The Masonic Mirror.

each of the Alasonic schools , and to take such steps as shall secure a vice presidency to the Prov . Grand Master for ever . Divine service is to be performed at the parish church , and a collection made in behalf of the Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund . THE consecration of the Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge is appointed to take place at the Toivn Hall , Ashby-de-la-Zoueh , on Thursday next , the Cth inst . The Right Hon . Earl Howe , G . C . B ., the Prov . Grand Master ,

and his Prov . Grand Officers , will attend , THE Robert Burns Chapter of Instruction will resume its meetings at Comp . Sheen's , Sussex Stores , Long Acre , on Wednesday next , the 5 th inst ., under the immediate direction o _ Comp , Sheen , and will continue to meet every Wednesday until June . THE Strong Man Lodge of Instruction meets at Bro . 3 Iorbey ' s , Sim Tavern , Long Acre , for the first time this season , on Tuesday next , October 4 th .

PROVINCIAL . HAMPSHIRE . SOUTHAMPTON . —Lodge of Peace and Harmony ( No . 462 ) , —This Lodge held its monthly meeting at the Freemasons' Hall , in Buglestreeton WednesdaySept . 21 stBro . A . FletcherW . 3 Lpresided

, , , , , , supported by Bros . Webb , P . M . ; J . R . Stebbing , P . 3 I . ; AV . Miles , P . 3 I . ; AY . Bemister , P . 3 I . ; H . Clarke , S . AV . ; AV . Smith , J . AV . ; Geo . AV . Clarke , Sec , & c , & o . After the confirmation of the minutes , the ballot was taken for a candidate for initiation , who was declared duly elected . Bro . J . Collis , of No . 152 , and Bro . Angus , of Lodge No . 387 ( Ireland ) , ivere balloted for as joining members , aud elected . The candidate having been duly prepared , was aftei-Avards initiated , and Bro . Stebbing ,

P . 3 L , delivered the charge . The quarterly communication was laid on the table for the inspection of the brethren . A letter from Bro . Farnfield , notifying the proposed festival of the Royal Benevolent Institution , was read , and the Secretary was requested to superintend the collection of subscriptions and donations prior to the meeting . Bro . G . AA . Clarke culled the attention of the brethren to the great desire that existed for some more convenient mode for provincial brethren to exercise their

right of voting iu Grand Lodge , particularly in tho election of those Boards which controlled 3 Iasonic affairs in connection with Grand Lodge . He considered it needless to remind brethren how seldom it happened that any officer of that Lodgo was enabled to attend Grand Lodge , and their case was that of the great majority of country Lodges . Hence the necessity arose for some new method in exorcising their judgment

and power in those matters , ivith which the best interests of the Craft were most nearly identified . He had cautiously considered the subject , and having clone so , he had come to the conclusion that if voting papers were allowed to be used by those brethren who , possessing the right to vote , could not attend Grand Lodge , the great grievance and difficulty could be got over . Deprecating everything of a party spirit in this as hi any other effort in Masonry , he pressed on the careful attention of Ins brethren the folloiving resolution whicli he would — " That

propose an earnest application be made to the Board of General Purposes , to hike into consideration and recommend to Grand Lodge , such an amendment of the laws in relation to the election of the various Boards appointed by Grand Lodge , as will enable the Masters , Past Masters , and AVardens of all Lodges ( being entitled to attend Grand Lodge ) , to rote , by proxy or by voting papers . " Bro . Miles , P . M ., the father of ( lie Lod seconded the resolutionwhichafter discussion in whicli

ge , , , a IJI'OS . H , Clarke , AVebb , Passenger and Stebbing took part , was carried unanimously . Bro . H . AVatts ( of Freeinantle ) was passed to the second degree . Bro . J . R . AVeston , of Lodge No . ' 152 , was proposed as a loining member . A candidate for initiation was also proposed , and the Bud ge was closed in harmony at tiventy-five minutes past nine , l ' . M . The AV . M . presided at the banquet , and with his usual felicity sustained peace mid harmony among the brethren .

SOUTHAMPTON . —Twelve Brothers' Lodge—A meeting ofthe brethren wis held at the Royal Hotel , ou Thursday , the 22 nd September , Bro . George Lungley presided as AY . M . during the early portion of the proceedings . After the minutes of tho preceding Lodge had been read , and the warrant of constitution also read , the brethren unanimousl y ^ proved the nomination of Bro . . 1 . R , Stebbing as WM ., ancl Bro . Lung ley proceeded to install him in the chair accordingly . A letter was read from BroDrNoreottwhothrough illness prevented from

. . , , , was undertaking the duties of Senior AVarden , to which he had been named ni the warrant , and a vote of condolence was passed . The nomination ' "i ' i > . R , Parker was cordially approved , and a hope expressed that he » ould soon fill the AV . M ' s . chair . The ceremony of installation having Jeeii completed , the following appointments ivere made : —Bros . Capt £ . H oolley , S . AV ; R . Parker , J . AV . ; C . Bromley ( P . M . ) , S . D . ; J . R V"S ( PM ) JDHClark ( PM ) IGGeo ley ( 555

,, .., .. ; . .., .. ; . Lung AV . M . No . ) , el ' 7 _ % ' W" Clilrke ( Pi' 07 ' G' Sec ' ) ' Secreiai- y- Bro - Dr . H . Clark was tli f treasurer . A communication from Bro . Farnfield , announcing ie forthcoming festival of the Royal Benevolent Institution , in January as read , and Bro . J . R . Stebbing , as AV . M ., informed the brethren that Ala f i " ° f the Twelve Brothers' Lodge required the AVorshipful ' ' » Mr to act as Steward of one of the charities during his year of office ,

he should bo happy to do so iu this case , aud attend the January festival . He hoped to carry with him a handsome list of subscriptions and donations , ancl relied ou the liberal aid of the brethren . This statement was received ivith acclamation , and the support of tho brethren was promised in the laudable undertaking of the Worshipful Master . Bro . King , P . M ., proposed , Bro . G . Lungley seconded , and it was resolved "That a representation be made to the Board of General Purposes of the great necessity that exists for the better representation ofthe provincial

Lodges in Grand Lodge , and that it be suggested that the use of voting papers would be a means of enabling all brethren entitled to vote in Grand Lodge , to exercise that privilege in the election of the several Boards . An agreeable evening was spent by the brethren after the close of business , it being a rule in this Lodge to encourage conversational discussions ou Masonic topics .

LANCASHIRE EAST . ASHTON-UXDEB-LYKE . —AA'ehave been requested to publish the folloAi ' - ing prayers delivered by Bro . the Rev . C . P . Nicholson , B . D ., Prov . Grand Chaplain of East Lancashire , on the occasion of laying the foundation and cope stones of the Ashton-under-Lyne Infirmary , the former by the Right Hon . Milner Gibson , M . P ., and the latter by Bro . Albert Hudson Royds , D . Prov . Grand Master . AA e should , however , have been better pleased had they been sent to us , with an account of the

ceremony , at the time it took place : — First Prayer . —Lord of all wisdom and might , thou didst lay the corner stone of nature ; thou didst fashion the rude mass of matter ; thou didst make the sea and tbe dry laud ; thy spirit disposed all things in order , ancl gave to them symmetry and beauty . AA'hen darkness enveloped the deep , thy word commanded the light . AA hen thou framedst the worlds , when thou didst balance the universe , the arches of heaven rang with praise" the sons of God shouted for joy . "

, Gracious God , unerring Ruler of events , we ivould approach thee in deep humility , lively gratitude , ancl fervent praise . Look down upon us in mercy , from thy throne in the heaven of heavens . AA'e are met together in thy name , trusting in thy care and love . Pour upon us the abundance of thy blessing : bring to a successful issue the undertaking thus begun . Alay this comer stone , the support and stay of the future building , be also an emblem of the benefits , constant and real , contemplated by the

designed institution . Alay experience , skill , and kindness be brought to relieve the sickness , disease and anguish of suffering humanity , ancl may multitudes have cause for joy ancl thankfulness ; Lord send forth thy light and truth to heal the disorders of our souls , strengthen us with might , raise up within us a building of righteousness , so that ivhen our outer man deeayeth and falleth into dust , our inward man , glorified and adorned by thy Spirit , may ascend to the grand temple above , to enjoy the brightness of thy countenance for ever and ever . So mote it A . e .

Second Prayer . — 0 God , our Creator and Preserver , we thank thee for all tbe mercies ofthe present life , and for tho hope of glory which thou hast given us , in the world to come . Fill our hearts ivith joy , ancl our mouths with praise . Thou alone , the Master Builder of the universe , didst inspire the thought to found this institution , for the aleviation of the suffering , the restoration of the sick and infirm ; may it prove a source ol blessing to thousands ; may thy providence raise up others to the le of its gracious benefactor . Bdeeds of mercy and

copy examp y charity may thy servants , whom thou hast prospered , prove the reality of their faith and the ardour of their love . Pour down thy blessing upon the architect engaged in the undertaking ; fill him with knowledge and skill , vouchsafe thy care to the craftsmen , preserve them from all perils . Prosper the work of their hands upon them ; yea , prosper thou their handy work , and to thy name be the glory ancl the praise . So mote it be .

AVORCESTERSHIRE . PROVINCIAL CIIAKD LODGE . THE annual meeting of tbe Provincial Grand Lodge of AVoreestershire was held on Tuesday , the 20 th of September , at the Music Hall , Kidderminster , Grand Lodge being opened at half-past tiA-elve o ' clock , by the R . W . Bro . Henry Charles Vernon , Prov . G . AI ., in ample form and AA'ith solemn prayer .

The Prov . Grand Master was accompanied by the V . AA " . Bros . Vigne , P . Prov . S . G . AV . of Somerset ; Dr . Burton , P . Proi' . S . G . AA . of Staffordshire ; D . R . ShuttloAvorth , Grand Lodge Representative in SiA'itzerland , & c . Apologies were read from the Prov . Grand Masters of Staffordshire and Oxfordshire . All the Lodges were represented by some of their Officers , and many private members were present by the permission of the Prov . Grand Master . After the minutes ivere read and the statement of accounts , a

AVoreester brother objected to the audit of the accounts being mado without an order for that purpose being first given by tbe Prov . Grand Lodge , and the names of the Auditors being sanctioned also by the Prov . Grand Lodge . The Prov . G . S . B . rose to order , ancl pointed out Rule 9 of the by-laws , ivhich invests the Prov . Grand Alaster with the sole poAver of appointing the Auditors . This matter then dropped , and the accounts were duly passed . The AWV"BroAA Masefiehlhaving been reelected Treasurerb

. . . , , y ballot , the R . AA . Prov . Grand Master invested the Officers as follows : — Bro . Barber , AA' . M . No . 772 . Prov . S . G . AV . ; AV Bristow . P . M . No . 313 , Prov . J . G . AV . ; the Rev . T . W . Herbert , P . M . No . 313 , Prov . G . Chaplain ; the Rev . S . Franklin , Assist . Prov . G . Chaplain ; ii . Hill , Prov . G . Re . ' .: AV . Ma :, c > fioM . P . M . Nos . 730 and 313 , prov . C . Treas .: AV ,