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Article A SERMON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT EDWARD LODGE, No. 1783. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT EDWARD LODGE, No. 1783. Page 1 of 1 Article Multum in Parbo; or Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic and General Tidings. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon.
¦ onry is a useful and a venerable structure , supported by the great and everlasting pillars of wisdom , strength , and beauty . " Brethren , one and all , let me ask you , when you now g ive your alms , to remember that He who was Greater than Solomon said of such works of charity as those to which your alms will go , " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren , ye have done it unto Me , " and so , looking forward to the time
when we shall hear those words pronounced to those whom He shall set upon His right hand , and call upon to enter into the joy of their Lord , we may realise in an eternal house above—the house not made with hands , eternal in the heavens—what we have now been singing , " One the gladness of rejoicing On the far eternal shore , Where the one Almighty Father
Reigns in love for evermore . " [ This sermon ought to have appeared some time back in our pages , but has only just reached us ;—ED . F . M . ]
Consecration Of The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783.
CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT EDWARD LODGE , No . 1783 .
The following oration was delivered bv Bro . Lukis , M . A . Provincial Grand Chaplain : — The addition of a new lodge to the roll is generally an indication of the healthy growth of the principles of Masonry ; and the increase of lodges in a populous town
such as this shows that a great need is felt for relieving the overgrowth of exisiing lodges , and implies that there is room for a free extension of the Masonic force . It is possible to conceive such a thing as a multiplication of lodges without a corn-spending increase in Masonic strength . It is possible to conceive that an application for a warrant of constitution of a new lodge in a town in which there are
one or more existing lodges might be the result of the indulgence of unworthy motives . But as a general rule it may be taken for granted that the foundation of a new lodge is the consequence of the outgrowth of the genius of Masonry . A glance at the history of the Craft in this town will satisfy us that this encouraging proceeding is the case here . Three lodges already exist , viz .,
Harmony , founded in 1789 , Huddersfield , 1793 , and Truth , in 1845 . At the commencement of the present year the first possessed eighty-seven members , the second and third ninety-seven each , making a total of 281 , among whom there were about seventy Past Masters . If thc Past Masters are deducted from the total number there would be left an average of seventy members below that honoured rank
in each lodge , a number sufficiently large to produce a tleterrent effect upon those fellcw townsmen who might feel disposed to enter the Craft with the laudable desire of qualifying themselves in due course for office . I think the brethren will agree with me that nothing is more conducive to the maintenance , in a newly initiated brother , of a warm interest in the objects and aim of Masonry than
the prospect of advancement in his lotlge . If he should find himself among a large number of brethren , many of whom are equally desirous of taking their share in the active duties of the lodge , he cannot but feel discouraged when he discovers a very dim chance of attaining his wishes within a reasonable period . If my view and the information I have obtainetl are correct , it would
appear that a eleterring influence may have been at work in Huddersfield , for I understand that the three lodges number 294 members at this time . Supposing , therefore , that you have not had to lament the removal of any brethren by death or other cause during the past year there has been an addition of only one , or an average of about four members to each lodge , whether by initiation or
joining . Masonic life and energy in a populous town like yours must consequently be arrested unless maans are adopted to allow of their free expansion ; antl in the act which has occasioned the consecration of this new lodge it is most gratifying to observe the hearty co-operation and encouragement which have been given to the movement by the three old lodges , and that in the selection of Bro .
P . M . Ruddock , for its first ruler , harmony leads the way . The question which naturally arises in a thoughtful brother's mind when he contemplates the ever-widening area of Masonry , and the steady annual increase of lodges , is this : Can this be due to a natural tendency in mankind to live in societies ; or can it be due to any inherent attractive influence in the Institution itself ? There is no
doubt that man was not created to live a solitary life , and that brotherhoods have always exercised a concentrating influence . But 1 fancy this will not account for the widespread of the Order , and its permanency in the world at large . It is because there is in it a humanizing principle which arouses in the htart kindly sentiments towards our fellow-men . It is because there is something practical in it
which commends it to , and gains the allegiance of , practical men , more particularly in the busy centres of commerce . It is because men who are daily toiling with wains antl hands , experience a soothing recreation in the benevolent duties of the lotlge and chapter . And it is here , above all , that they offer proofs of the nobleness of their hearts , the manliness of their character , and the loftiness
of their sentiments . If I should seem to be speaking of Masonry as though it were a spiritual community , let me not be misunderstood , We all recognize that Sacred Volume which lies unfolded in open lotlge , wherein we are taught in the sublimest language , of au Almighty Existing Architect , and the great duties we owe to Him , our neighbour
, and ourselves—those grand principles which link us t ° -hcr i « one bond of fellowship . In this sense Masonry j s a religion , pure and undefiletl , becauscs it disposes and leads us to visit the widow and fatherless in their affliction , and to keep ourselves unspotted jf " ' .-J world . For a bright example , among many mat will occur to your own thoughts , of one whose heart
Consecration Of The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783.
was thus imbued with the true spirit of the Institution , and whose life was a daily witness to its powerful humanizing influence , I need only mention the name of the late lamented Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Bentley-Shaw , a most worthy member of your Lotlge of Harmony . I feel sure that the beauty of the lofty principles inculcated inthe Craft , which shone in his life and character , has " exercised
an influence over others , and tended in no small measure to the widespread of Masonry in this town and province . Permit me , before I conclude , to point out how this pure and influential spirit may be excited . To this end I elesire , in very few words , to show in what manner the ceremonies of the Three Degrees illustrate the three principal stages of human life , and how their teaching will , if accepted and
practised as it was by the eminent example to whom I have alluded , serve to improve the Mason morally and socially : I . The first lesson he receives at the opening of his intelligence is a trusting belief in the Great Creator and Ruler of the Universe , and the duties he owes to Him . In his youth he is placed under governors and teachers so that he may be trained to take his share in the active duties
of that sphere of life to which he may be called . He is not yet fit to be placed in offices of trust , but he is instructed that by an assiduous and patient seeking , in the only true way to acquire wisdom , he will be enabled to unfold the beauties « f genuine nobility and manliness cf moral character which are essential to social usefulness and success , and to take part in the co-operative exercise of
mercy ant ! compassion . Need I do more than say how completely the duties of this stage of human life are exemplified and inculcated in the ceremonial of initiation ? II . The second important period of life is now reached , ant ! the youth passes into manhood . The instruction he has received has prepared and strengthened his intellectual faculties for the perception of the hidden mysteries of nature and science ;
a due and admiring appreciation of the wonderful works of the World ' s Great Architect ; the honest discharge of his duty as a member of society ; a polished and well-adorned mind , stability of character , with eternity in view in every pursuit ; these are some of the endowments and acquirements which belong to this vigorous stage , and add to the
lustre of his reputation when they are employed for the benefit of his fellow creatures . In this you will recognise the forcible and particular lessons inculcated in the Second Degree by which the initiated brother is passed onwards to a new stage of Masonic culture . III . In former times there was no Third Degree , according to the best authorities . Thc Mason was considered to have arrived at the summit ,
and to be perfectly fitted for every duty , when he was admitted into Fellow Craft . He has become a proficient in the seven Liberal Arts and Sciences and well qualified to bear rule among his fellows . There is a third stage , however , in human life to which 3 . man is brought—it is a period during which vigour of mind and body is waning , and solemn thoughts of a future are engendered— a man
is led to anticipate the time when he must relinquish active duties , and more seriously than ever contemplate death , anil a rising again into a new and perfect life . The ties of kindred and friendship are loosened , and one after another broken , but across the dark grave a heavenly ray beckons him forward with its cheering light . No true Mason regrets the existence of a Third Degree which
symbolizes and enforces these solemn truths . I beg to thank you for having so patiently listened to these remarks . With the Prince of Wales , whose name you have chosen , at the head of English Masonry , it cannot fail but that your new lodge will be in the near and far future a powerful instrument for advancing loyalty to the thronr , peace and good will among men , and a means for promoting your own welfare and dispensing comfort and support to the
necessitous and the orphan . Our heartiest wishes are for the prosperity of the Albert Edward Lodge and that it may take an honoured place among those which are renowned in the Province of West Yorkshire for deeds of benevolence antl charity . If I add that the sincere hope of the Provincial Grand Master and his esteemed Deputy is that it may prove a worthy and friendly rival of the good old parent lodges of this town , I am certain that 1 am n"t exceeding my duty .
Multum In Parbo; Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo ; or Masonic Notes and Queries .
Bro . W . J . Hughan has noticed very favourably , from time to time , my compilation of some of the old records of the Craft . The old records at present appearing in the pages of the Scottish Freemason arc not of Haughfoot Lodge but of the old Lodge of Peebles , which date from 1716 , when a number of Masons , operative and
speculative , icsident there , formed themselves into a lodge or society . These seemed all to have their " marks , " but no tlegrees other than Apprentice and Fellowcraft . The title " Master Mason " is first used in 1725 , but seems only to have been given to the presiding officer . The marks were taken by both Apprentices antl Fellowcrafts , for which they paid a certain fee . ROBERT SANDERSON .
The Worshi pful Company of Saddlers have given a donation of X ' 10 in aid of the funds of the Royal Albert Orphan Asylum EiuiATt M . —In our report of the Grand Mastera'Council of Royal anel Select Masters , Bro . Charles Chandos Pole was erronously described as Elias Chandos Pole .
The Duchess of Edinburgh has sent a donation of £ 5 to the Leicester-square Soup kitchen auf Refuge . Colonel Dull ' , M . P . for North Norfolk , died at a late hour on Monday nighl . The deceased , who was in his 47 th year , served in the Crimea , and took part in the Battle of Inkermann , where he was taken prisoner .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
We have received from Bro . Henry Browse a J contribution of half-a-guinea in reply to the appeal for funds to provide 500 Christmas dinners to poor boys and girls attending the Mission Schools in Hackney . An interesting article on " IVeemasonry in 1878 " appeared in the Touclistone of Dec . 21 st .
Owing to the early period at which we went to press , namely , Tuesday night , several important reports and communications are omitted until our next . THE COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR , DIARY , AND POCKET-BOOK . ( George Kenning , 198 , Fleetstreet . )—This is a compact and serviceable pocket-book and directory , and one especially valuable to travellers . We
happened to be at Carthagena , in Spain , last year , and , turning to p . 231 , find in that remote European point , opposite Oran , in Africa , the proper reference to the brethren of the Craft , to whom wc are intlebted for a reception that proved we were no " strangers , " but brothers . The work is truly of . cosmopolitan value , and , small as may be the number of our travelling impedimenta in future , this
pocket-book will find a place amongst them—a hint that will , we trust , be taken by other members of the Craft at home and abroad . —Farmer , Dec . 9 th , 1878 . UNITED MASONIC BALL . —The Stewards of the Fourth Annual Finsbury Park Lodge Ball , which was held on January 22 nd , 1878 , at Myddelton Hall , have much pleasure in announcing to the brethren and their friends ,
that they have on this occasion , m conjunction with the Crusaders Lodge , No . 16 77 , and the New Finsbury Park Lodge , No . 16 95 , decided to hold the ball at the Freemasons' Tavern , on January 22 nd , 1879 , under the title of the " United Masonic Ball . " The services of Dan Godfrey's celebrated band have been secured . The Christmas number of Touchstone contains
a well executed portrait of Gustave Dore ' . The Freemason Card Almanack for 1879 ; with portraits of the Grand Masters of England , Ireland , and Scotland , is now ready , and may be obtained on application at the Office , 193 , Fleet-street , London . Post free 2 d .
In sending a donation of , £ 200 from the Queen to the Bishop of London , as president of the Metropolitan Visiting and Relief Association , General Ponsonby , writes : — "The Queen , notwithstanding the deep sorrow which has fallen upon her , has noticed your appeal in behalf of the suffering poor of London , and has commanded me to send the enclosed cheque , as her Majesty ' s contribution for alleviating distress in the metropolis . "
LADY CATHERINE WHYTE-MELVILLE , mother of Major Whyte-Melville , who was recently killed by accident whilst hunting , dieel last Monday morning in Scotland .
The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has memorialised the Board of Trade in favour of a new denomination of weight to consist of ioolb . The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and children , attended by Miss Corry and Captain Clarke , left Clarence House , St . James's , for Eastwell Park , Kent , on Saturelay afternoon . It is the intention of their Royal Highnesses to pass several weeks in retirement at their country
seat . We feel sure that the large number of wellwishers of Bro . Paul Storr , who so recently fought a gootl fight for the Masonic Girls' Schoul Secretaryship , will rejoice to hear that he has been selected out of 102 candidates to fill the Clerkship and Collectorship of Billingsgate Market , a post , we understand , of £ 300 a year .
District Commissary General H . L . Brownrigg has received sudden orders to proceed immediately to the Cape of Good Hope , to take charge of the transports in the new ^ expedition against the insurgent natives . The will and codicil of Bro . James Johnstone , the proprietor of the Standard , who died on the 21 st of October last , has just been proved by Mr . Mudford and the
two other trustees and executors , the personalty being sworn under £ 500 , 000 . The testator bequeaths the sum of £ 10 , 000 to his son by his first wife , and legacies ot £ 3000 to each of his daughters by that marriage . An annuity of £ 2000 per annum is left to his widow , and all his plate , linen , household furniture-, wine , & c . ; legacies of £ 300 each to two of his servants , and of £ 500 to each of his
executors . There are one or two other trifling legacies . The testator directs that , with the exception of the above bequests , the whole of his real antl personal property , including the goodwill and propeity of the Standard newspaper , shall be held in trust for the benefit of his five children by his secontl wife . Thc executors have power to carry on his estate at Hooley f . ir one year from the date of his death , for the benefit of his widow anil
children . By a codicil to the will the testator directs that Mr . Mudford is to remain as editor of thc Standard fi r his lifetime , or until such time as he shall voluntarily resign the editorship ; antl further directs that the paper is to b » carried on in every respect as it was being carried on at the time of his death . — Ci' y Press . We understand that his Royal Highness the . Duke of Edinburgh , K . G ., is abont to be promoted to the rank of rear-admiral .
The Cittj Press is pleased to hear that tho name of Bro . Sheriff Burt has been placed upon the Commission of the Peace for his native county of Dorset . The sheriff will be sworn in at Dorchester on the 31 st inst . MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic
Songs set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots , M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume , bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or post-office order value "is . 2 d . —Aovr .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Sermon.
¦ onry is a useful and a venerable structure , supported by the great and everlasting pillars of wisdom , strength , and beauty . " Brethren , one and all , let me ask you , when you now g ive your alms , to remember that He who was Greater than Solomon said of such works of charity as those to which your alms will go , " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren , ye have done it unto Me , " and so , looking forward to the time
when we shall hear those words pronounced to those whom He shall set upon His right hand , and call upon to enter into the joy of their Lord , we may realise in an eternal house above—the house not made with hands , eternal in the heavens—what we have now been singing , " One the gladness of rejoicing On the far eternal shore , Where the one Almighty Father
Reigns in love for evermore . " [ This sermon ought to have appeared some time back in our pages , but has only just reached us ;—ED . F . M . ]
Consecration Of The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783.
CONSECRATION OF THE ALBERT EDWARD LODGE , No . 1783 .
The following oration was delivered bv Bro . Lukis , M . A . Provincial Grand Chaplain : — The addition of a new lodge to the roll is generally an indication of the healthy growth of the principles of Masonry ; and the increase of lodges in a populous town
such as this shows that a great need is felt for relieving the overgrowth of exisiing lodges , and implies that there is room for a free extension of the Masonic force . It is possible to conceive such a thing as a multiplication of lodges without a corn-spending increase in Masonic strength . It is possible to conceive that an application for a warrant of constitution of a new lodge in a town in which there are
one or more existing lodges might be the result of the indulgence of unworthy motives . But as a general rule it may be taken for granted that the foundation of a new lodge is the consequence of the outgrowth of the genius of Masonry . A glance at the history of the Craft in this town will satisfy us that this encouraging proceeding is the case here . Three lodges already exist , viz .,
Harmony , founded in 1789 , Huddersfield , 1793 , and Truth , in 1845 . At the commencement of the present year the first possessed eighty-seven members , the second and third ninety-seven each , making a total of 281 , among whom there were about seventy Past Masters . If thc Past Masters are deducted from the total number there would be left an average of seventy members below that honoured rank
in each lodge , a number sufficiently large to produce a tleterrent effect upon those fellcw townsmen who might feel disposed to enter the Craft with the laudable desire of qualifying themselves in due course for office . I think the brethren will agree with me that nothing is more conducive to the maintenance , in a newly initiated brother , of a warm interest in the objects and aim of Masonry than
the prospect of advancement in his lotlge . If he should find himself among a large number of brethren , many of whom are equally desirous of taking their share in the active duties of the lodge , he cannot but feel discouraged when he discovers a very dim chance of attaining his wishes within a reasonable period . If my view and the information I have obtainetl are correct , it would
appear that a eleterring influence may have been at work in Huddersfield , for I understand that the three lodges number 294 members at this time . Supposing , therefore , that you have not had to lament the removal of any brethren by death or other cause during the past year there has been an addition of only one , or an average of about four members to each lodge , whether by initiation or
joining . Masonic life and energy in a populous town like yours must consequently be arrested unless maans are adopted to allow of their free expansion ; antl in the act which has occasioned the consecration of this new lodge it is most gratifying to observe the hearty co-operation and encouragement which have been given to the movement by the three old lodges , and that in the selection of Bro .
P . M . Ruddock , for its first ruler , harmony leads the way . The question which naturally arises in a thoughtful brother's mind when he contemplates the ever-widening area of Masonry , and the steady annual increase of lodges , is this : Can this be due to a natural tendency in mankind to live in societies ; or can it be due to any inherent attractive influence in the Institution itself ? There is no
doubt that man was not created to live a solitary life , and that brotherhoods have always exercised a concentrating influence . But 1 fancy this will not account for the widespread of the Order , and its permanency in the world at large . It is because there is in it a humanizing principle which arouses in the htart kindly sentiments towards our fellow-men . It is because there is something practical in it
which commends it to , and gains the allegiance of , practical men , more particularly in the busy centres of commerce . It is because men who are daily toiling with wains antl hands , experience a soothing recreation in the benevolent duties of the lotlge and chapter . And it is here , above all , that they offer proofs of the nobleness of their hearts , the manliness of their character , and the loftiness
of their sentiments . If I should seem to be speaking of Masonry as though it were a spiritual community , let me not be misunderstood , We all recognize that Sacred Volume which lies unfolded in open lotlge , wherein we are taught in the sublimest language , of au Almighty Existing Architect , and the great duties we owe to Him , our neighbour
, and ourselves—those grand principles which link us t ° -hcr i « one bond of fellowship . In this sense Masonry j s a religion , pure and undefiletl , becauscs it disposes and leads us to visit the widow and fatherless in their affliction , and to keep ourselves unspotted jf " ' .-J world . For a bright example , among many mat will occur to your own thoughts , of one whose heart
Consecration Of The Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1783.
was thus imbued with the true spirit of the Institution , and whose life was a daily witness to its powerful humanizing influence , I need only mention the name of the late lamented Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Bentley-Shaw , a most worthy member of your Lotlge of Harmony . I feel sure that the beauty of the lofty principles inculcated inthe Craft , which shone in his life and character , has " exercised
an influence over others , and tended in no small measure to the widespread of Masonry in this town and province . Permit me , before I conclude , to point out how this pure and influential spirit may be excited . To this end I elesire , in very few words , to show in what manner the ceremonies of the Three Degrees illustrate the three principal stages of human life , and how their teaching will , if accepted and
practised as it was by the eminent example to whom I have alluded , serve to improve the Mason morally and socially : I . The first lesson he receives at the opening of his intelligence is a trusting belief in the Great Creator and Ruler of the Universe , and the duties he owes to Him . In his youth he is placed under governors and teachers so that he may be trained to take his share in the active duties
of that sphere of life to which he may be called . He is not yet fit to be placed in offices of trust , but he is instructed that by an assiduous and patient seeking , in the only true way to acquire wisdom , he will be enabled to unfold the beauties « f genuine nobility and manliness cf moral character which are essential to social usefulness and success , and to take part in the co-operative exercise of
mercy ant ! compassion . Need I do more than say how completely the duties of this stage of human life are exemplified and inculcated in the ceremonial of initiation ? II . The second important period of life is now reached , ant ! the youth passes into manhood . The instruction he has received has prepared and strengthened his intellectual faculties for the perception of the hidden mysteries of nature and science ;
a due and admiring appreciation of the wonderful works of the World ' s Great Architect ; the honest discharge of his duty as a member of society ; a polished and well-adorned mind , stability of character , with eternity in view in every pursuit ; these are some of the endowments and acquirements which belong to this vigorous stage , and add to the
lustre of his reputation when they are employed for the benefit of his fellow creatures . In this you will recognise the forcible and particular lessons inculcated in the Second Degree by which the initiated brother is passed onwards to a new stage of Masonic culture . III . In former times there was no Third Degree , according to the best authorities . Thc Mason was considered to have arrived at the summit ,
and to be perfectly fitted for every duty , when he was admitted into Fellow Craft . He has become a proficient in the seven Liberal Arts and Sciences and well qualified to bear rule among his fellows . There is a third stage , however , in human life to which 3 . man is brought—it is a period during which vigour of mind and body is waning , and solemn thoughts of a future are engendered— a man
is led to anticipate the time when he must relinquish active duties , and more seriously than ever contemplate death , anil a rising again into a new and perfect life . The ties of kindred and friendship are loosened , and one after another broken , but across the dark grave a heavenly ray beckons him forward with its cheering light . No true Mason regrets the existence of a Third Degree which
symbolizes and enforces these solemn truths . I beg to thank you for having so patiently listened to these remarks . With the Prince of Wales , whose name you have chosen , at the head of English Masonry , it cannot fail but that your new lodge will be in the near and far future a powerful instrument for advancing loyalty to the thronr , peace and good will among men , and a means for promoting your own welfare and dispensing comfort and support to the
necessitous and the orphan . Our heartiest wishes are for the prosperity of the Albert Edward Lodge and that it may take an honoured place among those which are renowned in the Province of West Yorkshire for deeds of benevolence antl charity . If I add that the sincere hope of the Provincial Grand Master and his esteemed Deputy is that it may prove a worthy and friendly rival of the good old parent lodges of this town , I am certain that 1 am n"t exceeding my duty .
Multum In Parbo; Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo ; or Masonic Notes and Queries .
Bro . W . J . Hughan has noticed very favourably , from time to time , my compilation of some of the old records of the Craft . The old records at present appearing in the pages of the Scottish Freemason arc not of Haughfoot Lodge but of the old Lodge of Peebles , which date from 1716 , when a number of Masons , operative and
speculative , icsident there , formed themselves into a lodge or society . These seemed all to have their " marks , " but no tlegrees other than Apprentice and Fellowcraft . The title " Master Mason " is first used in 1725 , but seems only to have been given to the presiding officer . The marks were taken by both Apprentices antl Fellowcrafts , for which they paid a certain fee . ROBERT SANDERSON .
The Worshi pful Company of Saddlers have given a donation of X ' 10 in aid of the funds of the Royal Albert Orphan Asylum EiuiATt M . —In our report of the Grand Mastera'Council of Royal anel Select Masters , Bro . Charles Chandos Pole was erronously described as Elias Chandos Pole .
The Duchess of Edinburgh has sent a donation of £ 5 to the Leicester-square Soup kitchen auf Refuge . Colonel Dull ' , M . P . for North Norfolk , died at a late hour on Monday nighl . The deceased , who was in his 47 th year , served in the Crimea , and took part in the Battle of Inkermann , where he was taken prisoner .
Masonic And General Tidings.
Masonic and General Tidings .
We have received from Bro . Henry Browse a J contribution of half-a-guinea in reply to the appeal for funds to provide 500 Christmas dinners to poor boys and girls attending the Mission Schools in Hackney . An interesting article on " IVeemasonry in 1878 " appeared in the Touclistone of Dec . 21 st .
Owing to the early period at which we went to press , namely , Tuesday night , several important reports and communications are omitted until our next . THE COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR , DIARY , AND POCKET-BOOK . ( George Kenning , 198 , Fleetstreet . )—This is a compact and serviceable pocket-book and directory , and one especially valuable to travellers . We
happened to be at Carthagena , in Spain , last year , and , turning to p . 231 , find in that remote European point , opposite Oran , in Africa , the proper reference to the brethren of the Craft , to whom wc are intlebted for a reception that proved we were no " strangers , " but brothers . The work is truly of . cosmopolitan value , and , small as may be the number of our travelling impedimenta in future , this
pocket-book will find a place amongst them—a hint that will , we trust , be taken by other members of the Craft at home and abroad . —Farmer , Dec . 9 th , 1878 . UNITED MASONIC BALL . —The Stewards of the Fourth Annual Finsbury Park Lodge Ball , which was held on January 22 nd , 1878 , at Myddelton Hall , have much pleasure in announcing to the brethren and their friends ,
that they have on this occasion , m conjunction with the Crusaders Lodge , No . 16 77 , and the New Finsbury Park Lodge , No . 16 95 , decided to hold the ball at the Freemasons' Tavern , on January 22 nd , 1879 , under the title of the " United Masonic Ball . " The services of Dan Godfrey's celebrated band have been secured . The Christmas number of Touchstone contains
a well executed portrait of Gustave Dore ' . The Freemason Card Almanack for 1879 ; with portraits of the Grand Masters of England , Ireland , and Scotland , is now ready , and may be obtained on application at the Office , 193 , Fleet-street , London . Post free 2 d .
In sending a donation of , £ 200 from the Queen to the Bishop of London , as president of the Metropolitan Visiting and Relief Association , General Ponsonby , writes : — "The Queen , notwithstanding the deep sorrow which has fallen upon her , has noticed your appeal in behalf of the suffering poor of London , and has commanded me to send the enclosed cheque , as her Majesty ' s contribution for alleviating distress in the metropolis . "
LADY CATHERINE WHYTE-MELVILLE , mother of Major Whyte-Melville , who was recently killed by accident whilst hunting , dieel last Monday morning in Scotland .
The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has memorialised the Board of Trade in favour of a new denomination of weight to consist of ioolb . The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and children , attended by Miss Corry and Captain Clarke , left Clarence House , St . James's , for Eastwell Park , Kent , on Saturelay afternoon . It is the intention of their Royal Highnesses to pass several weeks in retirement at their country
seat . We feel sure that the large number of wellwishers of Bro . Paul Storr , who so recently fought a gootl fight for the Masonic Girls' Schoul Secretaryship , will rejoice to hear that he has been selected out of 102 candidates to fill the Clerkship and Collectorship of Billingsgate Market , a post , we understand , of £ 300 a year .
District Commissary General H . L . Brownrigg has received sudden orders to proceed immediately to the Cape of Good Hope , to take charge of the transports in the new ^ expedition against the insurgent natives . The will and codicil of Bro . James Johnstone , the proprietor of the Standard , who died on the 21 st of October last , has just been proved by Mr . Mudford and the
two other trustees and executors , the personalty being sworn under £ 500 , 000 . The testator bequeaths the sum of £ 10 , 000 to his son by his first wife , and legacies ot £ 3000 to each of his daughters by that marriage . An annuity of £ 2000 per annum is left to his widow , and all his plate , linen , household furniture-, wine , & c . ; legacies of £ 300 each to two of his servants , and of £ 500 to each of his
executors . There are one or two other trifling legacies . The testator directs that , with the exception of the above bequests , the whole of his real antl personal property , including the goodwill and propeity of the Standard newspaper , shall be held in trust for the benefit of his five children by his secontl wife . Thc executors have power to carry on his estate at Hooley f . ir one year from the date of his death , for the benefit of his widow anil
children . By a codicil to the will the testator directs that Mr . Mudford is to remain as editor of thc Standard fi r his lifetime , or until such time as he shall voluntarily resign the editorship ; antl further directs that the paper is to b » carried on in every respect as it was being carried on at the time of his death . — Ci' y Press . We understand that his Royal Highness the . Duke of Edinburgh , K . G ., is abont to be promoted to the rank of rear-admiral .
The Cittj Press is pleased to hear that tho name of Bro . Sheriff Burt has been placed upon the Commission of the Peace for his native county of Dorset . The sheriff will be sworn in at Dorchester on the 31 st inst . MASONIC SONGS . —A selection of Masonic
Songs set to popular airs , written by Bro . E . P . Philpots , M . D ., F . R . G . S ., is now ready , forming a handsome volume , bound in cloth , with gilt edges , 3 s . Sent post free from the office of this paper on receipt of stamps or post-office order value "is . 2 d . —Aovr .