All Saints' Church, Weston-Super-Mare.

rant ; it was an imposing one , but its beauty was marred by heavy showers . It was headed by Mogg ' s Military Band . The ceremony threatened at one time to be completely marred by the weather , but fortunately for all concerned and the comfort of the large gathering of the cn-lookers , the adverse conditions prevailed for a short period only At the site , after the recital of the Lord ' s Prayer , came Psalm lxxxiv . — " O how amiable are Thy dwellings ; Thou Lord of hosts . "

The BISHOP having read certain prayers , the W . M . of St . Kew Lodge , Bro . j . J . LOVELL , requested the Prov . G . M ., Viscount Dungarvan , to lay the stone Before doing so , he briefly explained the object of the building . The foundations ' one , he said , was intended as a corner-stone for a temple to be erected there for the praise and worship of the Most High . The presence and co-operation of the

Bishop of the Diocese at the ceremony was an earnest that the doctrine taught within the walls of that church would be in accordance with the doctrine of the Church of England . Bro . Lovell con : luded : Right Worshipful Grand Master , I request you in the name of the brethren assembled , to lay this foundation-stone , and we trust that the building hereafter to be erected on it will continue until time shall be no more .

The stone being raised , the Prov . G . M ., Viscount DUNGARVAN ' , addressed the assembly after the prescribed formula . After prayer by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , Bro . Dr . KENNION , the hymn " O Lord of hosts , Whose glory fills , " was sung . The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . E . F . WADE , then read the following document which was to be placed in the stone : " This foundation-stone-of the Church of All Saints ' , in the parish of Weston-super-Mare , in the diocese of Bath and

Wells , was laid by the Viscount Dungarvan , P . G . Master Somerset , with Masonic ceremonies , and solemnly dedicated by the Rig ht Rev . George Wyndham , Lord Bishop of the diocese , on the Feast of St . John Baptist , Anno Domini 1 S 9 S ; the Ven . Edward Arthur Salmon , Archdeacon of Wells , being rector ; the Rev . Edmund James Morris being curate and vicar designate ; Thomas Mullins and James Partridge Capell , churchwardens of the parish church of St . John Baptist ;

Francis Blackmore , Thomas Cox , Henry Wm . Marriott , Charles Besley , James Thomas Collis , William Hewett , sidesmen of the temporary church of All Saints ' , erected A . D . 1871 ; the Archdeacon of Wells , the Rev . E . J . Morris , Ernest Edward Baker , Charles Edward Barry , Francis Blackmore , Thos . Cox , James Craik , Henry William Marriott , Charles Besley , Thomas William Warry , James Thomas Collis , William Hewett , members of the Building Committee ; George Frederick Bodley , A . R . A ., F . S . A ., architect . "

A phial containing coins of the realm was then placed in the stone . The document was then placed in the stone , and the cement spread by the workmen . The Prov . G . M . adjusted the cement with a silver trowel . The trowel , which was handsomely chased , with ivory handle , bore the following inscription : " Presented by Miss Blackmore to Viscount Djngarvan for laying the foundation-stone of All Saints' Church , Weston-super-Mare . Jun ? 24 th , 1898 , Feast of St . John the Baptist . "

The stone was then lowered , and the PROV . G . M . having proved the stone , declared it to be well and truly laid , after which corn , wine , and oil were poured upon it . The Bisiioi' then pronounced the Benediction prayer , and the Bishop's Chaplain having offered prayer for the masons and workmen , the Bishop followed with

prayers for the gift of the spirit and the prayer for all worshippers . 1 he offerings were then collected , after which the architect , Mr . Bodley , was presented to the Prov . G . M . by the vicar designate , Bro . the Rev . E . J . Morris . The Prov . G . M . examined the plans , after which the purses and other contributions were presented to the Prov . G . M , who placed them upon the stone .

The BISHOP , taking into his hand the pastoral staff , then pronounced the Benediction , and "All people that on earth do dwell" was sung as the closing hymn . The procession then re-formed , the brethren returning to the Masonic Hall , where lodge was closed . Luncheon was provided at the Victoria Hall immediately after , those present numbering upwards of 300 . Viscount Dungarvan occupied the chair , and he was supported by Bishop Kennion , Archdeacon of Wells , and others . Bro . the Rev . E . J . MORRIS announced that the total amount of the offerings was . 627 S 13 s . Gd .

St. Mary Magdalen's New Church, Accrington.

ST . MARY MAGDALEN'S NEW CHURCH , ACCRINGTON .

STONE LAYING , 'fhe laying of the foundation and corner-stones of the new church to be dedicated to St . Mary Magdalen was the occasion for a large demonstration by the Church of England schools , and also of an imposing demonstration of Freemasons in Accrington , on Saturday afternoon , the 25 th ult , Bro . Col . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , Prov . G . M . of East Lancashire , being unable to be present

perfonally , he had granted a special dispensation to Bro . Arthur Appleby , J . P , ' 5 ' 9 i to perform the ceremony of the corner-stone laying . A dispensation had also been granted for the attendance of brethren in Craft clothing , and this having b : en read in the lodge room of the Bank Terrace Lodge , No . 462 , at the Hargreaves Arms Hotel , by Bro . BKOADIIENT , Prov . G . Dep . Reg ., Prov . Grand Lodge

was opened at 3 . 30 p . m ., by Bro . Appleby , acting as Prov . G . M ., assisted by Bros . C . D . Cheetham , P . Prov . G . W ., as Prov . S . G . W . ; and J . T . Newbold , P . Prov . G . D ., as Prov . J . G . W . Af' . er the lodge was opened , the brethren were ranged in order by Bro . Walter Packman , Prov . G . D . C ., and the procession started . The Craft came first , and the Provincial brethren followed . The three

Worshipful Masters who preceded the Grand Officers were Bro . E . Welch , 462 , who carried the corn ; Bro . Jos . Grimshaw , 1145 , carrying the wine ; and Bro . R . Pickup , 1510 , carrying the oil . Following came two P . Ms ., Bro . D . C . Dewhurst , 462 , carrying the mallet , and Bro . Riclnrd Anderton , 1775 , carrying the trowel . Two P . Ms ., Bros . C . Wilmore , 1519 , and H . Ramsbottom , 1145 , carrying 'he S . W . and J . W . columns , came next , and Bro . Win . Ormerod , P . M . 462 .

carried the brass pla ^ e containing the inscription . Immediately following were eight sons of Freemasons , in purple cassocks and white surplices , who carried an open Volume of the Sacred Law . These boys , who wore purple skull caps , were Wasters Fred Welch ( son of Bro . Edwin Welch ) , Robinson ( son of Bro . W . "Vinson ) , R . G . Cunliffe and J . G . Cunliffe ( sons of Bro . Jas . Cunliffe ) , Frank ana Alex . Rushton ( sons of Bro . Richard Rushton ) , Harker ( son of Bro . Simon "arktr ) , and Stanley Ware ( son of Bro . R . F . Ware ) .

tat ^ ey-street was crowded to witness the Masonic procession , and the spec cr ' were g'atified with the large muster and grand appearance of Provincial If L ftIasttr M .-uons . Th <* y were led by the Accri -gton Reed Band . The effect and » if C t ; ' P > ' ° f r ' ch Masonic clcthing and jewels was spoiled by the rain , Prov r ~ ? -sslty for the use ° f umbrellas . Bro . John Hindle , P . M . 462 , and P . rear-V ! ¦ ' acted as Dl of C - l 0 the brethren , who fed the procession , and on a < -ning liceles-strcet the brethren divided into open lines , and acting Prov . G

St. Mary Magdalen's New Church, Accrington.

Master , Bro . Appleby , together with the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers and brethren , passed through to the platform which had been raised for the brethren . After the foundation-stone of the new church had been duly laid by the Rev . Canon Rogers , Bro . APPLEBY delivered the Masonic address , provided for such occasions , in which it is stated that Masons had among . them many secrets which might not be revealed , yet those secrets were lawful and honourable , and were not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They had been transmitted faithfully

to them from ancient times , and it was their duty to hand them down to the brethren unimpaired to the latest posterit y . Unless their Craft were good and their calling honourable they would not have lasted through so many centuries , or have numbered among them so many illustrious brothers . They were pleased in taking part in the erection of the proposed new building , and prayed that God , the Great Architect of the Universe , might bless it as it might seem good to Him . As it was the first duty of Masons in any great undertaking to ask the Divine blessing upon it he would ask the Grand Chaplain to invoke the blessing .

Bro . the Rev . W . W . D . FIRTH , Prov . G . Chap ., then offered the prayer , which concluded with the hope that the building would unite those who worshipped in it in brotherhood , peace , truth , and Charity . The stone was then lowered about nine inches , during which the Masonic choir sang the first verse of " Prosper the art , " a beautiful piece of music . Bro . Walter Alcock , Prov . G . Treas ., placed a bottle containing copies of the local newspapers , circular , programme , history of the new church , and coins of the realm , & c , in the cavity in the stone .

Bro . . NEWTON , Prov . G . Sec , read the inscription on the copper plate : " Church of St . Mary Magdalen , Accrington . This corner stone was laid by Bro . Arthur Appleby , Master Mason , Albert Edward Lodge , 1519 , acting as Deputy for Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , Right Worshipful Prov . Grand Master East Lancashire . 25 th June , 1 S 98 . " The Prov . Grand Secretary then placed the plate over the cavity . After this the stone was again slightly lowered , and the choir

sang the second verse of Prosper the art . " Bro . EDWIN WELCH , W . M . 462 , presented a beautiful silver trowel , containing inscription , to the acting Prov . Grand Master , saying : In the name of the scholars attending St . Mary Magdalen ' s Sunday School I have great pleasure in presenting you with this handsome trowel , and their earnest hope is that you may live long and never regret the day or the work which you have undertaken this afternoon . ( Cheers ) .

The acting Prov . Grand Master having spread mortar , the stone was lowered and placed , and the ceremony carried out according to ancient custom . Bro . S . MILLS , Prov . G . S . of W ., then handed the plans of the church to the Acting Prov . Grand Master , who gave them to Bro . Ross , P . M . 462 , the architect , desiring him to proceed with the work without loss of time , and in accordance with the plans and designs . The Prov . G . Chaplain having offered the Benediction ,

Archdeacon RAWSTIIORNE said that , at the request of Mr . Sayer , he begged them all to join with him in giving a hearty vote of thanks to Mr . Appleby for h ' presence and kindness in laying the corner-stone with full Masonic ceremonial . His presence , and the presence of so many Masonic brethren , had added very greatly indeed to the impressive and solemn service which had just been completed . The interest shown in the town by the people , and the large number of young and old gathered there , showed how much the occasion was appreciated . They could have wished , if it were in their power , for better and brighter

weather , but the rain which had been falling more or less showed the eagerness and determination of those in the neighbourhood to come and see the ceremony . He could only add that it was their prayer that God would bless the building of that church , that no accident might happen to those building it , and that when built it might enjoy God ' s blessing , and that the ministrations offered in it might bring many souls nearer to God , and that it would ever continue a blessing to that district and neighbourhood . ( Hear , hear . ) He would ask them to give three cheers for Mr . Appleby .

The request was cheerfully complied with , and Mr . APPLEBY acknowledged the compliment in a graceful speech . The band , choir , and people then joined in singing the Masonic version of " God save the Queen , " and cheers having been given , the Prov . Grand Officers and brethren reformed and left the ground . On arriving at the Hargreaves Arms the Prov . G . Lodge was closed .

The brethren partook of an excellent tea provided by Bro . Birtwistle . A social followed , with Bro . E . Welch , W . M . 462 , in the chair , and Bro . ) oi , Grimshaw , W . M . 1145 , in the vice-chair . The CHAIRMAN gave "The Queen , '' and " The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of England , and the rest of the Grand Officers . " He next proposed " Col Lc Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M ., and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers . " Other toasts followed .

Mark Benevolent Fund Festival.

MARK BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL .

The thirtieth Annual Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Tavern , London , under the presidency of the Hon . Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master ( Mark ) for Cheshire . About 100 ladies and brethren sat down to a choice repast , among whom were Bros . Viscount Dungarvan , R . Lovland-Loveland , D . P . Cama , Frank Richardson , Davoren , Wright , W . M . Stilts , Parke , Kelso King , P . G . D . New South WalesIsrael DaviesGM

, , .. Tasmania , Richard Eve , C . Belton , Robert Berridge , Sir Thomas Roe , Rev . William Cree , John Smith ( Beds ) , Dr . W . H . Kempster , Rev . Richard Peck , M . A ., G . C ., L . Crosthwaite , Belgrave Ninnis , F . C . Van Dozer , F . Hughes Hallctt , J . C . FiUroy Tower , Rowland Plumbe , A . V . Chuch , T . P . Dorman , C . F . Matier , R . Clowes , Major C . W . Carrel ] , Freer , A . Woodiwiss , Sir Thomas Roe , J . P . Hamilton , H . S . Wellcome , and A . E . Chirgwin .

After dinner the toasts were proposed . The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast of "The Oueen , " said Her Majesty had just got over her great Jubilee , and he thought the nation might congratulate itself that she had passed through a great crisis in her life , a crisis of excitement—he would not say , terror—but of excitement from the pleasure of seeing her people around her , who appreciated all the

benefits her reign had brought lo them . She had passed through this great crisis , and now he was thankful to say , from all accounts , she seemed to be in as good health as she was at the Jubilee . He congratulated all the brethren because he fult sure that in the great crisis this country was passing through at the present time it was through the great knowledge her Majesty

had of past events that they could steer clear of dangers which surrounded us . The great knowledge the Oueen had of the world and of the position she held as the oldest Sovereign of all the Sovereigns of the world that we might hope to steer through and bring the country safe out of the most dillicult situations . After " The Health of the . M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " had been duly honoured ,