Summer Outing Of The Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076.

After the conclusion of this most interesting lecture , we were conducted by the Dean through the building , all of which was thoroughly explained , although our kindly guide deplored that our time was too short to do justice to the subject . We , however , promised to return on some future occasion , and once more , benefit by his perfect knowledge of the grand old Minster and its history . Shortly before two o ' clock we left him , and placing ourselves once more under the guidance of Bro . Whytehead , visited St . William ' s College en route , and made our way to the

Freemasons Hall , St . Saviourgate , the property of the Eboracutn Lodge , No . 1611 . Here we were met by Bro . W . H . Chambers , W . M ., and several of the brethren , and after inspecting the handsome lodge-room , a spendid collection of Masonic engravings , the Bible of the extinct Grand Lodge of All England , and being entertained by a selection of music on the fine organ , we were heartily welcomed to a sumptuous lunch , for which our appetites by this time were quite prepared .

A few speeches of welcome to York , and thanks to our entertainers , naturally followed , and cabs having been meanwhile ordered , we bade them farewell for the time , and commenced a drive round and through the city , pausing here and there to admire the many objects of interest presented to our view . In the course of this drive a lengthened stay was made at the Merchants' Hall , the property of the

ancient Guild of York Aterchant Adventurers—still an active body . The hall is in itself curious from an architectural point of view , as its underground chapel is reached through a trap door . But beyond this , it is , Masonically interesting because here the Grand York Lodge met , as did the Apollo Lodge of Freemasons , and here Drake , the then Junior Grand Warden , delivered thejamous oration on the 27 th December , 1726 .

The drive terminated at the ancient Guildhall ( 1446 ) , which was thoroughly inspected , and finally amove was made to the adjacent Mansion House , where , by direction of the Lord Mayor , the city plate was displayed for our benefit . Dinner at head-quarters at 6 . 30 , where we were joined by the Dean and some of the local brethren . The only speech was one of thanks to the Dean for his kindness during the forenoon , to which he eloquently replied .

At S . 30 the brethren proceeded to the Masonic Hall , Duncombe-place , the property of the York Lodge , No . 236 , where the lodge was opened under the presidency of its W . JL , Bro . A . Procter , with a full attendance of members . The York Lodge is the fortunate possessor of most of the relics of the extinct Grand Lodge—pedestal , candlesticks , minute books from 1712 , rolls of members , five rolls of the Constitutions , old jewels , & c . —all of which were displayed for our inspection and explained .

The Grand Ollicers having been saluted , the W . M ., Bro . PROCTER , delivered the following address of welcome : Brethren , —Your summons informs you that this lodge of emergency is convened for the purpose of receiving a visit from the W . M . and brethren of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , No . 2076 , and on behalf of the York Lodge I offer to our distinguished visitors a most hearty and cordial welcome . The title of the lodge has , I believe , caused a little perplexity to some of our brethren who have only recently become aware of its existence . I

understand it has some reference to an old legend of four crowned martyrs , but , beyond that , my information does not extend , and it would be interesting to hear from some of the brethren something of the legend and of its connection with the foundation and objects of our visitors' lodge . My membership of the Outer Circle has given me some little acquaintance with its most valuable work and with the names of its prominent members . It forms a centre for all students of Masonic history and literature and for the collection of documents and objects ol value

and interest to the Craft , which are stored and cared for , and placed at the disposal of Masons who desire to prosecute literary work . Here , all discoveries and theories are examined and discussed by the most competent authorities and the results made known to the Masonic world by means of that valuable publication known as " Ars Quatuor Coronatorum , " so ably edited and compiled by the Secretary , Bro . Speth . To those who desire , as Craftsmen , to make the liberal arts and sciences their study , the most valuable aid

is given by this lodge , and the readers of the " Ars Quatuor Coronatorum " will all have fresh in their memories those truly marvellous papers on " Hidden Mysteries , " which have recently appeared from the pen of the W . M ., Bro . Klein , in which some of the wonderful works of the Almighty are described with such vivid force and made to appear rather as chapters of romance than as dissertations on the hard facts of nature and science . In another direction , the interesting and ingenious theory of the W . M . upon the genuine secrets of a M . M . has startled

the Masonic world . His paper on " The Great Symbol" was a marvellous monument of labour and research , tracing as it did the history of geometry from the earliest times of Socrates and Plato , and exhibiting forcibly the relation to Masonry of the knowledge of the square and of that amazing proposition which is the foundation of Masonry . Then the recent labours of the Secretary , Bro . Speth , on the question of the number of Degrees worked by Masons in pre-speculative times , have found

expression in a paper showing infinite labour , and extensive Masonic knowledge , and whatever theory one may adopt , the learning and information to be gathered from the paper and the discussions thereon are invaluable to a Masonic student . The publications which are regularly sent to the Outer Circle are most fascinating documents , and theinterest in them grows upon one from time to time ; indeed , I do not know of any expenditure of ios . 6 d . a year which yields such a satisfactory return . The Craft is under the greatest obligation to the Quatuor Coronati Lodge for its

work , and I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity of receiving its members here , and that an honour is conferred on our ancient lodge by the presence of our visitors this evening . In coming to our city , our visitors are coming to what has often been called the " Mecca of Freemasonry , " and if tradition is to be accepted , this designation would seem to be not far wrong . It is at any rate matter of history that there was a Grand Lodge of All England at York and of this we shall offer you visible and actual proof in the shape of some of its records and constitutions which you will have the opportunity of inspecting , and

of their old banner which stands on my right , and the obligation pedestal with its cover , and the candlesticks of the W . M . and Wardens , which formed part of their lod ge furniture . This is an inheritance of which we are naturally very proud , and it was with ^ reat pleasure and satisfaction that we acceded to the suggestion of Bro . Whytehead , your ] . \ V ., whom we appreciate so highly in York , and offered you an invitation to pay us a visir . I end as I began , by saying we are delighted to have the opportunity of receiving the W . M . and brethren of this distinguished odge , and we welcome them most heartily .

Bro . S . T . KI . EIX , in a short speech , thanked the W . M , and the brethren of Ihe York Lodge most heartily for the splendid welcome afforded them in their ancient lodge and beautiful hall , and expressed the pleasure which all his companions in the pilgrimage to York felt at visiting the old city under such propitious circumstances .

Bro . ( j , W . Si'iun , in compliance with the request of the W . M ., next gave a sketch of the legend of the Quatuor Coronati , and of the reasons why the lodge Had assumed the name as it title . the lodge was then closed , and the visitors and members repaired to the " ?} , r 001 . " where the rest of the evening was spent in a most delightful manner , 'th the aid of speeches , song and recitation , tobacco and wine , in goodfellowship and fraternal affection .

• 1 r Dreakfdst at S . 30 on Saturday morning , the party was increased by the arrival of Bros . P . Cobb , York ; W . N . Cheesman , Selby 1 R . Hudson , P . G . S . B ., J 0 " em 0 U . ' eg | er > Retford ; and R . J . Smith , Leeds ; and we took the train at -0 , special saloons having been provided by the Railway Company , for Cots-

Summer Outing Of The Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076.

wold , where we arrived at 11 . 10 . Here we found carriages awaiting us and were driven to the ruins of the Benedictine Byland Abbey close by , where half an hour was devoted to its inspection . We were then driven by a beautiful road amid charming scenery over Wass Bank and some moors to Helmsley , and alighting at the Black Swan found a welcome lunch prepared for us . A fresh start was made at two o ' clock in the carriages to Rievaulx Terrace , overlooking the ruined Abbey , a vast sweep of lawn , semi-circular in shape , backed by beautiful woods and commanding one of the most picturesque views in

all England . At each end of this terrace , some two miles long , stands a temple , and advantage was taken of the steps of one of these to photograph the party . Then by a circuitous descent , rather steep in places , through the wood to the Abbey below , a Cisterian building of the 12 th century , one of the finest ruins in the country . Here we lounged and chatted for an hour or more , and regaining our carriages about 4 . 30 were driven through the Park to Helmsley , partaking of a refreshing cup of tea at the Black Swan . Train at six p . m . to York , and dinner at eight .

After dinner , the tables having been cleared and dessert set , we were favoured with the company of many of the local brethren , each of the lodges in York being represented by several of its members . It is scarcely necessary to describe the proceedings , song and toast followed each other in quick succession , the pleasure which the Quatuor Coronati brethren felt in being able to entertain their

guests of the day before and the delight which they had derived from their visit , were duly portrayed , the brethren who had contributed to the success of the outing , Bros . Whytehead , Speth , Halliwell , and others , were warmly thanked . "The Health of the York brethren and the prosperity of their lodges " were drunk with all honours , and responded to , and it was with reluctance that the brethren separated about midnight .

Sunday , of course , was a comparatively idle day , but none the less enjoyable . After nine o ' clock breakfast , most of us attended morning service at the Minster , and afterwards sauntered about the town until dinner at 2 . 30 . Three hours later came the inevitable good-byes—a sad ceremony , not unsweetened , however , by the thought that the visit might and would be some day renewed , and then at 5 . 20 our train steamed out of the station for London amid the cheers of many local brethren and some few of our own who intended remaining over until the Monday .

Throughout the excursion the weather had been exceptionally propitiousduring our walk about the city on Friday , when too much sun would have been trying , the orb of day had been veiled as if for our especial comfort ; on Saturday and Sunday it shone brilliantly ; but , owing to the fact that we were driving , and that a delicious breeze was blowing , at no time was it oppressive , and what rain did fall was kind enough to perform its gentle ministrations during the night . Had it been possible to select one ' s own weather , no better choice could have been made . The York outing of the Quatuor Coronati will long remain a treasured memory with those v / ho took part in it .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . Lawrence Lodge , No . 2078 . This lodge was held in the Masonic Rooms , Frodingham , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., Bro . the Rev . E . M . Weigall , P . M ., P . P . G . C , occupied the chair in the absence of the W . M ., Bro . Dewhirst . There was but little business . A petition was signed on behalf of the widow of the late Bro . S . M . Peace , and ordered to he sent to Provincial Grand Lodge for relief . Bro . Constable , P . M . 14 S 2 , and P . P . G . O ., was proposed as an honorary member . The brethren adjourned after lodge for light refreshment .

Broxbourne Lodge , No , 2353 . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held on Saturday , the 25 th ult ., at the Red Lion Hotel , High Barnet , when there were present Bros . O . Newman , W . M .: E . J . Gittins , S . W . ; J . W . Hunt , J . W . ; E . C . Mulvey , P . G . P ., Treas . ; S . Lichtenfeld , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd ., Sec ; T . I . Phillips , S . D .: J . Heilbrun , I . D .:

C . A . Hempel , D . C ; T . J . Patrick , I . G . ; R . H . Nicholls and H . Ramsbottom , Stwds . ; H . Evenden , Tyler ; H . Monson , P . M . ; H . G . Holland , P . M . ; W . Winsor , P . M . ; H . Saunion , G . Buchner , H . Passenger , W . Hall , J . M . Wright , M . Hummel , W . Hewitt , C . E . Greening , J . Essien , W . Watson , R . Ridgway , W . Staples , E . Ratcliffe , G . Angold , H . Kobelt , and others . Visitors : Bros . Jas . Watts , P . M . 174 ; C . Bullock , Prov . G . Sec . ; W . Harper , P . M . 21 S 2 ; W . Stracey , 2345 ; C . H . Bestow , P . M ., P . G . P . Essex ; G . Grant , 1765 j G . Evans , 1297 ; and others .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed , after which Bro . E . J . Gittins , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., W . M . elect , having been duly presented , was very impressively instilled into the chiir of K . S . by Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . G . P . The W . M . appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . W . Hunt , S . W . ; T . J . Phillips , J . W . ; E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . G . P ., Treas . ; S . Lichtenfeld , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Heilhrun , S . D . j T . J . Patrick , J . D . ; C . A . Hempel , I . G . ; H . G . Holland , P . M ., D . C ; G . E . Buchner , A . D . C ; R . H . Nicholls , Org .: H .

Ramsbottom and H . Saunion , P . M ., Stewards ; and H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler . The first act of the W . M . was to present a handsomj Past Mister ' s jewel to the outgoing W . M ., Bro . O . Newman , who expressed his gratitude for the kindness and consideration he had received during his year of office . Th ; Auditors' report wis presented , and showed a substantial balance to the credit of the lodge . Tne ballot was then taken for the Rev . J . C . Wilson , Messrs . \ V . H . De Maid , and D . S . Aston , which proving unanimous , those gentlemen were initiated in a very able and impressive manner . Following

this , the W . M . performed the pleasant duty of presenting Bro . E . C Mulvey with an oil painting of himself , unanimously voted by the lodge in recognition of hisvaluible services to the lodge , and in commemoration of his yeir of olli : j as G . P . of England . Bro . Mulvey , in cordially thanking the W . M . aid brethren , slid he fully appreciated their kindness , and with their kind permission would be gild if the lodge would accept the portrait to adorn the-lodge-room . The W . M ., in suitable terms , accepted the gift on behalf of the lodge .

Ihe brethren afterwards adjourned to the banquet table , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . G . P ., responded for "The Grand Officers , " who he said were always willing and able to do their utmost in the interests of the Craft . The W . M . then gave the toast ol " The Prov . Grand Master , Bro . 1 \ F . Halsey , M . M ., " which was very cordially received .

In response to the toast of "The Provincial Grand Officers , " Bro . C . Bullock , Prov . G . Sec , expressed the great pleasure it afforded him to be present on that occasion as the guest of the W . M . He was quite sure the laJgs would continue to llourish under the rule of the W . M ., who had that eveniajr shown that he could work the ceremony of initiation in a perfect manner . He could also testify to his excellent work on behalf of the lodge whilst acting as their Secretary during the put six yearsas was evidenced by the rapid increase in the number of numbers— the lod ^ re being now third in the province .

' 1 he toast of " The W . M . " was given in appropriate terms by Bro . E . C . Mulvey , who referred to his long association in Misonry with the W . M ., who he f ; lt sure would increase the prestige of the Broxbourne Lodge . The W . Master having suitably responded , the remaining toasts were then gone through . An excellent programme of music was provided , songs being given by Mr . Eric Farr , Bros . H . G . Holland , P . M ., W . Stracey , W . j . Hall , ana others , an I a very pleasant meeting then terminated ;