Laying The Foundation Stone Of A Masonic Hall At Swansea.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A MASONIC HALL AT SWANSEA .

A Provincial Grand Lodge for the eastern division of South Wales was held on Thursday , 6 th inst ., at Swansea , with the view of laying the foundationstone of a new Masonic hall . The ceremony was performed by the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Theodore Mansel Talbot , the gathering of brethren from all parts ofthe province , and from the neighbouring districts , being larger than has been known in Swansea for a long time past .

The Provincial Grand Lodge opened at twelve o'clock , when a right Masonic welcome was given to visiting brethren from the neighbouringprovinccs , those from Monmouthshire mustering in great force , with the W . the Deputy the Prov . G . M ., Bro . S . G .

Homfray , at their head . The R . W . Prov . Grand Master then invited those present to assist him in laying the foundation-stone of a new Masonic hall for the accommodation ofthe Indefatigable Lodge , 237 . A procession was then formed , which marched in the following order : —

Two Tylers wilh drawn swords . Band of the Royal Glamorgan Artillery Militia . Brethren , not being members of any lodge . Talbot Lodge , No . 1323 . Bute Lodge , No . 960 . Afan Lodge , No . S 33 . St . David ' s Lodge , No . 679 .

Brecknock Lodge , No . 651 . Cambrian Lodge , No . 364 .

Indefatigable Lodge , No . 237 . Loyal Cambrian Lodge , No . 110 . Glamorgan Lodge , No . 3 6 . Members of other lodges , Visitors . Architect with Plans . Builder with Trowel on cushion . Cornucopia with Corn—Bro . David Williams , P . M . and

P . Prov . G . Sec . Ewer with Wine—Bro . Thomas Powell , P . M . and P . Prov . G . D . C . Ewer with Oil—Bro . J . T . Nettle . P . M . Past Prov . Grand Pursuivants . Prov . Grand Pursuivant . Past Prov . Grand Organists . Prov . Grand Organist .

Past Prov . Grand Directors Ceremonies . Prov . Grand Director Ceremonies . Past Prov . Grand Superintendent of Works . Prov . Grand Superintendent of Works , with Plate bearing

inscription . Past Prov . Grand Sword Bearers . Past I ' rov . Grand Deacons . Past Prov . Grand Secretaries . Prov . Grand Secretary , with Book of Constitutions on a

cushion . Past Prov . Grand Registrars . Prov . Grand Registrar , with Bag . Past I ' rov . Grand Treasurers . Prov . Grand Treasurer , bearing phial wilh coins , & c .

Past Grand Wardens . Visitors of Distinction . Corinthian Light , borne by Bro . Peter Ilolway . Column of Prov . J . G . W ., borne by Bro . Peter Tulloch . Prov . Junior Grand Warden , with Plumb Rule . Doric Light , home by Bro . William Bowen . Column of Prov . S . G . W ., borne by Bro , E . M . Castle .

Prov . Senior Grand Warden , with Level . Prov . Junior ( Jrand Deacon . Past Prov . Grand Chaplains . Prov . Grand Chaplain , bearing the Sacred Law on a cushion . Prov . Grand Steward , with wand . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master . Prov . Grand Steward , with wand .

Ionic Light , borne hy Bro . Simon Goldberg . . Mallet , borne by Bro . W . T . Canton . Banner . *' I ' rov . Grand Sword-bearer . Prov . Grand Steward , wilh wand . The Provincial Grand Master . Prov . Grand Steward , wilh wand . Prov . Grand Senior Deacon .

Prov . Grand Tyler . The procession left the starting point at one o ' clock , and proceeded to tlie site of the new Hall , next to thc St . Ives . On reaching thc site of the building the brethren at the head of the procession halted , opening right and left , facing inwards , leaving room for the R . W . the Prov . Grand Master to

pass up thc avenue thus formed , he being preceded by his standard ancl sword bearer . The Worshipful thc Deputy Prov . Grand Officer and brethren followed in succession from the rear . At this point the band played selections from the " Creation . " The stone being previously prepared , and thc plate , with the proper inscription , thc upper stone

was raised , and the Prov . Grand Chaplain ( Bro . thc Rev . Mr . Jones , vicar of Llanmacloc ) offered up prayer . Thc Prov . Grand Treasurer having , by the command of the R . W . Prov . Grand Master , deposited in thc cavity various coins of the present reign ,

oca , the cement was laid on the stone with the trowel which was presented for the purpose , and thc upper stone was slowly let clown , solemn music playing . Being properly placed , thc R . W . Prov . Grand Master proved that it was properly adjusted by the plumb rule presented to him by the Prov .

Laying The Foundation Stone Of A Masonic Hall At Swansea.

J . G . W ., by the level delivered to him by the Prov . S . G . W ., and by the square delivered to him by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , after which the mallet was handed to him , with which he gave the stone three knocks . The R . W . the Prov . Grand Master then delivered to the builder the several implements

for his use ; the plans ofthe building were presented by thc Prov . Grand Superintendent and the R . W . the Prov . Grand Master , having approved them , delivered them to the architect for his guidance . The brethren bearing the corn , wine , and oil now approached and presented the vessels in order to

the R . W . the Prov . Grand Master , who , after pouring them upon the stone , declared the stone properly laid according to ancient custom . The Prov . Grand Chaplain concluded with the Benediction , after which the band played the " National Anthem . "

The procession then re-formed in the same order , and returned to the Lodge room , when the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed The brethren afterwards dined together at the Mackworth Hotel , upwards of 250 sitting down to the banquet , presided over by Brother Lawrence

Tulloch , P . Prov . G . S . B .. W . M ., of the Indefatigable Lodge ; the vice-chair being filled by Brothers G . Bradford and W . E . Brown . An excellent spread was served up , to which ample justice was done , the band playing a selection of music during the banquet , under the leadership of the band-master ,

Mr . H . Clews . The Chairman proposed " The Oueen and Craft , " "The M . W . the Grand Master , " and "The Deputy Grand Master and the Officers of Grand Lodge , " which were warmly and Masonically responded to . The Chairman next proposed " The Right

Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master , " which was received right heartily , and drunk with Masonic honours . Thc Prov . Grand Master , who was warmly received , rose to respond . He said that during the time he had had the honour of presiding among

them , he had had many occasions to respond to their good wishes , but this was the first time he had been called on to execute one of the privileges of a Provincial Grand Master—that of laying the foundation stone of a new Masonic building . He was pleased to know that on no former occasion , when

he had found it necessary to call a Provincial Grand Lodge together had there been a better gathering than the present . The occasion that had brought them together was not a common one . It had never happened before during his Mastership , and might not occur again . He thanked them all

heartily and sincerely for responding so readily to his call , ancl also expressed his thanks to the W . M . of the Indefatigable Lodge for the hearty welcome which had been given to him , and for the handsome trowel which had been presented to him . He looked upon this as an earnest of the good will

which was entertained towards him by the members of thc Indefatigable Lodge , ancl which he would do his best to reciprocate ( Cheers . ) The Chairman ncxt proposed " Thc Worshipful the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , " which was heartily drunk with Masonic honours .

Bro . E . J . Morris , D . P . G . M ., responded . He said thc occasion was one in which he hacl taken the greatest possible amount of interest , and it afforded him sincere gratification to sec thc undertaking commence under such favourable auspices . He

wished with all his heart continued prosperity to the Indefatigable Lodge , ancl happiness to thc members , and he sincerely hoped the future of the lodge would be as deeply graven and as satisfactorily written in the annals of prosperity and success as hacl been its past . ( Applause . )

The Chairman then proposed "The Provincial Grand Lodge of Monmouthshire . " Bro . S . G . Homfray , Prov . G . M ., who was received with cheers , responded , and while thanking the brethren of the Eastern Division for the kindly feeling which had been displayed by them towards

the Monmouthshire brethren at all times , hoped thc present gathering would have thc result of cementing still closer the bonds of brothely feeling between thc two provinces . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman then proposed " Thc Provincial Grand Officers , which was received with enthusiasm , ancl drank with Masonic honours .

Bro . J . G . Hall , P . Prov . G . S . W ., ancl Bro . Colonel Hill , Prov . G . S . W , ( Cardiff ) responded . The R . W . Prov . Grand Master then proposed "The Indefatigable Lodge , " and paid a very high compliment to the Masonic ability ancl personal worth of liro . Tulloch , the W . M . ofthe Lodge , who responded .

Thc toast of " The Visitors " was coupled with thc names of Bro . Clarke ( Cardiff ) , Bro . Harris ( Tenby ) , and Bro . W . E . Jones ( of the St . Francis Lodge , Canada ) , all of whom responded , which

brought the official list of toasts to a close . A dinner was given to the workmen engaged at thc building , which wns supplied by Bro . H . C . Tate , Nelson Hotel . Thc weather throughout the day was most unfavourable ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

—¦ *•* ¦ — 2 HE CRAFT .

PROVINCIAL . LIVERPOOL . —Mariners' Lodge , No . 249 . —On Thursday se ' nnight the monthly meeting of the above lodge was held at the Masonic Temple , Hope-street , Liverpool , the principal business being the installation ofthe W'M .-elect , Bro . Henry Pearson . The attendance of brethren was unusually large , and the proceedings , were marked by

a harmony and unanimity which were both pleasant and instructive . During the year just closed , No . 249 has made rapid and decided progress , not only in numbers , but in the standing of its members and the character of its working . This satisfactory progress is due in a large measure to the invariable courtesy and indefatigable zeal of Bro . J . Kellett Smith , W . M ., who neglected no

opportunity of advancing the interests and maintaining the dignity of the lodge—a work in which he was ably seconded by an efficient staff of officers , whose careful attention to their respective duties is worthy of imitation and commendation . No fewer than about 20 visitors were present on this occasion , amongst these being a number of Provincial Grand officials , P . M . ' s , and others .

The lodge was duly opened in the three degrees , the minutes of previous meeting were read , and a Board of Installed Masters was subsequently held . The ceremony of installation was performed in a highly effective and impressive manner by Bro . J . K . Smith , I . P . M ., and Bro . H . Pearson , W . M ., afterwadrs invested the following officers : —Bros . E . Hughes , S . W . ; J . Hyde , J . W . ; J . J .

Rose , S . D . ; J . Lloyd , I . D . ; De la Parelle , Sec ; R . R . Martin , Treas . ; C . Leighton , M . S . ; R . Carter , S . S . ; J . Heyes , J . S . ; C . Leighton , O . ; Pemberton , Leader of Chair ; and Ball , Tyler . The Committee of Management was then appointed . After granting relief to several applicants , and the transaction of some other business , the lodge was' closed in due form . The brethren

subsequently adjourned to the Adelphi Hotel , where they sat down to a splendid installation banquet , provided with the greatest liberality by " mine host , " and served in the most expeditious manner . Between 70 and 80 sat down , under the presidency of Bro . H . Pearson , W . M . After dessert had been placed on the table , the W . M . proposed the toast of " The Queen , " remarking that he

was sure that amongst the whole body of the people was she more loyally respepected than amongst Masons . ( Hear , hear . )—( The toast was responded to with true Masonic enthusiasm . )—Bro . W . Crane , P . M . 249 , next submitted "Bro . Albert Edward , P . G . M ., Prince of Wales , the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " expressing a hope that their brother , the Prince ,

would , when he ascended the throne , fill his exalted position in a manner which would do credit to the memory of his predecessors , and prove satisfactory to the English people . He had already proved himself a good Mason , and therefore woithy of the cordial recognition conveyed in the toast . —( The brethren responded with great cordiality and Masonic honours . )—Bro . Jones , P . M . 249 ,

proposed " The Marquis of Ripon , M . W . G . M ., and thc Earl of Carnarvon , R . W . D . G . M . " In the course of a short speech , Bro . Jones referred in eulogistic terms to the well-deserved honour which had been conferred on their illustrious brother , the efficient maimer in which he had performed his State duties , and the " golden opinions " he had earned from the brethren across the

Atlantic . —After the toast had been duly honoured , Bro . Pinnington , P . M . 249 , proposed "Sir Thomas G . Fermor-Hesketh , Hart ., ALP . , R . W . Prov . G . M ., Lord Skelmersdale , W . D . Prov . G . M ., and the Provincial Grand Officers , " referring to the satisfactory manner in which the respective offices were filled . —The toast was duly honoured , and Bro . Dr . Mercer Johnson , Prov . G .

Steward , responded in a highly facetious speech . —In submitting thc toast "The Worshipful Master , " liro . J . K . Smith said he was quite sure the brethren would receive it wilh even more cordiality than any which had been given that evening . The Mariners' Lodge had the names of many very eminent P . M . 's , but he believed Bro . Pearson would go out ofthe W . M . ' s chair with an honour

equal to any which had gone before him . Bro . Vearson had for many years been connected wilh thc lodge in various offices , in each of which he had proved his usefulness . He ( liro . Smith ) would conclude by wishing him long life and happiness , and trusted that the coining year would be the very happiest of all . ( Cheers . )—( Thc toast was received by the brethren with utmost

enthusiasm . )— the W . M . expressed his gratitude for the manner in which his health had been drunk . Although he had filled every office in the Mariners' Lodge during his eight or nine years' connection with it , he assured the brethren that he had no intention until last year of going into that chair , feeling content in filling any oflice , however humble , which would contribute to the prosperity of

thc lodge . ( Hear . ) At ihe solicitation of a few brethren , however , he had agreed to accept the position of W . M ., of the responsibility and circs of which he was not ignorant . He was glad to know that he had been placed in thc chair without one adverse vote , and if it pleased thc Great Architect of ihe Universe to spare him , lie trusted thai he would always he fovnd ready and willing lo do his duly . He assured them wilh all sincerity

lhat he would do his utmost to further the interests of thc lodge generally , as well as those of every individual member . —The W . M . then gave ( he "Installing Master , " and said no one had filled that chair who had been more worthy of imitation than their Immediate P . M ., Bro . Smith . They must have been delighted with the energy and courtesy shown by him as W . M ., and with the effective manner in which he had performed the duties of Installing Master that afternoon . He ( thc W . M . ) was sure