Provincial Grand Lodge F Oxfordshire.

" Thc Alasonic Charities " and the Tyler ' s toast completed thc list . By the courtesy of the Great Western Railway Company the Banbury brethren returned the same evening by special .

Consecration Of The Israel Chapter, No. 1502, At Liverpool.

CONSECRATION OF THE ISRAEL CHAPTER , No . 1502 , AT LIVERPOOL .

The interest taken in the progress of Freemasonry in his Province by the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom vvas again evinced on Tuesday last by his presence at the consecration of a new Royal Arch Chapter , in connection with the Lodfe of Israel . No . i *; o 2 . whidi has enioved an amount of

prosperity arising in a large measure from thc enthusiasm and fine Masonic spirit which has been displayed by every one of its members . The proposal to form a chapter as a necessary adjunct of the lodge was taken up some time ago with much spirit , and the consecration , whicii took place on Tuesday last , atthe Alasonic Hall , Liverpool . wascarried into accomplishment with the surest augnry that this , thc most

recent addition to the long list of Royal Chapters will prove both valuable and honourable . Comp . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Prov . G . S ., whose warm and active interest in thc chapters under his control is recognised and fully appreciated , vvas present on the occasion to give additional eclat to the interesting ceremony , and the very large and highly influential gathering

of companions from various portions ot tlie extensive province showed that his presence was thoroughly appreciated . Besides the P . G . Superintendent , there were present Comps . W . B . Ackerley , P . P . G . H . ; William Ashley Clavton , P . G . J . ; II . S . Alpass , Prov . G . S . E . ; Fohn Houlding , P . G . S . N . ; J . W . Ballard , P . G . A . S . ; John Wells , P . G . D . C ; Robert Wylie , P . P . G . H . ; J . R .

Goepel , P . P . G . D . C . ; Jos . Skeaf , P . G . O . ; Samuel Wylde , P . P . G . S . B . ; Jas . Winsor . P . Z . 203 , 241 , T . Webster , H . S 23 ; John Lunt , P . Z . 241 , ioS ( 5 ; J . L . Houghton , Z . 594 ; Dr . A . Samuels , Z . 241 ; Capt . J . W . Newman , Z . GSo j Alderman F . V . Newell , P . P . G . P . S . ; Rev . H . Davis Alarks , P . S . 204 / Hugh Williams , P . P . G . S . B . ; Geo . Broadbridge , P . Z . GSo ; Alex . Lew , P . Z . 1 S 5 ; John Pemberton ,

P . P . G . S . B . ; J . P . Piatt , P . P . G . H . ( Cheshire ); Thomas Armstrong , P . P . G . Treas . Dr . Bailey , J . GSo ; H . Ashmore , Z . i * 23 ; John Wray , Z . 703 ; Walter C . Erwin , J . 1393 ; Jos . Wood , 249 ( Freemason ); and others . A chapter vvas provisionally formed , Comp . R . Wylie acting as Z ., Comp . Ackerley acting as IL , Comp . Ashley Clayton acting as J ., Comp . ( . Lunt acting as S . E ; , Comp .

John Houlding acting as S . N ., Comp . J . W . Newman acting as P . S .. Comp . J . W . Ballard acting as ist A . S ., and Comp . J . Wray acting as 2 nd A . S . The companions then received the R . W . P . G . Superintendent with _ Alasonic honours . His lordship took thc chair and briefly addressed the chapter , expressing the great pleasure he experienced in being present to open the

Chapter of Israel , 1502 . He then called upon Comp . H . S . A ' pass , P . S . E ., to read the petition to Grand Chapter and the charter authorising the formation of thc new chapter , after which he proceeded with the ceremony of consecration , assisted by Comps . Ackerley and Clayton , Comp . R . Wylie acting as D . C . At the conclusion the R . W . P . G . Superintendent expressed his " Hearty good wishes " for

the success of thc new Chapter of Israel . Comp . R . Wylie then proceeded to instal thc three Princicipals designate , assisted by Comps . J . R . Goepel , viz ., Comps . Maurice Hart , M . Ii . Z . ; Sigistnund Schonstadt , H . ; and IT . Asher Tobias , J . The ceremony vvas performed in a most impressive manner . The elections of S . E . and P . S . were postponed , but the following were nlo ... a . l « , n . l imrorlnrl f * ** n * .... AT Arnn . liaH . \\ T IV T uiti 1 tlluiiauIKi 11

( . H . V . II . U auu IIIVMIVU . v . | j ^ . .,. ^ * v ... 1 5 02 , S . N . j D . Gabrielson , Treas . ; and W . H . Ball , Janitor . A number of brethren were proposed for joining . The R . W . P . G . Superintendent was unanimously elected a life member . His LORDSHIP , in returning thanks , said he very highly esteemed the honour whicii had been conferred on him that day . He had no doubt , he said , that , judging from what

hc had seen on that occasion , and the list they had just heard , the new chapter would be a flourishing one . He must own that the ever increasing number of lodges and chapters made him feel a great responsibility . If , as was possible , it should ultimatel y be necessary to divide this province of West Lancashire into two or more provinces , he had every confidence that the Chapter of Israel , No . 1502 , would be

one of the foremost on the roll of this city . His lordship then took leave of thc companions , as he had guests to entertain at Lathom Hall . At the banquet which followed the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were given . Comp . W . Ashley Clayton responded for "The R . W . Prov . G . Supt ., " in his absence ; Comps . Wylie and Alpass spoke for "The P . G . Officers . " Comp .

Alpass proposed " The Chapter of Israel , " and Comp . Alderman J . F . Newell gave "The Three Principals" in highly flattering terms . " The Officers" and " The Visitors " followed ; the latter being coupled with thc names of Comps . John Wells , P . G . D . C .,- Dr . A . Samuel , Z . 241 ;

and the Rev . H . Davis Alarks , P . S . 204 . 'The musical arrrngements were under the direction of Comp . Jos . Skeaf , P . G . O ., assisted by Comps . T . Armstrong , " P . P . G . T . ; H . Ashmore , Z . 203 ; and j . P . Bryan , S . 203 . Several members and visitors contributed to the harmony of the evening .

Provincial Great Priory Of Northumberland, Durham, And Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

PROVINCIAL GREAT PRIORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND , DURHAM , AND BERWICK-UPON-TWEED .

The Provincial Great Priory of Northumberland , Durham , and Berwick-upon-Tweed was held under the banner of the Royal Kent Preceptory , at Newcastle-upon-Tyne , on Friday , the 35 th ult .

The Royal Kent Preceptory vvas opened by Sir Knight Robert Allan Luck , E . P ., at four o'clock , and after installing a candidate , received the E . Prov . Prior , Sir Knight C . J . Banister , and the Great Ofliccrs under an Arch of Steel , vvho then opened the Provincial Priorv in due form .

The V . E . Prov . Prior for Staffordshire and Warwickshire was also received under an Arch of Steel , and duly saluted , and returned thanks to the knights . The roll of preceptories being called , satisfactory reports were _ received from each Commander . The officers for the ensuing year were then appointed as follows :

Provincial Great Priory Of Northumberland, Durham, And Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Sir Knt . Alajor James Monks Prov . Sub-Prior . „ Rev . Canon Tristrcm ... Prov . Prelate . „ W . Brandt Prov . Chan . ,, Adam Winlaw Prov . Constable . „ James Gibson TouII Prov . Marshal . Henrv Hotham Prov . Treas .

,, Robert Allan Luck ... ... Prov . Reg . „ Thos . Wm . Watson Prov . Vice-Chan . „ Henry Maddison ... ... Prov . Sub-Marshl r , ,- T , f Prov . Chap , and " ^ v . C . Jackson -J Almoner . „ Charles Rutter Fry Prov . W-of Reg . „ Alartin Prov . Herald . „ Bousfield and Ness Prov . Std . Bis .

„ Aleck and Kinmond -J Camns " ° " „ John James Wilks Prov . Chambrln . ,,,-, , ( Prov . ist and 2 nd „ Wilson and Barrow ( Capts . of Guards . „ Tovey Prov . Org . ,, Treuholinc and Sims ... Prov . Equeries . The E . PRIOR delivered an impressive address , which

was listened to with marked attention , and callled forth a vote of thanks . The Very Emt . Pro . Prior of Staffordshire and Warwickshire , Sir Knight Charles Fendelow also addressed the meeting , and expressed his great pleasure in being privileged to meet his old and valued friends again in Provincial Conclave . After the alms were collected the Provincial Priory vvas closed in due form , and the Illustrious Knights retired under an arch of steel .

The Royal Kent Preceptory was closed , and the knights adjourned to the dining hall where they thoroughly enjoyed tire banquet , which vvas all that could be desired , under the presidency of the Very Emt . Pro . Prior , Sir Knight C . J . Banister , vvho gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were heartily responded to by each knight . Alany of the knights contributed to the harmony of the evening by songs and recitations , and the last toast brought a truly enjoyable meeting to its close .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

© raft JKasonrg .

HAMPTON HEMMING LODGE ( No . 1512 ) . — 'This lodge met on the 17 th ult ., at the Lion Hotel , Hampton , when there were present , among others , Bros . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Aliddx ., W . M . ; John Hammond , P . P . G . D . Aliddx ., P . AL , acting S . W . ; Aloody , J . W . j W . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Aliddx ., Secretary ; T . W . Ockenden . P . G . S . Midd . x .. LP . AL : Tozer . S . D .:

Davey , J . D . ; Bartlett , I . G . ; Jessett , P . AL , and Gilbert , P . G . T ., Tyler . 'The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Bird vvas duly passed to the Second Degree . Communications were then read from Bro . E . Hopwood , P . AL ; Hiscox , S . W ., and several other members . Apologies for non-attendance having been read , the

lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent collation , admirably served b y Bro . Ballard . Upon the removal of the cloth some of tne principal Alasonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured . \ V . Bro . W . Hammond replied in fluent terms upon behalf of "The

Provincial Grand Officers , " and then gave " The W . M . " Bro . Walls having responded , proposed "The Past Masters , " coupled with the name of Bro . Ockenden , LP . AL , vvho briefly acknowledged the compliment . " The Health of the Officers , " _ responded to by Bros . Tozer , Davey , and Bartlett , terminated thc proceedings .

CITY OF WESTMINSTER LODGE ( No . 15 G 3 ) . —On Thursday , the 24 th ult ., the installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Air-street , Regent-street , Bro . J . E . Shand , W . M ... presiding . Among the Past Masters were Bros . E . White , B . H . Swallow , B . Philips Turner , and K . J . Scott , Sec . There was also a good attendance of members of the lodge , and the

following visitors : Bros . Julian Hooper , 1515 ; E . Farwig , P . M . iSoj A . Dippic , 6 45 ; A . Fish , P . AL 1366 ; I . L . Anderson , 554 ; G . P . Festa , S . W . igoo ; John G . Wynn , 201 ; S . Carrington , P . AL 1314 ; Alfred G . Winsor , 1314 j ( . B . Docker , P . AI . 1 CS 7 ; Egbert Roberts , Org . 1623 j D . Haslett , P . M . 145 j James Grassland , W . AI . 1 GS 7 J W . IT . Jackson , jun ., P . AI . 1745 ; JosephS . Gabriel , Treas .

1765 ; T . P . Martin , 17 G 5 J L . Valerian ! , J . D . 16 S 7 ; W . W . Morgan , jun ., j . W . 1107 ; G . F . Hammond , 17 G 5 ; W . Carrington , S . D . 1791 j J . Swaagman j and IT . Alassey , W . AI . 192 S , P . AL 619 ( Freemason ) . Bros . Hofman and Radcliffe were passed to the Second Degree , after which Bro . Shand duly installed Bro . John Waugh , S . W ., as W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing vear .

Thc following brethren were appointed to office : Bros . J . E . Shand , I . P . M . j Hammond , S . W . ; Eastgate , J . W . ; Shand , l . P . AL , Treas . ; Edwin J . Scott . P . AL , Sec . j E . J . Jones , S . D . j IT . S . Lee , Lb . ; W . C . Smith , I . G . j Hoare , Org . ; Janes , D . C . j Hill , W . S . ; and Potter , Tyler . After the adoption of thc report of the Audit Committee Bro . Turner , P . AL , accepted the office of Steward for the

Benevolent Institution , and on the motion of Bro . E . White , P . AL , seconded by Bro . May , ten guineas was voted to his list . Thc lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . After thc toasts ol "The Queen and the Craft , " "The AI . W . G . AI ., " and "The Pro G . M ., " & c , had been proposed and disposed of , Bro . J . E . Shand

proposed " I he Health of the W . AI . " In doing so , hc said Bro . Waugh had been a member of the lodge for many years , ever since its formation ,. and he was a good and worthy Alason who would discharge the duties of Alaster of the lodge with credit and satisfaction . The toast having been drunk , the W . M ., in reply , said he felt very deeply the responsibility whicii rested upon him in the position in which he had been placed , but he should immediately proceed to put himself

in the confidence of the brethren by laying claims to their generosity to support him in that position . Without them he could do nothing ; with their assistance the most onerous work would be a labour of love to him . If he could do anything it would only be with their good favour j and If he failed it would be his own fault , because it vvas not from want of love for the Order . He should do his best to do honour to theoffice ; that would be his mission . He hoped

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

vvhen he had been a year in office , if the G . A . O . T . U . spared him so long , he should instal his successor . They must all endeavour to make themselves happy , and communicate happiness to each other . Thc W . AI . then proposed " Thc Health of Bro . John E . Shand , I . P . M . " The way in which that brother had conducted his work , the way in which he had always attended to his duties during the year and

through the whole existence of the lodge , his ability in installing his successor , all marked him as an eminent Mason . The brethren all appreciated the ability in which he had discharged his duties , and they would all concur in drinking his health . An important part of the ceremony vvas now to come , and that he would at once perform . - He would present him with a

Past Master ' s jewel which the lodge had voted as a testimonal of their appreciation of his ability and worth , wishing hirt * at the same time long life to look upon it as some slight reward for his performance of his Masonic ditties in the lodge . The jewel , a handsome gold one , pf the value of ten guineas , was then presented . It was surmounted by Ihe City of Westminster Arms , and above , on

the ribbon , the arms of Bro . Shand . The inscription on the jewel was " Presented by the City of Westminster Lodge , No . 1563 , to Bro . John Edward Shand , P . AI . and Treasurer , as a token of fraternal regard , and in appreciation of his valuable services and the excellent manner in which he discharged the duties of Worshipful Master . 24 th Nov . 1 SS 1 . " This jewel having been fastened on the

breast of Bro . Shand , he said , in acknowledgment , it was quite true hc had been very attentive at all'the meetings of the lodge ; indeed , he had never misssed a meeting of the City of Westminster Lodge since it was consecrated , and had never been absent from the opening of the lodge . He thought he knew something about this lodge . He vvas present at its consecration , and he had then the temerity

to accept the collar of D . C . He had then his eye on the chair of the lodge , and now he had passed the chair . He felt very proud of that ; but though he had passed the chair he could not disguise from the brethren that the responsibilities of W . AI . were onerous , and occupied a great deal of time and attention j but his interest was centred in the lodge , and though now a P . AL it should not

diminish . He had heard it said the P . AI . 's were the backbone of Freemasonry . If that were so , the City of Westminster Lodge would not be without a backbone , although recently some of them had been much absent , nevertheless to-night they were present , which showed that their interest in the lodge had revived . Reverting to the presehtation of the jewel , he thanked the brethren

very much for it j when he went home he vvas sure his wife would say he had been very good . He begged in conclusion tjo say that he should' continue to take the same interest in the lodge that he had heretofore taken . Bro . Crossland , vvho was one of the brethren who responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " said that they had heard something about the onerous responsibilities of a W . AI . One of those vvas the duty of replying to the toast of " The

Visitors , " especially if he happened to be present on such an occasion as this . He could not on any other ground interpret the honour done him on this occasion by calling upon him . He had before had the honour of being a guest at the City of Westminster Lodge ,, vvhen Bro . White was W . M . j although he ( Bro . Crossland ) was then young- in office in his own lodge , he went away from the City of

Westminster Lodge with the feeling that if he should ever attain to the same excellence in working that he had seen in this lodge he might be deemed worthy to be a fit member of the fraternity . From what he had seen that evening he could say the brethren had had a great treat in the working , and also in the hospitality of the lodge at the banquet table . That hospitality was too well Known to

justify dilation upon it . He was glad to see the spirit of Alasonry instilled so thoroughly in the lodge . They were endeavouring to carry it out in a practical sense by contributing to the Charities . Every one should give his mite in his sphere of life , whatever that might be . There vvas something grand to every true and honest thinking manand more especially in this 19 th century , when all sorts of

creeds werc being distributed and tossed about , and everything vvasjin a turbulent condition—to see thebarque of Freemasonry sail caln Iy over the ocean , doing that which vvas right to our fellow men , rendering justice and equity one to another , and assisting one another as we passed through life to the best of our ability . Though the biethren met together and had tanquets , they had a higher motive , and

they were pleased to be brought more and more tog-ether for the expansion of their hearts and the instilling- those principles in their natures , which fostered and encouraged acts or charity . Bro . Farwig also replied , and recalled the time vvhen he was at the consecration of the lodge . Looking round he was surprised to see what a success it had been . When hc saw such an excellent Secretary as Bro . Scott , and such excellent Past Masters , he vvas not surprised that the lodge grew . It must be soj and so long

as they had such officers the lodge must be a success . Bro . Jackson likewise responded , as did Bros . Docker and Festa , S . W . Alontague Guest Lodge . Bros . Swallow E . White , Philips , and Turner responded to the loast of "The Past Masters , " the last brother calling on the brethren to assist him in taking up a good list for the Benevolent Institution . The other toasts afterwards were given , and the proceedings were brought to a close with the Tyler ' s toast .

SIR CHARLES BRIGHT LODGE ( No . 1 793 ) . —This lodge met on thc 2 Gth ult ., at the Alasonic Rooms , Teddington . Amongst those present were Bros . I . Piller . W . M . j T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W . j Goodchild , acting J . W . ; R . W . Forge , LP . AL and Secretary ; Stevens , J . D . ; and Finch , acting LG . The minutes of the previous meeting having- been read

and confirmed , a letter from Bro . Linton , J . W ., vvas read , to the effect that , in consequence of the bad state of his health and by the advice of his medical adviser , he declined not only to stand for the office of W . AL , but resigned his ofiice as Warden . Bro . Goodchild vvas then unanimously elected W . M . for the year ensuing , subject to a dispensation being obtained . Bro . Beauchamp vvas re-elected

Treasurer , and Gilbert , 1 yler . The bye-laws having been read , a notice of motion , proposed by the I . P . M ., " 'I hat the day of meeting be altered from the fourth Saturday to the fourth Wednesday in the months of February , April , September , and November , " vvas unanimously carried . A Past Master's jewel having been voted to Bro . Piller , W . M ., that brother then gave a notice of motion , "That the lodge be removed to the Clarence Hotel , Teddington Station . " The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjourned to