Provincial Grand Lodge Of Oxfordshire.

of Oxford in particular , and to Freemasonry in genoral . In May of last year Bro . Sp iers tendered his resignation of the post of D . P . G . M ., a post ho had filled for upwards of twenty years , and it was then resolved by tho Brethren in the Province to raise f nnd 3 for tho purpose of presenting to Bro . Spiers somo kind of testimonial in

recognition of his long and meritorious service . Thus tho presentation of this testimonial , which consisted of a handsome inkstand , an album containing the names of the subscribers , and a purse of 500 guineas , was among the earliest acts of the Prince as G . Master . Prince Leopold thereupon rose and spoke as follows : —

" Brethren , a pleasant duty has devolved upon me , which I now rise to accomplish . It is to present a testimonial to Brother Spiers , who has now for many , many years been associated with Masonry , not only in the province but also in the Grand Lodge . It is the great zeal and energy which he has ever shown for the Craft which merits

the slig ht testimony of regard from many friends in our brotherhood ( applause ) . I have been asked to act to-day as spokesman on their behalf , and it is with great pleasure that I fulfil the task . Brother Spiers , in the name of a large number of Masons , most of whom you see hero to-day , I present you with this inkstand and this purse ,

containing tho sum of 500 guineas , as a token of their esteem and regard for yourself and of their gratitude for tho work you havo dono for Masonry in general . " At the same time was handed to Bro . Spiers

the address voted to him at the last Provincial Grand Lodge , when he tendered hi 3 resignation as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , It was beautifully illuminated on vellum , and was to the following effect : —

" 18 th May 1875 . "At a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Oxfordshire it was resolved , ' that the members of this Lodge desire to express , and hereby do express their gratitude to the Very Worshipful Bro . Richard

James Spiers , Past Grand Sword Bearer of England , for tho eminent services which ho has rendered to Freemasonry in general , and to tho province of Oxford in particular , in discharge of his duties as Deputy Provincial Grand Master for upwards of twenty years . ' , "

The remarks of his Royal Highness drew great applause from all present , and then Bro . Sp iers acknowledged tho presentation in tho following terms : — " May it please your Royal Highness , my Lords and Brethren , — May I ask for somo indulgence at your hands , at this

trying moment , while I endeavour , however inadequately , to express what I feel on this occasion . I accept this magnificent testimonial with deep gratitude and with great humility , and theso are increased by the circumstanco that the presentation is mado to mo by tho hands of Royalty , and in tho presence of BO many

distinguished brethren . For the last 32 years , when I first entered our noblo Institution , it has been my high privilege to be associated , more or less , in honoured communication , Masonically , with a largo number of thoso now around mo , and especially by many who have contributed so liberallv to this testimonial ; and their names , which are

recorded in tho album now handed to me , will be ever most highly valued by mo as associated by so many happy recollections . " After tendering his sincere thanks to tho committee , to the Treasurer , Bro . Alderman Handle , whose name is most kindly remembered by all Oxford University brethren , to Bro . Thompson , the Honorary

Secretary , whoso name , during three several generations , has been held iu such high esteem by all Oxford Masons , academical and local ; and to all those who have assisted in any way to this testimonial ; ho concluded by saying that he should baud down to his family , some of whom were present , this beautiful plate , to be preserved as a precious

heir - loom , and for which they would ever feel truly proud and grateful . Grand Lodge was then closed , with the customary formalities . The banquet , at which Trince Leopold presided in person , was held at tho Corn Exchange .

Consecration Of Loyalty And Charity Lodge, No. 1584.

CONSECRATION OF LOYALTY AND CHARITY LODGE , No . 1584 .

THIS interesting event was celebrated on Saturday last , at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge . Tho warrant , graciously granted by his R . H . the M . W . G . M ., enumerates the names of brethren already holding high position in the Craft ; and these , combined with those who signed the petition , make up a goodly army of hard working , charitable brethren . Tins augurs well for the future success of the ~ Lodge , which is designated by the watchwords of the Order .

Upon the solicitation of the petitioners , Bro . James Terry , G . D . C Herts , and Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , was appointed consecrating and installing officer , and he was ably assisted by Bros . Robert Weotworth Little , P . P . G . W . Middlesex , and Secretary

ot the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , H . C . Levauder P . M . 507 , and John Constable P . M . ltio . At four o ' clock precisely the brethren assembled in the anteroom , and were arranged in order of rank , according to the Constitutions , with the petitioners in tho rear ; they then entered the Lodge room , amid solemn music , exquisitely ren «

Consecration Of Loyalty And Charity Lodge, No. 1584.

i dered by Bro . Thomas Cross . Tho consecrating officer assumed tho chair of K . S ., and appointed Bros . R . W . Little and H . C Levander respectively Senior and Junior Wardens . Upon the Lodge being opened in tho three degrees , the presiding master addressed the brethren upon the nature of the meeting , and tho principles enunciated by the Order , concluding with tho hope that nothing might

arise to mar brotherly love , or to make the watchwords a misnomer . The acting Secretary , Bro . Dodd , read the warrant , and in reply to the Master , the petitioners approved tho names of the officers mentioned therein . An oration was then givon by the presiding officer , followed by the anthem :

Behold , how good and joyful a thing it is , brethren , to dwell together in unity ! It is like tho precious ointment upon tho head , that ran down unto tho beard ; even unto Aaron ' s beard , and went down to the skirts of his clothing . Like as the dew of Hermon , which foil upon the hill of Zion : For there tho Lord promised his blessing , and life for evermore . "

Then followed the first portion of tho dedication prayer , with "Omnes , " " Sanctus , " and Invocation , with tho portion of Scripturo contained in 2 Chronicles 1—16 . Tho elements of Consecration , viz .: —Corn , wine and oil having been poured upon the Lodge , and tho addresses givon , the 122 nd Psalm was rendered : —

" I was glad when they said unto me : Let us go into the houso of the Lord . Our feet shall stand within thy gates : 0 , Jerusalem . Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together . Whither tho tribes go up , the tribes of the Lord , uuto tho testimony of Israel , to give thanks unto tho namo of tho Lord . For there is tho seat of judgment ; even tho seat of tho house of David .

O pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; they shall prosper that lovo thee . Peace be within thy walls ; and plenteonsncss within thy palaces . For my brethreu and companions' sakes , I wish thee prosperity . Yea , because of tho houso of the Lord our God : I will seek to do thee good . "

Also anthem : — " Glory be to God on high ; Peace on earth , Good will towards men . " Tho censor was conveyed round the Lodge three timos , followed with addresses and second portion of dedication prayer , upon

completiou of which tho officers designate , and petitioning brethren rearranged themselves in form , and tho completion of the Consecration was brought to a close with the following anthem : — " The spacious firmament on hi gh , With all the blue ethereal sky , And spangled heavens , a shining frame

Their great original proclaim . The unwearied sun , from day to clay , Does his Creator ' s power display , And publishes to every land , Tho work of an Almighty hand ; What though in solemn silence all ,

Move ronnd this dark terrestrial ball , What though no real voice nor sound , Amid their radiant orbs be found . In reason ' s ear they all rejoice , And ntter forth a glorious voice , For evor singing as they shine , The hand that made us is divine .

The installation ceremony was then proceeded with . Bro . Henry Martin , P . M . 15 , W . M . designate , was presented and obligated ; brethren below the degree of Past Masters having retired , a board of fifteen Masters and Past Masters was formed , and Bro . H . Martin , was ably installed , according to ancieub custom , as the First Master of tho Loyalty and Charity Lodge . Tho

Board of Masters having been closed , tho brethren wero re-admitted , and the W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . Joseph Peeko Richards S . W . Designate S . W \ , G . Lewis J . D . 441 J . W . Designate J . W ., Alfred A . Pendlebury P . M . 105 G Treas ., Wm . Dodd 1194 Sec . Win . Lauo O'NeillOSG S . D ., J . Hooper S . D . 444 J . D ., G . N . Haydon 411 . G ., W . A . Gorman 27 D . C ., Gilbert Tyler . Propositions wero

tendered for four joining members , and Messrs . M . C . E . Mortimer and Thomas Drubere wero proposed for initiation . Bros . Jas . Terry , R . W . Little , H . C Levander and Thos . Cross were unanimously elected honorary members of tho Lodge for tho services rendered in the proceedings of tho day . With such influence and laudable rivalry as these brethren are likely to engender , tho Lodge may be

congratulated on the step pursued . Theso brethren severall y z-eturncd thanks . May we here suggest tho appointment of an organist to the Lodge , as there is no adjunct to the ceremonies of Freemasonry nioro likely to inspire duo reverence than the strain of solemn music . Often has it been our pleasuro to listen to organ accompaniment in various Lodges , and to see its beneficial ell ' oct .

The Lodge was closed and tho Brethren adjourned to banquet , snppliod by the worthy host , Bro . J . H . Staubury , in his usual good style . The viands were of a recherche character , and personally wo thank our host for his attention , and heartily recommend the famed Star and Garter , Kew Bridge , to the members of the Craft . It is one of the most pleasant summer resorts , being within easy distance

of the great City of the World ; communication , both by Southwestern and North London Railway Companies , frequent and rapid . Upon the removal of tho cloth , tho W . M . giive ovidenco of his wonted geniality . He rose and proposed the toast of the Queen and the Craft , which was heartily received , and was followed by tho National Antiem from Bro , Cross ,