Freemasonry In Durham.

which time it had become known as the Restoration Lodge , No . 144 in 1792 ; N . 17 O in 1 S 14 ; No . i 2 Sin 1 S 32 ; and No . tn in 1 SG 3 . In the earlier lists it is credited to Darlington , Yorkshire ; but Darlington is now ascribed to this county of Durham . The younger lodge had its quarters , as No . 304 , at the Castle , Dun Cow-lane , Durham , and dates

from Sth September , 1763 . It became No , 245111 1770 , and No . 195 in 17 S 1 , when it was known as the Marquis of Granby Lodge , and met at a P . Room , in Old Elvet , Durham . It was altered to No . iGG in 1792 ; No . 20410 1 S 14 ; No . 146 in 1 S 32 ; and No . 124 in 1 SG 3 . Its present quarters arc , at the Freemasons' Hall of the fine old

cathedral city . The next in order was established at Barnard Castle , its number being 40 ( 1 , and its place in the list for 1775 between lodges warranted on 23 rd November , 1770 , and 26 th Januar 3 ' , 1771 , respectively ; its place of meeting being the Hare and Hounds . In 17 S 1 , as Lodge of Concord , No . 315 , it held its meetings in a private room , and

was altered in 1 792 to No . 2 G 2 . In 1 S 14 it was re-numbered No . 332 , and in 1 S 63 No . 231 . But though , as will be seen from these few particulars , this second attempt of the Barnard Castle brethren was more successful than their first , this lodge has passed away . No . 45 G , of Gateshead , which was founded on iGth October , 1773 , was , at the next

alteration of numbers in 17 S 1 , known as Lodge of Union , No . 364 , and held its meetings in a private room . It was re-numbered 295 in 1792 , and No . 376 in 1 S 14 ; it had ceased working in 1 S 32 . St . Bede's Lodge , No . 471 , which met at the King of Prussia , South Shields , was warranted 7 th May , 1774 , and became No . 37 S in 17 SL In

1792 we find it located at Morpeth , Northumberland , ' in where it met at the Wheatsheaf , as No . 30 S . We may add that it survived the Union , and was re-numbered 392 in 1814 , but it is no longer in existence . The Lodge of Harmony , No . 474 , Monkwcarmouth , was warranted on 22 nd November , 1774 , and became No . 3 S 1 in 1781 , but the

next in order of seniority , the St . Hild's , Hilda , or Hilda ' s Lodge , as it has been variously described , had the good fortune only a short time since to celebrate the centenary of its existence . This lodge was founded as No . 521 , on 15 th March , 17 S 0 ; became No . 427 in 17 S 1 ; No . 343 in 1702 : No . 440 in 1814 ; No . 292 in 1 S 32 ; and No . 240 in

1 SG 3 . An interesting sketch of the lodge appeared in certain numbers of the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle last month . One other prcc-Union lodge ( Moderns ) , namely , the Raby , No . 4 G 1 , Raby Castle , Staindrop , was constituted in 1784 , and became No . 372 in 1792 , but it had ceased working at the time of the Union . Tin ' s completes the roll of

lodges constituted under the Grand Lodge " Moderns , " and it is a satisfaction to note that one-half of them still survive , and , as far as wc are able to judge , are in healthy working condition . Of three lodges which held under the Grand Lodge "Ancients , " one , the St John's Lodge , of Sunderland , No .

94 , it still at work . It was founded in 177 G , and became No . 11 S in 1 S 14 ; No . 95 in 1 S 32 ; and No . So in 1 SG 3 The other lodges were the Prince Edward ' s Lodge , No . 27 , of Gateshead , and the St . Paul ' s Lodge of Monkwcarmouth , No . 161 , which were changed in iSi 4 toNos . 41 and 197 respectively . They had dropped from the roll

when the next closing up of lodges took place in 1 S 32 . There was also a St . Culhbert's Lodge No . 133 , warranted on 13 th December , 17 G 4 , which was re-warranted on 1 st March , 1 S 0 S , at Berwick-on-Twced . A bare enumeration of the remaining lodges , with their respective dates of constitution , must suffice .

These are the Lambton , No . 375 , Chestcr-le-Strcet , 1 S 24 ; the Borough Lodge , No . 424 , Gateshead , 1 S 34 ; the Tees Lodge , No . 509 , Stockton , 1 S 45 ; the St . Helen ' s , No . 531 , Hartlepool , 1 S 4 G ; the Fawcett , No . GGi , Seaham Harbour , 1 S 56 ; the Harbour of Refuge , No . 7 G 4 , West Hartlepool , 1 S 5 SJ the Philanthropy , No . 940 , Stockton , 1 SG 2 ;

the Williamson , No . 949 , Alonkwearinoutli , 1 SG 3 ; the St . Bede , No . 1119 , of Jarrow and , the Wear Valley , No . 1121 , of Bishop Auckland , both belonging io the year iSGfi ; the Barnard , No . 1230 , Barnard Castle , iSGS ; the Karl of Durham , No . 1274 , Chester-Ie-Strect , 1 SG 9 ; the Norman , No . 1334 . of Durham , 1 S 70 : the Marquis of Ripon , No .

1379 , Darlington , 1871 ; the Fenwick , No . 13 S 9 , Sunderland , and the Fraternity , No . 141 S , Stockton , both of 1872 ; and the Perseverance , No . 1 G 43 , Hebburn-on-Tyne , and the Rose of Raby , No . 1 G 50 , Staindrop , both constituted in 1 S 7 6 . Such a list tells its own tale , and needs no comment ; but were it our special business here to pay a

just tribute to the earnest and assiduous labours of the brother who has just filled the Grand Master ' s chair of this influential Province of Durham , we could hardly do better than refer our readers to the roll of its lodges . They will find that of a total of twenty-five no less than fourteen

were constituted in the three and thirty years that he held office . This is a record of which Bro . Fawcett in liis retirement will have every reason to be proud , while those whom he ruled so long and so genially must be equally pleased when their memories revert to his achievements . ( To be coniinnril ) .

The installation meeting of the West Middlesex Lodge , No . 1 G 12 , was held on Saturday last al the Institute , Ealing . Bro . A . J . Burr was the W . M . installed , the ceremony being impressively given by l ! ro . Henry Kasner , I . P . M ., assisted by Bro . J . Chambers Roe as D . of C . A full report of the proceedings is unavoidably crowded out this week , but will appear in our next .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed bv our correspondents , but we wish in . 1 spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . * ]

MASONIC CARTES DE VISITE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The idea of your correspondent in respect of visiting "Cartes" is a good one in some respects , but in others 1 fear would lead , as you have pointed out , to much " misuse . " Let me illustrate what 1 mean by an example

of the probable and possible perversion of this process , by those many " gentlemen of the road , " who are making a "traffic" and a " system of plunder" by "Masonic Mendicancy , " and to which you as probably allude . Bro . Stott is a good looking young Mason , and has his "Carte " taken in Masonic clothing , & c . Bro . Stott unfortunately gets into "Short-street . " He trades on Masonry ! What is

to prevent him from " working" along time on his " Carte ?" 1 mig ht give you many other illustrations , but this one must suffice to-day . I think , that the onl y course for lodges is to adhere to the strict laws of Masonry in this respect . In London as a general rule "Masonic Mendicants " have less chance than in the provinces of success , for this reason , that as a rule in the London lodges , and except in

special cases , a " personal voucher " is enforced . In the provinces , where the lodges meet mostly as "Supper Lodges , " to use a common form of expression , that is , notfordinner , afterwork , as almost universally in London , visitors are more in number , and the system of " personal

vouching" is ratheramplified and extended . But amidst all this discussion , the original contention has never yet been made good , that the examining brother must vouch for the visitor . He clearly may , or may not , as he thinks fit , and no one can therefore complain of his refusal . ! think then on the whole , now as ever , that our best policy is to keep

more closely than ever to the old Masonic paths . Yours fraternally , URBAN . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — 1 do not think that the " Cartes" will do much good , but I venture to suggest that a "Certificate '' should

be issued , as in America , in a pocket form , in a folding cover , so as to be carried easil y by the visitor . The actual form of the Certificate is somewhat cumbrous and inconvenient , and that fact induces many brethren to leave it safely at home , in their oercgiinations and visits . Yours fraternally , " ' VISITOR .

AVVMISSION OV VISITORS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — 1 think the means of establishing the identity of visiting brethren to our several lodges , recommended by Bro . James Stevens in his letter of last week , worthy the attention of the Craft gcnei ally , and , for my part , cannot

see how the fear you express in your comment on his suggestion can be justified . How the photograph of an individual to whom belongs the certificate , a fac-simile presentment of which he produces and makes still further effective as a proof by test of handwriting , could be used for bad purposes I cannot

imagine . 1 have myself one of Bro . W . Shung-Marshall's ingenious arrangements for " proof of brotherhood , " and have found it useful for the purpose intended ; but my utmost stretch of imagination does not suggest to my own mind how I could abuse it , if 1 desired to do so . If you or any brother can point out such a possible abuse every attention ought to lie given thereto . I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally ,

E . DES FRANCOIS DE PONTC 1 IALON . [ Wc admit gladl y all correspondence and reasonable comments in our editorial remarks , but we must claim an equal right of criticism with our worthy correspondent . We have , therefore , excised one paragraph . —En . F . M .

OCTOBER ELECTIONS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — * A good deal of conversation took place at Freemasons' Tavern on Monday relative to our esteemed Bro . Levander's motion , which was very wisely dropped , being in my humble opinion an utterly impracticable one in

every sense . But it seems as if our provincial brethren may fairly complain of our present cumbrous and complicated , and to them inconvenient and expensive system of elections . The j Joys' and Girls' School elections , for instance , are in April , that of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in May , necessitating the expense of three journeys to the

metropolis , ( and from a long distance with many ) , annually . It has been suggested that all three elections should take place in April annually , and on the Thursday , Friday , and Saturday consecutively in one week , so that our country brethren may return home for Sunday , which now they

are compelled generally to spend in London at some expense to themselves . I am not aware that any valid objection can be entertained to such a proposal , " but write to ventilate the subject in your columns . I am , vours fraternalh' , A LIFE GOVERNOR OF THE BOYS' SCHOOL

THE LAST BOYS' SCHOOL ELECTION . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — The aspect of the List of the Boys' School Candidates has struck me so forcibly to-day , and the prospect of the Election in April is so very depressing , unless some special effort is made , that I think we ought to keep before us the fact that , in order to utilize and ilevelope the great

advantages of ( he Hoys' School , something should be done to strengthen the hands of the authorities , by acting as Stewards , o > c \ , so as to induce them to increase the probable legal number of vacancies in April next , that so we may reduce the really awful margin of unsuccessful candidates . I remain , dear Sir and Brother , vours fraternally , October nth . A VOTER ON MONDAY LAST .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Graft J-Hasrmtij * LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . — The October meeting of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel . The brethren present were Bros . W . T . Rickwood , W . M . ; Charles Arkell , I . P . M . ; J . G . Marsh , P . M . ; Ebenezer Roberts , P . M ., Grand Registrar Western Division South Wales ;

Henry Legge , P . M . ; Edward Jones , P . M . ; Stephen T . Lucas , S . W . ; Chillingworth , jun ., J . W . ; George Kenning , P . M ., Treas . ; George Abbott , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Lorkin , S . D . ; H . A . Pratt , J . D . j H . A . Carter , I . G . ; \ V . H . Lee Davies , and Thos . Cohu , P . M ., Stwds . ; R . J . Dart , Wm . Williams , T . T . Hampton , W . Fox , Hobbs , R . J . Sutherland , T . Fisher , W . Waring , J . S . Fraser , Jas . Copelin , W . Harwood , Barclav Perkins , John Jay , H . Davis , and

J . Kent . Visitors : Bros . R . Walker , 1044 ; C . Beaumont , 901 ; H . G . Gush , 1541 ; H . Estochet , 1641 ; W . Rest , 12 SS ; J . E . David , 110 ; H . Tucker , 1612 ; J . Kown , iGi 3 ; j . W . Skinner , S 29 ; G . Potter , 177 ; A . Carnell , 1216 ; and G . W . Morrison , 54 S . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and

confirmed , Bro . Williams was raised to the Third Degree , Bro . Fox was passed to the Second Degree , the widow of a deceased brother was relieved with the sum of fifteen guineas , and two gentlemen were proposed for initiation . The brethren dined together under the presidentship of the W . M ., the dinner being all that could be desired , personally superintended by Bro . Rand .

PERFECT ASHLAR LODGE ( No . 1178 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel , Southwark , where there was a large and influential gathering of members and visitors . The lodge was opened at 4 . 30 p . m . punctually by Bro . Thos . Simpson , W . M ., supported by Bros . J . J . BellS . W . ; JQuinceyJ . W . ; F . H . Ebsworth

, . , , P . M ., Treasurer ; R . Challoner , S . D . and Secretary ( pro tern . ); E . Bridges , J . D . ; T . Clark , I . G . ; IW . | T . Lover , P . M ., Wine Steward ; J . A . Smith , P . M ., D . of C . ; A . S . Young , Tyler ; also ) . " Stock , I . P . M . ; J . H . Harmsworth , P . M . ' ; F . Garbett , P . M . ; J . Dixon , P . M . ; F . Walters , P . M ., and others . Visitors : Bros . G . Churchley , P . M . 299 , Prov . G . Stewd . Kent ; T . Vincent , W . M . 1 S 61 ; T .

H y land , W . M . 201 ; J . Hutton , J . W . 61 s ; W . T . Buck , J . W . 1702 ; W . Cook , J . D . 1744 ; J . Edwards , 54 S ; I . Calling , 1 G 79 ; G . W . King , 77 ; H . T . Bailey , 1719 ; J . L . Anderson , 554 ; W . Murrin , 554 ; W . G . Bertram , 1426 ; C . T . Church , 2 S ; J . Bird , 113 ; J . Harrison , 73 ; W . Dyke , 141 , and others . The minutes of the regular meeting , held SepVember 2 nd , were read and confirmed . The report of the audit

committee , which was highly satisfactory , was received and adopted . A ballot was then taken for the admission of the following gentlemen , viz ., Messrs . R . J . Eastabrook , E . Rosenthal , L . Robbins , W . Good , and j . Laming , which was declared unanimously in their favour . There , however , being only three of the candidates present , namely , Messrs . R . J . Eastabrook , W . Good , and J . Laming , they were initiated into the secrets and mysteries of ancient

Freemasonry . Bro . John James Bell was then installed Worshipful Master for the ensuing year ; the ceremony being performed in a most creditable manner by Bro . Joseph Stock , I . P . M . Bro . J . J . Bell , W . M ., then appointed and invested his officers as follows , viz ., Bros . f . Ouincey , S . W . ; R . Challoner , J . W . ; F . II . Ebsworth , T . M ., Treasurer ; W . T .

Lover , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Bridges , S . D . ; T . Clark , J . D . ; I ' . W . Stamp , I . G . ; J . A . Smith , P . M ., D . C . j f . Porter , Assistant D . C . ; F . Garbett , P . M ., W . S . ; and A . G . Young , Tyler . The investiture of Chaplain was postponed till next meeting , the Rev . A . H . Smith being unavoidably absent . A letter was read from Bro . Fredk . Walters , P . M ., tendering bis resignation to the lodge . A candidate was

proposed for initiation , after which , all business being ended , the lodge was closed in due form , and declared adjourned until the first Thursday in December . The brethren , numbering seventy , then repaired to the banquet , which was served in a very excellent manner by Messrs . H . J . and W . J . Roberts , the proprietors of the Bridge House Hotel . During the banquet a very handsome jewel was presented to the retiring Master , also a

collar presented by the members of the lodge as a mark of respect for the very able manner in which he had served the lodge during his year of office . The usual Masonic toasts Having been given , several brethren amused the company with some capital songs and recitations , and it was not until a late hour that the Tyler's toast was called for . We may add that this was one of the most successful meetings of the Perfect Ashlar Lodge .

THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The seventh anniversary and installation meeting of this ledge was held on Saturday , October g , at the Cannonstreet Hotel . Bro . J . Blackie , W . M ., presided , supported b y Bros . Hamer , S . W . j Taylor , J . W . ; Kibble , S . D . ; Keeble , J . D . ; Baber , D . C ; Headon , Treasurer ; several Past Masters , and the following visitors : Bros . T . Vincent . W . M . 1 S 61 ; C . 1 . Turner , W . M . 157 ; J-

Garnar , W . M . 975 ; W . Mann , P . M . 1 S 6 ; C . A . Smith , 1326 ; F . T . Hollands , 186 ; E . Blake , 507 ; D . RCamins , P . M . 1159 and 255 ; W . Surdin , 157 ; F . JSmith , P . M . island 99 6 ; W . A . Frost , 1728 ; T . Poore , P . M . 720 ; J . Laurence , 1326 ; Sanderson , P . M . 69 ; A . Triggs , J . D . 157 ; N . L . Partridge , S . W . 1445 ; Peddle , J . W . tS ? i ; G . W . Saul , P . M . 1201 ; C . T . Mariner , 1 GG 9 W . S . Morris 72 JE . Randall 145 J W-

; , ; . , ; . Postans , 34 ; F . Duchcn , 1 GS 7 ; E . G . Johnson , 1804 ; VV Kipps , 1275 ; J . A . Jones , 17 GG ; G . Burnstcad , 17 G 6 ; JII . Medwin , 1 G 13 ; T . Harper , J . W . 121 G ; II . Amphletf , 1511 ; J . Doddrell , 144 ; R . Whittington , 1 G 13 ; MChegwin , 181 sj F . W . Fisher , P . M . 493 ; C . Laurente , ISOA-. I . Tickle . P . M . 110 G : W . W . Moriran . nSm c-

Taylor , Trinity College ; J . W , Jones , P . M . 657 , & c . i L . Winter , P . M . O 57 ; T . Jenkins , P . M . 34 ; G . Griffiths , I 29 T ; E . J . Scott , P . M . 749 ; E . Phillips , 475 ; Dr-O'Connor , ( 13 G ; T . Benskin , 1 G 57 ; W . F . Smithson . P . M . 1001 ; II . Thompson ( Freemason ) , and others . , The lodge having been opened , and the minutes fea . J confirmed , Bro . Jury was raised to the Degree of a M . I "' Mr . John Matthews was balloted for , and being in atten-