Provincial Meetings.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Telegrams and a letter apologising for nonattendance were received from Bros . Greenhalgh , Happold , and Rawson . A ceremony of initiation was taken by Bro . C Martyne , the J . W . giving the working tools and charge , a ceremony of passing by the W . M ., the working tools being given by the S . W ., and a ceremony of raising by Bro . F . G . Goodacre , who also presented the working tools .

On the proposition of Bro . F . Batty , seconded by Bro . Lloyd , and supported by the W . M ., the sum of lo guineas was unanimously voted to the West Lancashire Alpass Benevolent Institution . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . John Roberts , S . W ., for having so kindly had the lodge furniture repaired and restored . " Hearty good wishes" were given by the visiting

brethren , and reciprocated by the VV . M ., and the lodge was closed . Subsequently refreshments were served , and a pleasant social evening spent by the brethren and visitors , during which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were g iven and fully honoured , interspersed by songs and recitations from Bros . Goldman , Green , Mackay , and Allin , Bros . Allin and Bowers acting as accompanists .

PLUMSTEAD . Ordnance Lodge ( No . 2399 ) . —Bro . Col . c . Vansittart , VV . M ., presided at the usual monthly meeting on Friday , the ioth ult ., at Freemasons' Hall , and presented the lodge with a handsome silk banner , bearing the old Ordnance arms and the name and number of the lodge emblazoned on it , as also the fact of his ( the W . M . 's ) generous gift , in a suitable inscription . The thanks of the

lodge was voted to the gallant colonel , and it was resolved that the vote should be inscribed on the minutes of the lodge . Among the other brethren present were Bros . J . Bilton , S . W . ; Capt . W . E . Woollett , J . VV . ; Rev . J . VV . Horsley , Chap . j T . Robertson , P . M ., Secj Capt . G . Spinks , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; J . Lee , S . D . j T . Hully ,

J . D . j W . Hurst , D . C . j C . Heir , I . G . J Captain W . Weston , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; A . Penfold , P . M . 913 , P . P . G . D . ; C . Jolly , P . M . 1472 and 2214 ; E . B . Hobson , P . M ., and J . Sanderson , P . M ., of 700 ; VV . Sayle-Edwards , P . M . 153 6 ; A . Banister , P . M . 1632 ; J . Mattey , W . M ., A . Deans , S . VV ., and A . McQueen , LC , of 13 ; M . Edwards , 759 ; W . Wheeler , P . M . 153 C ; and others .

PORTSMOUTH . Duke of Connaught Lodge ( No . 1 S 34 ) . — At the regular meeting of this lodge , held on the 2 . Sth ult ., there was a very large attendance of brethren , invitations having been sent out to the Worshipful Masters and officers of every lodge meeting in the neighbourhood—some 16 in number , and altogether about 130 visiting brethren were present , including many Prov . Grand Officers .

The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the installation meeting were read and confirmed . A Committee was appointed to revise the by-laws of the lodge and to bring up a report . The W . M ., Bro . Alexander Howell , who is the local Secretary in the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge Correspondence Circle , then delivered a most interesting lecture upon "The History of the Constitutions of the Fraternity , "

commencing with the Regius MS ., the oldest Masonic document extant . Extracts from the charges in this ancient poem were read , and the opinions of commentators upon its age and characteristics were quoted , wherein it is argued that " the Old Charges or Manuscript Constitutions had become fixed orcrystallisedbefore the " Regius MS . " took form as a writing , " and that it points to the actual existence of a symbolical or speculative Masonry at the date from which

it speaks . Several versions of the Manuscript Constitutions were then referred to , and the charges contained in the " Grand Lodge No . 1 MS . Roll , " of 15 S 3 , were read at length in order to show to the brethren the nature of the regulations of the Craft at that early date . A sketch of thc "History of Masonry , or Legend of the Guild , " as contained in " the several MS . Constitutions , was given , after which Bro . Howell referred to the copy of the Old Charges

in the handwriting of Randle Holme , the Chester Herald , made about 1 C 65 , in which the form of oath to be administered to candidates is given , and which " reveals the fact that the Masonic tokens of recognition were even then of a complex nature . " The erection of the Grand Lodge in 1717 having been r < lated , the first edition of Dr . Anderson's Book of Constitutions came under review , the unauthorised additions to the Legend of the Guild being noted , and the

" Regulations " then for the first time necessary , in consequence of lodges being subordinate to Grand Lodge , were considered . The second edition of Anderson ' s Constitutions was also referred to . The Constitutions of 1 S 15 next claimed attention , and several of the new Regulations were mentioned , and , finally , the editions of editions of 18 S 4 and 18 S 8 were briefly referred to . The VV . M . exhibited the several volumes of Reprints of the Old Charges and of

Anderson ' s Constitutions , which have been issued by the Ouatuor Coionati Lodge . A discussion followed , in which several of the visiting brethren took part , and a hearty vote of thanks having been accorded to the VV . M , for his lecture , the lodge was closed .

As a memento of his installation , Bro . Alexander Howell has presented each member of the lodge with a copy of Crowe's "Master Masons' Handbook , " in which has been inserted a reprint from our pages of the report of his installation , the presentation being made "In the sincere hope that the valuable information herein contained will prove an incentive to the study of Masonic literature . "

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Jerusalem Chapter ( No . 185 ) . —This chapter met at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , on the 14 th ult . Among those present we 7 e Comps . Hardy , M . E . / .. ; F . Smith , P . Z ., P . P . G . J ., II . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S ., J . j G . Davis , I' . Z ., S . E . j Dr . Frye , P . S . ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Treas . ; N . Moss , L . C . C .,

P . Z . j Cleghorne , P . Z . j and Staley , P . Z . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The election for Principals and officers then took place , with the following result : Comps . F . Smith , M . E . Z . ; Capt . Walls , H . ; Mussared , J . j G . Davis , P . Z ., S . E . j Harfeld , P . Z ., Treas . j Dr . Frye , S . N . j Hil ] s , P . S . j

Royal Arch.

Blakley , ist A . S . j and E . Mallet , Janitor . A Past Principal ' s jewel was unanimou .-ly voted to Comp . A . Hardv , M . E . Z . The S . E . read a letter that he had received lrom Comp . P . Robinson , P . Z ., acknowledging with thanks the honorary membership that had been conferred upon him . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth a few toasts were

proposed . "The Health of the First Principal " having been given , he duly responded . Inthe course of his remarks , he stated that he greatly regretted that there had not been any candidates during his year , and consequently no work to do , but in all other respects everything had passed off most satisfactorily . In giving " The Second and Third Principals , " the

M . li . Z . said that the chapter had that night elected to fill the important positions of First and Second Principals two old and respected Past Principals of that chapter . He felt confident that under their auspices No . 185 would flourish . Comps . F . Smith and T . C Walls having replied , the toast of "The S . E . and Treasurer" followed . The First Principal , in his speech , stated that he had to thank Comps G . Davis and Harfeld for the kind assistance

they had rendered him during the year . The chapter owed a great deal to those hird-working companions . This toast having been drunk with enthusiasm , Comp . Harfeld responded for himself and colleague in a witty speech . During the evening Comp . F . Smith , with the assistance of his son , gave some very charming instrumental and vocal selections .

Selwyn Chapter ( No . 1901 ) . —The regular convocation of this flourishing South London chapter was held at the Montpelier Hotel , Choumert-road , Peckham , on Thursday , the gth inst ., when there were present Comps . Walter Davies , M . E . Z . ; Edwin Gauntlett , H . j John Lightfoot , J . j W . H . Hook , P . Z ., Treas . ; Chas . Hy . Stone , S . E . j J . Evans , S . N . j H . R . Hobbs , P . S . j Fred . F . Ford , 2 nd A . S . j R . Weddall Thomas , D . C . ;

Thos . Bowler , J anitor ; E . Eagle , H . Hayward , L . E . Eagle , Frederick Pow , and C . A . Adams . The visitors were Comps . T . Grummant , P . Z . 1275 J R . J . Vincent , P . Z . 1329 , P . P . G . S . B . Middx . j Frank Swinford Smith , 31 S 2 j R . J . Voisey , P . Z ., M . E . Z . 1216 j VV . Wills , 2 nd A . S . 134 S ; Chas . Thomson , S . N . 121 ) 7 ; W . H . Mackley , 2 nd A . S . 2005 ; and G . Etheridge , 1329 . The minutes of the last convocation , December Sth , 1 S 92

were read and confirmed . Bro . C . A . Adams , already approved and balloted for , was entrusted and afterwards exalted into Royal Arch Masonry in a very able manner , the three lectures being most efficiently rehearsed . It was proposed by Comp . W . Davies , M . E . Z ., and seconded by Comp . Gauntlett , H ., "That the honorary membership of the chapter be conferred upon Comp . T . Grummant , P . Z . and Treas ., 1275 , for able services rendered before

and since the consecration . " This being put in most complimentary terms , was carried unanimously . Comp . Grummant thanked the companions for this mark of appreciation , which he considered a very great honour indeed . He had taken a great interest in the chapter from the very moment of its inception , and would continue to do so to the very best of his ability . He was confident of its success . A

volume of the Sacred Law was presented by Bro . Bowler , Janitor , for which he received the thanks ofthe companions , the M . E . Z . remarking it showed his kindly feelings towards the chapter . Letters of apology were read from Comps . Alford and Burkmar , and also one from Bro . Wimble , P . M . 1901 , hoping to be with the companions on the next convocation in April . The business of the chapter ended , it was closed , and the convocation adjourned .

Thc companions next partook ot an excellent supper , supplied by Comp . F . Pow , the proprietor , in his usual capital style . The cloth removed , thc toasts of " The Queen and R . A . Masonry , " together with that of "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . E . G . Z ., and thc rest of the Grand Ollieers , " were given and received in a thoroughly loyal manner . The M . E . Z . next gave the toast of " The Exaltee , " whom

he had known for many years , and one whom they were not ashamed of . All had noticed the progress he had made in the Craft in the Selwyn Lodge , and he heartily welcomed him into the chapter . His health had not been good , and he was very unwell then , but still had striven to be present that evening . All wished him better health , and gave him a hearty reception . In reply , Comp . Adams thanked the M . E . Z . for such flattering terms . He had been much impressed , and

wondered why he had not joined R . A . Masonry before . That ceremony had a most peculiar interest to him , it was the anniversary of his deceased father's natal day ( who was a firm supporter of R . A . M . ) , and also he was wearing his father ' s sash and apron . He trusted he should wear it and prove himself worthy in every sense .

The toast of "The M . E . Z . " was given in excellent style by Comp . Hook , P . Z ., Treas ., dilating upon his perfect working in the Craft and R . A . M ., and also to his kindly and painstaking manner and genial conduct , and the remark at close of the year would be , well done , good and faithful M . E . Z .

Ihe M . E . Z . thanked the companions most heartily for such a cordial greeting . lie would always do his duty in the way it should be done , and would never disgrace his position . He then referred to the 11 , and J ., of whom the companions were proud , for they had performed their respective duties most admirably . Both officers most suitably replied , trusting to emulate the M . E . Z ., and do their utmost to promote the chapter in

everyway . I he toast of " The Visitors " was given most cordially , and responded to by Comps . Voisey , Vincent , Thomson , and Wills . In proposing the toast of " The Treasurer and S . E ., " the M . E . Z . stated two better officers could not exist , and he was pleased to ask the companions to drink to their health . He had known their Treasurer for many years , anil the longer one knew him the more they loved him .

Thc toast of " I he Officers" followed in terms of strong approval and compliment upon their respective duties , and was responded to most suitably by all . The Janitor's toast closed a most enjoyable and instructive meeting . The evening was enlivened with some excellent harmony from Comps . Hook , Stone , Grummant , Frank Swinlord Smith , R . J . Voisey , Thomson , Etheridge , and Vincent , Comp . F . S . Smith ably presiding at the piano .

Royal Arch.

DONCASTER . St . Magdalen Chapter ( No . 242 ) . —The installation convocation was held in the St . George ' s Masonic Rooms , on Friday , the 24 th ult . Present : Comps . R . B . Ogle , M . E . Z . ; G . G . Wilkie , H . j S . Pegler , J . F . D . Walker , P . Z ., acting S . E . ; J . Constable , S . N . ; F Webb , P . S . ; F . J . Forth , H . A . Fenton , F . Rand , P . Z . ;

C . Woodhouse , acting Janitor ; H . Foster , C Goldthorpe , W . H . Chambers , and Ensor Drury , P . P . G . H . Visitor : Comp . J . V . Thomas , S . E . i 8 u 2 . The chapter having been opened , Comp . Elisor Drury . assisted by Comp . S . Pegler , actel as Installing Principals , and placed Comp . G . G . Wilkie in the chair of M . E . Z . ; Comp . S . Pegler in that of H ., and Comp . F . Webb , J , 1

The following officers were also invested : Comps . I . J , Forth , S . E . ; j . Constable , P . S . ; W . H . Chambers , S . N . ; E . Newsum , ist A . S . ; S . Lester , 2 nd A . S . ; G . Brooke , P . Z ., P . P . G . J ., Treas . ; and J . Hoist , Janitor . A vote of condolence was pissed to the relations of the

deceased Comp . T . Foster , S . E ., whose sad and sudden death had caused such grief among all the Doncaster brethren . After the usual congratulations , the chapter was closed , An excellent banquet took place in the ante-room , when the usual Masonic toasts followed .

LANCASTER . Rowley Chapter ( No . 1051 ) . —The regular meeting took place on Monday , the 20 th ult ., Comp . Relph , M . E . Z ., presiding . In the unavoidable absence of the Treasurer , the accounts were read by thc S . E ., and , being duly audited , were passed by the companions , afler a few complimentary remarks on the flourishing condition of the

chapter . The ballot was then taken for the election of officers for the ensuing year , and resulted as follows : Comps . Nuttall , M . E . Z . j Stanley , H . ; Willian , J . j R . Stanton , P . Z ., S . E . j Copstick , S . N . j Longman , P . P . G . P . S ., Treas . j Heald , P . S . J Nicholson , ist A . S . ; A . Gorton , 2 nd A . S . ; and B . Hamer , Janitor . The chapter was then closed .

OLDHAM . Tudor Chapter ( No . 277 ) . —The annual instal . lation of principals and investiture of officers took place on Monday , the 20 th ult ., at the Union Club . The chapter was opened by Comp . Thos . H . Duckworth , M . E . Z . The minutes of the last meeting were read and conlirmed . The ballot was taken for Bro . VV . E . Clegg , and proved

unanimously in his favour . The M . E . Z . then invited Comp . J . Hill Sillitoe , l ' . G . Std . Br ., P . P . G . H ., to occupy the chair , as he has done for many years at this occasion , in order to install the three Principals . He appointed as his Installing Officers Comps . A . Clegg , P . P . G . H ., as H ., and Wm . Edwards , P . P . A . G . D . C , as J . Comp . Hamlet Lees , H ., M . E . Z . elect , was presented by Comp . H . L .

Hollingworth , P . P . G . Treas ., as were Chas . Watson , as H ., and J . W . Mellor , as J . The impressive ceremonies were then proceeded with , and rendered in a style which we have never heard equalled . The following officers were then invested and addressed : Comps . Hamlet Lees , M . E . Z . ; C . Watson , II . ; J . C . Varley , S . E . ; 1 . Green , S . N . j 1 . Bottomley , P . S . ; 1 .

Hilton , ist A . S . ; John Chadwick , 2 nd A . S . ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . Z ., P . P . G . Treas ., Treasurer ; J . Broadbent and J . Wardle , Stewards ; and C . Green , Janitor . When " Hearty good wishes" had been expressed from Provincial Grand Chapter , the M . E . Z ., Comp . Hamlet Lees , said he desired before the meeting closed to accord a sincere and hearty vote of thanks to Comp . J . H . Sillitoe

for his kindness in coming to perform the installation ceremony that diy , and which he had accomplished in a most masterly and impressive manner . For himself , he felt by the way the ceremony was carried through that it added many beauties to the Royal Arch chapter . Comp . Sillitoe had come to install in the chapter for about 16 years , and they were greatly indebted to him , and hoped he would be

spared many , many years to come amongst them . Comp . Sillitoe , in a few kindly remarks , responded . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to a banquet , where the usual loyal and other toasts were given and responded to . The following were present : Comps . T . VV . Duckworth , M . E . Z ., ; Hamlet Lees , IL ; Chas . Watson , J . j J .

Bottomley , S . E . ; J . Green , S . N . j J . VV . Mellor , P . S . ; H . L . Hollingworth , P . Z ., Treas . j VV . Edwards , P . Z „ P . P . A . G . D . C . j Abraham Clegg , P . Z ., P . P . G . H . ; Jos . Braddock , P . Z . ; J . C . Varley , John Chadwick , F . Kelly , J . Dawson , Jno . Chad > vick , T . Partington . J . Wardle , !'•• B . Laycock , J . D . Kershaw , Jos .. Broadbent , Jas . Hilton , Chas . Green , vV . Taylor , Herbert Andrew , E . Heywood , J , H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . H . and P . Z ., and G . S . Smith , P . P . G . U .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Prince Leopold Lodge ( No . 238 ) . —This lodge met at Anderton's Ho . el , I'leet-street , on the 21 st ult . Amongst those in attendance were Bros . A . Clemow , W . M . ; VV . Harvey , S . W . ; Holroyd . J . W . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Treas . ; Capt . T . C Walls , P . P . G . W ., Sec ; C . Chauffourier , P . P . G . O ., I . P . M . ; T . O . Harding , M . A ., P . M . ; and the Rev . !<• C . Fillingham , B . A ., J . O . B-os . A . McDowall , P . A . G . D . C ,

and F . W . Driver , M . A ., P . G S ., were visitors . t The minutes of the previous meeting having been read ano confirmed , Bro . Harvey stated that he did not desire to be a candidate for the office of W . M , this year , and he hope " that the suffrages of the brethren would fall upon thc J . W The ballot was then taken , and Bro . Holroyd , J . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . j Hro . N . Prower , M . A ., P . M-i treasurer ; and Bro . Goddard , Tyler . Upon the propositi ;)" in

of Hro . Prower , Treasurer , the advancement fee was - creased to ii 3 S . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the VV . M .. and the report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . _ . The lodge vvas then closed , and the brethren adjournco to refreshment . The VV . M . presided most genially . .

Bro . Andrew McDowall replied on behalf of " lhe oranu Officers , Present and Past . " , „ The LP . M ., in proposing "The Health of the VV . M-, . said in the course of his remarks that a great number 01 Metropolitan Masons knew Bro . A . Clemow as one ol tn < - most kind and obliging of brethren . To know him was to like him .