Ancient And Accepted Rite.

by the way he had conducted the business of the chapter during the last year . He was proud of his brother , for he was a good brother , and had initiated him into Freemasonry , advanced him to the honourable Degree of Mark Master , exalted him to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason , and had that evening perfected him a Prince Rose Croix . It did not often occur that an elder brother

had the pleasure of conferring four Degrees of Masonry upon his youngest brother . Other toasts followed , and a truly happy an i enjoyable evening was spent . We are pleased to report that this chapter , after giving a donation to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls of io guineas and assisting a distressed brother , has a balance of £ 64 16 s . jd . in hand .

Red Cross Of Rome & Constantine.

Red Cross of Rome & Constantine .

PREMIER CONCLAVE . —This influential and prosperous conclave met at the Masonic Rooms , 16 a , Great Queen-street , on the 4 th inst . Among those in attendance we noticed Sir Knights H . J . Lardner , Asst . G . Recorder , M . P . S ., * W . Lake , V . E . ; G . Graveley , acting S . G . ; Heard , J . G . ; T . Cubitt , P . G . G ., Treas . ; John Mason , P . G . G ., Recorder ; H . H . Shirley , M . A ., P . M . P . S . , * T .

C . Walls , G . A ., P . M . P . S . ; Mickley , G . H ., P . M . P . S . ; Marsh , Hon . Mem . ; W . W . Codd , Pakes , Keyser , Robinson , N . Prower , M . A ., and Scurrah . Among the visitors were Sir Knights Bateman , G . R . Kent ; Graves , P . M . P . S . Plantaganet Conclave ; and others . The minutes of the previous conclave were read and confirmed . Sir Knight William Lake , V . E ., was

unanimously elected M . P . S .,- Sir Knight Heard , V . E .,- Sir Knight T . Cubitt re-elecfed Treasurer ; and Sir Knight Harrison elected Sentinel . A Past Sovereign's jewel vvas voted to Sir Knight H . J . Lardner for his past services . The conclave was then closed , and the sir knights adjourned to the Freemasons' Tavern' to banquet . Sir Knight Baron de Ferrieres , G . V . E ., responded on

behalf of "The Grand Sovereign and Viceroy E . " In the course of his speech he said how pleased he was to see Col . Sir FrancisBurdett looking so well that day in Grand Conclave . Their Grand Sovereign by his amiability won the hearts of all those he was brought in contact with . Personally , he felt highly honoured in being again unanimously elected Grand Viceroy . He hoped to be able

occasionally to visit both the town and country conclaves . He took a great interest in the Order , and he believed that it had a prosperous career before it . Sir Knights Dr . Woodman , G . T ., and Hogard , G . R ., responded on behalf of "The Grand Council . " The former said that the Order vvas not progressing quite so well as he should like to see it , but there vvas a little

depression just now in Masonic circles , and there vvas no doubt that when trade revived matters Masonic vvould revive also . He was particularly gratified to see their Grand Sovereign looking so well that day , and he felt flattered in being again unanimously re-elected their Grand Treasurer . Sir Knight Hogard gave a few interesting details in

connection with the Order during the past year . He had endeavoured to do his best in the position of Recorder to the Grand Conclave , and he would continue to do so as long as he had the honour of being appointed to that responsible post . In conclusion , he thanked the members of the Premier Conclave for the hearty way in vvhich they had co-operated with other conclaves in promoting the

interests of the Red Cross Order . Sir Knights T . C . Walls and Dr . Mickley also replied . Sir Knights H . H . Shirley and Heard responded on behalf of "The Grand Senate . " In proposing "The Health of the M . P . S ., " Sir Knight John Mason spoke in the highest terms of the working and general capabilities of Sir Knight H . J . Lardner . He said

that it had been to him a most pleasing duty to act as Recorder during his year of office , because everything had worked so easily and well . Sir Knight Lardner , in reply , expressed his gratitude to everymemberof the Premier Conclave for their kind support during his year of office . He particularly thanked Sir Knight H . H . Shirley for his active co-operation in working

the intricate rituals of their beautiful Order . Sir Knights Bateman and Graves responded on behalf of " The Visitors . " Sir Knights Mafon , Mickley , Walls , and Shirley replied fo "The Health of the Past Sovereigns . " The toast of "The M . P . S . elect" vvas warmly proposed by Sir Knight Lardner .

Sir Knight W . Lake , in reply , expressed his obligations to the sir knights for the great confidence they had displayed that day in electing him as their Sovereign for the ensuing year . As he had told them on a former occasion , he would do his utmost to carry out the working of the conclave ; but , as he could not hope to fulfill the duties unaided so well as many that had preceded him in the

chair , he should rely on the support ot Sir Knights Lardner , Shirley , Walls , and others in working the ceremonies . This he vvould say—that he would endeavour to enhance the prosperity of the conclave by the introduction of new members . Sir Knights T . Cubitt and J . Mason replied in happy terms to the toast of "The Treasurer and Recorder , " and Sir Knights Prower and Pakes for " The Officers . " The proceedings then terminated .

CHATHAM . —Pentangle Conclave ( No . 147 ) . —A meeting was held on Friday , the ist inst ., at the Sun Hotel , when there vvere present Sir Knights G . R . Cobham , D . C , M . P . S . ; D . Welsh , D . J . R ., V . E . ; H . Penfold , D . I . G ., P . S ., H . P . ; V . Brown , D . S . G ., P . S ., Treas . ; F . Wood , Intent .-Gen ., P . S . ; S . J . Brice , D . S . B ., S . G . ; J . W . Nash , D . S . B ., S . B . ; H . Spurrier , Herald ; and j . Orum , Sentinel . The conclave having been opened , Sir Knight D . Welsh

was presented for enthronement as M . P . S ., and Sir Knight S . J . Brice for consecration as V . E . The ceremony was performed in a most impressive manner by Sir Knight F . Wood , Intendent-General , assisted by Sir Knight H . Penfold , Deputy Intendent-General . The M . P . S . then invested and appointed his officers as follows : Sir Knights G . Church , S . G . ; J . W . Nash , J . G . ; H . Penfold , P . S ., High Prelate ; V . Brown , P . S ., Treas . ( elected ); G . R . Cobham , LP . S ., Recorder ; W . J . Wildish , Prefect ; H . Spurrier , Std . Br . ; and J . Orum , Sentinel ( elected ) .

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE ( No . 23 S ) . — This lodge met at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 19 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . T . O . Harding , W . C . N . ; F . H . Clemow , as J . ; F . Farrington , S . ; T . C Walls , P . W . C . N ., P . G . C , Scribe ; VV . E . Farrington , S . D . ; N . Prower , Chauffourier , Richards , T . Poore ( Hon . Mem . ) , Goddard , Warder , and others .

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . F . Farrington was elected as W . C . N , and Treas ., and Goddard , Warder . Bro . N . Prower was elected to represent the lodge as Steward at the Mark Benevolent Festival , 1 SS 9 . A vote of thanks vvas passed to Bro . T . O . Harding for his services as W . C . N , during the past year . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . A few toasts followed .

Cryptic Masonry.

Cryptic Masonry .

GRAND MASTER'S COUNCIL ( No . i ) .-A meeting of this council was held at the Masonic Hall , Red Lion-square , on the 22 nd ult . Among those present were Bros . G . Graveley , T . I . M . ; R . Loveland Loveland , J . P ., D . M . ; T . Poore , P . T . I . M ., as P . D . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . D . G . M ., & c , Recorder ; H . J . Lardner , C of G . ; B . Roy , Sentinel ; J . Brittain , J . N . Frye , D . P . Cama ,

J . J . Pakes , T . Clark , F . Graves , R . Goffin , and others . The minutes of the previous council having been read and confirmed , the ballot vvas taken on behalf of Bros . B . Stewart , H . Rogers , and the Rev . R . Peek , and it being unanimous , they vvere impressively admitted as members of the Cryptic Rite by the Thrice Illustrious Master . Bio . R . Loveland Loveland , J . P ., vvas unanimously elected

T . I . M . ; Bro . F . Davison , freas . ; and Bro . E . Mills , Outer Sentinel . A vote of thanks was passed to the T . I . M . for his services . The resignations of Bros . Cumberland , W . Poore , and the Rev . S . Moses , M . A ., vvere received with regret . It vvas unanimously resolved that the annual festival should be held on the third Thursday in May , at the Holborn Restaurant . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . Baron de

Ferrieres , Major Dunbar , Captain W . B . Williamson , J . P ., J . E . Anderson , Rev . T . W . Lemon , M . A ., H . H . Shirley , M . A ., G . Kenning , R . B . Bryant , T . Cubitt , Shilcock , and many others . The council was then closed in the Degree of Select Master , and the brethren adjourned to dine at the Holborn Restaurant . The T . I . M . presided most ably , and the proceedings terminated at an early hour .

Order Of The Secret Monitor.

Order of the Secret Monitor .

HORATIO SHIRLEY CONCLAVE ( No . 5 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous conclave was held at the Holborn Restaurant , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult . The members present included Bros . H . H . Shirley , S . R . ; George Kenning , C . ; E . C . Mulvey , P . S . R ., G . ; Dr . I . Zacharie , G . S . R . ; VV . J . Spratling , G . Recorder ; Major P . J . Dunbar , Treas . ; I . J . Pakes , G . Std ., Sec . ;

John Read , Org . ; E . Storr , C . B . Cooper , V . D . ; F . H . Weiss , V . D . ; J . J . Thomas , V . D . ; D . Stroud , Gr . ; Harry Tipper , H . C . Heard , J . Castello , J . T . Rowe , T . P . Dorman , G . V . Schofield , and others . Visitor : Bro . W . W . Lee , 11 . The conclave having been opened , the minutes were read andconfirmed . Bros . T . Cohu , W . M . 192 ; N . Defries , P . M .

185 ; G . J . Westheld , andH . F . Stewart vvereimpressively inducted into the Order . The Audit Committee's report , which vvas of a very satisfactory nature , was next received and adopted . Bro . W . J . Spratling , G . R ., then assumed the chair , and impressively installed Bro . George Kenning as S . R . The following officers vvere appointed and invested : Bros . E . C . Mulvey , C . ; Major P . J . Dunbar , G ., * J . J .

Pakes , Sec ; John Read , Org . ; E . Storr , Std . ; C . B . Cooper , F . H . Weiss , W . G . Weiss , and J . J . Thomas , V . D . 's ; T . P . Dorman , D . C . ; D . Stroud , Gr . ; Harry Tipper , Asst . Std . ; G . V . A . Schofield , A . D . C ; and Walkley , Sentinel . A Past Supreme Ruler's Jewel had been voted by the conclave , and , in presenting it , the S . R . said : 1

have much pleasure , Bro . Shirley , in being the medium of conveying to you the first Past Supreme Ruler's jewel presented in this conclave . It could not be started with a more worthy recipient , for all my brethren will agree vvith me that the decoration has been well-earned by good work in the conclave during your year of office . Bro . H . H . Shirley , I . P . S . R ., returned thanks for this

kind mark of esteem , which he should always wear with pleasure . During the last year he had used his endeavours to discharge his duties in an able manner , and in the future he should always be willing to exert himself for the benefit of the conclave . He had an agreeable task before him in asking the conclave to accept a banner . He had been so pleased with his promotion in the Order , that he

wished to mark the gratification it had afforded him , and therefore asked the members to accept a gift which would serve to render the ceremonies still more impressive . Bro . Geo . Kenning , S . R ., said : My next duty—and I can assure you it is a very agreeable one—is to tender to Bro . Shirley the hearty thanks of the members of the conclave for the handsome presentation he has

made to it . The banner will not only be " a thing of beauty , " but a "joy" to us , in that it will be a perpetual reminder of the generous donor and of his very successful year as Supreme Ruler . I know 1 am uttering the sentiments of all present when I say that we thank him most heartily . Several letters of regret for non-attendance having been

announced , the conclave was closed . The brethren having partaken of an excellent banquet , the usual toasts were heartily honoured . In giving ; "The Health of the G . S . R ., " Bro . George Kenning , S . R ., said : I have now to propose a toast

which I feel sure will be most heartily received—it is that of " The Supreme Ruler of the Order , Bro . Dr . Zacharie . " To him is due the honour and merit , not only of introducing it in a concrete form into this country , but of so fostering and promoting it , that in the short space of two or three years it has become

Order Of The Secret Monitor.

firmly established as a member of our great Masonic family . A great deal has been said latel y about the undue multiplication of Degrees andOrders , but it must notbe'forgotten that in multiplying Degrees we are not increasing the number of Masons , as the initial step must be taken by

initiation into Craft Masonry . The Orderof the Secret Monitor in this country vvill always be associated vvith the name of the Grand Supreme Ruler , Bro . Zacharie , and I am sure you will all join me in drinking cordially to this toast .

Bro . Dr . Zacharie , G . S . R ., having returned thanks , said he had been so unwell that he was afraid he should not be present , but knowing the work to be done , and being uncertain of Bro . Spratling ' s attendance , he made a desperate effort to attend . He congratulated the S . R . on the manner in vvhich the vvork had been done , for there was not a conclave in existence where it could be better performed .

He could not refrain from thanking Bro . Spratling , the G . Recorder , for the very impressive manner in which he had rendered the installation ceremony . At the next meeting some of the brethren would , no doubt , receive the Second Degree in this Order , which was now ready , and he could say that it was no sinecure to study out and perfect a new ceremony , but whatever had been done by the Grand

Officers had been done vvith the best of motives . He had no doubt this Second Degree vvould charm them , and they would look upon it in a manner different from any other Degree in Masonry . He again thanked them for their kindness in proposing and receiving his health . In giving " The Grand Officers , " the S . R . said : The next toast , although important , is not yet a very

comprehensive one—it is that of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Of the present vve can say that we have amongst them " men of light and leading" vvho have contributed largely to the prosperity of Freemasonry in general , and whose advice and counsel vvill , I feel sure , secure the lasting success of the Order of the Secret

Monitor . Of the Past Grand Officers I can say but little , they are so few ; but as they will , of necessity , be formed out of the material now composing the present , there is the strongest possible guarantee that the bulk will be equal to the samples . I give you the health of the Grand Officers , Present and Past .

Bro . W . J , Spratling , G . Recorder , thanked the brethren for the reception accorded the toast . The Grand Officers , if he was representative of them , had a great deal to do , and if they all tried as he did , to give satisfaction , they all tried hard . Bro . Philbrick had been the life of the Order , and every brother knew hoiv busy he vvas , and also how

ready he vvas to do the best he could for Masonry in general , and particularly for their Order . Amongst the Grand Officers they also numbered Bro . Col . Clerke , the Grand Secretary , and Bro . C F . Matier , and when those two were working in harmony the result vvas assured . He hoped that when they received the next Degree they would find it had been done well and would be satisfied .

Bros . H . H . Shirley and Major Dunbar also replied . Bro . H . H . Shirley , I . P . S . R ., said that the brethren , seeing the gavel in his possession , would know he was about to propose "The Health of the S . R ., " vvhich vvas a toast worthy of their heartiest support . Bro . George Kenning vvas a brother who , by their suffrages , had been elected to preside over them , and they could not have

made a more able and worthy selection . Their S . R . vvas known for his genial conduct , and , was a Mason distinguished in every branch and in every Degree , and had always used his best endeavours to promote the welfare and prosperity of the Order . It was , therefore , with pleasure that he had the honour of presenting the toast to them , and was sure that when the S . R .

vvas called upon to do the vvork—which would be at the next meeting , when there vvere four candidates for induction—he would have the opportunity of distinguishing himself in this Degree as he had in the other Degrees of Masonry . He vvas convinced that Bro . Kenning would have an exceedingly pleasant year of office , for he was not a tyro called to the chair for the first time , but a well-tried Mason . He had been associated with their newly-installed

S . R . for a number of years , and could tell the brethren that he had attained the 30 . They might gather from his remarks that Bro . Kenning was an experienced Mason , and that when he occupied the chair the honour and dignity of the Order would be safe . Their Supreme Ruler would pass the chair with distinction to himself and advantage to the brethren , and if any occupant of that chair vvould be deserving of a jewel it would be Bro . George Kenning , whose health he now had the pleasure of

proposing . Bro . George Kenning , S . R ., thanked the l . P . S . R . forthe kind remarks he had been pleased to make . Bro . Shirley had given him a good character , and he did not think he need say more than that he should do his best to deserve and maintain it . In giving " The Installing Officer , " Bro . Kenning said 1

—1 come now , brethren , to a most important toast , that of "The Installing Officer , Bro . Spratling . " If to Bro . Zacharie is due the honour of planting the Order on English soil , to Bro . Spratling is equally due the credit of so fostering and tending the plant that it has already begun to blossom into a vigorous tree . Of his ability in conducting the ceremony , you have been able to judge for

yourselves to-day , and I can bear testimony to the fact that his energy and powers of organisation have been invaluable to this Order . We are indeed fortunate in securing the aid of one so well able to carry out all the duties pertaining to his office . I have much pleasure in giving you the toast of the Installing Officer , Bro . Spratling . Bro . VV . J . Spratling , G . Reein response , said the

, S . R . had not only been installed , ibut had been commissioned to bear rule and sway wherever his ruling was necessary . They thought there vvas something in this Order that went straight to the hearts of the brethren , and that they could ex tract from it the quintessence of Masonry . They now numbered about 500 members , with 12 conclaves , 11 in working order and one not quite firmly established .

There had been an application from a brother going to Jamaica for a conclave , and there was likely to be an application for another near London . He expected to be asked shortly to go down to Northampton in respect to a new conclave . Bro . Lord Euston was workin" * hard in the

Order , and it vvas , therefore , bound to progress . He congratulated the S . R . on attaining the chair , and the officers by whom he vvas supported . ., In giving "The P . S . R ., " Bro . Kenning , S . R ., said : The next toast , I feel sure , will be received most heartily and enthusiastically ; it is that of "The Past Supreme