Craft Masonry.

Org . ; James Anderson , I . G . ; A . M . Carswell and A . Tinwell , Stwds . ; and Thomas Usher , Tyler . , „ . ,., . Bro . T . R . Jobson , P . M ., officiated as Director of Ceremonies , and Bro . W . J . Jobson , as I . P . M . The meeting was of a most interesting kind . After several brethren had been advanced to the honourable Degree , a graphic and elaborate history of the rise and progress of Mark Masonry at Blyth was read . The new lodge is likely to be a great successas several candidates are already elected for advancement .

, At Ihe close of the Iodge , the brethren adjourned to the banquetingJiall for supper , where the loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and a pleasant evening was spent .

Merton Lodge , No . 2790 . The first meeting of the above lodge after the summer recess took p lace at the Masonic Hall , Kingston-road , Merton on the evening of Tuesday , the Sth instant , Bro . W . H . Brand , W . M ., presiding . The visitors were eight in number , all of them belonging either to the Dobie Lodge ( Kingston-on-Thames ) or to the Wimbledon Lodge . Among the former was Bro . LewisW . M . of the Dobie Lodge .

, _ Mr . Louis Hanks was initiated , and the brethren , on the lodge being closed , adjourned to the festive board , at which a number of toasts were proposed and duly honoured . , . During the intervals of the toast list a well-arranged programme was performed , in which Mdlle . Belle Rosa , Bros . Dr . M . H . Hargreaves , J . VV ., J . B . Munday , J . D ., and T . Pollard , and Messrs . C . Ortner and Pino Conti took part .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Britannia Lodge , No . 53 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . CHARLES STOKES . VISIT OF THE R . W . PROV . GRAND M ASTER . Wednesday , the 3 rd instant , was a very interesting and important day in ihe busy City of Sheffield . Noted as far back as Chaucer ' s time for its knives , Sheffield possesses a unique corporation of citizens whose duty it was originally to look after the welfare of the masters and workmen in the cutlery trade . The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire was incorporated by a bill brought into Parliament by Sir

John Savill in 1624 , entitled an " Act for the good order and government of the makers of knives , scissars ( sic ) , shears , sickles , and other cutlery wares in Hallamshire in the County of York and parts adjoining . " It has a Master who is elected annually , two Wardens and other officers , such as searchers and assistants . Like Freemasonry , originally consisting ot operative craftsmen , it has become speculative , and membership and even Mastership may now , we believe , be reached by those who have no connection with the trade which the society was first formed to protect . To be elected

Master Cutler for the year is to attain a distinguished position in Sheffield , and it is doubtless the ambition—surely both a creditable and laudable one—of many a worthy citizen . Like the Freemasons again , the Cutlers hold a kind of installation function which goes by the name of the Cutlers' Feast . To this yearly festival are invited the highest and noblest in politics , art , science , literature , and commerce throughout the Isnd , and the event is looked forward to , in a smaller degree , somewhat as is the gathering in the Mansion House at the Lord Mayor ' s banquet on the 9 th November of each

year . The connection between the Cutlers' Feast and the correspsnding function in the Britannia Mark Lodge is explained by the fact that many of the Society of Cutlers are Freemasons , and even they , ubiquitous as some of them appear to be , cannot be in two places at the same time , ln other words , but for the fact that the two events clashed as to date , the installation of Bro . Charles Stokes would have been more numerously attended . What was lacking in numbers was , however , made up in enthusiasm , and the welcome

to the chair which Bro . Stokes received must have been to himself ofa most gratifying character . Bro . Charles Stokes is well-known in the City of Sheffield , and though he has fortunately up to this kept clear of local politics and municipal matters ( from which may he be long preserved ' . ) yet he has taken an active part in connection with scientific societies , musical circles , and particularly in cricket and football affairs . As a member of the Committee of the V ' orkshr ' re County Cricket Club , and holding at the present moment the responsible position of its treasurer , Bro . Stokes has become in a

sense a public man , and has doubtless ere this found what immense demands upon his time and his energies such a position involves . His career as a Craft Mason his on other occasions been referred to in these columns in relation to the Wentworth and Furnival Lodges , and will doubtless again get honourable mention ; he has now become Worshipful Master ot a Mark lodge , and bids fair to prove that he will show the same zeal and ability in this as in the oth ' .-r Degrees . The R . W . Prov . Grand Master for West Yorkshire , the VV . Deputy , and other Grand and Prov . Grand Offirers , some from

distant parts of the province , marked their appreciation of Bro . Stokes by accepting his invitation to be present . The lodge was opened at 5 . 4 s p . m . ; Bro . J . T . Thompson , W . M ., in the chair . Supporting him were Bros . Charles Stokes , S . VV . ; Wm . Walker , J . VV . ; E . Rowbotham , as M . O . ; J . Nodder , S . O . ; J . Barton , J . O . ; I . Unwin , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . I . G ., Treas . ; W . D . Forsdike , Sec ; J . Stringer , S . D . ; J . Dickenson , J . D . ; Horace Cawood , LG . ; and Thos . Leighton , Tyler ; also Bros . II . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; J . P . Hewitt , P . M ., Prov . G . O . ; G . Wragg , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; Thos .

Rowbotham , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Vicr .-Chairman of Charity Committee ; A . VV . Forsdike , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; G . Edwards , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . ; J . E . Reaney , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; and Bios . W . Sissons , T . S . Wood , G . L . VVood , VV . Franklin , | . Kerridge , F . Norton , W . Truelove , J . H . R . Hodgkinson , H . A . Creake , and C . Sheppard . After confirming the minutes of the previous meeting , the reports from the Auditor and Secretary were taken . The lirst declared the lodge to be in a sound financial condition , whilst the second announced that the members numbered 06 , being an increase of six since last return—there having been nine new brethren admitted and three withdrawals .

At this stage the Prov . Grand Master was announced , and the following brethre ' n enttied the lodge : Bros . C . Letch Mason , R . W . Prov . G . M . ; John Backer , VV . Dep . Prov . G . M . ; G . II . Parke , P . M . no , P . P . G . W ., P . G . Treas . ; iW . E . Smithies , P . M . 137 and 403 , P . P . G . W ., P . G . S ., Chairman of the Charity Committee ; M . A . Brigg , P . M . 374 , P . P . G . O . ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . no , Piov . G . Sec ; and H . Allingham , P . P . G . W . Devon . These brethren having been saluted according to ancient custom , the interrupted business proceeded .

Bro . H . J . Garnett , the oldest Past Master of Britannia presented Bro . Charles Stokes , and the duties of Installing Mister , at the request of Bro . J . T . Thompson , the retiiing VV . M ., were undertaken by Bro . Thos . Rowbotham , P . M . It is needless to add that these duties weie ably and most impressively performed , for Bro . Rowbotham has gained a well earned reputation for effective rendering of Masonic ritual in all the usual and in some of the larer Masonic Degrees . The working tools were presented by Bro . II . J . Garnett , and on the re-admission of the brethren , Bro . Charles Stokes

was loyally ar . d heartily greeted as their head . Bro . Stokes appointed and invested his officeis as follows : Bro . J . T . Thompson , I . P . M . ; VV . Walker , S . W . ; VV . Fearnehough , J . W . ; John Unwin , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Hastings , M . O . ; E . G . Whiteley , S . O . ; Edmund Rowbotham , J . O . ; W . D . Forsdike , Reg . of Marks ; J . Stringer , Sec ; H . Cawood , S . D . ; G . T . V . Dickenson , J . D . ; A . J . Forsdike , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg ., D . tf C . ; C . F . Shepherd , A . D . C . ; VV . Foxon , Org . ; VV . Sissons , l . G . ; G . L . Weed and G . A . Shipman , Stwds . ; and T . Leighton , Tyler . The address to the

W . M . was given by Bro . J . T . T hempson , I . P . M ., those to the Wardens and Overseers by Bio . A . | . Forsdike , P . M ., and the concluding appeal to the brethren by the Installing Master . Bro . T . Rowbotham was again unanimously elected Charity member for the year . Atthe request of the VV . M ., the Prov . G . Master then undertook a novel but inteiesting duty , lhat of presenting the jewels and bars to thc nine Stewards who had so

well represented Iheir lodge on the West V orkshire list at the last Mark Benevolent Festival . These were Bros . F . Cleeves , 15 times a Steward and a Patron ; Thomas Rowbotham , seven times a Steward and a Vice-President ; J . T . Thompson , five times a StiwtrJ and a Vice-I ' icsidcnt ; Chatles Stokes , a Steward of three times wilh pitmise of a fouith ; and Bros . E . G . Whittley , VV . D . Forsdike , Horace Cawood , J . S . Weed , and A . True-love , who for thc lirst time showed their appreciation of the Mark

Mark Masonry.

Masonic Charity by becoming Stewards . The Britannia Mark Lodge for years , the Prov . G . Master explained , had consistently supported the Fund , and this year had nine Stewards , whose united efforts had resulted in a total of 50 guineas . He thanked the brethren in the name of the province , and wished them health long to wear the jewels they had so honourably gained . This concluded the business , the Prov . G . Master and his officers retired , and the lodge was closed .

A very excellent dinner , served in the style for which Sheffield Masonic Hall has become noted , followed . Here , too , the influence of the greater function at the Cutlers ' Hall made itself felt . All the available staff of waiters in the city had been commandeered . A band of neat , active , and most obliging waitresses , in coquettish cap and apron , came to the rescue , however , and the meal was served with comfort and

despatch . The tables were , as usual , charmingly decorated with flowers , and sparkling glass and glistening silver completed the effect . The menu many would , we are sure , examine with pleasure , interspersed , as it was , by brief sentences from Masonic ritual , sometimes amusing and always apropos . After dinner the W . M . briefly proposed " The King . " This , of course , was most heartily received .

Next "H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , M . W . G . M ., the Earl of Euston , M . W . Pro G . M ., and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " Bro . Stokes spoke in strong terms of the qualifications of our new Grand Master , who , tie said , judging by his tone and method at the Albert Hall , would put his heart into the work his office entailed . He also eulogised the faithful and untiring efforts of Lord Euston in the interest of Mark Masonry , declaring that he allowed neither time nor distance to interfere if by his presence he felt he could give his brethren needed countenance or help .

Bro . G . H . Parke , Past G . Treasurer , responded . He looked forward , he said , with much anticipation to the annual meeting ot Britannia Lodge . He had been the guest of the W . M . for several years past , and he could appreciate equally their excellent work upstairs and the good cheer offered below . He congratulated the lodge upon having so excellent a W . M ., complimented the Installing Master , and hoped Britannia would continue to maintain the position of premier lodge of the province . In the name of the Grand Officers he thanked the W . M . and brethren for this recognition of their services .

Bro . Stokes next proposed " The R . W . Prov . Grand Master for West Yorkshire , the W . Deputy , and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " In their Provincial Grand Master they had a head , Bro . Stokes said , whom they all esteem ; d ; one who had rendered them true and faithful service , who had completed iS years as Frov . Grand Master , and was entering on another period of three years ; who in the

cause of Mark Masonry and its Charity came ever to the front ; who visited amongst them and made their personal acquaintance , and who , he would venture to say , was always a most welcome guest wherever he might be . As to the Deputy , they all knew his good points , and as to the rest , he believed they were all actuated by true Masonic feeling and inspired by the desire to honourably fulfil their duties .

The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . C L . Mason , replied . He said since the formation of the Province of West Yorkshire in the Mark Degree , there had been three Prov . G . Masters , and that he ( the speaker ) had filled the office three times as long as either of his predecessors ; that the lodges during his rule had increased from six , two of which at the time were virtually moribund , to 17 , and all might fairly be considered in good working order ; that during the whole of the iS years he had presided over them there had been no unpleasantnesses , or divisions , all had worked harmoniously and

peacefully , and that this was to him a matter of great personal satisfaction . Ths Mirk Degree was a most instructive and useful one , and a clos ; r study of it not only revealed its beauties but also emphasised the valuable lessons which ould bs derived from its teachings . He urged them to cultivate a reverent rendering of the ceremonies so that a suitable and lasting impression ^ might be made upon those who were advanced in the Degree . Freemasonry was continually progressing , and the M irk would go forward in like manner if all would unite in the effective rendering of its ceremonies and the

practical illustration of its principles . He congratulated the loije upon fwinj elected so good a Mason , and assured them that to himself , to his D ; puty , and to all the oflberi of the province it was a source of great satisfaction to see Britannia in so flourishing and satisfactory a position . "The Health of the VVorshipfuI Master , Bro . Charles Stokes , " was proposed by Bro . John Eadon Reaney , P . M . Bro . Reaney was advanced in Britannia Lodge as long ago as 1 S 72 , and during the year 1 SS 0 , in which he filled the chair , h :

characterised his reign by presenting to the lodge a number of tokens with which to pay th ; craftsmen their wages . The superscription on the coins is : " Britannia LIIL , Sheffield M . M . M . " Within a triangle on the same side i- Bro . Reaney ' s mark surround : d by Masonic cryptic writing , which reads : " Bro . J . E . Reaney , AIaster 1 SS 0 . " These tokens are unique , we believe , and the interpretation of the characters upon th ; m seemed on the point of being lost , when the study of Masonic cipher writing was taken up by Bro . Rowbotham , and the difficulty was solved . On this point space will not permit us at present to say more .

Bro . Reaney , in proposing the toast , thanked Bro . J . T . Thompson , I . P . M ., in whose name it stood , for permitting him to hive the privilege . He had come , he said , with an anticipation of pleasure , but did not expect so great a concession . Som : 3 ) years ago it was given to him to introduce amongst the Mark workmen of Lod ^ e 53 a stone which at the time , perhaps , seemed an obscure one . Years have passed ; that apparently obscure stone , having gone through a process of polishing , adjusting , and testing , has now passed the gates , and met with the approval of the Overseers , and has

to-night been placed in a conspicuous and honourable position . It was a great pleasure to him ( the speaker ) on seeing Bro . Charles Stokes placed in the chair to remember that he had been the means of adding so valued and valuable a member to Britannia Lodge . In Bro . Stokes the brethren had got a strong man , a well-tried man , and h : felt thoroughly confident that the new VV . M . would invigorate his lodge , and woultl maintain that reputation for good Masonic work so properly insisted upon by the Prov . Grand Master , which it had always been the ambition of Britannia at all times to attain The toast was drunk enthusiastically , and

Bro . Charles Stokes , on rising to respond , was vociferously cheered . He slid it was extremely kind of Bro . Reaney to com : all the way from London to be present that evening to witness the installation ofthe brother whom he hid htroduc : d amongst them some 20 years ago . That kindness was emphasised by the warm-hearted and ebqumt words used by Bro . Reaney in proposing the toast . As to the beautiful symbolism in illustration of his speech , he ( Bro . Stokes ) would endeavour to realise soms portion of

it at any rate . With the help of his officers and brethren he would try to keep Britannia in the position in which it then stood : if they were united they would then indeed be strong , and of their unity and loyalty he had miny such valued experience . They must kindly not criticise too keenly his lapses of that evening ; he hoped to mike ample amends , and looked forward to a pleasant and successful yea-, a yeir of happiness and progress .

Bro . Stokes then proposed " The Health of Bro . Reaney , " which was well received and feelingly acknowledged . Olher toasts were : "The Immediate Past Master , " proposed by Bro . H . ]• Garnett ; "The Installing Officer , Bro . T . Rowbotham , " by B : o . A . J . Forsdike ; "The Visiting Brethren , " " The Past Masters , '' and " The Mirk Benevolent Fund . " To this last the 1 eply was made by Bro . VV . E . Smithies , Chairman of the Chirity Committee , who explained the position of the provinc ; in relation to the Chirity , and earnestly advocated the claims which the Mark Benevolent Fund might fairly be said to possess upon their sympathy and their substantial help .

Music , as usual , was a marked feature at this gathering . Sheffield can produce artists both vocal and instrumental—many of them Misons . As a consequence , the musical programmes at Masonic meetings are exceptionally good . Bro . Peasegooa ( violin ) and Bro . Wragg ( piano ) gave some excellent duets , whilst the songs were rendered most efficiently , and were much appreciated . The evening thus passed delightfully ; the brethren , especially the guests , bearing away grateful mjmories of hospitality gracefully bestowed and fraternal feeling generously manifested . Commenced under such auspices , we feel certain Britannia will have an exceptional yc-io and all good wishes lor the success of the lodge we most cordially endorse .

St . Eilian Lodge , No . 360 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . WF . STLAKE-MORGAN , P . G . ORG . Thc installation meeting of the above lodge took place at the Masonic H * I '> Amlwch , Anglesey , on Monday , the 30 th ult ., the ceremony being performed by the Dep . Prov . G . M ., Bro ' , the Rev . Thomis Edwards , P . G . Chap , of England , rector 01