Untitled Article

his power for the benefit of the Craft , calculated as it was to confer great benefits on all who ranged themselves under its banners . Prov . G . Sec . Hindson said , that the proceedings could not properly close without drinking the health of Bro . Gray , who had provided the Brethren such an excellent dinner , with wines of the first quality ; but more particularly he would beg to propose his health as a zealous Mason of the " Merrie City" of Carlisle .

Bro . Gray thanked the Brethren for the kind manner in which his health had been received , and had he been aware there would have been so large a muster he would have made more ample preparations , and he should always feel great pleasure in catering for his Masonic Brethren . The parting toast having been given , the meeting broke up ; and we have no doubt that the 5 th of September , 1855 , will be long remembered by the Masons of the Province of Cumbria , who on that day celebrated their annual festival according to ancient custom *

ESSEX . North Essex Lodge ( No . 817 ) , White Hart Hotel , Booking . The Brethren met on Monday , August 27 ; Bro . James Rolfe , W . M . Mr . George C . Rolfe , of Notley , was initiated into Masonry by the W . M ., who delivered the first of a Course of Lectures , illustrating the three Degrees .

DURHAM . Grcmby Lodge ( No . 146 ) . —TheBrethren assembled on Tuesday , September 4 , when Bro . W . Stoker , P . M ., passed Bro . the Rev . John Kingston , of St . Andrew ' s , Sunderland , to the Second Degree *

HAMPSHIRE . Southampton . —Provincial Grand Lodge . —The Brethren of the Province held their annual meeting on Tuesday last , the 25 th of August , in the Masonic Hall , at Southampton . The G . L . was opened at twelve o ' clock . Present . —The R . W . Bro . Sir Lucius Curtis , Bart ., Prov . G . M . on the throne

the Y . W . Bro . Charles Ewens Deacon , Dep . Prov . G . M . ; W . Bro . Dr . Clarke , S . G . W . ; Bro . Haverfield , as J . G . W . ; the R . W . Bro . T . Willis Fleming , Prov . G . M ., and the V . W . Bro . Hyde Pullen , Dep . Prov . G . M . of the Isle of Wight ; Bro . How , Prov . G . Dir . of Cer ., Hertfordshire ; and many P . G . ^ Officers and Members of the Lodges of the Province of Hampshire . The Minutes of the last G . L . were read and confirmed .

The Treasurers' accounts were presented by the auditors , and as they exhibited an increasing balance of a considerable amount in hand , they were adopted and approved . The usual routine business of the Province having been discharged , and the Prov . G . M . having retired a short time , he placed Dr . Clarke in the chair , when Bro . Ogburn rose , and after giving expression to his own disappointment , and also

that of many Brethren from Portsea , that there was not on that day , as had been usual in the Province , an attendance at a place of Divine worship , in full Masonic procession , submitted to the consideration of the Brethren there assembled a motion to the effect : "That it was desirable that at every meeting of the Prov . G . L ., the Brethren should in procession attend Divine service , and a sermon be there delivered by the G . Chaplain , or some other reverend Brother . "

Some of the Brethren urged that it was considered by the Prov . G . M . and other eminent members , that it was objectionable in a large town like Southampton , where all kinds of friendly societies were continually assembling , and with bands and banners parading its streets—that it was derogatory to the character of Masonry to adopt such proceedings , unless there was any work to be performed . The practice of attending Divine service , it was agreed by all should never be omitted , and eventually a motion to that effect was carried . The Prov . G . M . having , on his return , been made acquainted with the feeling of the Brethren , assured them that it was his wish and intention at all times to