Belfast Masonic Charities.

cular Charity had , as they had heard , disbursed i . 464 , and they were told that the claims upon that fund were increasing . The other fund was one that especially appealed to everyone who had any of the responsibilities of life on their shoulders —he meant the fund that set before it the rendering of assistance to widows and orphans . Eighty-nine families had received help from this fund , and ^ 674 had been disbursed in helping those unfortunate persons Having dilated at considerable length on his subject , Bro . Parker proceeded as

follows : As a community , they could not exist for one moment without having brought home to them again and again the fact that there were members of their community , who , owing to no fault of their own , owing to those vicissitudes and changes that would take place in life , were not able to maintain the same financial position as they occupied before ; and no man holding the principles of Masonry should hold could for one momemt allow this state of things to exist without coming forward to the relief of their brethren . Hence Masonic Charities existed

everywhere , and hence the determination of Masons all the world over that the poor and distressed brother and the widow and the orphan of the deceased brother should be objects of their special care . It had been sometimes said : "You , Masons , run your Order at a great cost . You spend thousands of pounds upon your lodges and upon the working of your Institution , and the few hundreds that you give for Charitable purposes will not bear any proportion to what you give for the working of the Order . " Now , he was not going to say that there was not

Iruth in that , but he would be disposed to defend the Order from the point of view hc had taken a moment ago , if it were the case . Masonry , as he said , existed as a brotherhood of love , and Charity was an incidental thing in connection with it . At the same time , it was of such importance that they were met that evening in support of it . It was of such importance that Masons everywhere gave voluntarily and freely for the relief of the distressed brethren and the widows and orphans of the brethren passed away . They were specially interested in these two funds .

It was their bounden duty to maintain and support them ; and much as they had been enabled to do in the past there in that north-east corner of Ireland , he would venture to prophesy that those spared to meet again at that time twelve-month to celebrate the anniversary in 1 S 96 of these two funds , would be enabled to rejoice that that year had been the most prosperous year they had had . Bro . Rev . J . A . GREER , LL . D ., seconded the motion , which , it is needless to

say , was carried by acclamation . Bro . R . J . HILTON , J . P ., P . G . S ., in moving a vote of thanks to the Chairman , said he was the embodiment of what a true Mason should be . He had done an immensity of good by his painstaking care in seeing that everything in connection with the society was carried out in order and harmony , and he was the embodiment of a good ruler in Masonry .

Bro . J AMES M'CONNEI . L , P . P . G . S ., seconded the motion , which was cordially passed , and , the CHAIRMAN having suitably responded , the business portion of the proceedings concluded . The procession was reformed , and the brethren left the hall to unrobe , returning again in the garb of ordinary citizens to occupy the seats reserved for them .

The concert opened with a brilliant performance by the band of Rossini's " Semiramide , " which was followed by a beautiful rendering by the choir , consisting of one hundred voices , Bro . Leighton conducting , of Mactarren ' s "All is Still . " Bro . S . Whyte sang , with sympathy and effect , O . Barre ' s " The Shadow of the Cross , " the organ accompaniment of Bro . Hill enhancing the effect . The next item—unique in its character—was a duet for two flutes , and Messrs . J . Dickson and T . H . Ogilvie gave an artistic and tasteful interpretation of " Andante and

rondo , ' by Doppler . This is probably the first time a similar instrumental duet has been heard in Belfast , and the successful nature of the performance should make them be more in request , especially when they are given by skilful and competent musicians . Bro . W . E . Bullick sang , with taste and effect , Caryll ' s " Trifle not with love , " and , in response to acall , gave " Love's Request . " The feature of

the concert undoubtedly was Mrs . Whyte ' s rendering of Gounod's "Ave Maria . " The choir , who throughout gave evidence of careful training , having ] sung , with expression , Leslie ' s " The Lullaby of Life , " Bro . Whyte gave an effective rendering of Pinsuti ' s "The Night Watch , " Bro . Hill again assisting with the organ . Many other selections were given and applauded , and the proceedings concluded with the , Nationel Anthem .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 60 ) . —This distinguished lodge met on the 22 nd ult ., at Freemasons' Hall , Great Oueen-street , when there were present , among others , Bros . W . Masters , P . M ., P . G . Stwd ., W . M . ; W . H , Kempster , jun ., G . Stwd ., S . W . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . D . C , G . Stwd . nominate , J . W . ; H . Young , P . M ., P . G . S ., Treas . ; E . Rogers , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., P . G . Stwd ., Sec : Debenham ,

V . U ., J . D . ; Polenz , I . G . j Capt . T . C . Walls , P . G . Stwd ., G . Std . Br ., I . P . M . ; Chancellor . P . M ., P . G . Stwc * . j H . Slade , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; and Sir Albert Altman , C . C , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . Among the visitors were Bros . E . S . Lardner , Grand Stewards ' Lodge , P . G . S . j T . G . A . Burns , P . M . 23 ; V . Saillard , P . M . -2120 : H . W . Schartau , I ' . P . G . Org . Middlesex ; VV . J . Bayley , 1572 ; G . B . Davis , 202 S ; and R . S . Ayling , 2128 .

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . It was resolved , upon the W . M . 's suggestion , that the summer banquet should be held at the Mitre , Hampton Court , on Friday , June 28 th . The W . M . also generously expressed a wish that the brethren would accept his hospitality aboard a steam launch on an up-river excursion previous to the banquet . Some minor business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .

A banquet followed . Bro . VV . H . Kempster , jun ., G . Stwd ., responded on behalf of "The Grand Officers ; " Bros . E . S . Lardner , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . ; T . G . A . Burns , P . M . 23 ; and V . Saillard , P . M . 2120 , for "The Visitors ; " Sir A . Altman , P . M ., for * ' I'he Past Masters ; " and Bro . II . J . Lardner for " The Officers . " A most pleasant meeting was spent , thc pleasures of which were greatly enhanced hy the clever and humorous selections of Bro . Schartau , that " set the table in a roar . "

Clapton Lodge ( No . 1365)—The regular meeting of this prosperous lod ge was held at tbe Great Eastern Hotel , Liverpool-street , on Thursday , the 21 st ult ., when there were present : Bros . R . E . Fairclough , W . M . -, D . Campbell , I . P . M . ; C . £ . Luker , P . M ., acting S . W . ; A . H . Church , J . W . ; W . D . Church , P . M ., Sec ; F . C . Lintott , S . D . ; W . Banks , J . D . ; T . T . Gething , LG . ; R . Devereux , Org . ; Henry C Muckley and J . Holland , Stwds . ; W . Finch , P . M . ; A . Tucker , P . M . ; W . Forty , P . M . ; R . B . Chessum , E . Montague Edwards , R . C . Flint , F . J . Thayre ,

I . Dolman , H . ] . Dyer , John Parfitt , H . T . Holloway , M . G . Bate , H . C . Amendt , T . W . Vaughan , W . D . Seaton , P . Becker , E . J . Brooks , Dr . J . N . Bredin , K . C . Robin-«> n and j . Very , Tyler . Visitors : S . Jacobs , S . W . 2396 ; D . Oxley , P . M . 1306 ; f . Ukan , ' 1668 j ' E . J . Wickenden ; 1 . C . Nicholson , l' . M . 12 ; D . Marston , 1063 ; W . E . Sutton , P . M . 1799 , P . P . G . D " C Essex ; W . A . Finch ; J . E . Hill , 1460 : H . Chalcombe ; G . P . Taylor , W . M . 12 ; T . Feistal , 171 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .

After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting , the W . M . raised wo . R , B . Chessum and passed Bro . tl . J . Dyer , and afterwards initiated Mr . E . J . "rooks , ALA ., and subsequently gave the Antient Charge . Bro . Fairclough ' s working of the ritual was performed in a manner that it would be impossible to excel , and it was (" reatl y appreciated by the members and the visitors . Thc sum of 10 guineas was voted ' 0 be placed on th » . W . M . ' s list as Steward for the Boys ' . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the W . M ., who had presented to the lodge a die , which was a work of

Craft Masonry.

art , for the summonses . The W . M ., in appropriate terms acknowledged the two votes . Ten guineas was granted from the Benevolent Fund to a very deserving case of a brother stricken with paralysis . After other business was transacted , the Iodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned tc an excellent banquet which was well served , under the personal superintendence of Bro . P . Becker .

Tlie W . M . gave the customary loyal and Masonic toasts in brief but happy terms . In submitting the toast of "The Health of the W . M ., " Bro . D . Campbell , I . P . M ., stated that as the W . M . had intimated that the speeches should be brief , and although he felt he ought to speak at length , yet he would obey orders , and be content by observing that the lodge was a home lodge and a happy Iodge , and that in Bro . Fairclough they could not have a better Master , and they were proud of him .

Bro . Fairclough , W . AL , who had a hearty reception , stated that so long as he could meet with such a reception , and so long as he could do the work , which the members appeared to appreciate , so long would he be delighted to be the Master . The W . M . proposed "The Initiate , " remarking that it was the toast of the evening , and one that was always welcomed . He hoped and thought he would turn out a respected member of the lodge and a good Freemason .

Bro . E . J . Brooks , Al . A ., responded . He said it was a great pleasure to think of the honour they had paid him in electing him a Mason , but he was afraid he had given them a lot of trouble , but he hoped they would forgive him . In giving " The Visitors , " the W . M . stated that they were always delighted to have plenty of visitors . They had a good few that evening , and on behalf of the lodge he gave them a hearty welcome , and he hoped that if they were satisfied with the treatment they had received , they would come again and again .

Bro . D . Oxley , P . AI ., responded . If he might say so , none had worked harder than he had , but he had never seen better working than that of the W . AL , who had done the Three Degrees in a perfect manner . The Clapton Lodge was well known for its working , and Bro . Fairclough would certainly add to its reputation . Bro . W . E . Sutton , P . AI ., also replied , observing that the working that evening was marvellous , and it had been a happy surprise to him . Bro . J . E . Hill having responded , Bro . G . P . Taylor , W . AL , stated that the W . M . was one of the best woikers in the Aletropolis .

The Worshipful Master gave "The Masonic Charities , " which were the best in the world and should be supported by all . The Charity box was then sent round the banqueting table and £ 1 us . gd . was collected . In proposing "The I . P . M ., Bro . D . Campbell , and Past Alasters , " the Worshipful Master said they were often referred to as fossils , but he preferred to call them models , as they were all excellent , and in making special mention of Bro . Campbell he remarked that if he could succeed as he had he would be gratified , and he coupled his name with that of Bro . Finch , P . AL , the Preceptor of their lodge of instruction .

Bro . D . Campbell , P . M ., said that he was proud of the position , he held in the lodge , which bore a good character for its work , and he had done his best when in the chair and the W . M . was a great success . Bro . Finch , P . M ., also responded . As their Preceptor he was proud of the W . M . ' s working that evening which must , he thought , have impressed the initiate , and he urged all to join the lodge of instruction and qualify for office . The Worshipful Alaster proposed " The Treasurer and Secretary . " He regretted the absence of the Treasurer . In Bro . Church , P . M ., they had one of the best of Secretaries in the Alasonic world , and they owed him a great deal for what he had done for the lodge .

Bro . W . D . Church , P . M ., Sec , on rising to respond , was enthusiastically received . He appreciated the kind words of the VV . M ., and he thanked the brethren for their flattering greeting . In the unavoidable absence of the Treasurer , he had to li . l two offices that night , but he hoped he had kept within bounds . While he was the Secretary he would endeavour to do his duty and further the interests of the lodge . The W . M . gave "The Officers . " He said that no AIaster , however good , could carry out his duties without the assistance of his officers , and he was proud that his staff had done their part that night with perfection .

Ihe toast was acknowledged in some good speeches from Bros . Arthur Church , J . W . ; W . Banks , J . D . ; Gething , I . G . ; Devereux , Organist ,- and H . C Muckley , Steward .

The Tyler's toast brought a very successful and pleasant evening to a close . It is pleasing to record that the members present contributed , during the evening , the substantial sum of £ 49 to the Worshipful Master ' s list , as Steward for the Boys . Some excellent songs and recitations were well rendered by Bros . Ernest Hill , Banks , Arthur Church , Feistal , Forty , Becker , and Very , but a word of praise is due to Bros . A . Church , Hill , and Feistal for their great efforts .

Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge ( No . 2432 ) . — The fourth sessional meeting of this lodge was held at the Inns of Court Hotel , W . C , on Thursday , the 28 th ult ., when there was a larger attendance than usual , including Bros . G . Emblin , W . AL ; D . Phillips , S . W . ; T . W . Lightfoot , J . W . ; W . Klingenstein , Treas . ; A . F . Scholding , Sec ; W . F . Bates , C . Ransford , J . F . Pink , Thomas Rayner , W . H . Bullock , A . Pringle , G . Ransford , VV . C . Lightfoot , E . Granhert , O . C Moore , V . E . Thomson , R . Ambler , Alex . Jones , J . H . Butt , S . Alaier , IL C YVinter , Louis VVeenen , J . J . Woods , J . H . Custance , A . S . Benjamin , and H . Evenden , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . F . Stutfield , I . P . M . 144 ; T . S . Henson , S . W . 1996 ; E . Koenig , iSS ; I . L . Van Gilder , 205 ; A . Iszard , 2374 ; G . R . Brown , 2256 ; and G . II . Pizey , 2374 .

The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Air . Louis Weenan was , on the proposition of Bro . J . J . Woods , seconded by Bro . D . Phillips , balloted for and unanimously elected tor initiation , and being in attendance , the ceremony was ably performed by the VV . M . Letters regretting their inability to attend , were read from the Chaplain , Bro . Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C ., and Bro . William Alason Stiles , Grand Treas . elect . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to the banquet table , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

Bro . G . Ransford , LP . AL , in proposing "The Health of the Worshipful Master , " said the W . AL , his working , and all his excellent , genial qualities were so well-known that he did not propose taking up a lot of time to recapitulate them , especially as there were present a good muster of musical brethren , who would fill up the time much more agreeably . The lodge was fortunate in having such an excellent Master to preside over them .

Bro . Emblin , who met with a most enthusiastic reception on rising to reply , said Bro . Past Master Ransford , ollicers , and brethren , —It affords me very great pleasure to reply to this toast , so kindly proposed and heartily responded to . I have the interest of this lodge at heart . 1 am pleased to have initiated to night a brother who , I believe , will be a useful addition to our ranks , one that will stick to us and in tuns we shall be proud of . VVhen 1 was first asked to become one of the founders of this lodge , and saw the names of VV . Klingenstein , W . II . Bullock , and Adam Pringle amongst them , 1 knew it would be a good lodge . Well , it is a good lodge , and by introducing such an excellent candidate as we have initiated to-night , we shall keep it so . I propose " Ihe Health of the Initiate . "

Bro . VVeenen brielly expressed his pleasure and thanks for the cordial reception he had met with .

Bro . W . H . Bullock , replying for " The Past Al asters , ' said theie was one tnii g he thought ought to have been dune in the lodj-e , anu tnat vvas tj have passed a vote of thanks to th ; VV . M . and the Committee of the Ladies' Night , l ' lie W . Al nad achieved a great success , for the first time the ladies' night had not only been no expense to the lodge , but the ladies had thoroughly enjoyed it . He had heard no complaints but all praise . The attendance was far the largest they had had , and the W . M . deserved the best thanks and hearty congratulations of all concerned . As to the Past Masters , he was sorry he could not attend more regularly , but they did all they coul J for the lodge , and he thought the brethren had been well represented at the I'estLal ol the Old People by Bro . G . Kansford , whose list amounted to nearly i . 40 .

" Ihe Visitors" was the next t ., ast proposed uy me W .. YL , to ivhiJi ii « .-y ah on Hy replied , Bro . Stutlield observing that it had allurded him great pleasure tu near niu Worshipful Alaster ' s working , it was ( like his uwnj that taught by tiro . \ V . Al . Miles , and from visiting various lodges , he found it generally accepted as the correct vi raion of the ritual .

Bros . Lightfoot , J . W ., and Bates , J . D ., responded for " llic Odiccis . " The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close , the enjoyment ui the biuliiitu having been greatly enhanced by some excellent music and sones by Bros . J . F . Pink , F . E . Thomson , W . F . Bates , and O . C . Moore .