Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Kidderminster.

eyes of the external world of our county . It will be my privilege , my pleasure , my earnest desire , to encourage this spirit , to stimulate and foster its growth , and to aid and support those who are using their best endeavours to make Masonry more real , more practical , more thorough in every detail , and thereby more worthy of this age of progress and enlightenment . Let us all , of whatever rank

in the Craft , from the P . G . M . to the most recently obligated Entered Apprentice , remember that we may each and every one of us aid in this great object , and that there is ho Masonic office , however apparently humble and insignificant , in which by a due performance of the duties which we may be called upon to perfoim we may not conduce to our own improvement , to the credit of our

lodge , and to the welfare of the Craft at large . And now , brethten , let me once more revert to the interesting occasion which has brought us together to-day . Let us hope that a blessing may descend upon this good work , and upon those who have laboured for its accomplishment . May it please the G . A . of the Universe that you and I may be spared to meet here hereafter , and to realise as years

pass on the benefits which I believe , if this undertaking be well and prudently conducted , it will confer upon the Masonic body in this town and neighbourhood . May it be that all who first see the light within its walls inspired by the more impressive associations which this comely room and its snrroundings are calculated to evoke , by their zeal in the cause of Masonry , and by their jealousy

for the honour and dignity of the Craft , fulfil the aims and objects of those who have laboured so perseveringly , and hitherto so successfully , to provide for Masonry in this province another shrine which shall be , I trust , for ever dedicated to the holy cause of brotherly love , relief , and truth . So mote it be . ( Applause . ) Before the lodge closed several presentations were

made . A tablet of the recent Past Masters , to correspond with the former one , Bro . T . McCandless ; large portrait of the Prince of Wales , and two wands , Mr . J . W . Chadwick ; pedestals , Mr . A . Comber ; and carpets , Mr . Harvey Preen and Mr . E . Hammond . A Masonic banquet followed , at which the usual Masonic toasts were given , interspersed with songs and

glees . The banquet was held in the new Masonic Hall . The chair was taken by the W . M ., Bro . Thomas McCandless , who was supported on his right by the R . W . P . G . M ., Sir Edmund Lechmere , and other distinguished visitors , Grand Lodge being very strongly represented . The cloth having been removed thc W . M . rose to propose the first toast , that

of " The Queen and thc Craft . " He said that loyalty and obedience to the Sovereign of our native land was not only a duty taught , but practised by the Craft . As Masons they were proud of their Queen , because sh' : was the daughter of a distinguished Mason , and the mother of a family of distinguished Masons . The National Anthem having been rendered with great

effect , by Bro . Fitzgerald , P . P . G . D ., in giving thc ne _ t toast , that of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " thc W . M . said that the Masonic body had for their head the most popular G . M . that ever presided over the Craft . Th » y all felt the stimulus and life infused inta Masonry when and since H . R . H . accepted the office of M . W . G . M . of England , and the truth taught in their ritual has been fulfilled in

the case of H . R . H ., " That monarchs themselves have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel , and have patronised our mysteries , arid even joined in our ceremonies . " The toast having been drunk , a glee , " Prosper the Art , " wa « sung by Bros . Fitzgerald , Mackay , and S . Taylor . At this stage the R . W . P . G . M . and some other

officers of the Prov . Graud Lodge were , unfortunately , obliged to leave , having to catch the last trains to their several destinations . Before doing so , the R . W . P . G . M . expressed himself highly pleased with the whole of the ceremonies and the banquet too , and much regretted that he had not made arrangements to remain in Kidderminster all night . "The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , R . W . P . G . M . of

England , and of Lord Skelmersdale , R . W . Dep . G . M . ot England , and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past , " was next given by the W . M ., and duly responded to . Following this Bro . Mackay delighted thc brethren with a most efficient rendering of " Simon the Cellaret . " " Thc Health of the R . W . P . G . M . of Worcestershire , Sir Edmund Lechmere , " was proposed by the W . M ., who

said that thc brethren were well aware that Bio . Sir E , Lechmere had done good work in Masonry since his appointment as P . G . M . of Worcestershire , and he trusted that under his auspices Masonry in thc province would flourish , and , although his numerous public engagements occupied a great portion of his time , he always showed the greatest interest in Masonry , The W . M . added that be

would net here dilate on the many noble qualities of their distinguished brother , and he would , therefore , content himself with a quotation from that excellent sermon preached by Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn , on the occasion ° f the installation of the present P . G . M ., " He is indeed a worth y successor 6 f a worthy man and a worthy Mason . " The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm , and after

it Bro . Naylor sang an appropriate song . "The Health of Bro . "W . Masefield , D . P . G . M . of Worcestershire , and thc other 6 fficers of P . G . L ., Past and Present , " having been proposed and drunk , Bro . Masefield said that it had given him much pleasure to meet the brethren that day , and to attend at the opening of their new Masonic Club and Hall . He begged to thank them

sincerel y for the cordial manner in which they had received that toast . Bro . Grosvenor , P . P . G . R ., having asked for the loan of the VV . M . ' s gavel , said that be had a toast to propose , which he was sure would commend itself to the heart of every brother present , and it was that of their W . M ., Bro . M ^ andlcss . He most heartily congratulated Bro . MeC _ tt < tltE- on tht completion and . opining of this beautiful

Opening Of The New Masonic Hall At Kidderminster.

hall during his year of office , and he was surprised to see the transformation that had been made in so short a time . He did not think the Province of Worcestershire boasted such another building , and , as an old P . M . of 377 , he could not too freely express his pleasure and satisfaction . The W . M . having given " The Health of the Visitors , " Bro . Blundell , s 6 o , P . P . G . R ., responded .

The toast of" The P . M . 's of 377 " was proposed by the W . M ., and Coupled with the name of Bro . Fitzgerald , an old P . M ., P . P . G . D ., and the worthy Secretary of 377 , Bro . Fitzgerald , in replying , gave a short resume' of thc history of the lodge , in which he stated that it was twenty-six yeais since lie was proposed . During the Worshipful Mastership of Bro . Micklewrieht he had seen

thc lodge pass thiough many vicissitudes , and he was very proud to see thc large assembly in that noble room that day . " Success to the Masonic Hall and Club Company " was responded to by thc Hon . Sec , Bro . Geo . Taylor , P . G . D . P . M ., and Treasurer 377 , J _ c , who said he need net ask them to spare him from a long speech when they

considered the labours of the last few weeks . However proud he may feel to have his name associated with that toast , and of their cordial response , that was as nothing when compared with the satisfaction he felt at the accomplishment of a long cherished hope , and the first fruits of that success which he hoped to see the Masonic Hall and Club reap to the full .

Those present would easily remember the preliminary meetings some twelve months ago , when , without any idea wheie suitable premises could be found , the desirability of a club and hall was recognised , and upwards of forty brethren pledged themselves to support a well-considered scheme for providing the same , ft said much for their earnest good faith when two only of that number were

without shares in the company , and one of those two by reason of having left thc neighbourhood . He , Bro . Taylor , had earlier in the day , and in another part of the building , given them illustrations to prove with what elements of success the scheme was now launched . That evening the company had shown the lodge how well it could cater for its wants in the recherche banquet just served ; and as to the

club and its non-Masonic elements , he looked upon it as promising a great impetus to Masonry in Kidderminster , acting as it would as a feeder to the lodge—a kind of probationary stage—which could not fail to promote the best interests of the Craft in general and that lodge in particular . In conclusion , Bro . Taylor expressed his hearty appreciation of the assistance he had received from

the Directors and Committee in the promotion of the work just completed . Their confidence , sympathy , and attentive solicitude had been unbounded , and , on their behalf and his own , he sincerely thanked tlie brethren for the toast they had just honuured . "The Architect , Bro , J , T . Meredith , P . G . A . D . C ., " and " Solicitor , Bro . Burcher , " were proposed by the W . M ., who

said that their several departments had been a labour of love with them , for they had given not only their own time and t dents gratuitously , but the time of their assistants also . Bro . Meredith and Bro . Burcher responded , and saiei it gave them much pleasure to do anything they could for Freemasonry in general and this lodge in particular .

" The Working Officers of 377 " was responded to by Bro . Hammond , S . W . and W . M . elect . " Thc Masonic Charities " were given by the VV . M ., and responded to by Bro . Chadwick . "The Health of the Lodge Stewards , Bros . Preen and Mackay , " was proposed by the W . M ., who said the success of the banqueting arrangements that evening should be mainly attributed to them . They had worked most

assiduously to promote the comtort , not only of the brethren at large , but also of every individual brother . Bro . Preen responded , and thanked the brethren cordially for the unexpected honour paid to himself and to his brother Steward , who had , indeed , with him , been most anxious to see that everything went off well , and to make the banquet pleasant to all partaking of it . The Tyler's toast having been given the brethren separated , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .

Lodge Of Benevolence.

LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .

The Lodge of Benevolence met for the last time in 1879 on Wednesday last . Bro . J . M . Clabori , P . G . D ., President of the Board of Benevolence , presided . The other two Vice-Presidents , Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice-President , and JamesJBrett , P . G . P ., Junior Vice-President , occupied their respective chairs . The other brethren present were Bros , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; Griffiths

Smith , P . M . 2 t ; Rawson , P . D . G . M . China ; W . Mann , P . M ., 186 ; J . Constable , P . M . 185 ; W . H . Perryman , P . M . 3 ; Charles Atkins , P . M . 27 ; E . F , Storr , P . M . 16 79 ; G . P . Britten , P . M . 183 ; J . W . Collier , P . M . 1366 ; J . J . Gavin , W . M . 781 ; James L . Thomas , P . A . G . D . C , VV . M . 1415 ; J . H . Weston , P . M . 1536 ; A , Lamarque , W . SL 917 ; G . H . Hevrett , I . P . M . 1385 ; C . Godtschalk , P . M . ? o , and . 1255 ; A . Timothy , W . M . 87 ; t . Edmonstoh , W . M . 1669 ; H . Harbin , " P . M . <) . '

J . H . Matthews , W . M ; 143 ; J . R . Stacey , P . M . 1541 ' J . T . Rowe , W . M . 198 ; T . C . Walls , W . M . 1381 ; A . H . Watkins , P . M . 4175 ; J . Bingemann , P . M . 1599 > T - F - - Smith , W . M . 1411 ; W . Ashwell , W . M . 22 ; Henry Birdseye , P . M . 715 ; A . Middlemass , W . M . 957 ; John E . Winkfield , W . M . 8 ; W . Groome , P . M . 1 C 42 ; VV . E . White , W . M .

177 ; Charles Arkell , W . M . 192 ; H . Faija , W . M . 1540 ; Wm . Stiles , W . M . 1732 ; JH . G . Neald , W . M . 11 ; W . L . Alexander , P . M . 188 ; C W . Gray , P . M . 1044 ; John H . Leggott , W . M . 145 ; H . Potter , P . M . 1381 ; James Willing , I . P . M . 1744 ; J . W . Klenck , W . M . 1399 ; W . R . Marsh . W . M . 180 s ; W . Shury Marshall , W . M . 1549 ; W . Gamble , P . M . 706 ; J , J . Cantlc , W . M . i » iU H . G

Lodge Of Benevolence.

Buss , Asst . G . Sec . ; A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . The brethren first confirmed the grants and recommendations to the Grand Master , made at last November meeting , amounting in the whole to £ 423 . Afterwards they confirmed the recommendation to grant a brother £ 100 , which was remitted back to them by Grand Lodge for the consideration of a letter which had been received

opposing the recommendation . Beyond this there were thirty-seven cases on the list , which were relieved by thc brethren , in the course of four hours ' -and-a-half sitting , with £ 030 . Two grants were made of £ 100 each ( £ 200 ) ; three of £ 50 each ( £ 150 ) ; five of £ 40 each ( £ 200 ); two of £ 30 each ( £ 60 ) ; one of £ 25 ( £ 23 ); ten of £ 20 each ( £ 200 ) ; two of £ 13 each ( £ 30 ); six of £ 10 each ( £ 60 ) ; and one of £ 3 ( £ 5 ) . Three cases were deferred , and two were refused . The evening ' s labours' were not completed till half-past ten o ' clock .

Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .

The General Committee of this Institution met on the 24 th ult . in the library , Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Col . Creaton , Grand Treasurer , P . G . D ., & c , in the chair . There were also present Bros . Capt . N . G . Philips , Frank Richardson , Col . James Peters , R . B . Webster , Edward Cox , S .

Rawson , George Bolton , Griffiths Smith , Joshua Nunn , A . H . Tattershall , H . A . Dubois , Arthur E . GJadwell , W . Bailey , J . M . Clabon , W . F . Cutler , F . R . W . Hedges ( Sec ) , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . The minutes of last meeting having been read and confirmed , the minutes of the House Committee were " read for information , a portion of which was that the House

Committee had appointed Thursday , the 8 th inst ., for the Twelfth Night entertainment to the children who remain in the Institution for the Christmas holidays . Col . Creaton said that , as regarded the Building Commit ; tee ' s report as to the purchase of Lyncombe House and grounds , and also as regarded the late Special General Court held upon that subject , a question had arisen as to

thc mode m which that Court was convened . It was , however , convened in the usual way , but in the new laws of the Institution Law 34 stated that all propositions to spend above £ 500 must first be reported to a General Committee or a General Court . That was not done , and he thought—in fact , he was positive—that the framers of these rules never intended it should be done , for this reason

—a Special Court was convened as a Court of Emergency , to save time . If the brethren were fettered with that question , which did really exist , the object was not attained . However , for the purpose of putting matters straight , he would give notice now , in accordance with the recommendation of the Building Committee , that the sum of £ 6500 be expended in this house ( he called it a

mansion ) and grounds , and he should also convene a Special Court , to travel over the same ground as they had already travelled over , for the 3 rd of January . Bro . Edward Cox said he had a very simple question to ask—had the opinion of any surveyor been taken as to the value of this property ? Col . Creaton said , not at present ; but he was now in

communication with a man of high standing , who was not a Mason , who was going to look over the house and grounds . Bro . Edward Cox said he thought this was rather late , as the contract for purchase had been entered into . Col . Creaton thought he told the Court that the ground was so valuable , as , in the first place , extending the

Institution ' s own grounds , and , secondly , in preventing any building , that it was worth almost any money , but he meant to take steps for obtaining information on the subject before the Special Court was held . Bro . Joshua Nunn brought forward his motion , ot which he had given notice , for raising the salaries of the head and other governesses , and of the assistant to

the matron , and explained that the increased duties which were entailed on these officials by the large addition to the number of children in the School were the cause of this step . There were no other Institutions of the same calibre where the governesses , & c , were paid such small salaries . Col . James Peters seconded the motion . Bro . Edward Cox proposed an amendment that the

whole question be adjourned and taken into consideration by a Special Committee , on thc ground that there was an inconsistency in the amounts proposed to be given consequent upon the relative positions the ladies occupied . Bro . Robert B . Webster seconded the amendment . Bro , Joshua Nunn refused to adjourn the consideration of the subject , and his motion was then carried .

Bro . Edward Cox then handed in his notice of motion for next Quarterly Court . Bro . Hedges afterwards read a letter from Bro . H . G . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , as Treasurer of the Robert Wentworth .. Little . Memorial Fund , enclosing . a dheque for £ 100 to be handed over to the trustees of the Royal Masonic Institution tor Girls .

Bro . Joshua Nunn gave notice of a motion for next meeting " That , to commemorate the memory of the late esteemed Secretary , Bro . R . Wentworth Little , an annual prize be given by the Institution of the value of £ 3 3 s ., to be called ' The Wentworth Little Prize . ' "

Ten petitions of candidates for election to the School were considered , one of which was deferred for completion . The number of candidates declared for next election was forty-five , and the number of vacancies twenty-eight . The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman .

WORPSWOKIII ' "COCA PILLS" the successful remedy lor » tecpk » B _ es _ j neuralgia , and . lay fever , an , per bc _ i HomeSi pathlg Chcmlit , 6 , Slo _ ri « -Btrect . London ,