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Article To Correspondents. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
A review on " Egypt and the Wonders of the Land of the Pharaohs , " by William Oxley ( London : Triibner and Co ., 1 SS 4 ) , will appear in our next issue . THE WORCESTER EXHIBITION . —We are preparing some Notes , with extracts from the catalogue , of the principal exhibits shown at Worcester , last week , which we hope to publish next week . " One Who Knows . "—We think the correspondence on this subject had better end with the letter which appeared last week .
The following stand over—Consecration of the Londonderry Lodge , No . 3039 . Grand Lodge of Massachusetts .
BOOKS , & c ., RECEIVED . " Gazzetta di Torino , " " Belfast News Letter , " " Loomis' Musical and Masonic Journal , " " Masonic Chronicle , " " New Zealand Freemason , " " New York Dispatch , " " Jewish Chronicle , " " Hull Packet , " "Roval Cornwall Gazette , " " Freemasons'Chronicle , ' * " Citizen , " " firoad Arrow , " "Court Circular , " " Boletin Olicial del Gr . Or . de Espana , " " Sunday Times " ( New York ) , " The Metropolitan , " " Masonic Record of Western India , " "A Concise History of the So-called Peckham Supreme Council , 33 rd Degree , " " Constitutions and Regulations of 1762 " ( Cincinnati ) , "Bulletin du Grand Orient de France , " " Proceedings of the Ohio Council of Deliberation , " "Edinburgh Courant , " "Allen ' s Indian Mail , " " La Chaine d'Union , " " Tricycling Journal , " " Newcastle Daily . Journal , " " La Reforma . "
Ar00706
| ^[^ 3 rjikA'avj ^ % AA ^^^ sa 5 S ^ 5 ivAAiwAAJSAAAAJ ^ I P^ B^^^^^^^ SSATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 6 , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by ourcorrespondents , but we wish in aspirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ] ——
IMPORTANT . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Will you allow me to state that Bro . George Taylor , of Summerdine Villa , Kidderminster , will be pleased to send catalogues of the great Worcester Masonic Exhibition , to any Brother , on receipt of half-a-crown for each copy , in postal order or stamps . It contains descriptions of about 1200 exhibits , many having additional notes by me
and others ; the price fixed is at cost , and I believe that many brethren will be glad of the opportunity to obtain copies of such a wonderful catalogue of Books , Medals , Prints and other articles relating to Freemasonry . The success of the exhibition far exceeded our most sanguine expectations , and the general approval expressed by many who have had the catalogue amply repays Bro . Taylor and myself for the labour of preparation . —Yours fraternally , Torquay , Sept . 2 nd , 18 S 4 . W . J . HUGHAN .
Reviews
REVIEWS
THE MAGAZINES . The magazines claim our attention , as they are both almost uncountable in number and profuse in their monthly instalments ; a contribution of passing literature . It may be feared that much of this serial outcome passes over the heads of those to whom it is addressed , and it is alike
evanescent and without effect . Still , here it is , and we are bound to say that , though the whole question of this monthly " output" and " outpour , " of an ephemeral luxuriance of contributions of various kinds , is a very difficult one , for many reasons , accurately to gauge or dogmatically to decide upon , somelittleportion remains to be dwelt upon and thought out by readers of various ages and kinds . For there are " readers and readers . "
"The English Illustrated Magazine" contains "The Tour of Covent Garden , " by Austin Dobson , "The Women of Chaucer , " "Cricket "—all excellent articles , and admirably illustrated . " Friede " is a pretty little story , well told , and " The Armourers' Prentices " end , well and happily . "Temple Bar" is a most readable number . "Ralph
Bernal Osborne , " and " Personal Reminiscences of Charles Reade " will find many pleased readers . " How I got rid of my Mother-in-Law " will delight many a poor and suffering inoffensive man , who , perhaps , may feel inclined to indorse the saying of a morbid " confrere" — " Every man is born with a Mentor . " That ' s his conscience . When he gets older he often trets a tormentor .
That ' s his wife . We are much pleased with " A Summer on the Baltic , " but cannot " do " with the " Red Manor . " These transcendental and supernatural tales grate upon our nerves , and common sense . They seem to us ingenuity and ability thrown away . We know such things cannot be , and what is the use of attempting to bring before our minds the absolutely impossible and untrue .
Still , such is the taste of the hour . J ' Life in St . Petersburgh " is also worthy of perusal . " Peril" is nearly at its climax , and a " Perilous Secret" is beginning most sensationally . "Longman ' s Magazine . " — "Jack ' s Courtship" has arrived at a most exciting point , and "Madam" seems drawing near a denouement . " | A Blue Grass Penelope " is concluded , and " The Chase of the Wild Deer " is graphically written . We confess that we arc disappointed in
the magazine , " The Century " is a truly enjoyable number . " From Coventry to Chester on Wheels , " " Legends of the Passamaquoddy , " "On the Trackof Ulysses , " "The New Astronomy , " are truly Ai and delightful . "De Sevier " is most real and touching , and "A New England Winter " and " A Problematic Character " are admirable , particularly the former , and " The Brief Embarrassment of Mr . Iverson Blount" is sure to be appreciated .
Reviews
"All the Year Round" lies before us . "Gerald , " a most cleverly-written tale ; "A Drawn Game , " which ends happily after all ; "Our Shining River , " very amusing ; "A Lady's Life in Manitoba" and "After Ling Years , " which seem to promise well . " Thought Residing
Extraordinary is a little trying for the common intellect . "The Antiquary" and "Bibliographer" run on the even current of their way . "Time" has "Girls' Schools in Past Times , " "A Japanese Sell , " and "The Ilmington Hills ; " all very
VOICE ' OF MASONRY AND FAMILY MAGAZINE . Chicago : J . W . Brown . A very interesting number truly of an admirably edited magazine , and a great credit to Chicago Freemasonry . It is also admirably illustrated .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
in ) - —nrr ^^ j ^ ' . — .-.- ~^ . * .. . ¦¦¦¦^^¦ . i f . . 1 393 ] MASONIC DEGREES . A heavy controversy is going on on this interminable subject—see , e . g ., Tenebrce v . lenebris , by Bro . Robbins , Metes , and Bounds , Subordination , High Degree Problem , in Voice of Masonry . I venture to think we are dogmatizing a great deal too much indeed on this most difficult of questions , not to be decided by transcendental theories
on the one hand , or off-hand decisions on the other . I defy any student or writer to lay down any absolute facts on the subject . The point in disputeactually seems to be settling down into a pure logomachy . If one combatant admits the existence of the divisions , but denies the degrees , or if one writer states that Craftsmen and Masters have honorary qualifications without a distinct ceremonial in the first place , on either side equally the
writer is advancing more than he can prove , and in the next place , in my opinion , this is not the way to write Masonic history at all . We : are arguing from our present knowledge of things as they are , and our idea of things as they ought to be , to what -aiiis actually in 1717 . This is not in any sense critical comment : or positive induction . The whole question of the grades , and the ritual is
still a most moot point . The modern popular theory in England , though not in America , that the two last Degrees all are the manipulation of 1717 , is I believe utterly unreliableand unreal . And so I say on this as on other matters , — suspend judgment . It is very easy to assert , it is very difficult to prove ; and we have quite ability and knowledge
amongst us , a large number of rising and promising students to prevent anything like a monopoly of Masonic authority or Masonic knowledge , and that fatal incubus of self-opinionated dogmatism which all who begun their Masonic studies with me 25 years ago , well know about , and of which I seem to note sijrns of reappearance in Masonic discussions to-day . MASONIC STUDENT .
394 ] SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . The following far too kind , and flattering words from the Keystone , encourage me to persevere in a somewhat difficult task , viz ., preparing a " Monograph " of Sir Christopher Wren . " Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., Past Grand Chaplain , and editor of the London Freemason , one of 'he most learned scholars and accurate writers in the Craft , we are glad to learn is preparing a monograph on the position of Sir Christopher Wren in Freemasonry , and the reasons for belicvingr that he was a
Freemason Grand Master , and a member of the Old St . Paul ' s Lodge , now the Lodge of Antiquity , London . Bro . Gould has recently made so direct an attack on the Masonic status of Sir Christopher Wren , that the Masonic world will welcome Bro . Woodford ' s paper , showing that the known facts in his case are not contradictory of the Masonic tradition which distinctly connects Wren with our Fraternity . " If any reader can help me with any reference , old cuttings , extracts , or old prints , & c , I shall be very gratified indeed . A . F . A . W . 16 , Great Queen-street , W . C .
395 ] In compliance with the request of "Ignotus"I have , with the valuable aid of Mr . Allnutt , been endeavouring to find in the Bodleian some evidence in support of Anderson's statement that the Sheldonian Theatre was opened with a Masonic ceremony ; but I am sorry to say that we have found nothing to corroborate him . Evelyn in his diary ,
vol . 1 . p . 420 , gives a tolerably full account of the opening of the Theatre , but drops no hint of anything Masonic , though he confirms Anderson's description of Dr . South ' s oration . Anthony a Wood in his narrative of what took place does not make the least allusion to any Masonic
ceremony ; finally Ashmole in his diary under date July gth , 1669 , says only— "The possession of the Theatre , built by Dr . Sheldon , Archbishop of Canterbury , was taken by the Vice-Chancellor . " Surel y he being a Freemason would have alluded to the Masonic ceremony , had such a ceremony occurred . A WORTHY (?) BROTHER AT OXFORD .
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh on their visit to Hull next month have consented to take part in laying the foundation-stones of new wings of the Hull Infirmary . The ceremony , it is expected , will take place after the opening of the Orphan Asylum Bazaar on October 1 st .
I he programme of the Technological examinations 1884-5 , in connection with the City and Guilds of London Institute , has just been issued , and may be commended to all who are interested in the subject of technical education . The institute will afford facilities for carrying out an examination in any of a large number of subjects enumerated in the syllabus , wherever a class for
instruction is formed , or a sufficient number of candidates present themselves , provided p . local committee undertakes to carry out the examination according to the rules laid down . There is no limit of age , and no fee for examination . The examinations will be held on the evening of Wednesday , M ' ay 20 th next . The list of examiners includes many gentlemen who occupy prominent positions in connection with the arts and manufactures .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft j & asonrg . HENRY LEVANDER LODGE ( No . 2048 ) . — The first meeting of this lodge since the consecration was held at the Railway Hotel , Harrow , on Saturday last . The W . M ., Bro . H . Lovegrove , was supported b y his Wardens , Bros . Axford and Scurrah , with Bro . C . P . McKay ,
P . M ., Sec . ; Bros . Sillis and Ager as Deacons ; and Bros . C . Palmar , P . M ., as I . G . ; and J . Very , Tyler . The ballot was taken for seven gentlemen , and three of them being in attendance , were duly initiated , viz ., Messrs . Surndge , Burgess , and Webb . Refreshment followed labour .
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON . —Harmony Lodge ( No . 372 ) . —Ameeting was held on Wednesday , the 6 th ult ., at the Rolle Arms Hotel , when there were present Bros . T . Hine , W . M . j W . Sidwell , S . W . ; J . Sargent , J . W . ; J . C . Palmer , Chap . ; R . W . Watson , Sec . ( pro tern . ); W . Britton . S . D . j R . Cowd , J . D . ; VV . Please , D . C . ; G . Coombes , I . G . ; J . W . Noble , Stwd . -, W . Pratt . Tvler :
J . Taylor , P . M . ; R . Pidsley , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Devon ; J . C . Palmer , l . P . M . ; R . F . Kingdom , P . M . ; J . Bennett , G . VV . Madge , VV . H . Pratt , H . Marker , and others . Visitor : Bro . W . Creasy , P . M . 10 G . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed , after which the lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . W . H . Pratt was examined , and , being
lound efficient , was entrusted , after which the lodge was opened in the Third Degree , when Bro . Pratt was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . hy the W . M . in his usual able manner , the whole of the solemn ritual being given by the W . M ., also working tools and lecture . The lodge was closed back to the First Degree , when a candidate was proposed for initiation . The lodge was finally closed in peace , order , and harmony .
DURHAM . —Crook Lodge ( No . 2019 ) . —By invitation , a large gathering of brethren were present at the regular meeting of this lodge on Wednesday , the 13 th ult ., when the following officers and members of the lodge were present : Bros , S . Holdsworth , W . M . ; J . Ostle , P . M . ; W . Love , S . W . ; J . Hardy , J . W . ; D . Ostle , Sec . ; J . Young , S . D . ; VV . Arrowsmith , J . D . ;
J . Graham , D . C ; W . Cochrane , I . G . ; R . Coultun , Chap . ; M . Milburn , Org . ; R . Fishwick , G . Love , M . Layton , J . Walton , J . Potts , J . Douglas , R . J . Robertson , J . E . Bell , I . Bowes , J . W . Render , G . Monsom , C . Maynard , and R . Wraith . Visitors : Bros . VV . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B . ; S . Fenny , P . M . ; J . Smith ; W . Robertson , S . D . ; M . Gardiner , W . M . ; M . C . Blackett , P . M . j
A . Carr , P . M . ; R . Frank , M . Crawford , M . H . Patterson , and M . F . Holliday , all of 124 ; D . Whitehead , P . M ., J . R . Malcolm , I . G . ; G . S . Shaw , S . D . ; J . Lindale ; and J . J . Hiller , W . M ., all of 1334 ; M . Crawford , Org . : M . Hudson , J . W . ; J . Wyld , P . M . ; D . B . Todd , S . W . ; H . Titman , Stwd . ; W . Hines , P . M . ; and A . Arnold , P . M ., allof ii 3 i ; B . Boulton , P . G . Treas . P . M . in ;
C . H . Watson , P . M . 1522 ; H . Wilkinson , M . M . Sussex , Brockwell , Canada ; and J . R . Dixon , The lodge having been opened , Bro . J . Douglas was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . W . Coxon , P . M . 124 and 127 , P . P . G . S . B . After the ceremony , which was
creditably performed , the brethren adjourned to the Mechanics' Institute , where a very substantial repast was provided , and the usual Masonic and other toasts were proposed and responded to . Bro . Whitehead and other musical brethren enlivened the proceedings in their usual masterly style .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The members of this most popular lodge , after two months ' summer vacation , resumed labour after refreshment on Tuesday afternoon , the 2 CU 1 ult ., with the greatest promise of success for another year . The chair was occupied by Bro . J . L . Shrapnell , VV . M ., and he ' was officially supported
by Bros . W . Savage , l . P . M . ; John Atkinson , P . M . ; Joseph Bell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; VV . W . Sandbrook , P . M ., D . C . ; R . Burgess . S . W . ; J . M . Boyd , J . W . ; J . B . Mac Kenzie , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; O . W . Sanderson , S . D . ; J . Orr Marples , I . G . ; J . J . Monk , Organist ; Henry Round , S . S . ; W . Parker , J . S . ; E . H . Allen , O . S . ; C . Buchanan , A . S . ; and W . H . Ball , Tyler . The members
present were Bros . Walter Hatton , W . Briscall , J . Reay , W . Hildyard , C . A . Giannocopulo , D . Fleming , I . Jacobs , W . C . Fane , A . Mein , J . Fineberg , J . H . Greenwood , l . uigi Lablache , A . Smith , H . Fineberg , W . Bramley , G . W . Polini , J . Rawsthorne , J . S . Bramley , Eaton Batty , Louie Veaco , M . B . Hamann , E . Graham , W . Cook , P . Buch , Ben Hughes , and T . L . Duncan . The visitors included Bros . J . Lawrenson , 190 , Queenstown ; S . Howard , S . W . 1013 , I C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; G . Walter Browne , 1319 ; R . J . Lloyd , 667 ; J . Palmer , 1380 ; C . Pilkington , 580 . After the minutes of the May and emergency meetings
had been read and approved , the W . M . proceeded to pass Bros . L . Veaco , Johnson , G . VV . Polini , and Hermann to the Second Degree ; and Bros . Walter Hatton , actingmanager of the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , and Albert Smith to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The chief sections of the ceremony were performed in a thoroughly efficient manner by the Worshipful Master , and his able staff of
officers gave him valuable assistance in the performance of work which was very generally and most deservedly praised . After the transaction of the customary business of the lodge Bro . Richard Burgess , S . W ., was unanimously elected the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . Bro . J . B . MacKenzie , P . G . S . D ., was re-elected without opposition to
the office of Treasurer ; Bros . J . Bell , W . W . Sandbrook , J . Atkinson , J . Reay , J . L . Shrapnell , and W . Savage were chosen as the Committee of the Fund of Benevolence ; Bros . Savage , Cumming , and Mattison , representatives on the Masonic Hall Committee ; Bros . Reay and Parker were elected auditors ; and Bro . J . B . MacKenzie the representative of the lodge on the Provincial Fund of Benevolence and Charities Committee . Cordial congratulations were conveyed to Bro . Burgess on his election to the office of Worshipful Master of the Dramatic Lodire . and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
A review on " Egypt and the Wonders of the Land of the Pharaohs , " by William Oxley ( London : Triibner and Co ., 1 SS 4 ) , will appear in our next issue . THE WORCESTER EXHIBITION . —We are preparing some Notes , with extracts from the catalogue , of the principal exhibits shown at Worcester , last week , which we hope to publish next week . " One Who Knows . "—We think the correspondence on this subject had better end with the letter which appeared last week .
The following stand over—Consecration of the Londonderry Lodge , No . 3039 . Grand Lodge of Massachusetts .
BOOKS , & c ., RECEIVED . " Gazzetta di Torino , " " Belfast News Letter , " " Loomis' Musical and Masonic Journal , " " Masonic Chronicle , " " New Zealand Freemason , " " New York Dispatch , " " Jewish Chronicle , " " Hull Packet , " "Roval Cornwall Gazette , " " Freemasons'Chronicle , ' * " Citizen , " " firoad Arrow , " "Court Circular , " " Boletin Olicial del Gr . Or . de Espana , " " Sunday Times " ( New York ) , " The Metropolitan , " " Masonic Record of Western India , " "A Concise History of the So-called Peckham Supreme Council , 33 rd Degree , " " Constitutions and Regulations of 1762 " ( Cincinnati ) , "Bulletin du Grand Orient de France , " " Proceedings of the Ohio Council of Deliberation , " "Edinburgh Courant , " "Allen ' s Indian Mail , " " La Chaine d'Union , " " Tricycling Journal , " " Newcastle Daily . Journal , " " La Reforma . "
Ar00706
| ^[^ 3 rjikA'avj ^ % AA ^^^ sa 5 S ^ 5 ivAAiwAAJSAAAAJ ^ I P^ B^^^^^^^ SSATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 6 , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by ourcorrespondents , but we wish in aspirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ] ——
IMPORTANT . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Will you allow me to state that Bro . George Taylor , of Summerdine Villa , Kidderminster , will be pleased to send catalogues of the great Worcester Masonic Exhibition , to any Brother , on receipt of half-a-crown for each copy , in postal order or stamps . It contains descriptions of about 1200 exhibits , many having additional notes by me
and others ; the price fixed is at cost , and I believe that many brethren will be glad of the opportunity to obtain copies of such a wonderful catalogue of Books , Medals , Prints and other articles relating to Freemasonry . The success of the exhibition far exceeded our most sanguine expectations , and the general approval expressed by many who have had the catalogue amply repays Bro . Taylor and myself for the labour of preparation . —Yours fraternally , Torquay , Sept . 2 nd , 18 S 4 . W . J . HUGHAN .
Reviews
REVIEWS
THE MAGAZINES . The magazines claim our attention , as they are both almost uncountable in number and profuse in their monthly instalments ; a contribution of passing literature . It may be feared that much of this serial outcome passes over the heads of those to whom it is addressed , and it is alike
evanescent and without effect . Still , here it is , and we are bound to say that , though the whole question of this monthly " output" and " outpour , " of an ephemeral luxuriance of contributions of various kinds , is a very difficult one , for many reasons , accurately to gauge or dogmatically to decide upon , somelittleportion remains to be dwelt upon and thought out by readers of various ages and kinds . For there are " readers and readers . "
"The English Illustrated Magazine" contains "The Tour of Covent Garden , " by Austin Dobson , "The Women of Chaucer , " "Cricket "—all excellent articles , and admirably illustrated . " Friede " is a pretty little story , well told , and " The Armourers' Prentices " end , well and happily . "Temple Bar" is a most readable number . "Ralph
Bernal Osborne , " and " Personal Reminiscences of Charles Reade " will find many pleased readers . " How I got rid of my Mother-in-Law " will delight many a poor and suffering inoffensive man , who , perhaps , may feel inclined to indorse the saying of a morbid " confrere" — " Every man is born with a Mentor . " That ' s his conscience . When he gets older he often trets a tormentor .
That ' s his wife . We are much pleased with " A Summer on the Baltic , " but cannot " do " with the " Red Manor . " These transcendental and supernatural tales grate upon our nerves , and common sense . They seem to us ingenuity and ability thrown away . We know such things cannot be , and what is the use of attempting to bring before our minds the absolutely impossible and untrue .
Still , such is the taste of the hour . J ' Life in St . Petersburgh " is also worthy of perusal . " Peril" is nearly at its climax , and a " Perilous Secret" is beginning most sensationally . "Longman ' s Magazine . " — "Jack ' s Courtship" has arrived at a most exciting point , and "Madam" seems drawing near a denouement . " | A Blue Grass Penelope " is concluded , and " The Chase of the Wild Deer " is graphically written . We confess that we arc disappointed in
the magazine , " The Century " is a truly enjoyable number . " From Coventry to Chester on Wheels , " " Legends of the Passamaquoddy , " "On the Trackof Ulysses , " "The New Astronomy , " are truly Ai and delightful . "De Sevier " is most real and touching , and "A New England Winter " and " A Problematic Character " are admirable , particularly the former , and " The Brief Embarrassment of Mr . Iverson Blount" is sure to be appreciated .
Reviews
"All the Year Round" lies before us . "Gerald , " a most cleverly-written tale ; "A Drawn Game , " which ends happily after all ; "Our Shining River , " very amusing ; "A Lady's Life in Manitoba" and "After Ling Years , " which seem to promise well . " Thought Residing
Extraordinary is a little trying for the common intellect . "The Antiquary" and "Bibliographer" run on the even current of their way . "Time" has "Girls' Schools in Past Times , " "A Japanese Sell , " and "The Ilmington Hills ; " all very
VOICE ' OF MASONRY AND FAMILY MAGAZINE . Chicago : J . W . Brown . A very interesting number truly of an admirably edited magazine , and a great credit to Chicago Freemasonry . It is also admirably illustrated .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
in ) - —nrr ^^ j ^ ' . — .-.- ~^ . * .. . ¦¦¦¦^^¦ . i f . . 1 393 ] MASONIC DEGREES . A heavy controversy is going on on this interminable subject—see , e . g ., Tenebrce v . lenebris , by Bro . Robbins , Metes , and Bounds , Subordination , High Degree Problem , in Voice of Masonry . I venture to think we are dogmatizing a great deal too much indeed on this most difficult of questions , not to be decided by transcendental theories
on the one hand , or off-hand decisions on the other . I defy any student or writer to lay down any absolute facts on the subject . The point in disputeactually seems to be settling down into a pure logomachy . If one combatant admits the existence of the divisions , but denies the degrees , or if one writer states that Craftsmen and Masters have honorary qualifications without a distinct ceremonial in the first place , on either side equally the
writer is advancing more than he can prove , and in the next place , in my opinion , this is not the way to write Masonic history at all . We : are arguing from our present knowledge of things as they are , and our idea of things as they ought to be , to what -aiiis actually in 1717 . This is not in any sense critical comment : or positive induction . The whole question of the grades , and the ritual is
still a most moot point . The modern popular theory in England , though not in America , that the two last Degrees all are the manipulation of 1717 , is I believe utterly unreliableand unreal . And so I say on this as on other matters , — suspend judgment . It is very easy to assert , it is very difficult to prove ; and we have quite ability and knowledge
amongst us , a large number of rising and promising students to prevent anything like a monopoly of Masonic authority or Masonic knowledge , and that fatal incubus of self-opinionated dogmatism which all who begun their Masonic studies with me 25 years ago , well know about , and of which I seem to note sijrns of reappearance in Masonic discussions to-day . MASONIC STUDENT .
394 ] SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . The following far too kind , and flattering words from the Keystone , encourage me to persevere in a somewhat difficult task , viz ., preparing a " Monograph " of Sir Christopher Wren . " Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., Past Grand Chaplain , and editor of the London Freemason , one of 'he most learned scholars and accurate writers in the Craft , we are glad to learn is preparing a monograph on the position of Sir Christopher Wren in Freemasonry , and the reasons for belicvingr that he was a
Freemason Grand Master , and a member of the Old St . Paul ' s Lodge , now the Lodge of Antiquity , London . Bro . Gould has recently made so direct an attack on the Masonic status of Sir Christopher Wren , that the Masonic world will welcome Bro . Woodford ' s paper , showing that the known facts in his case are not contradictory of the Masonic tradition which distinctly connects Wren with our Fraternity . " If any reader can help me with any reference , old cuttings , extracts , or old prints , & c , I shall be very gratified indeed . A . F . A . W . 16 , Great Queen-street , W . C .
395 ] In compliance with the request of "Ignotus"I have , with the valuable aid of Mr . Allnutt , been endeavouring to find in the Bodleian some evidence in support of Anderson's statement that the Sheldonian Theatre was opened with a Masonic ceremony ; but I am sorry to say that we have found nothing to corroborate him . Evelyn in his diary ,
vol . 1 . p . 420 , gives a tolerably full account of the opening of the Theatre , but drops no hint of anything Masonic , though he confirms Anderson's description of Dr . South ' s oration . Anthony a Wood in his narrative of what took place does not make the least allusion to any Masonic
ceremony ; finally Ashmole in his diary under date July gth , 1669 , says only— "The possession of the Theatre , built by Dr . Sheldon , Archbishop of Canterbury , was taken by the Vice-Chancellor . " Surel y he being a Freemason would have alluded to the Masonic ceremony , had such a ceremony occurred . A WORTHY (?) BROTHER AT OXFORD .
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh on their visit to Hull next month have consented to take part in laying the foundation-stones of new wings of the Hull Infirmary . The ceremony , it is expected , will take place after the opening of the Orphan Asylum Bazaar on October 1 st .
I he programme of the Technological examinations 1884-5 , in connection with the City and Guilds of London Institute , has just been issued , and may be commended to all who are interested in the subject of technical education . The institute will afford facilities for carrying out an examination in any of a large number of subjects enumerated in the syllabus , wherever a class for
instruction is formed , or a sufficient number of candidates present themselves , provided p . local committee undertakes to carry out the examination according to the rules laid down . There is no limit of age , and no fee for examination . The examinations will be held on the evening of Wednesday , M ' ay 20 th next . The list of examiners includes many gentlemen who occupy prominent positions in connection with the arts and manufactures .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft j & asonrg . HENRY LEVANDER LODGE ( No . 2048 ) . — The first meeting of this lodge since the consecration was held at the Railway Hotel , Harrow , on Saturday last . The W . M ., Bro . H . Lovegrove , was supported b y his Wardens , Bros . Axford and Scurrah , with Bro . C . P . McKay ,
P . M ., Sec . ; Bros . Sillis and Ager as Deacons ; and Bros . C . Palmar , P . M ., as I . G . ; and J . Very , Tyler . The ballot was taken for seven gentlemen , and three of them being in attendance , were duly initiated , viz ., Messrs . Surndge , Burgess , and Webb . Refreshment followed labour .
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON . —Harmony Lodge ( No . 372 ) . —Ameeting was held on Wednesday , the 6 th ult ., at the Rolle Arms Hotel , when there were present Bros . T . Hine , W . M . j W . Sidwell , S . W . ; J . Sargent , J . W . ; J . C . Palmer , Chap . ; R . W . Watson , Sec . ( pro tern . ); W . Britton . S . D . j R . Cowd , J . D . ; VV . Please , D . C . ; G . Coombes , I . G . ; J . W . Noble , Stwd . -, W . Pratt . Tvler :
J . Taylor , P . M . ; R . Pidsley , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Devon ; J . C . Palmer , l . P . M . ; R . F . Kingdom , P . M . ; J . Bennett , G . VV . Madge , VV . H . Pratt , H . Marker , and others . Visitor : Bro . W . Creasy , P . M . 10 G . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed , after which the lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . W . H . Pratt was examined , and , being
lound efficient , was entrusted , after which the lodge was opened in the Third Degree , when Bro . Pratt was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . hy the W . M . in his usual able manner , the whole of the solemn ritual being given by the W . M ., also working tools and lecture . The lodge was closed back to the First Degree , when a candidate was proposed for initiation . The lodge was finally closed in peace , order , and harmony .
DURHAM . —Crook Lodge ( No . 2019 ) . —By invitation , a large gathering of brethren were present at the regular meeting of this lodge on Wednesday , the 13 th ult ., when the following officers and members of the lodge were present : Bros , S . Holdsworth , W . M . ; J . Ostle , P . M . ; W . Love , S . W . ; J . Hardy , J . W . ; D . Ostle , Sec . ; J . Young , S . D . ; VV . Arrowsmith , J . D . ;
J . Graham , D . C ; W . Cochrane , I . G . ; R . Coultun , Chap . ; M . Milburn , Org . ; R . Fishwick , G . Love , M . Layton , J . Walton , J . Potts , J . Douglas , R . J . Robertson , J . E . Bell , I . Bowes , J . W . Render , G . Monsom , C . Maynard , and R . Wraith . Visitors : Bros . VV . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B . ; S . Fenny , P . M . ; J . Smith ; W . Robertson , S . D . ; M . Gardiner , W . M . ; M . C . Blackett , P . M . j
A . Carr , P . M . ; R . Frank , M . Crawford , M . H . Patterson , and M . F . Holliday , all of 124 ; D . Whitehead , P . M ., J . R . Malcolm , I . G . ; G . S . Shaw , S . D . ; J . Lindale ; and J . J . Hiller , W . M ., all of 1334 ; M . Crawford , Org . : M . Hudson , J . W . ; J . Wyld , P . M . ; D . B . Todd , S . W . ; H . Titman , Stwd . ; W . Hines , P . M . ; and A . Arnold , P . M ., allof ii 3 i ; B . Boulton , P . G . Treas . P . M . in ;
C . H . Watson , P . M . 1522 ; H . Wilkinson , M . M . Sussex , Brockwell , Canada ; and J . R . Dixon , The lodge having been opened , Bro . J . Douglas was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . W . Coxon , P . M . 124 and 127 , P . P . G . S . B . After the ceremony , which was
creditably performed , the brethren adjourned to the Mechanics' Institute , where a very substantial repast was provided , and the usual Masonic and other toasts were proposed and responded to . Bro . Whitehead and other musical brethren enlivened the proceedings in their usual masterly style .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The members of this most popular lodge , after two months ' summer vacation , resumed labour after refreshment on Tuesday afternoon , the 2 CU 1 ult ., with the greatest promise of success for another year . The chair was occupied by Bro . J . L . Shrapnell , VV . M ., and he ' was officially supported
by Bros . W . Savage , l . P . M . ; John Atkinson , P . M . ; Joseph Bell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; VV . W . Sandbrook , P . M ., D . C . ; R . Burgess . S . W . ; J . M . Boyd , J . W . ; J . B . Mac Kenzie , P . M ., P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; O . W . Sanderson , S . D . ; J . Orr Marples , I . G . ; J . J . Monk , Organist ; Henry Round , S . S . ; W . Parker , J . S . ; E . H . Allen , O . S . ; C . Buchanan , A . S . ; and W . H . Ball , Tyler . The members
present were Bros . Walter Hatton , W . Briscall , J . Reay , W . Hildyard , C . A . Giannocopulo , D . Fleming , I . Jacobs , W . C . Fane , A . Mein , J . Fineberg , J . H . Greenwood , l . uigi Lablache , A . Smith , H . Fineberg , W . Bramley , G . W . Polini , J . Rawsthorne , J . S . Bramley , Eaton Batty , Louie Veaco , M . B . Hamann , E . Graham , W . Cook , P . Buch , Ben Hughes , and T . L . Duncan . The visitors included Bros . J . Lawrenson , 190 , Queenstown ; S . Howard , S . W . 1013 , I C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; G . Walter Browne , 1319 ; R . J . Lloyd , 667 ; J . Palmer , 1380 ; C . Pilkington , 580 . After the minutes of the May and emergency meetings
had been read and approved , the W . M . proceeded to pass Bros . L . Veaco , Johnson , G . VV . Polini , and Hermann to the Second Degree ; and Bros . Walter Hatton , actingmanager of the Prince of Wales ' s Theatre , and Albert Smith to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The chief sections of the ceremony were performed in a thoroughly efficient manner by the Worshipful Master , and his able staff of
officers gave him valuable assistance in the performance of work which was very generally and most deservedly praised . After the transaction of the customary business of the lodge Bro . Richard Burgess , S . W ., was unanimously elected the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . Bro . J . B . MacKenzie , P . G . S . D ., was re-elected without opposition to
the office of Treasurer ; Bros . J . Bell , W . W . Sandbrook , J . Atkinson , J . Reay , J . L . Shrapnell , and W . Savage were chosen as the Committee of the Fund of Benevolence ; Bros . Savage , Cumming , and Mattison , representatives on the Masonic Hall Committee ; Bros . Reay and Parker were elected auditors ; and Bro . J . B . MacKenzie the representative of the lodge on the Provincial Fund of Benevolence and Charities Committee . Cordial congratulations were conveyed to Bro . Burgess on his election to the office of Worshipful Master of the Dramatic Lodire . and