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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read Bro . C . J . Perceval ' s letter in last week ' s Freemason , and it fully bears out what I expected , and needs no comment from me save to advise Bro . Percevalist . To buy a copy of Grand Lodge Constitutions , as he seems not only quite ignorant of what it contains , but
actually innocent of even its existence . indly . To learn he is not infallible , and should not venture to correct others or venture into print until he makes up the subjectjmuch better . 5 rdly . Not to make wild charges against lodges , but to read the Constitutions and see that page 63 , article 5 , is obeyed .
I hope enough has now been said and written on this subject to show every member of Grand Lodge the folly of this movement , and that it is not from the want of laws or properly constituted authority , but from the neglect and wild assertions of such brethren as Bros . Stevens and Perceval , that the disturbance of the peace and harmony of our Order and of the last Grand Lodge has taken place . Yours fraternally ,
JAMES H . NEILSON . 32 , Lower Leeson . street , Dublin . 5 th January , 1880 .
"To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — If Bro . St-vens should manage to get his motion carried and confirmed , I would suggest as a means for carrying it out that each lodge should purchase a phonograph , and get Bro . Stevens , or some other Preceptor with
stentorian lungs , to speak the ceremony into the machine ; then it could be ground out , without any danger of deviating from the lines laid down . This will be far more effective than printing a ritual , and will save W . M . ' s a great deal of trouble . Yours fraternally , P . M .
A aUERY . To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " _ , Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you kindly answer thc following question in your next issue ? A newly-initiated brother , shewing good cause why he cannot wait until the next monthly meeting to take a
superior Degree , a dispensation is procured from the District Grand Master to enable the W . M . to confer the Degrce at an interval of one week instead of four . The W . M . issues summonses on thc 16 th , informing the brethren that a lodge of emergency will be held on the 17 th to pass this brother to a superior Degree . Is this sufficient notice to the members of the lodge , or are they
entitled to seven days' notice as in the case of an emergency to ballot for and initiate a candidate : In the Constitututions , under thc heading Private Lodges , sec . 9 , par . 1 begins , " A lodge of emergency may at any time be called , & c . " Is this supposed to mean that a day , or even an hour ( as some think ) , is sufficient notice to the members ?
V ours , fraternally , M . M . 711 . Lodge of Good Will , No . 711 , Port Elizabeth , South Africa .
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER FOR MILITARY BRETHREN . " To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Companion , — Eleven duly registered Royal Arch Masons being anxious to form themselves into a chapter at this station , to he attached to the Aldershot Camp Lodge , No . 1331 , a
petition was duly prepared , recommended by that lodge , and forwarded to the Provincial Grand Superintendent Hants and Isle of Wight , who likewise recommended anil submitted it to the Committee of General Purposes for consideration . The petition being found regular in every respect , vvas favourably reported upon by the Committee , and placed
upon thc agenda paper for consideration at the last Quarterly Communication ( November 1879 ) , when in consequence of a communication received by the Grand Scribe E ., | on the morning of the meeting from the Piovincial Grand Superintendent , based upon objections received by him from one or two civilian companions of thc Panmure Chapter ,, 723 , the warrant was
not granted by Grand Chapter on that occasion , but its consideration deferred until the next communication ( February , 1880 ) . JJAbout ten days since the P . G . Supt ., his Deputy , and the P . G . Scribe E ., attended at Aldershot to investigate the circumstances under which the military brethren had applied for a chatter from the Grand Chapter , and the
decision now given by the P . G . S . is that he will cancel his former recommendation for a new chapter , but that the bye-laws of the Panmure Chapter be altered as regards the yearly subscription , and the number of its meetings annually , to suit the military element . Under these circumstances I presume , unless Grand Chapter comes to our assistance , the prayer of the petitioners will not be granted .
This I and others here will regret very much , as thc recommendation of an important lotlge like the Aldershot Camp Lodge , wherein no less than 123 brethren , consisting of officers and N . C . officers of the army , have received the established Craft Degrees since November , 1870 , is well worthy of thc greatest consideration before its unanimous
recommendation is ignored . It is to be observed with regret that similar opposition was exhibited by members of thc Panmure Lodge , 723 , when the founders of thc Aldershot Camp Lodge applied for their warrant in 1870 , but , nevertheless , the success of the latter has been beyond expectation . I would now beg to ask , in the event of thc Grand
Original Correspondence.
Chapter of England denying what is actually conceded to us at page 22 of the R . A . Constitutions , if there would be much difficulty experienced by the same R . A . Masons who signed the petition , now at Freemasons' Hall , in obtaining a charter for a Royal Arch Chapter from either the
Scotch or Irish Constitutions , to be worked at Aldershot ; and I shall feel much obliged to any companions of those Constitutions if they will inform me what is requisite to render a petition to either regular , and , with that view , 1 shall feel thankful if you will insert this letter in your next issue .
Yours faithfully and fraternally , I .-I 3 ** Aldershot , Jan . ist .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The New Year ' s entertainment to the annuitants resident in the buildings of this Institution at Croydon was given on Wednesday . The proceedings of the day commenced , as is usual , with a dinner , which all the annuitants , both male and female , whose state of health would
admit of their leaving their homes , attended . The handsome Committee room as well as the entrance hall and adjoining rooms were elegantly decorated with seasonable mementoes and devices , anil the visitors on their arrival , shortly before two o ' clock in the afternoon , were received with a hearty welcome by Bro . Terry , the energetic Secretary of the Institution ( to whose consideration these
periodical entertainments owe their origin ) , Bro . Norris , the Warden , and Miss Norris , thc Matron . The visitors included the ladies and brethren who take a special interest in thc Benevolent Institution , and who are always to be found taking an active part in assisting to give the old people a few hours' enjoyment by contributions of many articles , both fur consumption and entertainment , and by
their efforts to afford amusement by music , singing , and dramatic performances . Among these were Bro , E . Bowyer , Mrs . Bowyer , C . J . Perceval , Mrs . Perceval , Henry Perceval , C . G . Dilley , Mrs . Dilley , Mrs . Terry , J . W . Simmonds , John R . King , Chas . Daniel , J . Newton , Jno . G . Stevens , Mrs . Stevens , R . H . Giddy , District G . M . Griqualand ; Thos . J . Barnes , W . H .
Wallington , Henry Watts , Charles Lorkins , Thos . Cubitt , Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Dr . H . J . Strong , Mrs . Strong , George F . Cook , W . H . Wain , C . Digby , J . J . Bcriy , Mrs . Berry , Miss Annie Massey , W . Robinson , Terry , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . Dc . Strong , the honorary surgeon to the Institution , presided , having Bro . Norris on his right , and Mrs . Terry on
his left . Bro . James 1 erry took thc vice chair , and thc other brethren were fully occupied during thc repast by seeing that the annuitants were constantly supplied . The table was loaded with all thc good things of thc season , anil their excellence was attested to by the thorough enjoyment of them by the annuitants . When the dinner vvas finished two or three toasts were proposed ,
which gave some information to thc brethren which will be highly interesting to the Craft in general . Dr . Strong in proposing "The Health of Bro . Norris , the Warden , " said that nothing gave all the visitors greater pleasure than to have the opportunity of again meeting one who had long been proclaimed as the oldest Mason in England , although some had tried to wrest the
sceptre from him . Bro . Norris was now only fourteen days short of ninety years of age , and he entered Masonry at twenty-one . As Warden of the Institution his services were invaluable . The same might be said of Miss Norris , his daughter , who as Matron exercised thc most motherly care over all the inmates when they were ill . Bro . Norris replied , thanking the brethren on behalf of
himself and fellow residents for contributing to their enjoyment . Hc also specially thanked the Committee and Bro . Terry for the attention , anxiety , anil care which they evinced in favour of the Institution . Ofthe latter brother he did not think he should be overstating the case if hc said he seemed hardly ever to sleep , but kept both his eyes always open to see what , he coultl do for the Institution
• and not only provided for thc creature comforts of its beneficiaries but for their mental enjoyment . He could not conclude without mentioning that the Supreme Council , Thirty-Third Degree , had made a princely gift of books to thc Institution , which hc thought was entirely owing to Bro . Terry ' s representations . But to the Supreme Council he begged to offer his best thanks for their munificent gift
which was only one of many that had from time to time come from the same quarter . Dr . Strong afterwards proposed "The Health of those Brethren and Ladies who made so many ^ voluntary Gifts for the enjoyment of the Residents , " and coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Edgar Bowyer and Mrs . Bowyer , to which Bro . Bowyer replied , Bro . Terry informed the company that the brethren of
Manchester , Blackburn , and Oldham had contributed £ 10 to the entertainment , and he had sent a telegram to Manchester thanking the brethren , and telling them that the old people were now enjoying themselves . At the present moment , however , an answer had not been received . [ Later in the evening the following telegram arrived from Bro . J . L . Hine , of Manchester : — "My kindest
regards to the old folks at Croydon , wishing them a pleasant day , and a happy New Year . " ] Dr . Strong called the brethren ' s attention to the fact that Col . Shadwell Clerke , who was present , was one of the Supreme Council , to which body thc Institution was indebted for the gift of books .
Col . Shadwell Clerke , wuo vvas called on for a few wortls , said that when with much pleasure he visited the Institution six weeks ago , he saw that the bodily wants of the residents were well provided for , but he did not sec such a library of books as he thought would be most acceptable to them . On returning to town he mentioned
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
the subject to the Supreme Council , and they deputed him to make a selection of works and present them . It was only a small gift , but the Council hoped it would be the means of inducing other brethren to make the library of this Institution worthy of thc attention of the Craft . The selection he had made hc thought would be considered a suitable one . It comprised the works of Dickens ,
Lever , Marryatt , Ainsworth , Lord Lytton , Jules Verne , & c , altogether 130 volumes , which hc hoped would suffice to while away many a long hour . Bro . Terry said that in addition to the thanks already expressed , a formal vote of the thanks of thc Institution would be passed , which subject would be brought before the Committee next Wednesday . He begged to say ,
however , that the gift by the Supreme Council was spontaneous , and vvas not brought about by any exertions of his own . He hoped that similar gifts would be made by other brethren . The annuitants then retired to their homes to tea , where they were visiled by the ladies and brethren . Presents were handed to them of tobacco , tea , and other
material comforts , according to annual custom , to serve as a memento of the brethren ' s visit . At seven o ' clock in the evening the whole party again assembled in the hall , which had in the meantime been fitted with a stage , and the clever popular entertainer , Mr . Basil Young , ' gave his " Garden Party in the Nineteenth Century , " in which he introduced a long list of individuals , whose personal
peculiarities he represented with a faithfulness that immediately recalled to memory originals which every one had seen . For two hours hc kept the audience in a roar of laughter , with no other assistance than a pianoforte accompaniment by Mr . Alfred Pusey . The entertainment was divided into two parts , and in the interval between thc two thc residents and visitors werc regaled with a liberal supply
of refreshments . Thanks were afterwards voted to Mr . Basil Young , and when Bro . Terry ' s health was drunk , lie thanked all the brethren , including the Lancashire brethren , who had Sent £ 10 , for their voluntary gifts to provide thc entertainment . Hc wished the Craft to be informed that these entertainments entailed no cost on the Institution . The
subscriptions of the brethren werc not encroached upon , as the expenses were defrayed by the voluntary donations of a few brethren who desired to lighten the declining days of thc old people who werc the annuitants of the Institution . He added that another entertainment would be given in a month's time by a member of the Middle Temple , under the title of " A Romer among the Romans . "
The company shortly afterwards separated , thc visitors greeting each of the annuitants individually and wishing them a " Happy New Year . " On the journey to town Bro . Terry , for the information of those brethren who had not visited the Institution before , said that in these
entertainments lay the great secret of the immense success thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution hatl achieved of late years . Thc brethren by their visits took a personal interest in the welfare of thc residents with whom they become acquainted , and looked upon them as part of a large family under their care .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
Thc first meeting of brethren who have accepted the office of Steward was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Tuesday , the 6 th inst . Brethren present Bros . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; Farnfield , Edgar Bowyer , H . A . Dubois , Poynter , Frank Green , Louis Hirsch , George
Kenning , and other brethren . Bro . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., was elected President , and Bro . Farnfield , Treasurer of the Board of Stewards , and thc amount to be deposited by each Steward to Festival Fund was fixed at £ 2 2 S . The Musical Committee was appointed , consisting cf Bros . Poynter , Dubois , Kenning , Green , and Louis Hirsch . The meeting was adjourned to Friday , February , 23 rd , at 4 o ' clock .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
The Twelfth Night entertainment at the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls took place at thc School , St . John ' s-hill , on Thursday evening , but as the Freemason is published on Friday morning at eight o ' clock , an account of the entertainment must be deferred till next week . The Consecration of the Caxton Lodge , No .
1853 , will take place at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queenstreet , on Saturday next , thc 17 th inst . The consecration and installation ceremonies will be performed by Bro . James Terry , assisted by Bros . H . G . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , and Cottebrune , P . G . P . The officers designate are Bros . T . H . Meredith , W . M . ; G . J . Dawson , S . W . ; and A . Woods , . I . W .
Bro . T . Brassey , M . P ., and Mrs . Brassey leave England this day ( Saturday ) in the " Sunbeam " for their cruise in the Mediterranean . Not onl y has the Prince of Wales promised to go down to Cornwall to lay the foundation stone of the new Cathedral at Truro , but thc Lord Mayor of London will attend thc ceremony in state—a graceful compliment on the part of Sir Francis Truscott towards his native city .
—Truth . The installation meeting of the Domatic Lodge , No . 1 11 , was held on Friday evening , when Bro H . N . Bowman Spink was installed VV . M . A report o . thc proceedings will appear in our next . . A ball in connection with the Westbourne Lodge , No . 733 , will be given at Lord's Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , on Friday next , thc i 6 th inst . Dancing to commence at nine o ' clock .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read Bro . C . J . Perceval ' s letter in last week ' s Freemason , and it fully bears out what I expected , and needs no comment from me save to advise Bro . Percevalist . To buy a copy of Grand Lodge Constitutions , as he seems not only quite ignorant of what it contains , but
actually innocent of even its existence . indly . To learn he is not infallible , and should not venture to correct others or venture into print until he makes up the subjectjmuch better . 5 rdly . Not to make wild charges against lodges , but to read the Constitutions and see that page 63 , article 5 , is obeyed .
I hope enough has now been said and written on this subject to show every member of Grand Lodge the folly of this movement , and that it is not from the want of laws or properly constituted authority , but from the neglect and wild assertions of such brethren as Bros . Stevens and Perceval , that the disturbance of the peace and harmony of our Order and of the last Grand Lodge has taken place . Yours fraternally ,
JAMES H . NEILSON . 32 , Lower Leeson . street , Dublin . 5 th January , 1880 .
"To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — If Bro . St-vens should manage to get his motion carried and confirmed , I would suggest as a means for carrying it out that each lodge should purchase a phonograph , and get Bro . Stevens , or some other Preceptor with
stentorian lungs , to speak the ceremony into the machine ; then it could be ground out , without any danger of deviating from the lines laid down . This will be far more effective than printing a ritual , and will save W . M . ' s a great deal of trouble . Yours fraternally , P . M .
A aUERY . To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " _ , Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you kindly answer thc following question in your next issue ? A newly-initiated brother , shewing good cause why he cannot wait until the next monthly meeting to take a
superior Degree , a dispensation is procured from the District Grand Master to enable the W . M . to confer the Degrce at an interval of one week instead of four . The W . M . issues summonses on thc 16 th , informing the brethren that a lodge of emergency will be held on the 17 th to pass this brother to a superior Degree . Is this sufficient notice to the members of the lodge , or are they
entitled to seven days' notice as in the case of an emergency to ballot for and initiate a candidate : In the Constitututions , under thc heading Private Lodges , sec . 9 , par . 1 begins , " A lodge of emergency may at any time be called , & c . " Is this supposed to mean that a day , or even an hour ( as some think ) , is sufficient notice to the members ?
V ours , fraternally , M . M . 711 . Lodge of Good Will , No . 711 , Port Elizabeth , South Africa .
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER FOR MILITARY BRETHREN . " To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Companion , — Eleven duly registered Royal Arch Masons being anxious to form themselves into a chapter at this station , to he attached to the Aldershot Camp Lodge , No . 1331 , a
petition was duly prepared , recommended by that lodge , and forwarded to the Provincial Grand Superintendent Hants and Isle of Wight , who likewise recommended anil submitted it to the Committee of General Purposes for consideration . The petition being found regular in every respect , vvas favourably reported upon by the Committee , and placed
upon thc agenda paper for consideration at the last Quarterly Communication ( November 1879 ) , when in consequence of a communication received by the Grand Scribe E ., | on the morning of the meeting from the Piovincial Grand Superintendent , based upon objections received by him from one or two civilian companions of thc Panmure Chapter ,, 723 , the warrant was
not granted by Grand Chapter on that occasion , but its consideration deferred until the next communication ( February , 1880 ) . JJAbout ten days since the P . G . Supt ., his Deputy , and the P . G . Scribe E ., attended at Aldershot to investigate the circumstances under which the military brethren had applied for a chatter from the Grand Chapter , and the
decision now given by the P . G . S . is that he will cancel his former recommendation for a new chapter , but that the bye-laws of the Panmure Chapter be altered as regards the yearly subscription , and the number of its meetings annually , to suit the military element . Under these circumstances I presume , unless Grand Chapter comes to our assistance , the prayer of the petitioners will not be granted .
This I and others here will regret very much , as thc recommendation of an important lotlge like the Aldershot Camp Lodge , wherein no less than 123 brethren , consisting of officers and N . C . officers of the army , have received the established Craft Degrees since November , 1870 , is well worthy of thc greatest consideration before its unanimous
recommendation is ignored . It is to be observed with regret that similar opposition was exhibited by members of thc Panmure Lodge , 723 , when the founders of thc Aldershot Camp Lodge applied for their warrant in 1870 , but , nevertheless , the success of the latter has been beyond expectation . I would now beg to ask , in the event of thc Grand
Original Correspondence.
Chapter of England denying what is actually conceded to us at page 22 of the R . A . Constitutions , if there would be much difficulty experienced by the same R . A . Masons who signed the petition , now at Freemasons' Hall , in obtaining a charter for a Royal Arch Chapter from either the
Scotch or Irish Constitutions , to be worked at Aldershot ; and I shall feel much obliged to any companions of those Constitutions if they will inform me what is requisite to render a petition to either regular , and , with that view , 1 shall feel thankful if you will insert this letter in your next issue .
Yours faithfully and fraternally , I .-I 3 ** Aldershot , Jan . ist .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The New Year ' s entertainment to the annuitants resident in the buildings of this Institution at Croydon was given on Wednesday . The proceedings of the day commenced , as is usual , with a dinner , which all the annuitants , both male and female , whose state of health would
admit of their leaving their homes , attended . The handsome Committee room as well as the entrance hall and adjoining rooms were elegantly decorated with seasonable mementoes and devices , anil the visitors on their arrival , shortly before two o ' clock in the afternoon , were received with a hearty welcome by Bro . Terry , the energetic Secretary of the Institution ( to whose consideration these
periodical entertainments owe their origin ) , Bro . Norris , the Warden , and Miss Norris , thc Matron . The visitors included the ladies and brethren who take a special interest in thc Benevolent Institution , and who are always to be found taking an active part in assisting to give the old people a few hours' enjoyment by contributions of many articles , both fur consumption and entertainment , and by
their efforts to afford amusement by music , singing , and dramatic performances . Among these were Bro , E . Bowyer , Mrs . Bowyer , C . J . Perceval , Mrs . Perceval , Henry Perceval , C . G . Dilley , Mrs . Dilley , Mrs . Terry , J . W . Simmonds , John R . King , Chas . Daniel , J . Newton , Jno . G . Stevens , Mrs . Stevens , R . H . Giddy , District G . M . Griqualand ; Thos . J . Barnes , W . H .
Wallington , Henry Watts , Charles Lorkins , Thos . Cubitt , Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Dr . H . J . Strong , Mrs . Strong , George F . Cook , W . H . Wain , C . Digby , J . J . Bcriy , Mrs . Berry , Miss Annie Massey , W . Robinson , Terry , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . Dc . Strong , the honorary surgeon to the Institution , presided , having Bro . Norris on his right , and Mrs . Terry on
his left . Bro . James 1 erry took thc vice chair , and thc other brethren were fully occupied during thc repast by seeing that the annuitants were constantly supplied . The table was loaded with all thc good things of thc season , anil their excellence was attested to by the thorough enjoyment of them by the annuitants . When the dinner vvas finished two or three toasts were proposed ,
which gave some information to thc brethren which will be highly interesting to the Craft in general . Dr . Strong in proposing "The Health of Bro . Norris , the Warden , " said that nothing gave all the visitors greater pleasure than to have the opportunity of again meeting one who had long been proclaimed as the oldest Mason in England , although some had tried to wrest the
sceptre from him . Bro . Norris was now only fourteen days short of ninety years of age , and he entered Masonry at twenty-one . As Warden of the Institution his services were invaluable . The same might be said of Miss Norris , his daughter , who as Matron exercised thc most motherly care over all the inmates when they were ill . Bro . Norris replied , thanking the brethren on behalf of
himself and fellow residents for contributing to their enjoyment . Hc also specially thanked the Committee and Bro . Terry for the attention , anxiety , anil care which they evinced in favour of the Institution . Ofthe latter brother he did not think he should be overstating the case if hc said he seemed hardly ever to sleep , but kept both his eyes always open to see what , he coultl do for the Institution
• and not only provided for thc creature comforts of its beneficiaries but for their mental enjoyment . He could not conclude without mentioning that the Supreme Council , Thirty-Third Degree , had made a princely gift of books to thc Institution , which hc thought was entirely owing to Bro . Terry ' s representations . But to the Supreme Council he begged to offer his best thanks for their munificent gift
which was only one of many that had from time to time come from the same quarter . Dr . Strong afterwards proposed "The Health of those Brethren and Ladies who made so many ^ voluntary Gifts for the enjoyment of the Residents , " and coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Edgar Bowyer and Mrs . Bowyer , to which Bro . Bowyer replied , Bro . Terry informed the company that the brethren of
Manchester , Blackburn , and Oldham had contributed £ 10 to the entertainment , and he had sent a telegram to Manchester thanking the brethren , and telling them that the old people were now enjoying themselves . At the present moment , however , an answer had not been received . [ Later in the evening the following telegram arrived from Bro . J . L . Hine , of Manchester : — "My kindest
regards to the old folks at Croydon , wishing them a pleasant day , and a happy New Year . " ] Dr . Strong called the brethren ' s attention to the fact that Col . Shadwell Clerke , who was present , was one of the Supreme Council , to which body thc Institution was indebted for the gift of books .
Col . Shadwell Clerke , wuo vvas called on for a few wortls , said that when with much pleasure he visited the Institution six weeks ago , he saw that the bodily wants of the residents were well provided for , but he did not sec such a library of books as he thought would be most acceptable to them . On returning to town he mentioned
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
the subject to the Supreme Council , and they deputed him to make a selection of works and present them . It was only a small gift , but the Council hoped it would be the means of inducing other brethren to make the library of this Institution worthy of thc attention of the Craft . The selection he had made hc thought would be considered a suitable one . It comprised the works of Dickens ,
Lever , Marryatt , Ainsworth , Lord Lytton , Jules Verne , & c , altogether 130 volumes , which hc hoped would suffice to while away many a long hour . Bro . Terry said that in addition to the thanks already expressed , a formal vote of the thanks of thc Institution would be passed , which subject would be brought before the Committee next Wednesday . He begged to say ,
however , that the gift by the Supreme Council was spontaneous , and vvas not brought about by any exertions of his own . He hoped that similar gifts would be made by other brethren . The annuitants then retired to their homes to tea , where they were visiled by the ladies and brethren . Presents were handed to them of tobacco , tea , and other
material comforts , according to annual custom , to serve as a memento of the brethren ' s visit . At seven o ' clock in the evening the whole party again assembled in the hall , which had in the meantime been fitted with a stage , and the clever popular entertainer , Mr . Basil Young , ' gave his " Garden Party in the Nineteenth Century , " in which he introduced a long list of individuals , whose personal
peculiarities he represented with a faithfulness that immediately recalled to memory originals which every one had seen . For two hours hc kept the audience in a roar of laughter , with no other assistance than a pianoforte accompaniment by Mr . Alfred Pusey . The entertainment was divided into two parts , and in the interval between thc two thc residents and visitors werc regaled with a liberal supply
of refreshments . Thanks were afterwards voted to Mr . Basil Young , and when Bro . Terry ' s health was drunk , lie thanked all the brethren , including the Lancashire brethren , who had Sent £ 10 , for their voluntary gifts to provide thc entertainment . Hc wished the Craft to be informed that these entertainments entailed no cost on the Institution . The
subscriptions of the brethren werc not encroached upon , as the expenses were defrayed by the voluntary donations of a few brethren who desired to lighten the declining days of thc old people who werc the annuitants of the Institution . He added that another entertainment would be given in a month's time by a member of the Middle Temple , under the title of " A Romer among the Romans . "
The company shortly afterwards separated , thc visitors greeting each of the annuitants individually and wishing them a " Happy New Year . " On the journey to town Bro . Terry , for the information of those brethren who had not visited the Institution before , said that in these
entertainments lay the great secret of the immense success thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution hatl achieved of late years . Thc brethren by their visits took a personal interest in the welfare of thc residents with whom they become acquainted , and looked upon them as part of a large family under their care .
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
Thc first meeting of brethren who have accepted the office of Steward was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Tuesday , the 6 th inst . Brethren present Bros . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; Farnfield , Edgar Bowyer , H . A . Dubois , Poynter , Frank Green , Louis Hirsch , George
Kenning , and other brethren . Bro . Cottebrune , P . G . P ., was elected President , and Bro . Farnfield , Treasurer of the Board of Stewards , and thc amount to be deposited by each Steward to Festival Fund was fixed at £ 2 2 S . The Musical Committee was appointed , consisting cf Bros . Poynter , Dubois , Kenning , Green , and Louis Hirsch . The meeting was adjourned to Friday , February , 23 rd , at 4 o ' clock .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
The Twelfth Night entertainment at the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls took place at thc School , St . John ' s-hill , on Thursday evening , but as the Freemason is published on Friday morning at eight o ' clock , an account of the entertainment must be deferred till next week . The Consecration of the Caxton Lodge , No .
1853 , will take place at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queenstreet , on Saturday next , thc 17 th inst . The consecration and installation ceremonies will be performed by Bro . James Terry , assisted by Bros . H . G . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , and Cottebrune , P . G . P . The officers designate are Bros . T . H . Meredith , W . M . ; G . J . Dawson , S . W . ; and A . Woods , . I . W .
Bro . T . Brassey , M . P ., and Mrs . Brassey leave England this day ( Saturday ) in the " Sunbeam " for their cruise in the Mediterranean . Not onl y has the Prince of Wales promised to go down to Cornwall to lay the foundation stone of the new Cathedral at Truro , but thc Lord Mayor of London will attend thc ceremony in state—a graceful compliment on the part of Sir Francis Truscott towards his native city .
—Truth . The installation meeting of the Domatic Lodge , No . 1 11 , was held on Friday evening , when Bro H . N . Bowman Spink was installed VV . M . A report o . thc proceedings will appear in our next . . A ball in connection with the Westbourne Lodge , No . 733 , will be given at Lord's Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , on Friday next , thc i 6 th inst . Dancing to commence at nine o ' clock .