Bro. W. J. Hughan, P.G.D.

will be the subject of many criticisms that are likely to be all the more elaborate , as well as more searching , from the fact that the question of Degrees is one respecting which there are many and crave divergencies of opinion . But in addition to the works

lie has written or compiled on his own account , there are but few relating to Masonry by other authors to which he has not been invited to write an Introductory Chapter , and in this way he has acted the part of sponsor to nearly the whole of the Masonic

literature which has been published m England during the last quarter of a century . There are , indeed , sundry works by American authors for which he has done this service , prominent among them being the " History of the Ancient and Honourable

Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons and Concordant Orders , " written by a Board of Editors , and published at Boston and New York , U . S . A ., by the Fraternity Publishing Company , and in London by GEORGE KENNING , 16 , Great Queen-street ,

W . C . Of this important History Bro . HUGHAN is the European Editor , and in this capacity he has written " The Introduction . " He is also in regular correspondence with all the literary Masons and Masonic Societies in the United States and throughout

the British Colonies , nor is there adebateable question of serious moment on which he is not consulted , and in respect of which his opinion , when given , is not held in the greatest respect , while in most instances it is looked upon as determining the

point at issue . Lastly , he is a frequent lecturer on Masonic subjects , and as he lectures without notes , is fluent in bis delivery , and both invites and takes part in any discussion that may follow , it is almost superfluous for us to say that his

presence in the lodge or lecture-hall is always most cordially welcomed , while his utterances are listened to with the utmost attention and respect . In fine , whether we regard Bro . HuGUAN as the active member of lodges , chapters , councils , conclaves ,

and preceptories ; as a Provincial Grand Officer and Grand Officer ; as the willing supporter of our Institutions ; as the voluntary contributor to Masonic journals and the author of many works of high repute among learned Craftsmen ; as the

ready adviser of literary brethren and societies , or as the facile and learned expositor of every variety of Masonic question of interest—in all these characters , whether taken severally or collectively , we find him ever the same true and faithful and

learned brother among us . He is a foremost member—if , indeed , he is not the founder—of that school of Masonic students and writers which never allows its imagination to get

the upper hand of its reason and common sense , and we trust that for many years he may be spared to enlighten the Masonic world in respect of the numerous difficult problems which still remain unsolved .

Consecration Of The Zodiac Lodge, No. 2615.

CONSECRATION OF THE ZODIAC LODGE , No . 2615 .

Not an easy task is the founding of a new lodge , more especially in the London district , unless good and sufficient reasons can be obtained ,-such as will satisfy H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Grand Master of the Order , that the actual necessity exists for the proposed lodge . That sufficient reason had been shown Bro . E . Letchworth , F . S . A ., Grand

Secretary , for the existence of a new lodge at East Ham , E ., and that the reasons adduced were sufficient for that distinguished brother to recommend our Royal Grand Master to sanction the founding of such a lodge was

sufficientl y evidenced on Wednesday , the ist instant , when , in the presence , and with the assistance of , a targe and distinguished body of Masons , the Zodiac Lodge was solemnly consecrated and declared by the Consecratirg Officer , Bro . E . Letchworth , duly empowered to make Masons , under the

warrant of the Grand Lodge of England , and the Colonies , and dependencies generall y . The grand and impressive ceremony above referred to look place in St . John ' s Schools , East Ham , the Installing Officer , Bro . E . Letchworth ,

hemg assisted in his arduous task by Bros . Jas . Boulton , P . M ., G . Purst . ™ g ., as S . W . ; C . J . R . Tijou , P . M ., P . A . G . Purst . Eig ., asJ . W . ; the Ven . Archdeacon Stevens , M . A ., & c „ & c , G . Chap . Eng ., as Chaplain ; ''rank Richardson , P . G . D . Eng ., D . C . ; A . T . Ives , P . M . 1472 , ss I . G . ; ^ d H . Sadler , G . TylerTler .

, y Of Bro . Ives , it may be mentioned as a remarkable coincidence that while the son was acting inside the lodge , the father , Bro . J . Ives , P . M . ' 472 ( hon , ) , was filling the important position of Tjler outside , while the . \ ° " ng r br ° trer , W . Ives , ihe J . W . designate , was ultimately invested with

Th 1 jewel oi liiat office * This bythe wayoffice ff ^ W 3 S 0 P encd by Brc - K- Lelchwoith , who , with the other opener ! Grard Lodge , was received with honours , and the ledge was cone '" Three Degrees . The grand and impressive ceremony of u » secration was then proceeded with .

Consecration Of The Zodiac Lodge, No. 2615.

The CONSECRATING OFFICER , in his opening address , said that it was unnecessary that he should detain them by any lengthy remarks . They had met , on the dispensation cf their Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , for the purpose of undertaking a most interesting , and , at the same time , a most solemn service , namely , the consecration and dedication of a

new lodge to the service of I'reemasonry and to the honour and glory of the Most High . He trusted the lodge would be the means of s' . ill further illcreasing the Craft in that portion of the county of K . sex , and had no reason to doubt but that it would be a prosperous and honourable addition to the roll of the lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England .

The petition having betn read and the brethren ( founders ) having signified their approval in Masonic form of the officers named on the warrant , the VENERABLE CHAPLAIN gave the following oration :

To all who value the grand principles on which our ancient Order is based , the consecration of a new lodge may well be an affair of thankfulness . It is the centre from which , it is to be hoped , that there will radiate the beams of "brotherl y love , relief , and truth . '' The growth of Masonry of late years has been marked and rapid . The world at large cannot have failed to recognise it , and , whilst in ignorance as to its hidden mysteries and secrets , its symbolism , and its rituals , yet must recognise its fruits , its works of Charity and beneficence , which indicate

its true character . In the lodge which we have met to consecrate this evening , we rest assured that the high aims of Masoury will ever be kept in view ; that the votive offerings made to-day of corn , oil , and wine will be no empty formalities , but true symbols of the prosperity , the goodwill , the unity which shall mark its future progress ; that the salt sprinkled on the emblems of friendship shall never lose its savour . The teachings of Masonry , to all who follow them thoughtfully , are eminently practical , every detail has its bearing on our duty towards God and

our neighbours as we pass through life , leading on to that sublime truth , so forcibly impressed on every one of us , that " to the just and virtuous man death hath no terror equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour . " Nor is it a small thing , in days like the present , that Freemasonry insists upon the paramount im - portance of order and discipline , of loyal obedience to lawful authority . As in the raising of any stattly edifice , there are those who direct and superintend the work of the operative mason and craftsmen of different degrees of skill , many of

whom , after serving their apprenticeship , must be content to execute some special work assigned to them without knowing exactly how it forms part of the grand design of the master mind of the great architect who drew the plans ; so we must most of us be content to discharge life ' s duties , trusting to the Great Architect of the Universe , who is ever carrying out His vast designs to their peifect completion , though we may not live to see the day . Yet , as far as in us lies , if we have but to Jay one brick , it shall be well and truly laid , according to the

directions of those set over us in the work ; and , lastly , Masonry ever suggests the thought that we are enquiring seekers after that which is lost , which we hope some day may be recovered . The bidden mysteries of nature and science are in this age being marvellously unfolded and something new and wonderful constantly revealed , yet in the very process of discovery ive gather that there is ever something beyond hitherto unrevealed and unexplored ; that there are " mysteries which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate unless assisted by that light

which is from above . " So if we are wise we shall ever look onward and upwards to what is higher and better than anything already attained . True as the needle to the pole , by which the mariner steers an unerring course across the pathless ocean , we shall lift our eyes l ; to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful " and steadfast among men and Masons . May

the blessing of the Most High so rest on this new lodge , on its founders , on all who are , or who shall hereafter be members ol it , that it may be distinguished not only for its excellent working , but for its fidelity to the grand and ennobling principles of the Order by which not this society alone , but the whole framework of society is sustained and knit together in the sublime design of the Great Architect and Ruler of All .

The corn was scattered , the wine and the oil were poured , the salt was sprinkled , and the lodge was incensed and was declared constituted , and the patriarchal benediction closed a most perfect , sublime , and impressive

ceremony . The W . M ., designate , Bro . B . C . Curtis , P . M . 1472 , was then presented to the Installing Officer , Bro . Letchworth , to receive at his hands the benefits of installation , and was duly inducted into the chair , proclaimed , and saluted . He appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . French Bromhead , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Works , I . P . M . ; Thomas Cowell , S . W . ; William W . Ives , J . W . ; John Day , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Siddeis , P . M ., Sec ; Geo , Dale , S . D . ; J . S . Chapman , J . D . ; H . J . Banlick ,

I . G . ; H . J . Day , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., D . C ; C . A . Nicol , Org . ; C Alstrom , T . H . Lait , F . Simpson , and Wm . Henshaw , Stwds . ; and ] oh : \ Ives , P . M ., Tyler . Bro . LETCHWORTH then gave the addresses in most elcquent and impressive terms , and so concluded a task which received , as 11 deserved , the eulogies of all present for which , and for his services as Consjcrating Officer ,

he was awarded a hearty and cordial vote of thanks , the same , as also a vote of thanks to the other Consecrating Officers , being ordered to be inscribed in the minutes of the lodge . The Consecrating Officers were also presented each with a founders' jewel and were elected honorary members of the lodge , for which B . o . Letchworth , on his and their behalf , returned sincere thanks .

A number of nominations , both for initiation and joining were then received , and after " Hearty good wishes " had been tendered , the lodge was closed . We give a list of the founders and visitors present .

Founders ; Bros . B . C . Curtis , P . M ., P . 2 . 1472 ; Thos . Cowell . William VV . Ues , H . F . Bromhead , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W :. s . ; George Dale , J . S . Chapman , H . J . Banticlc , H . J . Day , P . M ., C . A . Nicoll , C . Alstrom , F . H . Lait , F . Simpson W . Henshaw , J . Day , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; G . Sidders , P . M . ; F . de Brownless , A . Calvert , M . Hill , J . Evans , W . M . Mead , P . M ., Morrison , Dipple , D . B . Thomas , W . Solomon , A . Smith , J . S . Gee , G . A . Smith , and W . A . Layers .

Visitors : Bros . J . Terry , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., and Sec . R . M . B . I . ; J . Pinder P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . Essex ; W . Salter , P . P . G . Org . Essex ; T . Reeve , VV . M . 1472 ; ] . Palmer , J . VV . 1472 ; J . Savage , P . M . 1472 ; W . Boyce , P . M . 30 ; T . Whitworth , P . M . 556 ; W . Beecroft , P . M . 2443 ; J . Hind , P . M . 217 ; G . H . Seager , P . M . 781 ; J . Byford , P . M . 898 ; G . Lusty , P . M . 1259 ; B . Brayshaw , P . M . 1076 ; A . Calver , P . M . 933 ; W . T . Legge , P . M . 8 9 S ; A . Treck , P . M . 898 ; A . E . Sallaway , P . M . 552 ; J . Gordon , P . M . 8 9 8 ; C . Manfred , P . M . 1421 ; G . VV . Gower , S . W . Ixion Lodge ; F . Kebbott , J . W . 1662 ; G . T . Stark ,

554-W . Reevey , 2274 ; H . Leekman , 1668 ; G . Wilson , 861 ; F . C . Byford , Syi , S . Owers , 1811 ; T . W . Smith , 1472 ; E . F . Rodwell , 1472 ; A . Burton and C . Hefford , 1472 ; R . E . Miles , I . G . 2424 ; H . Stubbs , 771 ; A . Tyler , 1624 ; H , Dutton , 1706 ; H . Mere , 2349 ; J . G . Walker , 1805 ; R . Furgusson , 781 j H . G . Titcombe , 2409 ; C . B . Thompson , 8 9 S ; J . Richardson , 2291 ; A . Myer , 1804 ; G . Longwin , 860 ; B . H . Spencer , 1076 ; W . Averre , 860 ; II . Collan ' 1816 ; W . Gladding , 933 ; W . Gray , S 98 ; G . Haws , i 8 r < 5 ; R . Fcnn , 2291 ; J , Ricketts , 2291 ; J . Anderson , 2411 ; A . Loury , 2299 ; E . Savage , 2291 ;