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Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 1 Article BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FESTIVAL FOR THIS YEAR. Page 1 of 1 Article BOYS' PREPARATORY SCHOOL. Page 1 of 1 Article BOYS' PREPARATORY SCHOOL. Page 1 of 1 Article THE LATE BRO. JAMES NORRIS. Page 1 of 1 Article Knights Templar. Page 1 of 1 Article Allied Masonic Degrees. Page 1 of 1 Article Mark Masonry. Page 1 of 1 Article Royal Ark Mariners. Page 1 of 1
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Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The regular Committee meeting of this Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday , the 24 th ult . Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Patron , occupied the chair , and anions those present were Bros . Robert Grey , P . G . D ., Patron : E . Letchworth , G . J . D .: C . Hammerton ,
J . H . Matthews , G . Std . Br . ; Webb ; A . E . Gladwell , and F . R . VV . Hedges , Secretary . When the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , and those of the House Committee read for information , the motion , of which notice had been given , for increasing the salaries of two of the teachers , the Misses Goodridge and Gardner , was passed . Seventeen petitions were then taken into consideration ,
with the result that ten were approved , five deferred , and two rejected . The sum of ten guineas was voted towards the usual Twelfth Night entertainment to the pupils remaining at the School during the holidays , and 22 vacancies having been recommended for the April election , with an approved list of 30 candidates , the proceedings concluded with the usual compliment to the Chairman for presiding .
Board Of Benevolence.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday , the 24 th of December . Bro . James Brett , Senior Vice-President , occupied the President ' s chair , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , jun . Vice-President , and Henry Garrod , Ass . G . Purs ., those of the Senior and Junior Vice-Presidents respectively .
Having first of all confirmed recommendations made in November amounting to £ 300 , the Board proceeded to consider the merits of the various petitions—48 in number —submitted to them , the result being that 10 were deferred , and 38 relieved with a total of £ 827 , made up of one grant of £ 100 , one of £ 50 , four of £ 40 each , three of £ 30 each , one of £ 25 , eleven ^ of £ 20 each , five of £ 15 each , ten of £ 10 each , one of £ 5 , and one of £ 2 .
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Festival For This Year.
THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FESTIVAL FOR THIS YEAR .
The first meeting of the Board of Stewards for the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday afternoon . Bro . H . B . Marshall , G . Treasurer and Patron ,
presided , and among those present were Bros . J . L . Mather , C . Belton , Will Clarke , P . G . P . ; Geo . Mickley , G . Ward Verry , George Kenning , Chas . Pawley , E . L . Home , Thos . Clark , A . W . Stead , Chas . Sims , G . Norrington , A . C . Graystone , Alex . Forsyth , C . J . Rich , R . VV . Galer , H . E . Dehane , A . C . Spaull , J . E . Dawson , Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . : Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; C . F . Hogard , H .
Lovegrove , J . H . Clare , G . P . Fairchild , G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; R . Bird , J . Boulton , H . G . Stranger . H . G . Henderson , E . G . Johnson , J . M . Chapman , and James Terry . The SECRETARY having reported that H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . had fixed Wednesday , the 25 th February , for the celebration , and that R . W . Bro . Sir Michael E . Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . G . M . of Gloucestershire , had kindly
consented to preside , the Board elected the following as their officers , namely : Bros . J . Brook-Smith , M . A ., President ; II . B . Marshall , G . Treasurer , acting President ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Treasurer ; and James Terry , Hon . Secretary . All Patrons , Vice-Patrons , and Vice-Presidents to be acting Vice-Presidents j and all Present and Past Grand Officers , Presentand Past Grand Stewards ,
and Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers to be Vice-Presidents of the Board . The Stewards' fee was fixed at £ 2 2 s ., and 30 guineas was agreed to be allowed for music . A Musical Committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for this portion of the celebration , and the Board then closed with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman . The next meeting will be held on the 13 th February .
Boys' Preparatory School.
BOYS' PREPARATORY SCHOOL .
The following circular has been issued by the Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys : — " Preparatory School , 18 S 5 . "Memorandum specially addressed to the Worshipful Master , Treasurer , Secretary , & c , of each lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England .
" The Preparatory School buildings were commenced in September last , and are expected to be completed by Midsummer next ; at all events , there is little doubt that the Committee will be prepared to recommend the election of a proportion of the number of boys for whom the additional accommodation is provided , not later than at the Quarterly General Court in the ensuing October .
" The Executive is thus being rapidly brought face to face with the anxious question— ' Whence are to be derived the additional means necessary for the maintenance of the Subsidiary Establishment ? ' Supposing the experiment be tentatively tiied by the admission of 25 boys , and the administration based on the most economical system possiblethe expenditure cannot be less than from £ 1000 to
, £ 1200 over and above that now required . Having regard to the fact that the extension so long contemplated , and now in course of completion , has been carried out in strict compliance with the wishes ol the Craft , nothing further in the shape of argumentative appeal need be resorted to . " The situation I thus venture to draw your attention to
is a serious one ; but all anxiety may easily be allayed if only every lodge will organise and maintain a steady annual subscription , from which source an increase ought to be secured of as permanent nature as that derived from invested capital . So far from this being the case , 1 find that during the past year 1 SS 4 the result was as follows : — Annual
Subscri-Total . bers . of District and Provincial Grand Lodges 68 ... C „ Private Lodges . including Colonial , & c 2019 ... 135 ,, R . A . Chapters do . 650 ... 7
The total amount received being £ 252 5 s . " Surely something can be done to remedy this unsatisfactory | state of things—one guinea per annum could not ,
Boys' Preparatory School.
and would not , affect the finances of any lodge—while many are in a position with equal facility to contribute two guineas , and others even a larger amount , by special continuous resolution operating annually , without affecting in any way the support rendered from time to time , as circumstances arise , either by donation direct , or through the
medium of a Steward as representative of a lodge . " Commending the above to the favourable consideration of the influential members of the various lodges . —1 am , brethren , your faithful and obliged servant and brother , " FREDERICK BINCKES , " Secretary . "
The Late Bro. James Norris.
THE LATE BRO . JAMES NORRIS .
We have been favoured with the following particulars relating to the initiation of the late Bro . James Norris . They will be found interesting , not only from their association with a very worthy Craftsman , but also because they disclose what , if we were speaking medically , we should describe as the treatment through which an initiate passed on his acceptance and subsequent promotion :
Ex . Minutes of Lodge of Sincerity , No . 231 ( now No . 174 ) , held at the Lion and Castle , Cherry Garden Stairs , March 10 th , 1 S 12 . " At a lodge of instruction held on Sunday , March Sth , 1 S 12 , Bro . Price , R . W . M ., proposed that Robert Whitaker become a Mason in this lodge , seconded by Bro . Watkins , S . W . and carried nem . con , and also that Mr . James Norris , Taylor , aged 24 years , be made a Mason in this lodge , and seconded by Bro . Wade , J . W ., and carried
nem . con . "March 10 th , 1 S 12 . The lodge this evening was opened in due form , and Mr . James Norris initiated into the First Degree of Masonry , and passed to that of Second Degree , or Fellow Craft . Proposed by Bro . Hall and seconded by Bro . Judge ( Treas . ) , that Bro . Norris become a regular
subscribing member of , this lodge , and carried nem . con . The R . VV . M . went through part of the first lecture , and closed the lodge in its usual good harmony . "April 7 th , 1 S 12 . Master's lodge of emergency . Bro . Norris was raised to the Third or more Sublime Degree of Masonry . "
Knights Templar.
Knights Templar .
ST . GEORGE'S ENCAMPMENT ( No . 6 ) . — A meeting was held on Friday , the 19 th ult ., at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street . Present : Sir Knights J . Blyth , E . O . ; John Smith , Marshal ; Mackinnon , Expert ; George Cooper , Registrar ; T . Woodstock , Tyler ; P . Cs . Sir Knts . R . Costa , G . A . Norris , E . Letchworth , Maybrick , W . E . Stewart , and Florence ; and H . J . Spark . Visitors : Sir Knts . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Dr . Ramsay ,
T . W . Coffin . Comps . P . H . Waterlow and George Waterlow were impressively installed into Knight Templary . Sir Knight John Smith was elected E . Commander for the ensuing year , and Sir Knt . Geo . Cooper was re-elected Treasurer . When the business was over the knights adjourned to an admirably appointed banquet .
ST . HELENS . —William de ' la More Preceptory ( No . 49 ) . —A conclave of the knights of this preceptory was held at the Masonic Rooms on Thursday , the iSth ult . The muster roll having been called , the following Sir Knights answered to their names : VV . Newsome , E . P . ; VV . R . Robinson , Prelate ; F . A . Huet , Constable ; L . S . Mattison , P . E . P ., as Marshal ; R . G . Brooke , P . E . P ., as Capt . of the Guard ; W . J . Thomson , P . E . P ., Treas . ; R . Young , P . E . P ., Reg . ; and J . D . Murray , P . E . P . Faith ,
P . G . Std . Br . The minutes of the last conclave were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Comp . J . Oakden Swift , and was unanimous . Sir Knight J . D . Murray took the chair , and inducted Comp . Swift into the Order . Sir Knight R . Young then presented the E . P . elect , Sir Knight Frank A . Huet , 6 9 6 , tooq , W . M . 32 ( Mark ) , and
Humphrey Cheetham Chapter , to the Installing Preceptor , Sir Knight J . D . Murray , who performed the ceremony of installation in a manner that elicited the approval of the members of the conclave . The newly-installed E . P . having been proclaimed and saluted , appointed his officers as follows : Sir Knights A . H . Jefferis , Con . ; B . Thomson , Marshal ; W . R . Robinson , Prelate ; W . J .
Thomson , Treas . ; R . Young , Reg . ; S . Mattison , Almoner ; W . Newsome , Capt . of the Guards ; J . O . Swift , Sub-Marshal ; and R . G . Brooke , ist H . The alms having been collected , and " Hearty good wishes " tendered , the preceptory was closed , and the Sir
Knights adjourned to the Raven Hotel , where , under the presidency of the E . P ., a most excellent banquet was served by Bro . Bennett . The after proceedings were of a most enjoyable character ; in fact , quite in keeping with the " hearty go " of the members of the William de la More Preceptory .
Allied Masonic Degrees.
Allied Masonic Degrees .
WIGAN . —St . George ' s Council ( No . 4 ) . — A meeting of the members of this prosperous council was held at the Masonic Hall , King-street , on Saturday , the 13 th ult ., under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . J . D . Murray , P . G . Std . Br . The Degrees of St . Lawrence and the Knight of Constantinople were duly conferred on Bros . R . Knowles and J . H . Smith ; and the Degree on the Red Cross of Babylon on Comp . J . H . Smith . The
W . M . elect , Bro . Hunter , P . M ., was then presented and duly installed by Bro . Murray . After being proclaimed and saluted , the VV . M . appointed his officers as follows Bros . Wm . Dean , S . W . ; H . T . Byrom , J . VV . ; J . D . Murray , Sec ; Wm . M . Wylde , S . D . ; R . B . Seddon , J . D . ; and Patterson , Tyler .
Among the other members present were Bros . G . P . Brockbank , P . G . W . ; J . Christian , and Jas . S . Garnew . Bro . W . Nicholl , W . M ., Mahir Council , G . J . W ., Grand Council , was a visitor . After the close of the Council the brethren adjourned , partook of refreshment , and spent the evening in the manner customary among the members of the Allied Degrees .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
BON ACCORD LODGE ( T . I . )—A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the iSth ult ., at Sa , Red Lion-square , W . C , when there were present Bros . J . W . Fuller , VV . M . ; J . M . Collins , S . W . ; VV . G . Lemon , J . VV . ; Webster Glynes , S . O . ; G . C . D'Albion , J . O . ; Rev . A . C . Graystone , Chap . ; Magnus Ohren , Treas . ; George Cooper , Sec . ; F . A . Manning , R . M . ; H . C . Lam bert , S . D . ; VV . M . Bywater , J . D . ; G . Austin , Tyler ;
Mortimer Davis , P . M . ; J . P . Godfrey , P . M . ; Gwirge Lambert , P . M . ; E . B . Florence , P . M . ; Dr . R . Gooding , P . M . ; T . Vincent , and C . VV . Tayleur . Visitor : Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W . Lodge having been opened , Bros . F . Landon and T . J . Hanley were advanced into Mark Masonry in an admirable
manner by the VV . M ., and Bro . Charles Belton was elected a joining member . Two names of candidates were given in , and from the way in which the business was performed , it is evident that the old Bon Accord meacs to hold its own . The business being ended , the brethren afterwards adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was provided .
WOOLWICH . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . — The regular quarterly meeting of the above lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , William-street , on Friday , the 19 th ult ., Bro . T . Holleyman , VV . M ., in the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . C . Coupland , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . Kent ; A . Penfold , P . M ., P . P . G . M . O . Kent ; Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . M . 44 , P . G . J . VV . Kent ; G . Spinks , S . W ., P . P . G . A . D . C . Kent ; T .
D . Hayes , J . VV ., P . P . G . Swd . Br . Kent ; G . Kenneday , Sec , P . P . G . A . Sec . Kent ; VV . Moulds , S . O ., P . P . G . I . G . Kent ; T . Ovenden , J . O ., P . P . G . Stwd . Kent ; J . Bilton , S . D ., P . G . Std . Br . Kent ; J . Whiteheart , J . D ., P . G . Stwd . Kent ; C . Jolly , I . G ., P . P . G . Org . Kent ; J . Mclnerny , J . Savage , J . Allard , J . J . Gould , W . M . 199 ; and , later on , Bro . VV . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . Kent , attended .
The lodge having been opened , and the minutes passed , the ballot was taken for Bros . H . Vallom and II . Canning , both of Craft Lodge 1472 , and , it proving unanimous , they were advanced by the W . M . in perfect style . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to Bro . Capon's , the Earl of Chatham Arms Hotel , where , after partaking of refreshment , they assembled round the social board , and the usual loyal and Mark Masonic
toastsboth Grand and Provincial—were duly honoured . The toast of "The VV . M . " having been honoured and responded to , and " The Initiates " duly honoured , Bro . Penfold , in response for "The Past Masters , " referred to the steady support accorded him by the W . M . while he ( Bro . Penfold ) was in the chair , and then he expressed his determination to support Bro , Holleyman when his term of office arrived . As to the Past Masters , they all
knew what a splendid Mason Bro . Coupland was , and the earnest support he had always given the lodge since its consecration , of which he was one of the founders . The Past Masters were bound to do their best for the lodge , especially if they found the work a little loose ; but he was proud to say that under Bro . Holleyman their services were not required . He cordially thanked them for the toast , and , in return , wished them all "A Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year . Bro . Weston—who had just returned from a journey to the Mediterranean—gave a most interesting account of his Masonic experiences at Malta and Gibraltar . He said that he had visited the Keystone Mark Lodge at Malta , and was very pleased to see the admirable manner in which the work was done , while the District Grand Master , who was present , gave the signs and addresses to the candidates in a most impressive manner . lie was also glad to say that he
there met several military brethren who had been initiated in the Excelsior Lodge , two of whom were in ofiice at the Keystone Lodge . Before sitting down , he thought it advisable to inform the brethren of a person , named Julius E . Cowen , who was initiated in the Keystone Lodge at Malta , and who is now going about as an itinerant Mason , he last being heard of at Reading , in England , where he had obtained Masonic relief . It was alleged that Cowen ,
while living at Goja , put up a sign-board , stating that he was authorised to make Craft and Mark Masons at so much per head—a small charge . He ( Bro . Weston ) had brought home with him a printed circular , issued by the Grand Mark Secretary at Malta , having reference to Cowen , which he would hand over to the VV . M ., a copy of which had been
sent to the Grand Mark Lodge of England . It behoved every brother to beware of this impostor , and , if possible , get possession of his certificate , and return it to the Grand Mark Lodge of Malta . Several other toasts followed , and the proceedings closed with a verse of the National Anthem .
Royal Ark Mariners.
Royal Ark Mariners .
WIGAN . —Mount Ararat Lodge ( No . 158 ) . — A meeting of the members of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , King-street , on Saturday , the 13 th ult ., when the following brethren were present '•Bros . P . M . Hunter , W . C . N . ; H . T . Byrom , J . ; VV . M . Wylde , Scribe ; R . B . Seddon , S . D . ; VV . Johnson , J . D . ; J . Wilson ; J . D . Murray , P . C . N . ; J . S . Garner , and J . Christian . Visitors : Bros . VV . Nicholl , P . C . N . 34 ; A . H . Jefferis
, VV . C . N . 34 ; and' 1 " . H . Glendinning , P . C . N . 34 . The candidates were Bros . Wm . Dean , P . M . 15 S , Rose and Thistle Mark Lodge , and R . Knowles , of the same lodge , who were duly elevated by the W . C , Bro . P . M . Hunter . Bro . j . D . Murray then assumed the chair , and Bro . H . T . Byrom , the W . C . elect , having been presented in form , was duly installed as VV . C . N . for the ensuing year .
After being proclaimed and saluted , the officers were appointed as follows : Bros . A . H . Crossley , J . ; W . M . Wylde , S . ; R . B . Seddon , Scribe , W . Johnson , S . D . ' ; J . Wilson , J . D . ; R . Knowles , G . ; and VVm . Patterson , Tyler . A Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees was held immediately after the close of this lodge .
Among the large party of guests present at the marriage on Tuesday ot Mr . H . Graham with Lady Margaret Compton , second daughter ol the Marquis of Northampton , were Bro . the Earl and Countess Cowper ,
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Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The regular Committee meeting of this Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Wednesday , the 24 th ult . Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Patron , occupied the chair , and anions those present were Bros . Robert Grey , P . G . D ., Patron : E . Letchworth , G . J . D .: C . Hammerton ,
J . H . Matthews , G . Std . Br . ; Webb ; A . E . Gladwell , and F . R . VV . Hedges , Secretary . When the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , and those of the House Committee read for information , the motion , of which notice had been given , for increasing the salaries of two of the teachers , the Misses Goodridge and Gardner , was passed . Seventeen petitions were then taken into consideration ,
with the result that ten were approved , five deferred , and two rejected . The sum of ten guineas was voted towards the usual Twelfth Night entertainment to the pupils remaining at the School during the holidays , and 22 vacancies having been recommended for the April election , with an approved list of 30 candidates , the proceedings concluded with the usual compliment to the Chairman for presiding .
Board Of Benevolence.
BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday , the 24 th of December . Bro . James Brett , Senior Vice-President , occupied the President ' s chair , and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , jun . Vice-President , and Henry Garrod , Ass . G . Purs ., those of the Senior and Junior Vice-Presidents respectively .
Having first of all confirmed recommendations made in November amounting to £ 300 , the Board proceeded to consider the merits of the various petitions—48 in number —submitted to them , the result being that 10 were deferred , and 38 relieved with a total of £ 827 , made up of one grant of £ 100 , one of £ 50 , four of £ 40 each , three of £ 30 each , one of £ 25 , eleven ^ of £ 20 each , five of £ 15 each , ten of £ 10 each , one of £ 5 , and one of £ 2 .
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Festival For This Year.
THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FESTIVAL FOR THIS YEAR .
The first meeting of the Board of Stewards for the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday afternoon . Bro . H . B . Marshall , G . Treasurer and Patron ,
presided , and among those present were Bros . J . L . Mather , C . Belton , Will Clarke , P . G . P . ; Geo . Mickley , G . Ward Verry , George Kenning , Chas . Pawley , E . L . Home , Thos . Clark , A . W . Stead , Chas . Sims , G . Norrington , A . C . Graystone , Alex . Forsyth , C . J . Rich , R . VV . Galer , H . E . Dehane , A . C . Spaull , J . E . Dawson , Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . : Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; C . F . Hogard , H .
Lovegrove , J . H . Clare , G . P . Fairchild , G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; R . Bird , J . Boulton , H . G . Stranger . H . G . Henderson , E . G . Johnson , J . M . Chapman , and James Terry . The SECRETARY having reported that H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . had fixed Wednesday , the 25 th February , for the celebration , and that R . W . Bro . Sir Michael E . Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . G . M . of Gloucestershire , had kindly
consented to preside , the Board elected the following as their officers , namely : Bros . J . Brook-Smith , M . A ., President ; II . B . Marshall , G . Treasurer , acting President ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Treasurer ; and James Terry , Hon . Secretary . All Patrons , Vice-Patrons , and Vice-Presidents to be acting Vice-Presidents j and all Present and Past Grand Officers , Presentand Past Grand Stewards ,
and Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers to be Vice-Presidents of the Board . The Stewards' fee was fixed at £ 2 2 s ., and 30 guineas was agreed to be allowed for music . A Musical Committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for this portion of the celebration , and the Board then closed with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman . The next meeting will be held on the 13 th February .
Boys' Preparatory School.
BOYS' PREPARATORY SCHOOL .
The following circular has been issued by the Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys : — " Preparatory School , 18 S 5 . "Memorandum specially addressed to the Worshipful Master , Treasurer , Secretary , & c , of each lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England .
" The Preparatory School buildings were commenced in September last , and are expected to be completed by Midsummer next ; at all events , there is little doubt that the Committee will be prepared to recommend the election of a proportion of the number of boys for whom the additional accommodation is provided , not later than at the Quarterly General Court in the ensuing October .
" The Executive is thus being rapidly brought face to face with the anxious question— ' Whence are to be derived the additional means necessary for the maintenance of the Subsidiary Establishment ? ' Supposing the experiment be tentatively tiied by the admission of 25 boys , and the administration based on the most economical system possiblethe expenditure cannot be less than from £ 1000 to
, £ 1200 over and above that now required . Having regard to the fact that the extension so long contemplated , and now in course of completion , has been carried out in strict compliance with the wishes ol the Craft , nothing further in the shape of argumentative appeal need be resorted to . " The situation I thus venture to draw your attention to
is a serious one ; but all anxiety may easily be allayed if only every lodge will organise and maintain a steady annual subscription , from which source an increase ought to be secured of as permanent nature as that derived from invested capital . So far from this being the case , 1 find that during the past year 1 SS 4 the result was as follows : — Annual
Subscri-Total . bers . of District and Provincial Grand Lodges 68 ... C „ Private Lodges . including Colonial , & c 2019 ... 135 ,, R . A . Chapters do . 650 ... 7
The total amount received being £ 252 5 s . " Surely something can be done to remedy this unsatisfactory | state of things—one guinea per annum could not ,
Boys' Preparatory School.
and would not , affect the finances of any lodge—while many are in a position with equal facility to contribute two guineas , and others even a larger amount , by special continuous resolution operating annually , without affecting in any way the support rendered from time to time , as circumstances arise , either by donation direct , or through the
medium of a Steward as representative of a lodge . " Commending the above to the favourable consideration of the influential members of the various lodges . —1 am , brethren , your faithful and obliged servant and brother , " FREDERICK BINCKES , " Secretary . "
The Late Bro. James Norris.
THE LATE BRO . JAMES NORRIS .
We have been favoured with the following particulars relating to the initiation of the late Bro . James Norris . They will be found interesting , not only from their association with a very worthy Craftsman , but also because they disclose what , if we were speaking medically , we should describe as the treatment through which an initiate passed on his acceptance and subsequent promotion :
Ex . Minutes of Lodge of Sincerity , No . 231 ( now No . 174 ) , held at the Lion and Castle , Cherry Garden Stairs , March 10 th , 1 S 12 . " At a lodge of instruction held on Sunday , March Sth , 1 S 12 , Bro . Price , R . W . M ., proposed that Robert Whitaker become a Mason in this lodge , seconded by Bro . Watkins , S . W . and carried nem . con , and also that Mr . James Norris , Taylor , aged 24 years , be made a Mason in this lodge , and seconded by Bro . Wade , J . W ., and carried
nem . con . "March 10 th , 1 S 12 . The lodge this evening was opened in due form , and Mr . James Norris initiated into the First Degree of Masonry , and passed to that of Second Degree , or Fellow Craft . Proposed by Bro . Hall and seconded by Bro . Judge ( Treas . ) , that Bro . Norris become a regular
subscribing member of , this lodge , and carried nem . con . The R . VV . M . went through part of the first lecture , and closed the lodge in its usual good harmony . "April 7 th , 1 S 12 . Master's lodge of emergency . Bro . Norris was raised to the Third or more Sublime Degree of Masonry . "
Knights Templar.
Knights Templar .
ST . GEORGE'S ENCAMPMENT ( No . 6 ) . — A meeting was held on Friday , the 19 th ult ., at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street . Present : Sir Knights J . Blyth , E . O . ; John Smith , Marshal ; Mackinnon , Expert ; George Cooper , Registrar ; T . Woodstock , Tyler ; P . Cs . Sir Knts . R . Costa , G . A . Norris , E . Letchworth , Maybrick , W . E . Stewart , and Florence ; and H . J . Spark . Visitors : Sir Knts . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Dr . Ramsay ,
T . W . Coffin . Comps . P . H . Waterlow and George Waterlow were impressively installed into Knight Templary . Sir Knight John Smith was elected E . Commander for the ensuing year , and Sir Knt . Geo . Cooper was re-elected Treasurer . When the business was over the knights adjourned to an admirably appointed banquet .
ST . HELENS . —William de ' la More Preceptory ( No . 49 ) . —A conclave of the knights of this preceptory was held at the Masonic Rooms on Thursday , the iSth ult . The muster roll having been called , the following Sir Knights answered to their names : VV . Newsome , E . P . ; VV . R . Robinson , Prelate ; F . A . Huet , Constable ; L . S . Mattison , P . E . P ., as Marshal ; R . G . Brooke , P . E . P ., as Capt . of the Guard ; W . J . Thomson , P . E . P ., Treas . ; R . Young , P . E . P ., Reg . ; and J . D . Murray , P . E . P . Faith ,
P . G . Std . Br . The minutes of the last conclave were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Comp . J . Oakden Swift , and was unanimous . Sir Knight J . D . Murray took the chair , and inducted Comp . Swift into the Order . Sir Knight R . Young then presented the E . P . elect , Sir Knight Frank A . Huet , 6 9 6 , tooq , W . M . 32 ( Mark ) , and
Humphrey Cheetham Chapter , to the Installing Preceptor , Sir Knight J . D . Murray , who performed the ceremony of installation in a manner that elicited the approval of the members of the conclave . The newly-installed E . P . having been proclaimed and saluted , appointed his officers as follows : Sir Knights A . H . Jefferis , Con . ; B . Thomson , Marshal ; W . R . Robinson , Prelate ; W . J .
Thomson , Treas . ; R . Young , Reg . ; S . Mattison , Almoner ; W . Newsome , Capt . of the Guards ; J . O . Swift , Sub-Marshal ; and R . G . Brooke , ist H . The alms having been collected , and " Hearty good wishes " tendered , the preceptory was closed , and the Sir
Knights adjourned to the Raven Hotel , where , under the presidency of the E . P ., a most excellent banquet was served by Bro . Bennett . The after proceedings were of a most enjoyable character ; in fact , quite in keeping with the " hearty go " of the members of the William de la More Preceptory .
Allied Masonic Degrees.
Allied Masonic Degrees .
WIGAN . —St . George ' s Council ( No . 4 ) . — A meeting of the members of this prosperous council was held at the Masonic Hall , King-street , on Saturday , the 13 th ult ., under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . J . D . Murray , P . G . Std . Br . The Degrees of St . Lawrence and the Knight of Constantinople were duly conferred on Bros . R . Knowles and J . H . Smith ; and the Degree on the Red Cross of Babylon on Comp . J . H . Smith . The
W . M . elect , Bro . Hunter , P . M ., was then presented and duly installed by Bro . Murray . After being proclaimed and saluted , the VV . M . appointed his officers as follows Bros . Wm . Dean , S . W . ; H . T . Byrom , J . VV . ; J . D . Murray , Sec ; Wm . M . Wylde , S . D . ; R . B . Seddon , J . D . ; and Patterson , Tyler .
Among the other members present were Bros . G . P . Brockbank , P . G . W . ; J . Christian , and Jas . S . Garnew . Bro . W . Nicholl , W . M ., Mahir Council , G . J . W ., Grand Council , was a visitor . After the close of the Council the brethren adjourned , partook of refreshment , and spent the evening in the manner customary among the members of the Allied Degrees .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
BON ACCORD LODGE ( T . I . )—A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the iSth ult ., at Sa , Red Lion-square , W . C , when there were present Bros . J . W . Fuller , VV . M . ; J . M . Collins , S . W . ; VV . G . Lemon , J . VV . ; Webster Glynes , S . O . ; G . C . D'Albion , J . O . ; Rev . A . C . Graystone , Chap . ; Magnus Ohren , Treas . ; George Cooper , Sec . ; F . A . Manning , R . M . ; H . C . Lam bert , S . D . ; VV . M . Bywater , J . D . ; G . Austin , Tyler ;
Mortimer Davis , P . M . ; J . P . Godfrey , P . M . ; Gwirge Lambert , P . M . ; E . B . Florence , P . M . ; Dr . R . Gooding , P . M . ; T . Vincent , and C . VV . Tayleur . Visitor : Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W . Lodge having been opened , Bros . F . Landon and T . J . Hanley were advanced into Mark Masonry in an admirable
manner by the VV . M ., and Bro . Charles Belton was elected a joining member . Two names of candidates were given in , and from the way in which the business was performed , it is evident that the old Bon Accord meacs to hold its own . The business being ended , the brethren afterwards adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was provided .
WOOLWICH . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . — The regular quarterly meeting of the above lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , William-street , on Friday , the 19 th ult ., Bro . T . Holleyman , VV . M ., in the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . C . Coupland , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . Kent ; A . Penfold , P . M ., P . P . G . M . O . Kent ; Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . M . 44 , P . G . J . VV . Kent ; G . Spinks , S . W ., P . P . G . A . D . C . Kent ; T .
D . Hayes , J . VV ., P . P . G . Swd . Br . Kent ; G . Kenneday , Sec , P . P . G . A . Sec . Kent ; VV . Moulds , S . O ., P . P . G . I . G . Kent ; T . Ovenden , J . O ., P . P . G . Stwd . Kent ; J . Bilton , S . D ., P . G . Std . Br . Kent ; J . Whiteheart , J . D ., P . G . Stwd . Kent ; C . Jolly , I . G ., P . P . G . Org . Kent ; J . Mclnerny , J . Savage , J . Allard , J . J . Gould , W . M . 199 ; and , later on , Bro . VV . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . Kent , attended .
The lodge having been opened , and the minutes passed , the ballot was taken for Bros . H . Vallom and II . Canning , both of Craft Lodge 1472 , and , it proving unanimous , they were advanced by the W . M . in perfect style . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to Bro . Capon's , the Earl of Chatham Arms Hotel , where , after partaking of refreshment , they assembled round the social board , and the usual loyal and Mark Masonic
toastsboth Grand and Provincial—were duly honoured . The toast of "The VV . M . " having been honoured and responded to , and " The Initiates " duly honoured , Bro . Penfold , in response for "The Past Masters , " referred to the steady support accorded him by the W . M . while he ( Bro . Penfold ) was in the chair , and then he expressed his determination to support Bro , Holleyman when his term of office arrived . As to the Past Masters , they all
knew what a splendid Mason Bro . Coupland was , and the earnest support he had always given the lodge since its consecration , of which he was one of the founders . The Past Masters were bound to do their best for the lodge , especially if they found the work a little loose ; but he was proud to say that under Bro . Holleyman their services were not required . He cordially thanked them for the toast , and , in return , wished them all "A Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year . Bro . Weston—who had just returned from a journey to the Mediterranean—gave a most interesting account of his Masonic experiences at Malta and Gibraltar . He said that he had visited the Keystone Mark Lodge at Malta , and was very pleased to see the admirable manner in which the work was done , while the District Grand Master , who was present , gave the signs and addresses to the candidates in a most impressive manner . lie was also glad to say that he
there met several military brethren who had been initiated in the Excelsior Lodge , two of whom were in ofiice at the Keystone Lodge . Before sitting down , he thought it advisable to inform the brethren of a person , named Julius E . Cowen , who was initiated in the Keystone Lodge at Malta , and who is now going about as an itinerant Mason , he last being heard of at Reading , in England , where he had obtained Masonic relief . It was alleged that Cowen ,
while living at Goja , put up a sign-board , stating that he was authorised to make Craft and Mark Masons at so much per head—a small charge . He ( Bro . Weston ) had brought home with him a printed circular , issued by the Grand Mark Secretary at Malta , having reference to Cowen , which he would hand over to the VV . M ., a copy of which had been
sent to the Grand Mark Lodge of England . It behoved every brother to beware of this impostor , and , if possible , get possession of his certificate , and return it to the Grand Mark Lodge of Malta . Several other toasts followed , and the proceedings closed with a verse of the National Anthem .
Royal Ark Mariners.
Royal Ark Mariners .
WIGAN . —Mount Ararat Lodge ( No . 158 ) . — A meeting of the members of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , King-street , on Saturday , the 13 th ult ., when the following brethren were present '•Bros . P . M . Hunter , W . C . N . ; H . T . Byrom , J . ; VV . M . Wylde , Scribe ; R . B . Seddon , S . D . ; VV . Johnson , J . D . ; J . Wilson ; J . D . Murray , P . C . N . ; J . S . Garner , and J . Christian . Visitors : Bros . VV . Nicholl , P . C . N . 34 ; A . H . Jefferis
, VV . C . N . 34 ; and' 1 " . H . Glendinning , P . C . N . 34 . The candidates were Bros . Wm . Dean , P . M . 15 S , Rose and Thistle Mark Lodge , and R . Knowles , of the same lodge , who were duly elevated by the W . C , Bro . P . M . Hunter . Bro . j . D . Murray then assumed the chair , and Bro . H . T . Byrom , the W . C . elect , having been presented in form , was duly installed as VV . C . N . for the ensuing year .
After being proclaimed and saluted , the officers were appointed as follows : Bros . A . H . Crossley , J . ; W . M . Wylde , S . ; R . B . Seddon , Scribe , W . Johnson , S . D . ' ; J . Wilson , J . D . ; R . Knowles , G . ; and VVm . Patterson , Tyler . A Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees was held immediately after the close of this lodge .
Among the large party of guests present at the marriage on Tuesday ot Mr . H . Graham with Lady Margaret Compton , second daughter ol the Marquis of Northampton , were Bro . the Earl and Countess Cowper ,