History Of Freemasonry In Cornwall.

during the same month . Bros . Luke ancl Mitchell were present on the 27 th February , 1766 , from Penzance . The following curious minute was recorded August 2 Sth : — " Brother James proposed Mr . Thomas Hefferman to be admitted to the Entered Apprentice degree , and he being commander of a

ship , and only dependant upon the wind , and other circumstances for his stay , it was agreed unanimously to comply with his request , and be was admitted an E . P . and F . C . accordingly . " "This night ( December 24 th , 1766 , ) being thought

proper to elect a Master , a ballot was called whereby Bro . Allison was chosen , who appointed his officers as follows : —Bros . Hooten , S . W .: McLellan , J . W . ; "Bro . Snoxell , Treasurer ; and Wescott , Secretary . " A Master ' s lodge was ordered to be held next night .

At the lodge opened in due form 11 th June , 1767 , a letter was read from the Star Lodge in Penzance , requesting the members of this lodge to attend them on St . John ' s Day , and no tickets required . " The festival was held by the Falmouth brethren ,

when tbe regular business was concluded , but no . appointments of officers are notified , as they did not occur until 9 th July , when Bro . Stephen Bell was elected Master , and Bro . E . Wescott was appointed S , W . ; Bro . Wheelwright , J . W . ; Bro . Edwd . Saoxell , 'Treasurer , and Bro . E . Vivian , Secretary .

The year 1767 was a prosperous one , Masonically , at Falmouth , and the officers were kept ivell in harness , and at their posts each lodge night , as many a rough ashler was rendered lit for the expert workman , and the neophytes were not content until they

had ascended the winding staircase , received their ¦ wages in a peculiar manner , and penetrated to the tvery precincts ofthe Sanctum Sanctorum itself . The election of officers took place at Michaelmas , 17 GS , having been deferred to this time , because Bro .- S .

Bell consented to occupy the chair of the lodge for one year instead of six months . Bros . P . Wescott was elected Master ; Nathaniel Steel , S . W . ; Edward Snoxell , Treasurer ( as usual because of being tiie host we suppose ) ; Brother Pendle was appointed J . AV . ;

and Bro . Lilly , Secretary . The Festival of St . Jolm the Evangelist was observed on the 27 th December , 1769 . ( To he Continued . )

South Metropolitan Masonic Hall Company (Limited).

SOUTH METROPOLITAN MASONIC HALL COMPANY ( LIMITED ) .

A meeting of this company was held on the 23 rd ult ., at the Horns Tavern , Kennington , for the purpose of deciding on the most desirable measures to be taken for carrying into effect the objects sought by this company , which may be stated to be

twofold ; primarily , the erection of a hall or institution in some central position in the southern portion of the metropolis , where the various Masonic lodges may meet for the transaction of their business , and performance of all the interesting rites and

ceremonies peculiar to the Craft ; and , secondly , it is considered by the promoters that there will be such a demand for the use of the hall for other purposes as will ensure a certain amount of commercial success , apart from the benefit which will

accrue to the Order . It has long been felt by many prominent members of the Craft in the south of Loudon , that , considering the number of lodges in the district , it would be a great advantage if some place of meeting could be provided

apart from taverns and public-houses , and that the want of such accommodation has had a prejudicial effect on the progress of the Order in public estimation . The anathemas of the Pope , and the sneers of those who understand but little of the

noble objects effectuated and aimed at by Freemasonry , may have produced little effect on any well-balanced mind , but the constant association of a lodge and a licensed house , although in reality quite accidental , would not always be so considered

by those who did not take the trouble to inquire , and the consequence would be a reluctance to join the society on the part of many who thoroughly appreciated and admired its philanthropic and fraternal principles , but who were averse to

connecting them with pleasures , which , although perfectly innocent in themselves , were felt to have no natural connection . with the business of the Order .

In taking this view , no reflection whatever is intended on those who have hitherto afforded accommodation to the various lodges , and who are many of them very useful and energetic members of the Order ; but whilst the brethren in many

prjvincial towns have the privilege of meeting in a hall of their own , it was felt that those in the metropolis were at a disadvantage in not being in the same position . The efforts which have been made on various former occasions to carry out this

object have failed for want of sufficient support and co-operation amongst the members of the Order , but the present scheme is put forward under different auspices , and seems likely to be brought to a successful issue . It is no

inconsiderable advantage to have , unsolicited , the hearty support and co-operation of a member of Parliament , such as was evinced on Tuesday evening by Captain Mellor , M . P ., who kindly took the chair