The Grand Lodge Property.

Purposes , but the cost in our opinion , ought to be nothing approaching even to that which appears to be contemplated by our correspondent . —Em ]

The Late Bro. Cuquemelle.

THE LATE BRO . CUQUEMELLE .

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND . MASONIC MIRROR . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I lately forwarded , for a place among your records of provincial intelligence , au ' account of a meeting of Lodge La Cusarcc , which yon inserted in yonr number of February 23 rd . Therein honourable mention was made , not only of the touching and impressive performance of the ceremonies by Past Master Bro . Dr . Cnqucinelle , but of his skill

and ability in having most faithfully and eloquently translated the English form of ritual for use in the French Lodge . Alas ! the fingers by whose instrumentality the thoughts were reduced to' writing , —the brain iu which those thoughts were formed and arranged—the tongue , eloquent in the expression of them—the lips from which they were uttered—the heart , ever responsive to the kind and amiable feelings by which they were dictated—the hand ever ready and open to assist in deeds of charity and

brotherly love—all are now still in death . I know not how it was ; it mi ght almost seem to suggest a presentiment of the sad event ; but I was on that evening particularly impressed with his calm , yet earnest and solemn manner in imparting to those just passed to the second degree , the lecture on the tracing hoard , and in explaining the symbolism of the working tools , as if he were aware that he was communicating them for the last time , and that they might bear a suitable reference to himself ; that he , by square conduct , level steps , and upright intentions , might soon hope to ascend to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates .

It is rarely the case that a Brother , early in life initiated into the mysteries of our Order , retains through a period of nearly threescore years and ten , a sacred and inviolable attachment to everything connected with it ; physical capability combined with a will to attend the meetings , and to the last to take an active part in the proceedings ; together with mental powers ever ready to be exercised in impressing on the younger Brethren the advantages which Freemasonry is able to confer , the solemn rites by which its

principles arc enforced , the traditionary histories which explain and illustrate them , the influences which it brings to bear on life and actions , when the study of it is pursued with a true heart and in a right spirit . Such , however , was eminently the case with our departed Brother , notwithstanding the great bodily sufferings to which be has long been subjected , which bad become so terrible as to induce him , even at so advanced an age , to endure a surgical operation of a most serious and doubtful nature . Herein he

evinced his fortitude and courage , not only in bearing the pain , but in being able calmly to regard death as the probable result , to meet it tranquilly , to talk of it to those about him , to show his faith in bis Saviour , and bis hope of a happy futurity , to make all arrangements for the settlement of his worldly affairs , as well as for the disposal of his remains , and to express his earnest desire that those of his Masonic Brethren who hud cheered his path through life , might accompany him to his resting-place , pay the last honours to his memory , shed a tear of sympathy over the grave of an amiable , good , and consistent Freemason ; in a solemn service express their reverence for