Presentation To Bro. James Hill Sillitoe, Of Manchester.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . JAMES HILL SILLITOE , OF MANCHESTER .

On Monday last , a deputation of Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers of the Provincial Grand Chapter of East Lancashire met , by appointment , at the Freemasons - Hall , Manchester , for the purpose of presenting Comp . Sillitoe with a suit of Grand Chapter clothing , comprising Past

apron , sash , collar , and an iS-carat gold D . G . D . C . ' s jewel . The whole , in a solid leather case , was presented by Comp Abraham Clegg , P . G . J ., on behalf of the subscribers . The other members of the deputation consisted of Comos . Henry Thomas , P . P . G . P . S . ; Wm . Bagnall , P . P . G . P . S . ; and N . Nicholson . P . P . G . S . B . Comp . CLEGG , in making the presentation , dwelt at

some length on the many services Comp . Stlhtoe had rendered to the province , more especially in the Royal Arch Degree , and hoped he might be long spared to give advice and assistance when required . Comp . B AGNALL supported the presentation , and in eulogistic terms supplemented the remarks that had been made by Comp . Clegg . Comp . SILLITOE warmly thanked the companions for

their very handsome present , and assured them that whatever he had been able to do for the interests of Royal Arch Masonry , and Freemasonry generally , had been a source of great pleasure to him ; at the same time , he felt bound to admit that in so doing he had simply followed the example of their esteemed Grand Superintendent , Col . Starkie , who had all along given him ( Comp . Sillitoe ) every

encouragementyand that fact had inspired within him more zeal than he wou'd otherwise have shown . The very kind expressions that had fallen from Comps . Clegg and Bagnall concerning him , added to the substantial mark of the various subscribing companions'esteem and goodwill , were highly gratifying , and convinced him that the object he had all along in view had in some measure been achieved , viz ., to

cultivate a good Masonic feeling amongst the companions with whom he was so closely associated in the Province of East Lancashire , and he sincerely hoped he might long deserve the same proportion of brotherly kindness and good feeling that had been shown him that day , and that he might always hold the same place in the hearts and affection of his brother officers , which had prompted their

generous recognition of the small share of the work he had done in the province . In conclusion , he heartily thanked the deputation for the trouble they had taken in coming there that day , and begged them to convey to the subscribers his sincere and heartfelt thanks . Bro . Sillitoe was also presented some six weeks since with a full set of Grand Officer ' s ( Craft ) clothing , the cost of

which was defrayed half by members of his own lodge ( the Humphrey Chetham ) and the other half by members of the Masonic Club , Cooper-street . Bro . W . Jaffrey , P . P . G . D ., very kindly undertook to collect the various amounts , and Bro . Carl Goetz , P . P . J . G . W ., made the presentation . The clothing and jewel were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , 47 , Bridge-street , Manchester .

Masonic Presentation To Bro. J. Page, Treasurer 177 (S.C.)

MASONIC PRESENTATION TO BRO . J . PAGE , TREASURER 177 ( S . C . )

The brethren of the mystic tie in Coatbridge , near Glasgow , have been adding considerably to their numbers of late , owing no doubt to the likelihood of being called upon at an early date to lay the foundation-stone of the new Municipal buildings that we hear so much about , and also to the fact of having such an enthusiastic and

persevering R . W . Master to lead them on in the person of Bro . Councillor John Lindsay . On Tuesday , 6 h inst ., being the regular monthly meeting of Lodge Sc . James , Old Monkland , No . 177 , alter the ordinary work of the lodge was past , Bro . LINDSAY , R . W . M ., asked the Junior Warden to call the lodge Irom labour to refreshment , which having been done in due form , and glasses an filled ,

Bro . LINDSAV proposed " The Queen and Craft , " which was drunk with all the honours . "The Prince and Princess of Wales , and all the Royal Family , " was proposed by the R . W . M . and acknowledged . Bro . J SMITH , S . W ., proposed ihe "Army , Navy , and Volunteers , " which was replied to by Bro . T . L . ELLIS .

Bro . A . NAISMITH next proposed "The Three Grand Lodges , " which was replied b > by Bro . M'MURDO . Bro . LINDSAY , R . W . M ., then rose , and said that he had now a very pleasant duty to perform , and the rest of the brethren would know by this time what that meant . Bro . James Page , who had been Treasurer for the last five years , being about to enter the hymenial bonds ,

endeavoured to do so as quielly as possible ; but the brethren having got to know of the fact , no time was lost in their endeavour to show their appreciation of his services to the lodge ; and the outcome was that he had to ask Bro . Page , in name of the lodge , to accept this beautiful marble timepiece , and as the hands pointed to the time , his knowledge of Masonry would guide him to remember the three

divisions thereof , and also the shortness thereof . Bro . Lindsay also asked him to accept a gold Master's jewel , as well as a gold brooch and ear-rings , set with diamonds and pearls , for the "Mrs . Page that is to be , " hoping that , having "turned over a new leaf , he would add many pages thereto . " Bro . PAGE , in reply , said that he accepted the beautiful

presents the brethren had given to himself wih ihanks . He was not in the most fit frame of mind to say much , but he asked the brethien to accept the will for the deed , and to believe him when he said he would prize the gifts very highly , and that they would always remind him of the kindly feeling the brethren had for him , and any little services he had tendered to the lodge , he had done it

cheerfully , and would always strive to do all he could lor the benefit of the Craft . He had also to thank them in the name of his intended good lady for ihe very handsome brooch and ear-rings presented to her , but he . could hardly express himself in the way that he wou d like to do , and hoped the brethren would excuse him , and accept his most grateful thanks for these very handsome gifts .

Bro . HUNIER , J . W ., then proposed "The Provincial Grand Lodge of the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire , " which was replied to by Bro . MASON , P . M . Bro . SYMINGTON proposed "The Lodge St . James , Old Monkland , No . 177 , " which was replied to by Bro . LINDSAY , R . W . M . Bro . ARNOTT , S . D ., proposed "The Brothers from

Masonic Presentation To Bro. J. Page, Treasurer 177 (S.C.)

Sister Lodges , " which which was replied to by Bro . MURRAY , from 471 . Bro . J H . ELLIS , in propising the toast of " The Commiitee " which had been deputed to raise subscriptions and stcue suitab e gifts to their worthy Treasurer , Bm . Page , and his intended btttr-rulf , sp'ke in eulogstic terms of the indefat ' gable pirns and care they had taken

in order to ca'ry out the wishes of the brethren of Lodge No . 177 in this matter , and as a proof of this a glance at such handsome presents as were now before them would convince them also the Committee deserved praise in their selection . I have now , brethren , very great ple-jsure in asking you to be upstanding and award to the Presentation Committee a hearty vote of thanks , coupled with the name

of Bro . Jno . Chrchton , P . M . Bro . MASON proposed "The Last Link of the Chain , " which was replied to by Bro . Dr . STORER , E . A . The evening ' s proceedings were greatly enlivened by songs from Bros . Gibson , Barnes , P . M ., Hunter , Burnet , Wallace , Hill , Millar , Matheson , Smith , and Rankin . At the hour of high twelve the lodge was called from refreshment to labour , and closed .

Presentation To Bro. Jesse Collings, P.M. 1585.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . JESSE COLLINGS , P . M . 1585 .

On Friday , the 9 th inst ., 32 of the brethren and friends of the Ranelagh Lodge of Instruction met at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith , to celebrate their anniversary dinner , and this opportunity was taken to present Bro . Jesse Collings , P . M . 15 S 5 , Preceptor 834 and iSgi , & c , with a testimonial on his retirement from the Preceptorship of this lodge in recognition of his valuable services . After

ample justice had been done to the viands , which were served in Bro . Coplestone's usual admirable manner , the customary loyal and patriotic toasts were given by the Chairman , Bro . J . SIMS , P . M . S 34 , and enthusiastically received by the enmpany . ' Success to the Ranelagh Lodge of Instruction " was given by the VICE-CHAIRMAN , and responded to by Bro .

G . READ , P . M . 511 , & c , and for many years Preceptor of this lodge . The CHAIRMAN , on rising to propose the next toast , said : Brethren , { have now a proposition to make , which 1 am sure will be heartily responded to by all present . It is " Health and Long Life to our respected Bro . Jesse Collings . " You all know how indefatigable he has been

in attending this lodge of instruction during the many years he has been our Preceptor , and the untiring zeal he has displayed in impaiting his great knowledge of the ritual of Freemasonry to all who sought his assistance . I cannot adequately express my feelings of regret at the

resolution he has taken to withdraw his services from this lodge of instruction ; but as it is ( after much persuasion ) unalterable , I will , in the name of the lodge , beg his acceptance of this testimonial asa token of the respect and esteem felt towards him by every member thereof . The following is a copy of the testimonial : —

" Ranelagh Lodge of Instruction , No . 834 . " At a meeting held November nth , 18 S 7 , it was unanimously resolved that a special vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to our much esteemed Bro . Jesse Collings , P . M . 1585 , expressing our deep regret at the loss of his valuable services as Perceptor , and our gratitude to

him for the kind , zealous , and able manner he has displayed for so many years in imparting his knowledge of the ritual of Freemasonry to the brethren of this lodge , sincerely hoping that the G . A . O . T . U . may bless him with health and happiness , and that his future career may , if possible , be brighter than the past .

" This resolution to be engrossed on vellum , framed , and presented to Bro . Jesse Collings , in testimony of the friendship and esteem of every member of the Ranelagh Lodge of Instruction , which he has so well earned and deservedly merited .

" Bro . A . C . ALAIS , P M . 834 . „ VV . J . CoPELSTONE , J . W . S 34 . „ F . CRAGGS , J . D . 834 . „ W . G . COAT , W . b . 1275 . ,, C . HOPKINS , M . M . 2013 . „ D . S . LONG , S . D . 1275 .

„ W . MITCHELL , M . M . 1275 . „ J . SIMS , P . M . 834 . „ D . i > Tno */ D , W . M . 2045 . „ A . WILLIAMS , S . D . 2090 . „ R . H . WILLIAMS , P . P . G . D . Middx ., W . M . 1767 , „ W . C . WILLIAMS , W . M . S 65 . "

Bro . COLLINGS , on rising to respond , said : Mr . Chairman , Vice-Chairman , and Brethren—Allow me to thank you most sincerely for this handsome testimonial and for the hearty manner in which you have received the toast of my health , and for the feeling and kind remarks that you , Mr . Chairman , were pleased to make in putting it before the brethren . If I have been the means of imparting knowledge , it has

been a great pleasure to me to have had the opportunity and abilityjpf doing so , and of following out the lessons we are taught in Freemasonry of rendering assistance to the brethren in the inferior Degrees . Many years ago I had the pleasure of receiving my instruction from our late Bro , Andrews , and from one whom we have still amongst us , Bro . George Read , and I have conscientiously endeavouied

to follow out their teaching by strictly adhering to the antient landmarks of our Order ; and it is my earnest hope that , now 1 lnve felt called upon to give up this work , you will shortly find some brother able and willing to undertake the management , and one who will be able to impart the necessary instruction . I shall always look upon this as one of my brightest momenis in Freemasonry , and feel

that my labours have not been in vain . Any time that you may requite assistince in the lodge 1 shall be pleased to come and do what 1 can . Brethien , allow me once more to thank you sincerely for this mark of your esteem . "The Health of the Chairman , " "The Vice-Chairman , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " "The Committee , " and "The Host and Hostess , " were given and received in the

usual hearty manner . The following brethren contributed considerably to ihe harmony of the evening ; Bros . G . Read ( Fireman ' s Wedding ) , A . Williams , F . Craggs , Andrew , and Bird . After the presentation , the handsome testimonial ( which was engrossed and framed by Bro . George Kenning , 16 a , Great Queen-street ) was passed around the room , and much admired as a work of art by the whole of the brethren .

Annual Supper Of The Clapton Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1365.

ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CLAPTON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1365 .

Ths annual supper of the above lod ^ e took place at Bro . Bargen ' s Restaurant , Wool Exchange , Col rnan-sireet , on Friday evening , the 9 th inst ., Bro . Btnnett , W . M . of the mother lodge , in the chair , and Bro . Finch , Treas ., in the vice-chair . Bro . Cusvvorth , Preceplor , who was expected to occupy that position , was a b sent through indisposition ,

much to the regret of the brethren . After the cloth was cleared , the usual loyal and other toasts were given and responded to , songs and recitations being interspersed , and were well rendered by many of the brethren . Bro . CHURCH , Hon . Sec , responded to the toast of "The Clapton Lodge of instruction , " and informed those

present that the lodge was in a very strong and flourishing position . Bio . FlNCH , in responding to the toast of " The Tieasurer and Secretary , " called attention to the Fourth Clapton Benevolent Association , which is now in progress , and said that this last Association would complete the sum of about / . ' 1200 , which had been subscribed by the members ;

he also called attention to the large amount of work this entailed upon the Secretary , Bro . Diamond , and he was of opinion that the services of such brethren , who were acting in that capacity , were not recognised as they ought to be by the three Charities , seeing that it was by the aid of such so much money was sent up . He threw out as a suggestion ( which he thought would give an increased

impetus to such Associations ) that the Charities should make such brethien Life Subscribers or Life Governors' , asareward for their labour of love , lt was a well known fact that these lodges not only gave instruction but also worked in a very large way to the advancement of the Charities , which , if not for them , would come off very differently to what they did . For example , when a VV . M .

or other went up as Steward and sent his list round for subscriptions , brethren in these Imd times could not afford to put down £ 10 ios . atonce ; but these Associations , by an easy mode of payment , enabled them to subscribe that amount , and thus benefit the Charities to the large amount he had mentioned . These remarks were received with approbation by the brethren present . After a very enjoyable evening the brethren separated .

Among those present were Bros . Salmon , P . G R . Essex ; Blackburn , P . G . S . B . Middlesex ; Margetts , H . Heel , Reddirig , C . Stanger , S . Stanger , Sawer , Tucker , Tobin , B . T . t ' obur , Fairclough , Bennett , Banker , Brookman , Conbro , Caton , Cubbon , Campbell , Cordell , Foity , Haden , Lutwyche , Holloway , Kettle , Woodrow , Bokenham , Boot , VV . Finch , Treasurer ; VV . D . Church , Hun , Sec . 3 and others .

The Old Masonians.

THE OLD MASONIANS .

The above Association held a most enjoyable social evening on Friday , the and inst ., at the head-quarters—Anderton ' s Hotel . Mr . C . Douglas Barrett , who took ths chair , had provided a capital programme . There were present nearly 40 members of the Association and a fair sprinkling of visitors . Mr . VV . H . Kirkham opened the proceedings with an overture on the pianoforte , and accompanied the

songs throughout the evening in a highly efficient manner . Mr . F . Gore sang wiih great expression "When all was young" and "Sally in our alley , " as did Mr . A . S Stevensun , "Trusty as steel . " Mr . C . Howard Uwins rectived a well-merited encore for his rendering of " I he diver , " and later in the evening sang " Will o' the wisp . " The elocutionary part of the programme was well sustained dy Mr .

Harold Wihiams , who gave with great expression " Mark Antony ' s oration ; " Mr . T . L . Scurr , who gave an amusing accountof the " Adventuresof Turpin ; " and Mr . Clark , who showed great ability in his rendering of the " Quack doctor . " Mr . j . W . Button received an encore for his banjo solo , " Home , sweet home . " The comic element was well represented by Mr . Elgar , who was very

funny in his songs , " Later on and " Oh I Mr . A . B . Whiteley sang " Just in time , " and Mr . VV . Lyle Smith received well-merited applause for his Irish song , "Old Ireland so green . " After the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman , the singing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close .

The Order Of The Temple In Victoria.

THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE IN VICTORIA .

A meeting of representatives of preceptories was held at the Salisbury-buildings , Melbourne , on the igh Uctober , in answer to advertisement and notification by circular issued by a Committee appointed by the Metropolitan Preceptory , No . 28 , under the Great Priory of Canada , Three preceptories responded to the invitation by

appointing delegates to represent them . After a considerable amount of discussion it was unanimously resolved to institute a Sovereign Great Priory of the United Orders of the Temple and Malta for Victoria , lt was resolved , further , that Eminent Bro . D . Munro should be the fiist . Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master . A Committee , consisting uf Bros . Bramwell , Drew , Musgrove ,

Meadowcroft , Davidson , Longmuir , and Harrison , was then appointed to take steps to give effect to the above res ilutions , and the meeting adjourned to the 22 nd of November . To the foregoing may be added the fact , that the founders of the Melbourne Preceptory mentioned are membeis of the so-called Grand LuOga of Victoria . In the first instance a charter was applied for and refused by

the Gieat Priory of England and Wales . The applicants then sought for and obtained a warrant Irom the Great Priory of Canada , which body thereby coinrn tted an act of invasion , seeing that lor many years past there has been a Provincial Priory of Australia , with headquarters at Melbourne , under the Great Priory of EngUnd and VVales . Some time back these same members of the

so-called Grand Lodge of Victoria , applied for and obtained a warrant from the Grand Imperial Council of the Older of Rome and Constantine , and obtained such warrant without any questions being asked . 'Ihe supreme authorities of the Temple Order , however , it will be observed , acted more prudently and firmly in such a serious matter ,