Opening Of A Masonic Temple At Plumstead.

whole length of the building is iSo feet . It has u other rooms , including a large billiard room , club room , kitchen , and wine cellars , a lift running through all the floe rs from the basement . The ceilings of the halls are so joisted as to form a dome-like structure . The windows are arched and groined into the roof in the upper room , which has proscenium arches , one broad eleptic in the centre , and a

semi-arch on either side , and when finished will be one of the handsomest halls outside the Metropolis . On the occasion in question the bare walls were hidden by flags kindly lent for the occasion by Bros . Col . Hughes , M . P ., and Capt . W . Weston , P . M . 1536 , and P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; the latter brother also provided several handsome designs in the shape of stars formed of sword bayonets , ramrods ,

& c , while banks of flowers both in the Iodge and banquet room added a rare charm to the place . The latter were placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr . G . Bryceson and Mr . Newman . For the especial accommodation of the ladies , of whom a large number were present , a temporary stand had been erected on the land exactly opposite the memorial stone , so they had every opportunity of

witnessing the spectacle in comfort . An orchestra , led by Bro . Robert Anderson , played selections during the banquet ; and the police regulations , under the superintendence of Bro . Inspector Clarke , were simply perfect . There was an immense attendance of spectators , and every coign of vantage in the neighbourhood was eagerly sought by young and old of all classes .

Shortly after 2 p . m . the Pattison Lodge , No . 913 , having been opened by the W . M ., Bro . C . H . Lawson , it wa *» announced that Bros . Earl Amherst , P . G . M ., J . S . Eastes , D . P . G . M ., and other brethren sought admission , and in due course his lordship , preceded by the ofiicers of the province present , in reverse order , entered the lodge and assumed the chair , the W . M . handing him the gavel for that

purpose . The Wardens then vacated their chairs to the Prov . G . Wardens , viz , Bros , the Rev . Hayman Cummings , M . A ., P . S . G . W ., and H . Penfold , P . J . G . W . Bro . H . Ward , P . J . G . W ., acting as D . C , then called upon the brethren to salute the P . G . M . with the honours of nine , which was followed by the D . P . G . M . being saluted with the honours of five .

The P . G . M . then rose and briefly addressed tbe brethren . He expressed his satisfaction at witnessing so large a gathering of Freemasons to inaugurate a new home for Masoniy in the provir . ee . ltwas a good omen to see these horn s springing up on every side , but nowhere did they so much abound and flourish as in the Province of Kent . He trusted that that splendid building would be the

stronghold of the Pattison and United Military Lodges for generations to come . A procession was then formed . His lordship was then conducted to the south-west corner of the building , where the inscription stone hung poised ready for his handiwork . Lord Amherst and the wholeof the brethren were attired in Masonic costume . and , there being between two and three

hundred of them , the spectacle was an imposing one , which appeared greatly to interest the spectators , who crowded the adjacent thoroughfares , and hung from every window of the surrounding houses . Bro . F . Tyler , Org . 913 , the Organist of the lodge , led an efficient choir , and was assisted by Mr . W . Wells and a well selected orchestra . Afterthe brethren had taken up their allotted positions the

looth Psalm was sung , and Bro . Butter then presented a silver trowel to the Prov . Grand Master , and invited him to lay the stone . The Prov . Grand Chap ., Bro . the Rev . T . A . Curties , M . A ., F . S . A ., then offered prayer , and the brethren entrusted with the coins and newspapers deposited them in the cavity under the stone . Thereupon his lordship spi ead the mortar , and ordered ihe stone to be lowered

which was done very slowly , the choir the while singing an anthem , in which solos were taken by Bros . Clifton and Ledger . The stone having been tried by plumb , level , and square , and declared truly laid , Earl Amherst scattered upon it the corn as an emblem of plenty , then poured wine upon it as earnest of joy and gladness , and oil as an assurance of peace and harmony . AU present then chanted

the 150 th Psalm , and the Piov . Grand Master , after examining the plans , presented the tools ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , London ) , which he had used to the builder , Bro . Coombs . After this , the National Anthem was sung by the whole assembly , and the D . C . called for thiee cheers for "Tlie Queen , " which was heartily responded toby the vast assembly , and the brethren

then returned to the lodge room , where the business of the day was concluded . Luncheon was served in the upper hall for about 200 guests , many of whom were ladies , but all who had failed to provide themselves with tickets before-hand were doomed to disappointment , the demand being so much in excess of expectation . It was admirably served by Bro .

Mason , P . M ., and gave unlimited satisfaction . Bro . H . J . BUTTER , Chairman of the Masonic Buildings Company , presided at the banquet , but was unfortunately suffering from a temporary loss of voice . In a few words , which were scarcely audible , he apologised for his infirmity , and transferred to the brethren around him the duty of proposing the various toastsother than the

, leading toast of "The Queen and the Craft , " which he himself gave from the chair . Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINGS proposed "H . R . H . the Prince of _ Wales , " expressing the delight which every Mason enjoyed in having at their head such an excellent Grand Master , and the admiiation of the whole Craft of his devotion amid so many avocations to the business of

this vast and magnificent Order . The Prov . G . Chaplain , Bro . CURTIS , proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , and the remainder of the Grand Officers . " The toast was acknowledged by Bro . KELLY THORPE , P . G . Treas ., P . G . S . B . Eng ., who hailed with gratification the new departure in Freemasonry which had been

taken by the brethren in Plumstead . Bro . LAWSON , W . M . Pattison Lodge , having expressed his regret at the inability of the chairman to propose the next toast , gave "The Health of the R . W . Piov . Grand Master , Earl Amherst . " His lordshi p had not only ruled over the province for 2 ! years , but had closely ,

industiiously , and unfailingly identified himself with the interests of the Craft , and had endeared himself to Freemasons wherever his name was heard . Those now assembled welcomed his lordship among them with joy and gratitude , and their respect and affection for him would be refreshed and renewed by the proceedings of that auspicious day . Earl AMHERST , addressing the guests as "Ladies and brethren , " observed that he was somewhat perplexed by

Opening Of A Masonic Temple At Plumstead.

the peculiar circumstance of having to address a Masonic gathering in the presence of the ladies . He was heartily glad , however , to see such a happy addition to their strength , and would say . in reply to the toast , no more than that the duties of carrying on the affairs of a a large province like that involved of necessity some labour , time , and trouble , for which he was fully rewarded by the support

and assistance which he received from every one of his brethren . For the work they did he claimed the ladies ' sympathy , seeing that the be-all and end-all of their efforts was Charity—the virtue implanted in every true woman ' s heait . Whether the day would ever come when Freemasonry would open [ its doors to the ladies he could not foretell , and it was impossible to say to what extent the

gentler sex would profit by the example of their sister in the clock-case , but he was sure that , whether within or without the borders of Freemasonry , there would be no more devoted supporters of the good cause than the ladies . He had never presided at a meeting which gave him more pleasure than this , and he congratulated the town and neighbourhood on the possession of an edifice

which could not fail to be an ornament and convenience , and of especial service to the cause of Ereemasoniy . Bro . Col . HUGHES , M . P ., proposed the toast of "The Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Eastes , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , " and , after commenting upon the

distinguished array of brethren assembled from all parts of the province , heartily complimented the founders of the building , the architect , and all concerned in their speedy and successful efforts . He was gratified at seeing such a place in the parish in which he lived , and thanked the brethren who had honoured them by being present upon so joyful an occasion .

Bro . EASTES , in response , said he was proud to see what the Masons had accomplished in that part of the province , ancl congratulated them on having acquired so noble and useful a building . He also rejoiced in the knowledge he possessed of the zeal and earnestness which animated the brethren of those parts , of their great and prospeious lodges , and their devoion to the true tenets of the Order .

He foresaw that that noble house would give yet another impetus to the cause of Freemasonry in that district ; that many more good and excellent brethren would be made within its walls ; and that the lodges of Plumstead would be nourished and strengthened therein , growing still stronger and more influential and more fervent in the cause which was centred in the heart of every honest Mason .

Earl AMHERST next proposed "The Board of Directors , " remaiking that it must have needed no slight determination to undertake , to plan , and to create such an extensive work , and that the financial difficulties alone must have demanded great courage . He hoped they would lind sufficient funds to complete the building without incumbrance , and did not doubt that the spiiit which had

accomplished so much would carry on the work to the end . He understood that the building was not to be restricted to Masonic uses , and had no doubt that the whole of the neighbourhood would appreciate and take advantage of it . He expressed sincere regret that Bio . Butter , whose energy and eloquence were so well known , should have been debarred on the day of his especial triumph from joining in their

exclamations of rejoicing , but they could all heartily congratulate him upon the encouraging progress and hopeful promise of his work . Bro . R . J . COOK , P . M ., Deputy Chairman , responded tc the toast , and expressed a hope that before the day concluded all the necessary funds would be obtained to complete the decoration and furnishing of their temple .

Bro . A . PENFOLD , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . of the Pattison Lodge , " and attributed to his energy and good management much of the success uf their undertaking . It was a work in which all who shared might feel a laudable pride , for they had done something to leave a mark on time , and to hand down to posterity a monument which would show the kind of Masons they had in the

present generation . Bro . LAWSON , W . M ., in reply , observed that the past year had been an anxious and trying one , especially to the brethren of the Pattison Lodge . It was no light obligation to incur the responsibilities of a work entailing a cost of three or four thousand pounds , but they had been generously supported by the brethren , and he had never » one to

a lodge for help and come empty away . Funds had been found sufficient so far , and a 1 they wanted vvas about £ 700 to complete . When he remembered that on one night the Pattison Lodge alone subscribed £ 800 , he did not despair of raising the required amount tnat very day . Bro . J J . COLLINS , speaking from the lower end of Ihe hall , said that he and his brethren had been at work there ,

and he read out a list of subscribers for new shares to the value of £ 250 . Bro . LAWSON said he also had subscribers for £ 100 at his end of the room , and added that no doubt the advanced state and noble aspect of their temple would encourage all the help they needed . He said they had been very happy in their architect , Bro . Johnson , and their builderBro .

, Coombs , both of whom had been selected without favour by public competition , and had done their woik conscientiously and well . He proposed their health , which was very heartily given . Bro . J . J OHNSON , in his response , said it had been his ambition to plan a Masonic temple , and he was much gratified at the slyle in which the work was progressing .

Bro . COOMBS also responded . Bro . KEEBLE , J . VV ., proposed "The Ladies , " remarking that many of them had been so much struck with the day ' s experiences that they were talking of jcining a lodge to be called " The Pattison Lodge for Ladies . " That was , of course , on condition that they had the approval of tbe Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master , whom they were all

so glad to welcome , and would like to see again very soon . The ladies would give him a good excuse if he would come and open their lodge , and there was only one point about which they hesitated , which was how to keep the secrets . They thought of having a saving clause by which they should be allowed to tell each other , with a strict injunction that it should go no further . But that was the difficulty that stopped them for the present .

"The Visitors" having been toasted , Bro . H . GREEN , P . G . R . Kent , responded , and the proceedings were brought to a close with a cordial toast to "The Health of the Chairman . " Bros . Batchelor , Clifton , Ledger , and others contributed songs , and the orchestra performed selections between the speeches , and during the evening a dance was improvised in the lower hall , at which the younger brethren " and their

Opening Of A Masonic Temple At Plumstead.

belongings footed it merrily til ] 10 p . m . The whole affai was most successful and enjoyable , and reflected _(/ highest credit upon the Stewards and Committee , heatV by Bros . Lawson and Mason . a Among the other brethren present whose names werein the attendance book were : Bros . Rev . R . Jamblin , M 4 P . M . 18 37 , P . P . G . Chap . ; J . Brock , P . M . 299 , P . S . G A

W . Greig , W . M . 299 , P . G . P . ; G . Kenneday , P . M . ,,, V P . G . Stwd . ; J . Aillud , P . M . 615 , P . P . G . D . C ; Col A Richardson , P . M . 1331 , P . P . G . R . Hants ; W . G . Batcheinr P . M . 54 S , P . P . G . S . B . Surrey ; Capt . G . Spink , P . M . 153 , 6 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; E . West , P . M . , A P . P . S . G . D . Herts ; T . Hastings , P . M . S 29 , P . P . G pi R . Pidcock , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . Sussex ; Joseph S ' o ' rcV

P . M . 1107 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; N . Martin , P . M . 2 r * n P . P . S . G . D . ; N . Brown , P . M . ; H . Syer , P . M . ; Q ff Milbourne , W . M . ; W . Tailby , S . W . ; S . Appleb y . W Warren , L . Chasteaneuf , S . D . ; and J . Dixon , of n . R . J . Naylor , W . M . ; J . Warren , P . M . ; J . H . Robert , ' P . M . ; J . Sanderson , P . M . ; J . Wilkins , P . M . ; r ' Sweeting , P . M . ; J . Rowland , P . M . ; T . Ovenden ' P . M . ; W . Webber , I . W .: S . Southgate , S . D .- 1 '

McCollough , J . D . ; W . Lawson , A . D . C ; A . Webb A . Mitchell , Dr . I . Tees , T . Wray , H . Tufnell , H . Ported B . J . Hancock , G . N . Nichols , H . Pamment , and G T Taylor , of 700 ; W . Doddrell , W . M . ; G . Mitchell , P M ' andH . King , S . W . of 615 ; Dr . H . Burney , P . M . I c ' Mutch , P . M . ; F . G . Nichols , W . M . ; Capt . J . Sculley ' P . M . ; and G . Austin , J . W ., of 706 ; W . Moulds , P . M

( Juartermaster Rankin , A . Murdock , J . VV . ; H . Fxonj , W . Garrison , W . Musquin , and J . D . Rollinson , of 153 d W . Hewett , J . W . 957 ; H . Lawson , J . D . 17 S 0 ; G , ' Groves , 17 S 9 ; T . Reeves , Stwd . 1472 ; J . Coombes , P . M [ S 29 ; H . Martin , 829 ; G . W . Kenneday , 829 ; R , Roberts , 742 ; J . Johnston , H . W . Church , 1973 ; K . \\ i Carter , P . M . 858 ; S . Horton , T . H . Day , 1227 ; I .

Manger , 1260 ; J . Mason , 1567 ; H . Hickman , 1662 J . McGiigor , W . T . Vincent , P . M . ; T . Barry , P . M , C . Jolly , P . M . ( Hon . Member ); W . Sanders , I . G . j Dr . E . Bryceson , and C . J . Clapham , Stwd ., of 913 ; } ' Larder , Tyler ; W . Lock , C . Hartnup , W . Young , | . Hooton , R . Ginman , D . C . Capon , A . Wallis , J . c , Mitchell , H . Barrett , D . Davis , W . F . Heyward , J . F . Franklin , W . Harris , R . Turrell , W . Rahtz , H . Malines ,

G . H . Letton , E . M . Tajdor , W . T . Buckley , G . Ivosr , G . Laurance , F . Estler , C . Hager , A . D . Capon ^ VV . B , Ledger , H . Grafton , D . K . Somers , J . Farrier , E . Lewis , A . Moore , W . C . Taylor , A . W . Jackson , G . H . Campbell , C . W . Scantlebury , G . W . Clifton , J . O . Cook , W . H . Pryce , H . Stewart , J . J . Collins , F . Hoar , VV . Batchelor , G . W . Foster , R . Hammond , L . Mills , W . Murphy , J . Widger , Bull , and others , all of the lodge .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The regular monthly meeting was held at Freemasons ' Hall on Saturday last . Bro . Richard Eve , Past G . Treas ., presided , and , owing to its . being the day appointed for the election of the House and . Audit Committees for the ensuing year , ihe attendance was an unusually full one .

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and verified , and those of the House Committee having been read for information , Scrutineers were appointed for the election , and Bro . J . A . Farnfield , P . A . G . D . C , haying been pioposed as Chairman for the purpose of the scrutiny , seven petitions were considered , six of them being the

accepted and the names ordered to be entered on list for the October election , while the remaining one was deferred . Two applications for grants towards outfit were favourably entertained , and the Secretary announced the receipt Irom Grand Lodge " of £ 1000 , being the second moiety of

the grant made last year in commemoration of the Quetn s Jubilee . . The poll , which closed at 5 p . m ., was declared shortly afterwards , with the result that the remaining 11 members of last year ' s House Committee , together with Bro . John Wordsworth in place of the late Bro . Edgar Bowyer , were elected by an overwhelming majority of votes , the

opposition poll reaching 39 , while the numbers for the individual members of the new Committee ranged from 179 '" 171 . The old Audit Committee was also re-ele . , . . ' ! . } majority almost equally great , the numbers for indiviaua members ranging from 173 to 160 , while the outside canaldate polled 37 . , ,, „„ the

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated p * o cetdings . The following is a list of those elected : — „ , House Committee . —Bros . Charles Belton , A . J- W ™ son , M . P ., H . W . Hunt , J L . Mather , James Moon , 1 Hastings Miller , T . lovce Murray , William Paas , I * . vv .

Ramsay , M . D ., Dudley Rolls , Henry Venn , ana j """ Wordsworth , _ - Wtt Finance and Audit Committee . — -Bros . Thomas | * - " - "' G . P . Gillard , H . S . Goodall , T . Griffiths , C . F . p ° f ' > William Maple , S . Richardson . C . E . Soppet , and Henry Young .

Presentations To Bro. W. H. Wooldridge.

PRESENTATIONS TO BRO . W . H . WOOLDRIDGE .

On the occasion of his marriage with Miss MitchtA daughter of the late Col . Mitchell , a distinguished oro . ^ in her Majesty's Indian Army , several presentations ^ public or semi-public nature have been made to a . ^ esict ¦•

H . Wooldridge , 1869 , testifying to the hign * ' » __ , ;„ he is held by those with whom he has been associa ^ various capacities . One of these presentations too v at the Bugle Hotel , Newport , Isle of Wight , on bacui ^ afternoon , the 19 th ult ., when Bro . While-Popm » n > behalf of the Council of the Isle of Wight Gonserv * lem

Association , presented Bro . Wooldridge with a - ** fine clock . ¦ ; OTa lu-In so doing Bro . WHITE-POPHAM referred to' "A ' ^ ge able services which , during many years , Bro . > ' , ] had rendered to the Conservative cause in the is *** * * . > ( he to the warm esteem in which he was held , not 0 * A | ate d i

party , but by all who knew him . Me nearuiy *»» . . fflte him on his marriage , and cordially wished him an every happiness and prosperity . , . 1 c 'i \ vA ( Bro . WOOLDRIDGE thanked them one and a » great kindness . . . , , * lth tl * The clock , which is a repeating one , is ntceo ^^ Westminster and Cambridge chimes , The case