Masonic Lecturers.

MASONIC LECTURERS .

IT has often been a matter of regret to us that the marked ability possessed by many of the Brethren who are called upon to discharge the duties of Worshipful Master in our Lodges , should find no better outlet than in

the fulsome laudation custom has rendered necessary in connection with the proposition of the different toasts usually honoured at Masonic gatherings , but however much may be urged in favour of a more desirable course it

seldom happens that any departure from routine is attempted , and even when it is done there are many to be found ready to condemn the practice , and repeat , in parrot like form , that innovations are unnecessary and undesirable in connection with Freemasonry .

It cannot be denied that many of our rulers are capable speakers ,. and if the opportunity was afforded them it is not too much to say that a fair number would shine as actual orators , in proof of which assertion we may point to the real interest that is often evinced in the remarks

of our rulers in proposing the set Masonic toasts . To some it would seem almost as easy to arouse enthusiasm over an exposition of the multiplication table , as to create special interest in connection with the hum-drum toasts

usually " gone through" at Masonic meetings , yet there are occasions—by no means rare—where Brethren have succeeded in the latter direction , and have drawn from the

thoughtful listener the query as to what might be possible if the ability so displayed were directed in another and more congenial direction ?

From time to time we have advocated the reading of papers on Masonic subjects , or the delivery of Masonic lectures at our Lodge meetings , but the occasions when such desirable innovations have been attempted are so very

rare as to prove that the idea has not yet firmly taken root in our midst , and we are , therefore , desirous of fostering the growth of what we believe might speedily become a most interesting addition to our work .

A difficulty in the way of extension in the direction we desire is to be found in the custom of Freemasonry , that its Masters shall be changed year by year . A Brother on rising to the chair " of Freemasonry may naturally feel

nervous of placing his ideas prominently before his Lodge —because it is not customary to do so—and by the time he gets at home as chief of his Lodge , he is looking forward to preparing himself for the work of installation .

To make the Immediate Past Master of a Lodge also its Lecturer would perhaps detract somewhat from the importance of the Worshipful Master , but we believe would prove a great relief not only to that Brother , but also to

every member of the Craft , as under proper management we should have the opportunity of hearing something fresh of an interesting nature at each festive board , instead of—as is now too frequently the case—having to listen to

Masonic Lecturers.

a mere repetition of what we have so frequently heard before , in the proposition of the formal and complimentary toasts . There is also tbe regret , frequently expressed , that just as a Brother gets accustomed to his position as Master

he has to make way for a successor . The creation of regular work for a Lecturer would go far to remedy this , and would open up a rich field 'for interesting research and education . Shall we try it ?

Consecration.

CONSECRATION .

— : o : — BRONDESBURY LODGE . rriHE consecration of the Brondesbury Lodge , No . 26 9 8 , ' _ I _ took place on Friday , nth inst ., at the Earl Derby Hotel , High Road , Kilburn . The ceremony was performed in the most perfect and masterly manner by Bro . Edward

Letchworth Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . James Stephens Dep . G . D . C . as S . W ., John J . Thomas P . G . St . Br . as J . W ., Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg P . G . C . as Chaplain , Frank Richardson P . G . D . as D . C , Walter Martin A . G . P . as I . G ., and H . Sadler Grand Tyler .

The Founders of the new Lodge , who were present with one or two exceptions , are Bros . R . J . Campbell P . M . Marquis of Ripon Lodge W . M .-designate , A . F . Hardyment , C . Goodman , G . Coxen , E . George P . M .,. Dr . G . J .

Morgan P . M ., A . H . Oldrey , B . Stocker , C . W . Paine , J . M . Goodwin , F . Crook , T . Battrums , W . G . Coxen , G : P . H . Stringer , M . Symonds , J . Luxton , H . Coxen , and W . A . Unwin . About forty visitors were present .

The Lodge having been opened in the three degrees , the Consecrating Officer addressed the Brethren , referring to the object of their meeting , and hoping that the new Lodge to

be known as the Brondesbury would , under the experienced and capable guidance of Bro . Campbell , be the means of advancing the prosperity of Freemasonry in the neighbourhood from which it took its name .

The Chaplain then delivered a short Oration on the nature and principles of the ancient and honorable Institution , and an anthem was sung by the Westminster singers , Bros . George May , Harper Kearton , C . Ackerman , and W . H . Brereton , who carried out all the musical arrangements .

The Lodge having been dedicated and constituted in the usual manner , the installation of Bro . R . J . Campbell P . M . as the first W . M . was proceeded with , and he appointed and invested the following Officers : Bros . Dr . G . J . Morgan

P . M . I . P . M ., A . F . Hardyment S . W ., C . Goodman J . W ., E . George P . M . Secretary , A . H . Oldrey J . D ., C . W . Paine I . G ., J . M . Goodwin D . C , F . Crook and T . Battrums Stewards , J . W . Smith P . M . Tyler .

Bro . G . Coxen , who will fill the office of Treasurer , was not present , being away in Rome , while Bro . B . Stocker the S . D .-designate was prevented from attending , on account of ill health .

A very cordial vote of thanks was accorded the Consecrating Officers ; they were ¦ unanimously elected honorary members of the Lodge , and Bro . E . Letchworth returned thanks on behalf of himself and the rest of the Grand Officers present .

A Committee was formed to frame bye-laws , two propositions for initiation , and two for joining members were received , and several letters of regret were read by the Secretary from Brethren who were unavoidably prevented from being present . An excellent banquet was served by Messrs . Beale