Annual Dinner Of The Langton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1673.

ANNUAL DINNER OF THE LANGTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1673 .

The annual dinner of the above lodge of instruction was held at ' the White Hart Tavern , Abchurch-lane , E . C , on Thursday , Dec . 20 th . Present : Bros . G . Smith , W . M . elect 14 , G . Stwd . ; F . Knight , 11 S 5 ; H . M . Hobbs , P . M . 2096 , P . J . G . W . Surrey ; C . VV . Mapleton , S . D .

256 ; J . S . Fraser , VV . M . 2096 ; A . Toulmein , J . W . 1503 ; E . M . Morris , 1 ; G . F . Marshall , P . M . 69 ; J . D . Langton , i , P . P . J . G . W . Surrey ; S . L . Webb , 1397 ; C . W . C . Webb , P . M . 1397 ; B . Gardner , J . D . 6 9 ; S . L . Smith , 1159 ; C . VV . Cornmell , 1159 ; R . C . Sudlow , 263 , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; G . Anderson , 60 ; and Edward Terry , P . M . 29 P . G . S . ( visitor ) .

, Previous to the dinner , the annual audit of the Langton Masonic Benevolent Association took place , of which Bro . H . M . Hobbs is Hon . Treasurer , and Bro . Gordon Smith , Hon . Secretary , Bros F . Knight and C . W . Mapleton being the Auditors . Since the formation of the Association in 1 SS 5 over £ 1000 has been collected for the benefit of the Masonic Charities .

It is one of the largest of these Associations , there being over 130 subscribing members . The present Association comes to an end in November next , when there is every reason to hope that a new one will be formed to carry on the good work with as much success as its predecessor .

After an excellent repast , provided by Bro . G . Anderson , the usual toasts for such an occasion were heartily given and responded to . Bro . Edward Terry gave an amusing sketch , and harmony , both musical and Masonic , completed the enjoyment of the evening .

Masonic Entertainment To The Aged Poor On Christmas Eve.

MASONIC ENTERTAINMENT TO THE AGED POOR ON CHRISTMAS EVE .

At the invitation of the officers and members of St . Kew Lodge , 1222 , about 350 of the aged and deserving poor of Weston-super-Mare were entertained to a meat tea and subsequent entertainment . About 40 of those to whom invitations had been extended were unable , by reason of their

infirmities , to put in a personal appearance at the Victoria Hall , but their little comforts were in no way neglected in consequence , those who were unable to attend being each presented with a good-sized packet of tea in addition to fare from the general board at their own homes . The cost of the entertainment was entirely defrayed by the brethren of the above-named lodge , and the duties of the tea tables

were respectively discharged by the following ladies—for the most part wives of the brethren of the mystic tiewho wore prettily designed badges of Masonic patternwhilst their " lords and masters " officiated as waiters , attired in evening dress , and wearing jewels representing the several offices they have filled : Mrs . G . H . Perrett , Mrs . E . S . Nunn , Mrs . VV . M . Fortv , Mrs . F . VV . S .

Wicksteed , Mrs . G . Fraser , Mrs . G . E . Alford , Mrs . VV . H . Wooler , Mrs . S . Lewis , Mrs . VV . E . Perrelt , sen ., Mrs . Tytherleigh , Mrs . W . E . Perrett , jun ., Mrs . G . Glossop , Mrs . T . Sellick . ' . Mrs . F . Blackmore , Mrs . W . B . Frampton , Mrs . E . S . Cole , Mrs . J . P . Curtis , Mrs . H . Butt , Mrs . A . J . Voung , Mrs . VV . H . Grey , Mis . Bartley , and Miss Wickham .

The repast was of a bountiful description , and having been thoroughly enjoyed , a capital vocal and instrumental entertainment was given by those intimately associated wiih the Order , which afforded thorough enjoyment to the venerable guests , whose post-prandial enjoyments included fragrant weed for the men and beer and non-intoxicants for both sexes , according to their respective tastes .

Inauguration Of Anew Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, At Torquay.

INAUGURATION OF ANEW ROYAL ARK MARINERS LODGE , AT TORQUAY .

On Wednesday , the 19 th Dec . ; in the Masonic Hall , the D . Prov . G . M . M . of Devonshire , Bro . C . Spence Bate , F . R . S ., inaugurated a new Royal Ark Mariners Lodge to be attached to the above lodge . An Ark Lodge being duly formed , 12 M . M . ' s were elevated to the Ancient and

Honourable Degree of Royal Ark Mariners by Bro . the Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A ., 31 , P . G . C . Eng ., the impressive ceremony being worked by Bro . Lemon with his usual ability Bro . John Lane , iS ° , P . S . G . O . Eng ., was then installed by Bro . Spence Bate as the first W . C . N , of the newly-formed lodge , who invested and appointed his officers as follows Bros . John Chapman , 1 S , j . ; John Dodge , S . ; T . Piust

bcribe ; VV . Taylor , iS * , S . D . ; T . H . Crossman , J . D . ; T . H . Wills , D . C . ; T . Brooks , Org . ; John Taylor , 1 S , G . ; T . Beckett , Stwd . ; and J . E . Newton , Warder . Bro . Spence Bate , in an eloquent and instructive speech , pointed out many interesting ftatures of the Degree , and

congratulated the brethren of Torquay upon their Masonic zeal and enthusiasm , the newly-inaugurated Iodge being only the second Ark Lodge in the large Province of Devon . Bro . Lemon also addiessed the brethren in an appropriatespeech , to which the newly-installed VV . C . N . suitably replied . The Ark Lodge was then closed .

Testimonial To Bro. Thomas Poore.

TESTIMONIAL TO BRO . THOMAS POORE .

On Friday , December 2 SH 1 , Ihe above woithy brother was presented with an illuminated address and a purse of money . The presentation took place at the Holborn Restaurant . Among the brethren present were Bros . Alfred Williams , C . E ., P . M ., Cha ' uman ; H . j . Lardner ,

P . M ., Treas . ; T . C . Walls , Sec . ; B . R . Bryant , acting Vice-chairman ( in the absence of Bro . D . P . Cama , P . G . Treas . ); G . Graveley , P . M . ; T . Clark , P . M . ; G . Allen , P . M . ; G . Lilley , P . M . ; E . Storr , P . M . ; R . Roy , M . A ., P . M . ; Richardson , P . M . ; Treves , P . M . ; T . Poore , P . M . ; and others . The address was beautifully illuminated and handsomely framed . It read as follows : "This illuminated vellum ,

together with a purse containing £ 229 6 s . Sd ., was presented to Bro . Thomas Poore , P . M ., P . Z , P . M . ( Mark ) , P . C . N . 1 S , & c , at the Holborn Restaurant on Friday , December 28 th , 18 SS , in consideration of the long services devoted by him to the cause of Freemasonry , and in recognition of his abilities as an energetic , talented , and courteous Preceptor . —Bros . A . Williams , Chairman ; D . P . Cama , Vice-Chairman ; H . J . Lardner , Treas . ;

Testimonial To Bro. Thomas Poore.

and T . C . Walls , Sec . Committee—Bros . G . Allen , J . E . Anderson , F . T . Bennett , B . R . Bryant , T . Clark , T . Cubitt , Baron de Fertieres . G . Graveley , G . Kenning , G . Lambert , G . Lilley , H . Lovegrnve , H . B . Marshall , J . L . Mather , C . F . Matier , G . ' VV . Marsden , jun ., W . R . Palmer , C . Pulman , H . H . Shirley , C . Slater , E . Storr , and R . J . Voisey . "

The brethren having dined , a few toasts were given . The CHAIRMAN , in presenting the testimonial , made a very eloquent speech upon the merits of the recipient . Bro . Poore , by his geniality and readiness at all times to assist brethren who were not so gifted as he was in matters Masonic , had endeared himself to those with whom he had been brought in contact . A great many brethren had subscribed to the testimonial , which on the whole was a very

handsome one . He ( the speaker ) was sorry that the gathering had not been more numerously attended , but the festive season was still at ils height , and no doubt many of the subscribers were filling engagements elsewhere . In conclusion he ( the Chairman ) trusted that Bro . Poore would live for many years to extend his circle of usefulness , and that the illuminated address would be cherished by him , and by those of his relatives who survived him , as an heirloom of more than ordinary interest .

Bro . POORE , who was greatly moved and unnerved , managed , however , to express his thanks most warmly to all those who had subscribed to the testimonial . "The Health of the Chairman" was given by Bro . LARDNER , and briefly acknowledged by Bro . WILLIAMS . Bro . BRYANT in flattering terms proposed the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " who duly acknowledged

the compliment . The latter announced that he had received apologies for non-attendance from Bros . Major G . Lambert , C . F . Matier , C . H . Driver , T . Cubitt , H . Lovegrove , G . Clark , jun ., Capt . J . E . Anderson , Capt . W . B . Williamson , J . P ., H . B . Marshall , J . P ., L . Steele , C . Slater , S . Parkhouse , C , Belton , J . Barnett , jun ., and many others . In conclusion , Bro . Walls said he wished

the brethren to know that they owed a debt of gratitude to Bro . George Kenning , who , in addition to having subscribed very liberally to the testimonial , had for nine months allowed an advertisement of some length , announcing subscriptions , & c , to appear in the columns of the Freemason gratuitously . It was then resolved unanimously— "That the best

thanks of the Committee are due , and be hereby given , to Bro . George Kenning for his consideration and kindness in thus furthering and enhancing the ' Poore Testimonial Fund . ' " A toast of thanks to the Vice-Chairman and Committee terminated the proceedings , which were throughout of a most enthusiastic character .

Rayal Arch.

Rayal Arch .

HUDDERSFIELD . —Chapter of Truth ( No , 251 ) . —A regular convocation of this chapter was held on Friday , ihe 21 st Dec , at Freemasons' Hall , Fitzwilliamstreet , when there were present Comps . W . H . Jessop , M . E . Z . ; J . B . Matthewman , H . ; J . Shoesmith , J . ; George Marshall , P . P . G . T ., Treas . ; J . W . Turner , P . P . G . S . B ., Scribe E . ; A . Armitage , Principal Soj . ;

George Jackson , 1 st Asst . Soj . ; H . Wood , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; George Hardy , J . ; R . Williamson , P . P . G . S . B . ; George Sykes , 200 , P . P . A . G . D . C ; and others . Bro . Samuel Crossley , of Lodge 521 , being balloted for was exalted by Comp . R . Williamson in an impressive manner , Comp . Turner acting Scribe N ., through the absence of that officer . We may take the present

opportunity of congratulating the chapter on the rapid strides it is making towards proficiency in its working , and we expect in a very short time to be able to congratulate it on being one of the best worked chapters in the Province of West Yorkshire . The chapter was then closed , and the companions

partook of plain , but substantial refreshment . The Royal and Arch toasts were duly honoured . " The Health of the Newly-Exalted Companion " was proposed by Comp . Turner , and was responded to in suitable and appreciative terms . The lectures will be given at the next convocation of the chapter .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

WHITEHAVEN . —Fletcher Lodge ( No 213 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , December 28 th , Bro . Brakenridge , VV . M ., P . J . G . D ., in the chair , and there were present Bros . Rev . J . Anderson , P . G . Chap ., S . W . ; G . Dalrymple . P . G . Sec , J . W . ; R . Shepherd , M . O . ; R . D . Metcalf , S . O . ; T . Blenkinsop ,

J . O . ; G . W . Roll , Reg . of M . and Sec ; B . Taylor , S . D . ; L . Taylor , I . G . ; J . Casson , Tyler ; and others . The minutes were read and confirmed , and one candidate balloted for and accepted . Bro . Rev . Jas . Anderson was elected W . M ., Bro . Geo . Dalrymple , Treasurer , and Bro . T . Richardson , Tyler , for the ensuing year . There being no further business , the Iodge was closed .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

ST . GEORGE'S PRECEPTORY ( No . 6 ) . — This preceptory held its usual meeting at the Albion , Aldersgate-street , on Friday , Dec . 21 st , when there were present Sir Knights P . H . Waterlow , as E . C ; W . G . Devey , Constable ; C F . Matier , Marshal ; R . Costa , H . j . Sparks , G . Cooper , J . L . Smith , W . E . Stewart , and F . T . Bennett . Visitors : Sir Knights Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sub-Prior ; F . A . Philbrick , Rudolph Glover , and W . A . Barrett .

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was received , adopted , and entered on the minutes . Bro . Jabez Church , W . M . 2104 , was then installed in an admirable manner by bir Knight Sparks . The election of E . C , Treasurer , and

Equerry resulted in Sir Knights Devey , G . Cooper , and T . Woodstock being respectively elected . Two companions were proposed as candidates , and two knights also were proposed as joining members . All business being over , the knights adjourned to an admirable banquet , served under the personal supervision of Mr . J . P . Swayne .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

GLOUCESTER . —St . Thomas Chapter ( No . 49 ) . —The installation meeting of this chapter was held on Friday , December 2 Sth , in the Masonic Hall , Bull Hotel . Ill Bro . C . Fendelow , 33 , Inspector-General , having been received , and the ordinary business of the chapter transacted , 111 . Bro . Northcott , 30 , the M . W . S ., vacated the chair to Bro . Fendelow , and by him the ceremony of

installing Bro . E . C . Sewell as M . W . S . for ihe ensuing year was impressively peiformed . The following were appointed officers of the chapter , viz .: HI . Bro . J . Walker , 30 , Prelate ; Bro . Major R . Rogers , 1 st Gen . ; III . Bro . J . Weston , 30 , 2 nd Gen . ; Bro . VV . Forth , G . M . ; Bro . A . C . Wheeler ( Mayor of Gloucester ) , R . ; III . Bro . R . V . Vassar-Smith , 31 ° , Recorder and Treas . ; and Bro . R .

P . Sumner , C . of G . Among others present were III . Bro . the Baron de Fenieres , 3 ' ° ; Bro . Dr . J . Partridge , P . M . W . S . ; 111 . Bro . G . Norman , 30 , P . M . W . S . ; and others . A vote of two guineas was passed towards the cost of the memorial window to be erected at Cheltenham to the late III . Bio . Brook-Smith , P . M . W . S . ; and the financial condition of the chapter generally was satisfactory .

Order Of The Secret Monitor.

Order of the Secret Monitor .

WINTER MEETING OF THE GRAND COUNCIL .

The winter meeting of the Grand Council of this Order was held at the Holborn Restaurant , on Monday , Dec . 17 , when the chair was occupied by the G . S . R ., Bro . Dr . Zacharie . He was supported by Bros . Col . Shadwell H . clerke , P . G . S . R . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . S . K . ; J . Levis

Thomas , D . R . L ) . ; the Earl of hust . m , G . G . ; Kcv . G . W . Wtldon , M . A ., G . V . ; W . G . Lemon , LL . D ., G . T . ; Col . Perry Godfrey , P . G . tj . B . ; Chas . Gros ~ , G . Gdr . ; Freok . West , G . C . ; Dr . A . E . Sansom , G . C . ; J- M . Collins , G . C ; 13 . Ninnis , P . G . C ; Horatio Shiiley , , P . G . C ; T . H . Tilton , P . G . C ; J . M . Kasume , Pies . Board of Grand Stewards , by special invitation ; and the

Grand Recorder , Bro . VV . opratling . I he G . S . R . opened the proceedings with the following statement : Pas ' Grand Supreme Rulers , Supreme Rulers , and Princes of the Order of the Secrtt Monitor—I rise to thank you for the kind manner in which you have assisted me during the last iS months in biinging our Order to the successful position which it n ., w holds in this country . It

is with pleasure I now inform you that during my term of office eleven new conclaves have been consecrated , and several others are ready to be ouened as soon as the Grand Officers can find opportunities to consecrate them . This , my brethren , speaks for itself of the prosperity of our Institutions . It is also with much pleasure that I iniorm you that all debts of the Grand Council have been paid ,

and that we have a good balance to our ctedit at our bankers . It is also my pleasing duty to inform you of the magnificent gift to the Grand Council of the Oruer—of a valuable set of consecrating vessels—by our worthy Past Grand Councillor , Bro . George Lambert , and 1 hope that a suitable acknowledgment of our appreciation of his handsome gift , signed by the Grand Officers , will be

forwarded him . My brethren—in the course of this meeting several measures will be brought under your notice , for the benefit of the Order , and I feel confident that you will give them all due and mature consideration . As your Supreme Grand Ruler , I do not wish to recommend any of them to you , but shall leave them all in your hands , feeling well assured that whatever you do will be for the good of our

Institution , and by your decisions our Order will lose none of its former lustre . A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Major Geo . Lambert , P . G . C , for his valuable present of a complete set of vessels for consecrating . The GRAND TREASURER announced a balance in hand of £ 61 163 . id ., after all liabilities were fully met .

The GRAND RECORDER reported that so great had been the demand for the Book of Constitutions that the first edition was exhausted . He was ordered to prepare a second edition . The revised ritual of the Second Degree ( that of Prince of the Order ) was referred to the Executive Committee for approval and publication .

The Executive Committee appointed for this and other purposes consist of Bros . J . Lewis Thomas , F . S . A . ; D . R . O . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , P . G . Chancellor ; W . G . Lemon , LL . D ., G . T . ; Rev . G . W . Weldon , M . A . G . V . ; and W . J . Spratling , B . Sc , G . Recorder ; who were authorised to make all arrangements for the Grand Festival of 1889 . Bro . G . W . Rowe was re-appointed Grand , Sentinel for

the ensuing year . The GRAND RECORDER reported that the G . S . R . had just issued a warrant for the constitution of the Queen ' s Westminster Conclave , No . 12 , which is to have Major Geo . Lambert for its first S . R ., and is to meet at the Criterion , and that other applications for conclaves were in hand .

Births, Marriages And Deaths.

Births , Marriages and Deaths .

BIRTHS . BATTERSBY . —December 30 th , at Rosery Gardens , S . VV ., the wite of the Rev . J . H . Battersby , of a son . BEAMAN . —December 29 th , at Townsend-road , Tottenham , the wife of G . H . Beaman , of a daughter .

MARRIAGES . ABBOTT—PARKER . —December 31 st , at St . Michael ' s Church , Beccles , Herbert Campbell , son of ihe late S . F . Abbott , of Lewestolt , to Kate daughter of C . F . Parkei- , Esq ,, The Grotto , Beccles . TURNER—CAMPION . —December 29 th , at St . Ann ' s , Highgate , A . Turner , of Southam , Warwickshire , to Louisa Alice , daughter of T . Campion , Coton , Oxon .

DEATHS . BENTLSF . —December 29 th , at Dover-place , Maidstone Caroline Bentlif , aged 73 . ' MARSHALL . —December 30 L 11 , at Bacton , Nor ' olk ( late of Scarborough ) , J . Marshall , aged 76 .