The Masonic Mirror.

known and universally beloved in the county ; that there are some men whose position in society renders their conduct and character , to a great extent , public properly , and well is it for society when such men let their light so shine before the world that not a speck dims its lustre , ancl thus offer a bright example to those around them . Such an one the county hacl possessed in the late excellent Lord Lieutenant , the goocl Duke of Rutland , and such an one the brethren would bear him out in

saying , they hacl the happiness to possess iu their noble Prov . Grand JIaster , Lord Howe . He ( Bro . Kelly ) would scorn to flatter any man , but it was not flattery , it was merely the simple truth to say that in all the relations of life their noble chief offered a worthy example—whether as a husband and a father beloved by his family , as a landlord , whom his tenants delighted to honour , as a magistrate , ever anxious to blend justice with the divine attribute of mercy , ancl last , though not least , as a JIason , who through a very long connection with the Order in the

province had ever been ready to promote its interests with his purse ancl with his personal exertions iu the cause , as had been that day evinced , when , although suffering from illness , he had incurred much risk in order to be present . Long might the Great Architect of the universe spare him to rule over them . The noble earl who , on rising , was greeted with loud and long continued applause , expressed in feeling terms his thanks to the brethren for their kind reception and the pleasure he invariably experienced in

meeting his brother JIasons . His lordship then proposed , in complimentary terms , " The health of the D . Prov . Grand JIaster , Bro . Kelly , " who having replied , " The Visiting Brethren" was given , ancl acknowledged by Bro . Bute ! , P . Prov . S . G . AV . for Derbyshire . His lordship then retired , the brethren rising , and the chair was . occupied during the remainder of the evening by the D . Prov . Grand Master .

[ An engraving is in progress of the new JIasonie Hall , executed specially for the Freemasons' Magazine ; but in consequence of the illness of the artist , it cannot be completed in time for this week ' s impression . —ED . ] LEICESTER . —John of Gaunt Lodge ( No . 766 ) . —The first meeting of this Lodge , after the ' summer recess , took place at the Freemasons' Hall , Halford-streeton Thursday eveningthe 15 th instant There were

, , . present , Bros . Kelly , D . Prov . G . JI . ; AA'illev , AV . JI . ; Clcphan , P . JI . _ Kinton , P . JI . ; Bankart , P . JI . and Treas . ; Rev . J . 0 . Picton , Chaplain ; Brewin , S . AA ' . ; Sheppard , J . AA' . ; Johnson , Sec ; Davis , S . I ) . ; Spencer , J . D . ; Garner , I . G . ; Lohr , Prov . G . Org . ; Paul , Prov . J . G . D ., & c ., & c . A'isitors , Bros . Gill , P . M ., St . John ' s Lodge , No . 348 , ancl Richardson . The minutes of the list Lodge having been read and confirmed , the Lodge was opened in tbe second degree , and Bro . Challis passed a

satisfactory examination , after ivhieh , a JIaster Jlason ' s Lodge having been opened , he was raised to that sublime degree by the AA' . JI ., in a highly creditable and efficient manner , it being the first procession on which he had presided since his installation . It may be recorded that this was the first degree conferred on a candidate in the newly consecrated hall . Tho effect of the ceremony was greatly increased by Bro . Lohr ' s services as Organist . The Lodge having been closed down to the first degree , several important matters of business were discussed , inter alia ; the sum of £ 15 was voted towards the fund for furnishing ancl decorathi"

the hall ; £ 15 per annum for the rent of the building , and £ 5 per annum for the use of one of Broadwood's grand pianofortes , about to be purchased by means of loans from the brethren of the Order , to be hereafter repaid ; an organ having already been erected in the hall . Notices of motion were given for the election at the next meeting of two members , in addition to the AA ' orshipful JIaster , to represent the Lodge in the Permanent Committee for the management of the building , ancl for the appointment of two three to the

or purveyors superintend arrangements for the social meetings , in conjunction with an equal number to be appointed by St . John ' s Lodge , on a similar system , comparing small tilings with great , to that existing at the London clubs . At these meetnigs , concerted music is to form a distinctive feature . The D . Prov . wand JIaster , in the name of the author , presented to the library of Me Lod ge a copy of Bro . Hopkins ' s excellent Lectures on Freemasonn / , accompanied by a letter from the worthy doctor ; and Bro . Brewin , S . AV ., expressed

to the brethren the pleasure and profit he hacl derived from a Perusal of the lectures some months ago . The formation of a good J wsonic library , of which the John of Gaunt Lodge possesses a nucleus , consisting of the Freemasons' Magazine almost complete from the commencement , Dr . Oliver ' s works , & c , & c , is to be proceeded with as Pportunities may occur , and it is anticipated that many works will be Piesented by brethren so soon as arrangements shall have been made for hi'Ti ' e ? l ?" - After a sitting of three hours , the brethren separated gary deli ghted with the comfort aud greatly increased accommodation 'Worded b y their new quarters .

SOJIEESETSHIRE . held B ! ? - ' _"" - " Philanthropic Lodge ( No . 307 ) . —A Lodgo was The rli ndily ' thel 6 t ! l inst . ; Bro . IVm . Harwood , AV . JI ., presiding , then i n - aitlon £ o 1 'the vemoval ot' the Lodge having been read , it was to obi . ™ usly "greed to forward the same to the Grand Secretary , Seo-etrrn Hoat Wor ' P Urand Master ' s concurrence . The annual ft , i- - -, ™ notice > received from Bro . Farnfield , of the first iestival lor Aged Freemasons aud thoir AVidows , to bo held ou

AVednesday , the 25 th clay of January , I 860 , soliciting the name of a brother from tliis Lodge who will act as Steward on the occasion . It was then unanimously agreed that Bro . P . JI . Henry Bridges attend at the above festival as Steward for this Lodge . Ono candidate was proposed to be balloted for at the next meeting . The Lodge was then closed in harmony . The brethren sat down to the usual banquet , and spent a comfortable evening together . STAFFORDSHIRE . AA'or / VERHAMPTOX . —St . Peter ' s Lodge ( No . 607 ) . —The general monthly

meeting of this Lodge was held on the 1 st of September , at the Star and Garter Hotel . There was a fair attendance of the brethren . Bro . King , P . JI ., presided , assisted by the officers of the Lodge . After the circular and minutes were read , ancl the latter confirmed , the Lodge was opened in the second degree , when Bro . H . Fendelow answered tbe necessary questions ancl was ordered to retire . The Lodge having been opened in the third degree , Bro . Warner , P . JI ., took the chair , when Bro . H . Fendelow was admitted and raised to the degree of M . M . The Lodge

was resumed iu the first degree ancl the AV . JL , Bro . King , read au apology from the R . AA' . Prov . G . JI . and also one from Bro . Cooke , I . G ., for their noiiatteiidaiice at the Lodge . An invitation was received to attend the installation of the AA' . JI . of the Vernon Lodge , Dudley , on 21 st of September , also an invitation from the Prov . Grand Lodge , Worcestershire . The Lodge was duly closed in antient form ancl with solemn prayer . At the previous meeting of this Lodge , in August , a ballot was taken

for Bro . Henry Gibbons , of No . 606 , Hauley , as joining member , which was unanimously favourable . Bro . King , P . JI ., who presided as AV . JI . on this occasion , appeared in his clothing as Prov . J . G . D ., having received the appointment at Stafford , at the Prov . Grand Lodge held there on the 2 ncl pf August . The brethren were highly pleased at the honour having been conferred upon one so deserving , ancl congratulated Bro . King upon the occasion , who replied to the effect that it was also an honour conferred upon the Lodge . It was then proposed by the AA ' . M .

, seconded by Bro . Betts , ancl carried unanimously , that two guineas each , annually , be given to the Boys and Girls Schools . It was also proposed by Bro . Warner , seconded by Bro . King , and carried unanimously , that the petition of JIvs . Critchley , accompanied by a recommendation signed by the brethren present , bo sent to the Prov . G . JI . for his consideration and then forwarded to the Board of Benevolence .

SUSSEX . Bntcui-TON-. —Eoyal Clarence Lodge . ( No . 338 ) . —Tbe monthly meeting of this Lodge took place on Friday , the 10 th instant , Bro . John H . Scott , ( Prov . S . G . D . ) AA ' . JI ., presided . The visitors present were Bro . Leveau , P . G . S . B ., Bro . Ardaseer Cursetjee , of the Rising Star Lodge of Bombay , Bro . Hoh-oyd ( 400 ) , and Bro . Potter ( 1034 ) . A recommendation of the Prov . Grand Lodge of Sussex was read , ancl ordered to be entered on the

minutes . In accordance with a notice of motion given by Bro . E . Booty , it was unanimously resolved , that in future a copy of the Book of Constitutions ( small edition ) should be presented to every candidate upon his initiation . Other business of a private nature followed , at the termination of which the Lodge was closed . Nearly fifty brethren dined together , and after the usual preliminary toasts , the Worshipful JIaster gave " Lord Panmure , lt . AA ' . D . G . JI ., and the Officers of Grand Lodge , past and present . " He said—AVe are honoured to-day with the presence of two

Grand Officers , Bro . Pocock , G . S . B ., ancl Bro . Leveau , Past G . S . B . Of Bro . Pocock , what need I say—he is known to all of you , and not only known , but beloved and respected . AVere I to enumerate the services which he has rendered to the Craft in this province , what should I be doing but narrating its history for the last five years ? AVho is it that resuscitates our decaying Lodges—who is the mainstay of the Brighton Lodge of JIasonie Instruction—who is it that keeps a vigilant eye upon our affairs , and keeps us in that order ancl regularity so essential to the wellbeiiig of our Lodges ? Brethren , I need not answer these questions

you all know the only reply that can be given to them , and 1 am sure that you all rejoice with me that the JI . AA ' . Grand JIaster has recognized these exertions , and that he has conferred upon Bro . Pocock one of the highest distinctions to which a JIason can aspire , namely , office iu Grand Lodge . Bro . Leveau , Past G . S . B ., we have had the pleasure of seeing at our Lodge before . He is a most ardent supporter of the JIasonie charities , -and by his energy , kindliness of disposition , and discretion , is able to command a large number of votesso that if at any time we want

, assistance in that way , ive shall do well to enlist his sympathies . Bro . Leveau , on behalf of Lord Panmure , and the Grancl Officers , thanked the brethren , and regretted that there was not some more eminent member of Grand Lodge present to express the obligation more adequately . He feared that the AA'orshipful JIaster had overrated his usefulness with regard to the charities , but he should at any time be glad to place his services at the disposal of his Sussex brethren , if in his power . He

congratulated the JIasons of Sussex upon the prosperous state of their province , ancl stated that he hacl read the report of their last meeting at Hastings in the week ' s number of the Freemasons' Magazine with great pleasure . " The Duke of Richmond , Prov . G . JI ., " and " Capt . Dalbiac , D . Prov . G . JL , aud tbe Provincial Officers , " having been drunk , Bro . AV . Verrall , Prov . G . Treasurer proposed the health of the " AA ' orshipful JIaster . '' The AVorshipful JIaster , in reply , congratulated the brethren upon the spirit which hacl marked the discussion which hacl taken place vhat evening . Although strong feeling appeared to exist on both sides