Untitled Article

purpose , and his Masonic acquirements , eminently qualified him for a post which it was the sincere wish of every Brother in the Province that he might long occupy and adorn ( much cheering ) . Before sitting down , Bro . Beech proposed "Prosperity to the Cherwell Lodge . " The W . M . proposed "The healths of the Master , Officers , and Brethren of the Churchill Lodge , " associating with the toast the name of the present W . M . Bro . T . Joy .

Bro . Joy returned thanks , and said fie had reason to be proud of his Lodge , which was making great progress , and where any visiting Brother would see some excellent working , and receive a cordial and hospitable welcome . The W . M . proposed " The healths of the Officers of the Cherwell Lodge , " and expressed his regret that the late Senior Warden , Bro . B . W . Alpin , had declined to take the Master ' s Chair , which had been offered him , and for which he was so eminently qualified .

Bro . Birch , S . W ., acknowledged the toast , and remarked that Masonry should be a pattern to all mankind , on account of the sound moral principles which it inculcated . He felt that when , in the absence of others , the W . M . consented to take the premiership , it was his duty , if required , to act under him , for in this Society , as well as in the nation , every man should be ready and willing to take his share of duty . This Society might be . regarded as a nucleus , an imperium in imperio , and , like a drop in the ocean , contributed to spread its waves . They met as

Brethren , and although difference of rank was not acknowledged , they looked to their superiors without being open to the accusation of tuft-hunting , while they met them without derogating from their rank . It was the natural consequence of a free nation that the people entertained different views , but , however much Masons differed in politics or religion , they met in Lodge in perfect singleness of heart , all their differences were forgotten , and they were united together as Brethren . His own inquiries and experience had led him to believe that Masonry was

sanctioned by morality , because it was founded on great moral principles , which were inculcated at every stage , proclaimed to all its members , and he did not know of any application of morality which was not expressed at its meetings , and which they were not counselled to obey ( cheers ) . In conclusion , he expressed a hope that all who had taken office would fulfil the duties devolving on them , and that Masonry might not only gain strength among themselves , but that its sentiments and principles might spread all over the world ( cheers ) .

Bro . Alpin briefly explained that his only reason for declining the Chair at present was that his engagements would preclude him from fulfilling the duties in the way he wished or was due to the Lodge ; but if at some future time he should feel himself at more liberty , he would not shrink from the responsibility . Bro . Calcutt sang , in a spirited manner , the new national song , the "The Bed , White , and Blue , " which was greatly applauded .

The W . M . then gave the parting toast , "To all poor and distressed Masons ;" after which tea and coffee were served , and the Brethren from Oxford left by the special train which the Lodge had liberally and considerately provided for them . Oxford . —Apollo University Lodge ( No . 460 ) . —On Friday , March 16 , the Brethren of the Apollo University Lodge assemhied at the Masonic Hall , for the purpose of assisting in the installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . J . W . Malcolm , of Christ Church . The ceremony was conducted by the retiring W . M ., Bro . W . W .

Beech , and was performed in an admirable manner . On the conclusion of the ceremony , the W . M . appointed the following Brethren to be his officers for the year .: —S . W ., Bro . W . W . Harrison , M . A ., Brasenose Coll . ; J . W ., Bro . Hon W . J . Vernon , Christ Church ; Chap ., Bro . Bev . J . Sedgwick , M . A ., Magdalen Coll . ; Treas ., Bro . W . Thompson ; Sec , Hon . Gerald Dillon , Balliol Coll . ; S . D .,

Bro . H . Barter , Merton Coll . ; J . D ., Bro . J . E . Codrington , Brasenose Coll . ; D . C ., Bro . the Earl of Lincoln , Christ Church , and Bro . W . Gainer , St . Mary ' s Hall ; I . G ., Bro . J . C . Farnborough , Magdalen Hall ; Org ., Bro . Dr . Elvey , New Coll . ; Stewards , Bros . Viscount Garlies , and G . Drummond , Christ Church , C . Dalison , Merton Coll ., and Hon . II . Wodehouse , Christ Church ; Tyler , Bro . Tipton . In the evening about seventy of the Brethren sat down to an elegant