brother Ribbans , I thus return my best , my warmest , my devoted thanks , and may God long preserve him amongst us . " Bros . Thirl wall , Jones , Thomas , Morris , and Lascelles , enlivened the flying hours by some excellent songs .

Bro . Col . Watkins proposed the health of the host , Bro . Rees , with the thanks of all present for the excellent banquet provided , and a little after ten the Brethren separated , perfectly satisfied that such gatherings serve more than anything else to promote true harmony , and to cultivate the kindest feelings between man and

man

STAFFORDSHIRE . Tipton . —Noah ' s Ark Lodge , No . 435 . —On the 15 th of last month , this Lodge met and elected the Rev . Bro . E . H . A . Gwynne , incumbent of the district parish , W . M . The much respected R . W . P . G . M ., Col . Vernon , whose presence is always hailed with delight , visited the Lodge , and was pleased to compliment the officers upon their working and regular attendance , scarcely one being absent any Lodge night during the past year , which speaks volumes for their love of Masonry .

We had occasion a few months ago to record an instance of liberality in this Lodge presenting , with a few more of his friends , a purse of fifty pounds to their Rev . Senior Warden , and we have now to mention the further exercise of their charitable and truly Masonic feelings by their voting five pounds to the Patriotic Fund . The Lodge has also been lately presented with a very handsome silk

banner , by Bro . Millard , with new and beautiful tracing boards by ] f > ro . Josiah Creswell , a new carpet by Bro . Howell , new P . M . jewel by Bro . Gwynne , and new collars by Bro . Whitehead . The Brethren are also about to compliment their late worthy and respected P . M ., Bro . Warner , P , G . J . W * , with a testimonial of esteem , particulars of which , as well as the installation of Bro . Gwynne , will be furnished in our next number .

SUFFOLK . Woodbridge *—The Brethren of the Doric Lodge ( No . 06 ) celebrated the return of the Festival of St . John the Evangelist , at their private room , Doric Place , the 27 th Dec , when Bro . George A . Grim wood was duly ins tailed to the chair as W . M . fbr the ensuing year . Amongst the P . M . ' s present , were some from London and other place »; members of this Lodge , who annually visit their " Mother , " and wlu >