Royal Arch.

for , boing in attendance , was introduced anel exalted in the M . E . Z . ' s best style . Gomp . Johnson delivered the historical lecture ; Comp . Ough the symbolical lecture ; and the M . E . Z . the mystical lecture . The whole ceremony was most admirably performed , anel the companions present were warm in their expressions of approbation of the working , from the beginning to the end . This concluding the business the chapter was closed wifch the usual solemnity , and the companions

theu repaired to the banquet table , which was laid out and ably superintended by Comp . Smith , to the entire satisfaction of all present . The usual toasts having been done justice to , the M . E . Z . rose and said that it bad been a very pleasing duty to him that day to exalt so worthy a companion as Comp . Bushby , who he knew was a most distinguished member of a most celebrated lodge , the Caledonian , and he hoped that he would never regret being exalted into Royal Arch Masonry . Comp . Bushb

y in replying , lamented that from unavoidable circumstances , he had been prevented from attending tbe chapter when elected , and he had travelled that day from Lewes , on purpose to be exalted , and he assured the companions that nothing had made a greater impression on his mind than the remarkable lucid style and the great impressiveness of his exaltation , anel concluded by observing that ifc must be a greater distance than

Lewes to keep him from the chapter . The M . E . Z . then pro posed " The Health of the only visitor , Comp . F . Walters , " and said that he had had the pleasure of knowing him as a hard worker for many years in Arch Masonry , and he hoped that he would be a constant visitor of tbe Belgrave Chapter . Comp . Walters , in returning thanks , said that he had visited many chapters , bufc he had never seen the duties of every officer so ably performed as he had that evening , and concluded by passing

a high eulogium upon the M . E . Z . Comp . Ough then proposed "' The Health of the M . E . Z . " and remarked en passant that had it not have been for their M . E . Z ., coming forward as he had done to fill the second chair at a critical moment , on the formation of the chapter , he doubted if the Belgrave Chapter would then be in existence . Comp . Garrod said he was deeply grateful to the companions for the kind expression of their regard to himand anything that he could do for tbe welfare of

, the Belgrave Chapter should be done with tbe greatest pleasure . The M . E . Z . then rose to propose "The Health of H . and J . " Comp . Johnson returned thanks , and said he hoped to give the companions as much satisfaction in the third chair as lie had done in his late office . The health of Compe . Bourne , E ., and Pymm , N ., wifch that of Comp . Porter , Prin . Soj ., and « ach having briefly responded , the usual toast brought a most agreeable meeting to a close .

Knights Templar.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR .

KENT . WOOLWICH . —A Provincial Grand Encampment of Masonic Knights Templar was held on Friday , the 17 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , by the Prov . G . Commander for Kent , Col . Clerk , R . A . Tho Grand Encampment was formed , and upon the muster roll being called and the various Knights present answering to their names , the usual ceremonial

of opening and invocation took place , Captain R . N . Philips acting as Prov . G . Prelate . AVhen the encampment had been opened and the minutes of the last Provincial Grand Encampment were read , approved , and signed as correct the Prov . G . Commander then proceeded to appoint his officers for tbe ¦ ensuing year as follows : —Sir Knts . W . Smith , CM ., as D . Prov . G . Commander ; J . J . Forrester , as D . G . Prior ; Captain J . G . Sandeman , as Prov . G . Prelate ; W . Tayloras 1 st Capt . ; G

, . Cockle , 2 nd Capt . ; P . Lairel , as Chancellor ; G . W . Taylor , as Treas . ; J . P . Thomson , as Dir . of Cers . ; J . Forrester , as Capfc . of Lines ; T . Harrison , as Std . Beaver ; J . Ried , as Org . ; Capt . F . Lamert , as Sword Bearer ; and Frater J . Henderson , as Equery .

Masonic Festivities.

MASONIC FESTIVITIES .

METROPOLITAN . THE OLD CONCORD LODGE ( NO . 172 ) . —Having just ¦ completed the hundredth yearof its existence ( the warrant having been issued in 1768 ) , this lodge celebrated the

Masonic Festivities.

interesting event by a summer festival . On Thursday , the 9 th instant , a large party of ladies and gentlemen assembled in the grand saloon of the Crystal Palace , when the splendid suib of rooms and noble terrace were thrown open for their use . Dinner was served afc five o'clock . The fact that 150 sat down when only about 100 was expected , speaks much for the prestige of the

above lodge . Tho W . M . Bro . Chas . Waters , presided , supported by Bros . King , S . W . ; Masfcerman , J . W . ; Morrin , S . D . ; and Lawson , I . G . We also observed Past ; Masters Sallust , Dixon , Corben , Swainston , Nicholson , Laughlin , P . M . aud Chap ., and Emmens , P . M . and Sec , and numerous visiting brethren accompanied by their wives and daughters . The worshipful chairman , in giving

the usual and patriotic toasts , made a most feeling and eloquent allusion to the late almost miraculous preser vation of H . R . H . the Duke of Edinburgh from assassination , which deeply impressed every one present . Our space will not admit our giving the different speeches in exfcrenso , bufc we must especially notice the excellent chaplain and worthy . secretary for the appropriate and

felicitous expressions , and also Bro . Thomas Beard for his happy response to the toast of " The Ladies- " Pleasing vocalisation by Misses Poole and Alice Woolams , and Bros . Dawson , Parker-, Fraser , and Woolams , greatly enhanced and enlivened the happiness of the day . Ab the conclusion of the banquet a very elegant party proceeded to partake of the pleasures of the dance in the grand saloon , which was quickly improvised infco a ballroom for the occasion , and all appeared to enjoy themselves most heartily .

New Masonic Hall, Halifax.

NEW MASONIC HALL , HALIFAX .

The corner stone of the new Freemasons' Hall now iu course of erection in this town was laid with all the ceremonials of bhe Craft on Tuesday , the 30 th ult . The site of the new hall is between two cross streets from Trinity-road to St . John ' s-lane , and immediately in the rear of Trinity-road Baptisb chapel . The brebhren of the two Halifax lodges assembled at the Town-hall , and then

arranged themselves iu procession . They walked along Princess-street , up Crown-street and Silver-street , along Harrison-road , & c , to the site of the building , the band playing cheerful music along the route . Here a large crowd had collected , and a temporary wooden gallery erected upon so much of the building as was already wrought was partly occupied by

ladies . The head of the procession having arrived on the scene , the brethren opened out right and left , and Bro . Sir Henry Edwards passed through them , taking his stand , surrounded by the principal members of the two lodges , the visiting brethren , & o ., near the spot—the norbh-easb corner—where the interesting and memorable ceremonial of the day was to be performed . The

choir of Trinity church was likewise in attendance . Order and quietness being obtained , Bro . Rev . H- Bedford Hall offered prayer . The choir next sang this hymn : —

Behold how good a thing it is , And how becoming well , For brethren such as Masons are In unity to dwell . On friendship ' s altar vising here , Our hands now plighted be ; To live in love , with hearts sincere ,

In peace and unity . The stone was then raised above its place by the workmen , the band playing the Old 100 th . This having been done , Bro . Franklin stepped forward to give an address to Bro . Sir H . Edwards , but , before doing so , said he ought to offer an apology for himself appearing to discharge that duty on that occasion . The duty devolved of right