Craft Masonry.

he governed for 20 years . He liavellcd over France and Italy , where he superintended the erection of other abbeys . The Culdees superintended the buildins of all the largo edifices in Caledonia during the early centuries of our present era . During this periori Ihey initiated brethren into their mysteries , and elected their President and kept the light burning for at least 10 centuries . The President was no more than the first amongst his equals , placed in that position by his brethien for the purpose of maintaining order at their meetings when assembled to deliberate . Amongst the ancient seats of the Culdees , the most ncted were Melrose , Aberdeen , Kilwinning , Dumfermline ,

Dunblane , Breechin , and St . Andrews on the mainland of Scotland , and York in England . The last Culdees of whom Higgins has found any trace were in the Church ol St . Peter at York A . D . 936 , or 10 years after the date of the great assembly rf Masons at York , from which we derive the Athelslan Legend . Krausse considers the York Charter ( 926 ) genuine , its authors being Culdees , " whose writings agree with the convicti > ns and sentiments contained in the York Constitution . Their chief doctrines were associated with the three great lights of our lodges . " Yarker says , " The CiTdees were the schoolmasters of the time in which

Ihey lived , they taught the artisans in the monasteries , th « : y had their own builders and worked with their own hands . They had their own occult cerem onial rites , which Cardinal Newman asserts were actually the continuation of the mysteries of Sera p his . When an educated artisan or Mason desired to extend his researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science , he sought initiation . " Acco-din » to the Athelstan Legend , the first grand assembly of Masons was convened at York , and presided over by Prince Edwin , a brother of the king ( Athelstan ) . It was to this aisemlly the brethren were requested to bring any old writings or reco-ds in their

possession ; thus were brought together data in Greek , Latin , French , and other languages , from which were framed the constitutions and charires of an English lodge , an 1 a law was then made to observe the same in all time coming , which law his b ; en faithfully transmitted through the intervening ages , and is to-day the leading feature of oor Constitutions . The chief seat of the Culdees in England was at York , and when as Cu' . dees they disappear , we find the Freemasons immediately succeeding them and establishing a Grand Lodge in the very city where they were in greatest evidence—another proof that they were one and the same body under different names . In Scotland we have

seen that the chief seats of the builders were at Kilwinning , Melrose , Aberdeen , Edinboro ' , Breechin , & c , places they had rendered famous by the erection of magnificent monasteries , to be afterwards replaced by still more magnificent abbeys , their chiefs being the leading architects , and their disciples the mister builders and skilled artisans who were initiated into their secret doctrines—in fact , wherever we fi < d an ancient and magnificent edifice there do we find an old Scottish lodge of Masons whose existerce dates from time immemorial . The mother Lodge Kilwinning claims an antiquity as remote as the 12 th century , as do also the Lodges of Edinboro' , Melrose

and Aberdeen and Glasgow . Laurie , in his "History of I ' reemasonry in Scotland , " says : ' ¦ The existence of the Kilwinning Lodge has been traced back as far as the end ot the 15 th century , but by other collateral arguments , which amount almost to a demonstration , to the bui'ding of the Abbey of Kilwinning . " The oldest minute book possessed by Lodge Kilwinning dates from December 20 th , 1 C 42 , former records being lost . In the Schaw Statu es of 159 S , which are virtuilly the old charges of a Freemason , we read : " It is ordained by my lord general that all the old ancient acts and statutes before made by the predecessors of the Masons of Kilwinning be observed and

kept by the Craft in all time coming . " An old French poem relates how in 122 G Jacques , Lord Stewart , received in his lodge at Kilwinning , in Scotland , the Courts of Gloucester and Ulster , and history records that these twi noblemen were at that time amongst the adherents of Bruce . Lodge Kilwinning claims an existence from 1140 , Glasgow St . Johns , now 3 bis , from the Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow in 1057 . The latter lodge is in possession of a charter granted by Malcolm III ., dated October 5 th , 1057 , which setslorth that the free Incorporate Masons of Glasgow shall have a lodge for ever at the City of Glasgow , & c The Culdees , as hasb ; en seen , were adepts in ecclesiastical

architecture ; they were suppressed by Malcolm III . in 1057 . Is it not highly probable that they would become associated with the Freemasons engaged in erecting the cathedral at Glasgow , and thus impart to the latter both speculative and operative knowledge ? The Lodge St . John ' s , Glasgow , did not join the Grand Lodge of Scotland until 1 S 51 , before that lime the Deaccn of the Incorporation was always Master of the lodge . The first by-laws of this lodge ( 1 S 51 ) recite— " Whereas the Lodge of Glasgow St . John has along with the Incorporation of Masons of the City of Glasgow been Constituted by Royal Charter and immemorial usage into a Lodge of Freemasons for a period of Soo

years & c . ( 1 ) This lodge shall be held exclusively for Masonic purposes , & c . " The histories of St . Mary ' s Chapel , Edinbro ' , and of the old Melrose Lodge , the former dating from the building of Holyrood , in 112 S , and the latter from 113 G , were then examined in detail , and the visit of Desaguliers to the former in 1721 , noted , he and the members being so thoroughly in accord on all points of Masonry , making it evident that the secrets of the old ledges in both-countries were similar . Fraternities were established in England in 1202 , at Winchester , and about the sime time at the Tower of London , Canterbury , and elsewhere , an oath or secrecy was administered to the

initiated , and a veil of mystery was spread over their proceedings . The old charges , some So of which are now known , from the Regius of 1390 , the Cook , 1450 , to those of the 17 th century were shown to be , when not duplicates , variations of some old original , snd that almost to a certainty the charge formulated in 92 G . Freemasonry in Lancashire and Cheshire , in the 17 th century was reviewed , and the merbsrs of the old lodges both in Warrington and Chester shown to be almost exclusively speculative . 1 he Steinmttzen of Germany were also alluded to , with a view to showing that their parent stem was the Culdees taken over by Colman in the 17 th century .

The lecturer concluded by quoting Alison , who says : Masonry is , beyond question , the oldest of any of the institutions that is now known in the world ; it goes back to the remotest period of Egyptian story , prior to the departure of the Israelites lrom the land of Phareah ; it is fcur . d flourishing in vigour at the time of the building of the Temple of Jerusalem by King Solomon . " A discussion ensued , in which Bros . Dr . Brewer , James Hume , T . Vernon , and others took part , the views expressed being generally opposed to the theory of the lecturer , viz ., that the Cralt had a purely operative origin , the speculative element b .-ing

introduced in the 16 th and 17 th century , and gradually increasing in numbers until it finally eliminated the operatives in the ; Sth century , leaving it as it is to-day , a purely speculative Order . A vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by the Worshipful Master , and seconded by Bro . G . H . Brown , the latter remarking that an eminent Mason and antiquarian of Chester had told him that so far as Masonry in Chester was concerned , hi had proofs that it was purely operative in its origin , and was so shortly before Randle Holme ' s day .

Duke of York Lodge , No . 2449 . The installation meeting of this very successful lodge was held at the Palatine Hotel , Manchester , on the 12 th inst . There was a very large attendance of brethren . The lodge was opened by Bro . Fred . Warburton , W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . At this stage Bro . W . F . Schofield , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., assumed the chair , and he appointed is Installing Oilicers , Bros . . VV . Abbott . P . P . G .

D . ofC , asS . W . ; G . S . Smith , P . P . G . Org ., as J . W . ; H . Ratcliffe , P . M ., as I . G . j and B . Hopkinson , P . M ., as Org . Bro . T . T . Hardicker , S . W ., W . M . elect , was presenled to the Installing Master by Bro . VV . Boden , I . P . M ., and he was duly conducted through the first portion of the ceremony . The chair was at this point resumed by Bro . Warburton , who installed his successor in a highly creditable manner . The newly-installed W . M . was duly saluted and proclaimed under the direction of the I . P . M ., who gave the address to the W . M . and presented the warrant , & c . liro . Wm . Boden , P . M ., presented the working tools in each Degree . 'The following officers were appointed for the ensuing j ear , and their duties were explained by Bro . Schofield , who also addressed

the Wardens and brethren : bros . l-red . Warburton , I . P . M . ; C . J . Hall , S . W . ; Robert Meggitt , J . W . j 11 . H . S . Taylor , Chap . ; O . Rushton , Treas . ; ) . Kinsey , Sec J A . G . Bryce , S . D . ; A . Scarlett , J . D .. ; J . VVnittle , D . C . ; T . Wooler , I . G . ; II . B . Rudolph , R . Chiswell , S . Kew , J . Fairbairn , and A . Sutcliffe , Stwds . ; T . H . Stott , Asst . Sec ; and F . Warburton , I . P . M ., Charity Representative . Bro . James Andrew , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., was elected an honorary member of the lodtre . After "Hearty good wishes" had been expressed by the Grand , Prov . Grand Officers , and brethren of other lodires , the lodge was closed .

Subsequently a banquet was served , the W . M . presiding . There were 12 toasts on the list , including the usual loyal and Misonic ones . Bro . John Chadwick , P . G . S . B ., P . G . Sec , responded for " The Grand Officers . " " The Health of the Worshipful Master , liro . Hardicker , " was given and received with great enthusiasm , and having in a few ^ well-chosen remarks , returned his thanks , he

Craft Masonry.

proposed " Ihe Health of Bro . W . Warburton , the I . P . M ., " and said Bro . Waih and Bro . Schofield ( he believed ) were " . he first to form that lodge , which h ad bee " very successful in the past . I have been acquainted with Bro . Warburton for a long time , and that acqurintance has grown into a deep friendship . We all knov V ** well and thoroughly he has doie his work , an I ho . v well he hi- ; acquitted himself dV the last year . 1 shall rely upon his valuible assistance during my year of office an ' lT am sure it will not be denied . In fac K , his . services have been so much appreciated tu

the brethren have marked their apprecution in a substantial form , anf hivedeputed m > in the name of the lodge , to present him with this lovely and valuable Past Maste * ' jewel , which he richly deserves . I only regret the presentation has not been entrusted ^ ahler hands than mine , because I feel I cannot do justice to it . But , however R Warburton , I have pleasure in presenting to you this lovely and valuable Past Maste ™ jewel , and wish you long life to wear and enjoy it . rs Bro . Warburton , in response , said : I think Bro . Hirdic ' eer for his very kind word ^ LUC ycAi »« ucen sucicssmi on account 01 my oeing so wen supported toy

nu : my ofhear If I have appeared harsh at any time to enforce the precepts , 1 hope the brethre n wilt ' put it down to my desire of seeing work done will . I have done most of the work myself , and hive always been well supported by my Past M istars , and I hive done all I could for the benefit of the lodge . I tiank yoa all very sincerely for the very handsom . and valuable jewel you have presented to me . : Other toasts followed .

A capital musical programme hid been arranged , tha folio via r taking pirt : Bro-Nelson Stokes , Cuthbert Blacow , Kenneth Stewart , W . Ho vard , Bingley Shaw , and G A . Pennington ( violin soloist ) . Bro . B . Hopkinson , P . M ., acted as accompanyi ' st . The following were present : Bros . Fred Warburton , W . M . ; VV , n . Boden I P M T . T . Hardicker , S . W ., W . M . elect ; C . A . J . Hall , J . W . ; O . Rushton , Treas . ' - Hohf Meggitt , Sec . ; G . Kensay , Asst . Sec . ; G . A . Bowden , S . D . ; T . H . Stott , LD -A r Bryer . l . G . ; VV . l \ Schofield , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; B . Hopkinson , P . M ., Org . ; John H I rowther , I . T . Whittle , D . C : I . H . Mivbury , lohn Bentham . T . H . Wootcn D u '

Whatham , R . Hamilton , J . B . Fairbairn , W . E . Brooks , H . Ratcliff , P . M . ; VV H * s ' Taylor , James Parks , Arthur Sutcliffe , J . B . Marshall , H . B . Rudolph , Samu- ' l Kew ' and Artnur Scarlett . Visitors : Bros . John Chadwick , P . G . S . B ., P . G . Sec . ; las w ' Abbott , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; W . H . Peak , P . P . G . D . C ; G . S . Smith , P . PIG . 0 E « i and West Lanes . ; J . M . Sinclair , P . P . J . G . D . ; Rev . J . O . Jelly , P . P . G . Chap •R Whitwam , W . M . 1219 ; G . Bell , W . M . iSSS ; P . llratt , W . M . 24 S 2 ; G . H . Grocock K . Fox , P . M . ; J . Harrison , Kenneth M . Stewart , R . W . Harrison , \ V . Howard and R . T . Worth . '

Lewisham Lodge , No . 2579 . An emergency meeting was held on Wednesday , the nth instant , at the Parish Hall , Lady well , when the lolloping were present : Bros . C . Sims , W . M . ; C Lamb S . W . ; J . Coote , J . W . ; H . Visger , Treas . ; Edward Hall , Sec . ; H . Lewis , J . D . •VV * C . Tyler , I . G . ; W . T . Price-Taylor , Stwd . ; J . W . Drysdale , D . C ; C . VV . Wdkes ' Org . ; J . Lusty , H . T . Bridges , VV . J . Taylor , F . W . Inandt , the Rev . W . J . Salt ' M . A ., A . Reichenhcim , A . Yockelson , F . C . Ward-Wnate , and J . S . Gregory Tvler ' Visitors : Bros . J . Weaver , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; O . Rose , P . M . 1597 ; E . H . Selbv " W . M . 1 G 01 ; G . W . Beste , W . M . 507 ; E . Van Putten , P . M ., Sec . 1 G 01 ; C Thomas ' P . M . 507 ; T . H . Jirvis , S 62 ; M . Delmird , 2190 ; II . J . Breeze , 1257 ; VV . Bennett 700 ; W . G . Burrows , 16 G 9 ; T . VV . Sanders , 1 S 53 ; D . Bartlett , 213 ; J . Levy , nfiOand C . Couchman .

The lodge having been opened , Bros . A . Reichenheim , Rev . W . J . Salt , M . A ., A . Yockelson , and F . C Ward-VVhate were pissed to the Second Degree , after which Messrs . Montague Lucy , Henry Wayland , John T . Wise , and Richard Batchelor were initiated , the ceremonies being performed in an impressive manner by the W . M ., Bro . Christopher Sims .

The lodge having been closed , the brethren sat down to dinner , after which the usual loyal and Masoni ; toasts were duly honoured . An enjoyable programme was rendered , in which the following brethren assisted Bros . C . Lamb , H . T . Bridges , VV . [ . Taylor , E . H . Selby , C . Couchman , Burrows , 0 . Rose , VV . 1 . Price-Taylor , C . VV . Wilkes , Org . ; and Edward Hall , Sec .

Cryptic Masonry.

Cryptic Masonry .

Grand Master's Council , No . 1 . A meeting cf this old council was held at Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queen-street on the 2 Sth ultimo , when there were present , among others , Comps . ATMcDjivall , T . I . M . ; Baron de Ferriercs , P . D . G . M ., as P . D . M . ; J . J . Pakes , P . C of W . ; G , Graveley , P . T . I . M ., Treas . ; Captain T . C . Walls , P . D . G . M ., Recorder ; J . N . Frye , J . J . Thomas , N . Prower , M . A ., B . Stewart , H . Briggs , E . Storr , P . T . I . M . ; Alfred Humphreys , J . Smith , T . P . Dorman , and H . P . Hay . After the minutes had been read and confirmed , Comps . W . H . Graveley and 0 .

Hememann were duly admitted , received , and greeted as M . E . M ., R . M ., S . M ., and S . E . M ., the ceremony being performed by the Treasurer , ably assisted by Comps . J . J . Pakes , Baron de Ferriercs , and J . Smith . Comp . W . A . Scurrah , D . M ., was unanimously elected Thrice Illustrious Master ; Comp . George Graveley , Treasurer ; and Comp . E . Mills , Outer Sentinel . Comps . Prower and Briggs were elected Auditors . A vote of thanks was passed with acclamation to the T . I . M . for his services during the past year . The resignation of Comp . Dr . Pocock was received with reuret .

Among those sending apologies for non-attendince were Comps . G . Powell , P . D . M . ; Lieut .-Col . G . Lambert , P . T . I . M . ; R . B . Bryant , P . T . I . M . ; H . J . Lardner , P . T . I . M . ; R . L . Loveland , J . P ., P . T . I . M . ; the Rev . Dr . Lemon , P . G . Chap . ; the Rev . C Wri-ht , G . C . j G . Gregory , Major P . Dunbar , W . A . Scurrah , and D . P . Cama . The council was then closed in the Degree of Select Mister . A dinner was held at the Holborn Restaurant , and was well attended . The customary toasts were duly given .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

Colombo Preceptory , No . 164 . The first annual installation meeting of this young , but nourishing , preceptory in the Island of Ceylon , took place on Wednesday , February 19 th , at Freemasons' Hall , Slave Island , Colombo , and it is gratilying to note that during the past year 15 sic knights have been installed into the Order , and that , notwithstanding the remova l of several members through the exigencies of the military service , the' preceptory is in a very iljurishinif and prosperous state . ln the absence of the E . P .. Sir Knierht Captain

1 learn ( South Staffordshire Regiment ) and of Sir Knight John Maitland , P . K . C , both being in England , the chair was taken by Sir Knight L'eut .-Col . J . Blake ( Commanding Royal Artillery Ceylon ) , P . E . P ., P . P . G . Constable of the Mediterranean , and who , assisted by Sir Knight Col . Henry Byrde ( late 57 th Kegimenr , Commanding the Ceylon Volunteers ) , P . E . C , installed Sir Klight Cipt . li . C . Uavies as E . P ., who invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Sir Knights Lieut . VV . Fellowes Lukis , Constable ; Kobson , Marshal ; G . B . Lane Breri ner , Chap . ; John Guthrie , Treas . ; Arthur Alvis , Reg . ; J . A . Maitland , Sub-Marshal ; and J . Campbell , Captain ol the Guard .

The names of several brethren having been proposed for installation , and a vote ol thanks carried by acclamation to the Installing Oilicers , the- preceptory was closed . " Priory of the Knights of Malta was then opened , and Sir Knight Capt . li . C Dav ^ was installed as 1 ' iior , and invested his officers . 1 he sir knights then adjourned to ' . he Galle Face Hotel , where , after a sump tuous banquet had been partaken of , the usual toasts were given , and a most instructive and enjoyable evening was brought to a close .

LIOHIO Woi . vHero . N' has very kindly consented to preside at the Anniversary Festival in aid of the City oi London Hospital fo r Diseases of the Chest , Victoria P * clc-