Notes On American Freemasonry.

siding officer . " After the close of the lodge the brethren spent an hour in refreshment . On the 21 st of December , he states he met ivith the lodges in the City of Worcester , in their fine hall . In the morning Athelstane Lodge

exemplified the lecture and ivork of the E . A . degree . In the afternoon . Morning Star Lodge exemplified the lecture and work of the F . C . degree , and in the afternoon aud evening Montacute Lodge exemplified the lecture ancl work of the Master

Mason s degree . About one hundred and fifty brethren were present . The lectures ivere delivered finely and the work was performed in a creditable manner . These lodges breathe tho true Masonic spirit and are actuated by the desire to see " ivho

can best work and best agree . " The music during the work of the degree , was of a very high order , and at the banquet the Quartette Club discoursed some choice selections . A pleasant meeting ivas closed by joining hands , and singing " Ankl Lang Syne . "

On December 22 nd and 23 rd , Solomon's Temple Lodge , Uxbridge , was visited . The work and lecturesof the three degrees were rehearsed . Oue brother ivas initiated , and another raised . Several members of this lodge lecture very correctly , and after

more study and practice in the work , will be prepared to confer the degrees in a most impressive manner .

In conclusion he remarks of the lodges in his district generally , that " there are a few corrections in the work and lectures , which if made , ivould restore some hi ghly impressive portions of the degrees . These corrections are alterations and

omissions ivhich have been made by mistake , most likely , and could be brought before the Grand Lodge at any regular communication if desired . Cephas Brigham , Junior Grand Lecturer , reports to the Grand Master as follows : —

"Dear Sir and Brother , —At tho commencement of the present Masonic year , you instructed the Grand Lecturers each to report to the Grand Master his proceedings , together with such observations aud suggestions as might seem appropriate

at the close of his term of appointment . " In obedience to those instructions , I have the pleasure to submit the folloiving statement , accompanied by a feiv thoughts aud suggestions , as to the method of perfecting our ritual and making it

uniform in all our lodges , a condition of things greatly to be desired . " During the past three or four months , I have

been frequently consulted upon portions of the work and lectures in Masonry , and have given instructions to Masters and other officers of several lodges , averaging from one to tivo lessons per iveek during that period .

" By an arrangement of the Dist . Grand Master for the 10 th district , ihe officers of the several lodges comprising that district met with Jerusalem Lodge , at Northampton , for the purpose of witnessing an exemplification of the work of the

three degrees , as given by lodges within that district selected for that purpose under the direction and instruction of one of the Grand Lecturers . " The first degree was assigned to and worked by Boswell Lee Lodge of Springfield . The method

pursued ivas as follows : — "First—Opening ceremonies of the lodge in this degree , folloived by corrections and suggestions . " Second—Work in conferring the degree , followed by questions ancl ansivers as to parts of

the work , corrections , ete . After which the ceremonies of the degree ivere concluded , followed by such reviews , corrections , and suggestions as were deemed necessary .

" To Chicopee Lodge ivas assigned the second degree . The method pursued was the same as in the first degree . At the conclusion of this degree ive were called from labour to real and substantial refreshment—Jerusalem Lodge having provided a

bountiful collation for the entertainment of the several delegations . When our repast was concluded , the brethren re-assembled and a M . M . lodge was opened by Jerusalem Lodge , and the ceremonies of the third degree ivere given ,

followed by corrections and suggestions at regular intervals , as in the preceding degrees . All appeared to be very much interested and pleased ivith the success attending the occasion . It was , in truth , a pleasant gathering , ancl , it is to be

hoped , a profitable meeting . " It hasoccurred to me thatan annual assembly of the lodges comprising a district under the direction of the District Deputy Grand Master , aided by one of the Grand Lecturers , the same being for

the purposes of the one above mentioned , may be productive of great good to the Order in several ways : —

" First and chief—The great number receiving instruction , under the same circumstances and at the same time . Those instructions carried home to the several lodges ivill result , it seems to me , in greater uniformity of work .