Presentation To Bro. G. E. Fairchild A.G.D.C.

W . M . STII . ES , G . Treas .. and R . EVE , P . G . Treas ., responded . Bro . G . E . FAIRCHILD , A . G . D . C , proposed " The Chairman , " which was duly responded to , and the proceedings terminated . The Concord Part Singers had charge of the musical programme , and individually and collectively performed a varied selection that was heartily appreciated .

"The House Of The Hidden Places."

"THE HOUSE OF THE HIDDEN PLACES . "

The following letter may be of interest , having been addressed by a Roman Catholic priest and Professor of Theology to the author of " The House of the Hidden Places , " with reference to the review of that book in the Freemason .

" Many thanks for sending me a copy of the Freemason ' s review of your attractive and remarkable book . 1 , of course , know nothing of Freemasonry ( though I have followed what you say easily enough ) , but I have been greatly struck with the notice in question . For whereas the reviewer , writing evidently as an expert on that subject , ' strongly commends '

your book as containing matter of deep interest to his fellow Masons , I , on the other hand , as one whose special avocation is the study of Catholic theology , have been surprised beyond measure at the profound doctrine of the Catholic Faith , and the numerous illustrations of our own Scriptures , which seem to me , in reading your book , to have been foreshadowed

beneath the symbols of that most mysterious religion , almost as though we had in it the very ' Word of God , ' of which the Apostle speaks , ' the mystery which hath been hidden from ages to generations . ' " This double significance would be extraordinary

enough if your views on the subject were derived from the teaching of Catholicity , or from the secrets of Masonry , but its singularity is enhanced a hundredfold when one reflects that they come neither from one source nor the other , but from the records of ancient Egypt . "

The Annual Dinner Of The Perseverance Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1743.

THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE PERSEVERANCE LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1743 .

The fifth annual dinner of the above lodge of instruction was held at the Old Parr ' s Head , Knightriderstreet , on Monday , the 29 th ult . Bro . R . Poore , P . M .. presided , assisted by Bro . G . S . Daunton . After a most excellent and well-served dinner , which

reflected great credit on the host , Bro . Martin , a very extensive programme was commenced , beginning with the loyal toasts " The Queen , " " H . R . H ., the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " " The Deputy Grand Master , and Grand Officers Present and Past , " all of which were given with musical honours . Bro . Beadell sang " The White Squall . "

Bro . F . W . ROBINSON proposed the toast of "The Chairman , " after which Bro . J . Goddard sang "Soldier Jim " in a manner which delighted the assembly . The CHAIRMAN , in reply , next engaged the attention of the company . In his remarks , Bro . Poore expressed his opinion that the programme before him could not be disposed of unless the brethren were prepared to stay

far into the night . He , therefore , recommended brevity in the speeches in order that the brethren might avail themselves the more of the pleasure of listening to the talented artistes who had so kindly offered to entertain . Bro . Barry Lindon , now sang " The Deep Deep Sea , " his grand vocal powers and perfect rendering

greatly astonished a few who had not heard him before , and , needless to suy , pleased everyone . The toast of " The Visitors " was proposed by Bro . G . S . DAUNTON , who remarked that visitors to the lodge of instruction rarely came as such a second time for they invariably joined the roll of membership on their first visit .

A musical sketch by Bro . Edwin Henry Lough , entitled "The Silver Wedding" ( Grossmith ) was thoroughly appreciated . After the visitors had expressed their thanks and compliments , Bro . W . Perrins sang "The Island of Dreams " with a perfection thrit will make his effort long remembered by those who heard him .

The Perseverance Lodge of Instruction " was next proposed by Bro . CLAVTON and neatly lesponded to by Bro . F . HAINES . The widely-known Bro . A . B . Hopkins then gave a campanological entertainment in his usual inimitable manner ; as a ringer of bells he ringeth alone . Bro . W . INOI . IS proposed "The Preceptor" in

eulogistic terms . Here followed a duett " Love and War , " by Bros . Harry Lindon and J . Goddard . ' and also a song by Bro . Broadway . Bro . POORE , in his reply , urged the brethren to persuade all the Masons they knew to join a lodge of instruction and not onljoin but to attend regularly

, y , by so doing they could make themselves an ornament tu the ancient and honourable Institution of which they wereall so justly proud . firo . W . Perrinsthen sang "The Queen of the Earth . " fie next toast was that of " The Treasurer , " proposed by Bro . JOSEPH .

Ariotner musical sketch was here given by Bro . tdwin Henry Lough , "The Choking Smoking concert , " composed by himself . After Bro . J . W . MARTINDALE ' reply , Bro . Goddard Save another song . Bro . J .,. BELL , in proposing the toast of "The

The Annual Dinner Of The Perseverance Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1743.

Secretary , " spoke in complimentary terms of the efficient manner in which his duties were always carried out , and alluded specially to the careful arrangements which had been made for this dinner . Bro . G . S . DAUNTON , after a short speech in which he thanked the brethren for their courtesy and useful co-operation in conducting the business of the lodge

and providing such a splendid array of musical talent , read a letter from the widow of a late member , Bro . T . Franklin , P . M . 1662 , in which Mrs . Franklin asked for votes and influence to assist her to get one of her little gills into the Girls' School at the next election , she

being left with a family of five unprovided for . Bro . Daunton added that he had visited Mrs . Franklin since receiving the letter , and could bear testimony that the case was well worthy of support . This had the effect of drawing promises of a number of votes . A successful and pleasant evening was spent .

Our Portrait Gallery Of Worshipful Masters.

Our Portrait Gallery of Worshipful Masters .

BRO . H . J . MACFARLANE , W . M ., was initiated into Freemasonry in the Mozart , Lodge , No . 1929 , early in 1887 , being introduced by Bros . Dr . E . M . Lott and H . J . Lardner , both P . G . Officers—so he had a fairly good start . He has brought in many excellent candidates to that lodge in which he has filled

every office up to S . W ., which he now holds . He enjoys the respect and esteem of every brother of that lodge , and this was testified to about two years ago , when the late Bro . Col . Noel Money , Prov . G . M . Surrey , made him a handsome presentation on behalf of the lodge on the happy occasion of his marriage . Our brother is W . M . of the Mallet and Chisel Lodge ,

No . 5 , in the Mark , and was the last G . Organist appointed forthe Provinces of Middlesex and Surrey , and the M . W . Grand M . ister has been pleased to signify his approval of his nomination as Grand Steward for the coming year . Bro . Macfarlane joined the Egyptian Lodge in 1889 , and has served every office there since .

He has the highest interests of Freemasonry at heart , and has the good opinion and affection of every member of that lodge . He is a great lover of music , and considerably known in the musical world , and not inexperienced with the organ , having taken the services at St . Sepulchre ' s Church in the absence of Bro . Dr . Lott , the Organist .

The Goldsmiths' Benevolent Institution.

THE GOLDSMITHS' BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The 65 th annual festival dinner in connection with this institution took place at the Holborn Restaurant on Monday , the 29 th ult ., under the presidency of Mr . G . Matthey , F . R . S . ( the prime warden of the Goldsmiths' Company ) , who was supported , among others , by Bro . Colonel Lambert . V . D . ( the treasurer ) , to whom

the institution is indebted for many munificent donations . There were present also : Messrs . F . B . Thomas ( the president ) , V . Eady , W . C . Walker , H . L . Symonds , N . Jones , W . J . Hutchinson , Ridpath , H . C . Pearson , W . C . Smith , W . Waters , L . H . Whitehorn , J . H . Brinton , P . L . Robinson , W . Webber , W . R . Burwash , and B . Maskell ( the

secretary ) . The Goldsmiths' Benevolent Institution is one of those Charities which should never be permitted to languish for want of assistance , seeing that the majority of those engaged in the trade are wealthy men , while those who are not can at least afford to contribute something to the funds of the Institution . A small sum of money is paid to the pensioners in monthly

instalments , the age of eligibility being fixed at 55 years . In one important particular the Charity differs from others of a kindred character , inasmuch as noncontribution to the fund out of which relief is granted does not debar any worthy man or woman from participating in the benefits of the charity . Altogether since its foundation as many as " 523 persons have

The Goldsmiths' Benevolent Institution.

shared and enjoyed its advantages . Last year the receipts from all sources ( including a munificent life subscription of £ 500 from Mr . A . Roskell , and the balance of £ 352 brought forward from last year ) amounted to £ 3079 18 s . 66 ., while the sum paid to annuitants was ^ 1579 13 s . 66 . A further sum of ^ 810 was added to the investments , and the office expenses

of the year came to £ 26 7 19 s . id ., a balance of £ 102 thus remaining to be carried forward . Unfortunately at the last election only 10 candidates could be elected out of a total of 50 . At the festival on Monday , after the company had drunk the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , The CHAIRMAN proposed " Prosperity to the

Goldsmiths' Benevolent Institution . " At the outset he reminded his hearers that the invested funds of the institution amounted to . £ 28 , 000 , and then he alluded to the gratifying circumstance that , notwithstanding the fact that strikes had taken place in almost every trade , no strikes had occurred in theirs . On the contrary , the men had always remained loyal to their

employers , and he thought the fact was highly creditable to those engaged in the trade . In conclusion , the Chairman explained in detail the objects of the institution , and made a powerful speech for increased aid . The PRESIDENT followed with the toast of " The

Chairman , " who , he said , was the sixtieth Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company who had occupied the chair . Mr . Thomas then paid a graceful compliment to the Goldsmiths' Company for its consistent generosity and for its sustained interest in the welfare of the institution .

The CHAIRMAN responded to the toast , and then proposed " The Health of the President , " which was drunk in a bumper . Afterwards that of " The Treasurer" was honoured with the enthusiasm it deserved , as Bro . Colonel Lambert is a sincere friend to every Charity ( and their name is legion ) in which he takes an interest . This and much more that was

equally true was said by the Chairman of Colonel Lambert , whose name was received with three hearty cheers and " one cheer more . " Colonel LAMBERT , in his acknowledgment of the toast , entertained the company with some of his experiences while he had been employed in canvassing for the Institution . He said he had tramped from

St . Leonard ' s Church , Shoreditch , to Holborn without getting a shilling , and remarked that , while he was prepaied to admit that a great many of the tradesmen he visited did not sell gold , he believed they sold something very much like it . The toast of " The Trustees , " namely , Mr . J . W . Hunt , Mr . J . M . Garrard , and Mr . H . C . Lambert , was next drunk , and those of " The Stewards " and

" The Ladies " followed . The SECRETARY then announced the subscription list , which amounted to ^ 814 , and included £ 2 $ from the Chairman and the handsome sum of 100 guineas from Colonel Lambert . The last announcement was ma ^ e amid loud cheers . A selection of vocal music was rendered by Madame Marie Belval , Miss Susetta Fenn , Mr . S . Dunn , and Mr . J . Josey , while Mr . H . Tipper gave two melodious hand-bell solas .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . A . KIRK , P . P . S . G . W ., P . G . TREAS . ( R . A . ) , & c . On Tuesday , the 30 th ult ., at the Bank House , Gainsbro ' , the death of Bro . Alfred Kirk , who has been manager for the Lincoln and Lindsey Banking Company for 33 years , took place . Bro . Kirk , who had been in the employ of the bank for 53 years , had

been suffering since November from an internal complaint , and passed away in an unconscious state . Bro . Kirk was formerly manager at Horncastle Bank , and in Gainsbro' had been a very active member of society , having been identified with almost all the important movements in the town , social , sporting , & c . He was a speaker in the Amateur Parliament , an energetic

rowing club man , and a member of the parish choir when lirst surpliced . He held the highest Masonic offices open to him in the Province of Lincolnshire , and was Prov . Grand Treasurer ( R . A . ) at the time of his death . He was connected particularly with Epworth and Kirton , and having taken a prominent part in the Masonic consecration of St . John ' s Church , afterwards attended and read lessons there . He was

associated with cricket , football , amateur acting , and was a Conservative in politics , and his death will leave a vacancy hard to fill . He was interred in Gainsbro ' Cemetery on the 3 rd inst ., and the funeral was of a Masonic character , all the brethren possible appearing in Masonic clothing and every lodge in the neighbourhood being represented . His death is much regretted in the wide district where he was known .

THE PRINCESS OK WALES has very graciously consented to open a grand bazaar in aid of St . Mary's Hospital , Paddington , at the Portman Rooms , on Thursday , the 27 th June . THE Q UEEN of the Netherlands and the Queen Regent lunched " with the Prince and Princess of Wales , and the Princess Louise , Duchess of Fife , at Marlborough House ,

and subsequently visited the Duke and Duchess of Nork at York House , St . James ' s . In the evening their Majesties entertained at dinner the Lord Chamberlain ( Bro . Lord Carrington ) , the Netherlands Minister ( Baron Goltsteinj , and the Baroness Goltstein , Sir John McKelly , Lord Reay , Sir Horace and Lady Rumbold , and the Dutch Consul General and Consul .