Craft Masonry.

been proved , and the Craft would prosper if they only look true and trusty men into it , and especially those who could practice the lessons they received as they had that evening in the beautiful addresses so impressively rendered by the l . P . M . If they practised Charity , cherished hope , and walked in faith , their Society was sure to prosper . He wished the lodge a long life of prosperity , and although

different from them in colour and creed , lie prayed to his Creator to pour down the evidence of His grace on the members of the lodge . "The Sister Grand Lodges of the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada " was proposed by Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . M ., P . G . D ., who said that since their lodge was established it had been their invariable custom to acknowledge and pay recognition to the Masonic

hierarchy of their neighbour country because it indicated their one aim , object , and intention . The object of the Anglo-American Lodge was to give a Masonic home to those travelling through England or resident here . Having addressed themselves to that object , nothing was more natural but that they should look to the focus from which emanated the Masonic glory of every State . He read a few

days ago of a Masonic meeting in London in which the W . M . said , because he had some American grandee banqueting with him that he had to apologise for departing from and infringing the usuaLpractice by proposing the toast of " TheGrand Lodge of America . " What they thought an exception and unusual , the Anglo-American Lodge had made a practice of ever since their establishment as much

as the ordinary toast . He was made a Mason in Canada in 1 S 54 , and ' ' 355 certain irregularities arose at the London Grand Secretary ' s office , and they established their independence , and started an organisation such as existed now in this country . They had present a successor of the early Grand Masters in their worthy guest , Bro . Walkem , who was now Grand Master of Canada , who would tell them

how many lodges he had under his control . At the time of the separation there were 15 English and a few Scotch and Irish lodges , but Bro . Walkem would tell them there were now between 300 and 400 . Bro . Walkem was not the only Grand Master they had entertained , as they had received Bro . Shryock , Grand Master of Maryland , and he hoped American brethren would always find in their lodge a Masonic home as they would always find a Masonic welcome .

Bro . R . T . Walkem , G . M . Canada , in the course of . " a long speech , said he appeared before them under somewhat peculiar circumstances , because , in the first place , being G . M . of Canada , he was asked to respond for the toast of the United States as well as Canada . There might be a certain amount of fitness in that fact . They had heard a great deal of the annexation of Canada , but he

wanted to bring a different idea , and that was—the annexation of the United States to Canada , and the fact that he was called upon to repl y for the United States was a suggestion in that way , which he would ask them to bear in mind . It was a graceful act that the W . M . of the Anglo-American Lodge should ask the Grand Master of Canada to respond for the United States , and he could assure the

W . M . that if he went amongst them in Canada he would receive a hearty welcome . In another way he came before them as a visitor for the first time in England , because , as he said at the Grand Lodge meeting , he was taken out of England in his nurse ' s arms , and had been a stranger since . He had determined , before he resigned his office as Grand Master , that he would come over here and see the cradle of

Masonry , his brethren here , and the Grand Lodge in England . It was with extraordinary feelings that he visited that country from a land of gigantic size and difference in every respect from England , so far as physical features were concerned , but they were the same people . He came back feeling he was a son of England , although a thorough Canadian , and although he found much to

astonish him , yet he found that when he came and sat in their lodge he was not different from whatjhe was in his own country , and he could stretch his hands across the lodge , and feel he had brethren to greet him . In a population of 60 millions in the United States there were one million Masons , and from the former number was to be deducted a large proportion of those not eligible for Masonry , and

that would give them some idea of the extraordinary influence of Masonry , and when they considered what an extraordinary influence they must have throughout the United States , they would understand the power of Masonry . In Ontario the Masons averaged 1 to every 100 of the population . It had been said that Masonry was overt in its aim , but it acted quietly , and there could not be that

amount of leaven in the population without producing a good result . He did not represent the Dominion of Canada , but ope of the most influential provinces—Ontario—and they practised their Masonry in the way the early Christians practised their Christianity . The Masons , as a rule , had many miles to ride to attend their lodges , and the brethren would therefore see the amount of self denial required .

During the past two years he had travelled between 7000 and Sooo miles in discharge of his duties and visiting the lodges in the district . He believed they had the ' most perfect administrative policy possible in his own Grand Ludge . He should have great pleasure in conveying the assurance to Canadian Masons that their Grand Master was received with the distinction to which he was entitled ,, and

not only with respect , but with affection . Bro . F . Kedge , l . P . M ., said he had a most pleasing duty to perform in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . Tilton , " who was the first American-made Mason installed in the chair of their lodge . They were all pleased to see Bro . Tilton in that position , and during his year he would not only prove a good Master but would maintain the

prestige ^ of the Craft in every respect . To the W . M . he ( Bro . Kedge ) gave hearty congratulations on reaching the honourable position , and was sure he would leave the chair with the regret of the members and with credit to himself . Bro . Theodore H . Tilton , P . D . G . M . New York City , W . M ., having returned thanks , said he begged to assure them he felt the responsibility of the position he had taken

that night as the Master of the Anglo-American Lodge . He had occupied the position of W . M . of a lodge in America , but to occupy that post in an English lodge was quite a different matter . The ceremonies and the ritual were so different , and to preside at a banquet was different . He

thanked them for the courtesy and cordiality with which they had received him in the lodge and at the festive board . During his year he would to the utmost of his ability carry out the tenets and principles of Freemasonry as he knew them . He would do his best to give them satisfaction , and would leave nothing undone in any way that would detract

Craft Masonry.

from the lustre of the lodge . They had a membership of about 100 members , which was equal to almost any lodge in the City , of course excluding the Drury Lane and Savage Club Lodges , and possibly one or two others . He did not question it that they had as good and true Masonic members and as good , Masonic , and fraternal feeling as not only any in England , but in America . When the lodge

was first established , and the report went forth , the Grand Master of the United States took the greatest interest in it , and had all looked towards it since that time . They had entertained many distinguished brethren from America , who felt when they visited the lodge that it was a Masonic home where they could feel they were welcome . For the honour done him as an American Mason , in placing him at

their head , he thanked them most heartily . He only trusted that one year hence he might feel as comfortable as he did that night . The W . M . thengave "The l . P . M . and Past Masters , " and said they had in Bro . Brackstone Baker a very efficient and able Master , then followed Bro . Clark and Bro . Kedge whom they had listened to , and he knew very pleasantly ,

that evening . They all knew how beautifully the l . P . M . had rendered the ceremonies . In the foundation of the lodge they needed such a spirit as Bro . Baker , and he scarcely thought it would have been successful if they had not had the representative of 23 out of 28 Grand Lodges at their head . Bro . F . Kedge , I . P . M ., in reply , said that if the small

services he had been able to render to the lodge had met with their approbation he was perfectly satisfied . He had never before had an opportunity of rendering the installation ceremony , and he had had very little time to make himself acquainted with the ritual , but he had endeavoured , to the best of his ability , to render it , and he hoped to their satisfaction .

Bro . Adolphus Clark , P . M ., also replied , and said he could claim but little consideration at their hands , as he simply endeavoured to do the work entrusted to him in the best manner possible , and he hoped gave satisfaction . He regretted that Bro . Baker , P . M ., had left , as he was one of those natural orators they seldom came across . He could simply express his thanks for the cordial manner

they had received the toast , and say that anything he could do for the interests of the lodge he should be only too pleased to do . "The Visitors , " and "The Masonic Charities , " were also given . The toast of "The Officers" was responded to by Bro . John B . Cumming , Treasurer , and Bro . George Reynolds , Secretary , who assured the W . M . that he would

work for him in the same way as he had previously done for the other VV . M's ., and he hoped at the end of the session to possess the same good feeling from him as the retiring W . M . He wished him a happy year of office and prosperity to his gavel . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . A selection of music was arranged by Bro . H . Schartau , Org' ., and carried out by Bros . E . Dalzell , F . Cozens , F . Bevan , A . Weston , Bowles , A . South , and Bro . R . Mackway's choir of boys .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BIRMINGHAM . Temperance Lodge ( No . 739 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , New-street , on Thursday , the 12 th instant . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . J . C . Stackhouse , assisted by Bros . Locker , S . W . ; Parkes , J . W . ; Candelent , P . M . ; Lees , P . M . ; Wilkinson , P . M . ; Srawley ,

P . M . ; North ; Bancroft , P . M . ; Taylor , P . M . ; J . F . Thomason , P . M . ; Thomason , P . M . ; Trevitt , Wilkes , Bennett , Tomey , Laughton , Gittings , Dawson , Andrews , Hetherington , Skemigton , Reading , and others . After the minutes had been read , Bro . Hemming was raised to the Degree of a M . M . by the W . M . in a very impressive manner . The l . P . M . passed Bro . Brampton , and

the W . M . afterwards initiated Mr . Roland Felton . During the evening the sum of 10 guineas was voted from the lodge funds to the R . M . I , for Boys . A vote of condolence was passed to Bro . Hardman on the death of his wife . After the usual routine business , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment , when a very pleasant evening was spent .

The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Grand Lodge Lodge of England , " mentioned that he had attended the meeting of Grand Lodge at Freemasons' Hall on the 4 th inst ., and was highly pleased with all that he saw and heard there , and he also announced that he intended to be

present at the Boys' School Festival in July , and appealed to the brethren to support his efforts on behalf of that Institution . The proceedings terminated with the Tyler ' s toast . During the evening songs , Sc , were given b y Bros . Taylor , Skemigton , Thomason , Bancroft , and Gittings .

BRADFORD . Acacia Lodge ( No . 2321 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 12 th instant , when there were present Bros . Alfd . Stephenson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , W . M . ; S . A . Auty , P . M ., S . W . ; Joseph Wilson , P . M ., P . G . S ., J . W . ; G . P . Peterson , Treas . ; J . T . Last , Sec . ; Thos .

fowett , S . D . ; John Niven , J . D . ; A . J . Boyle , as I . G . ; Hill , Tyler ; Thos . W . Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . ; and John Morton . Visitors : Bros . j . W . Balme , P . ' M . 61 ; John Duncan , P . M . 633 ; Chas . S . Speight , W . M ., Howarth , Sec , John Ingleby , P . J . W ., A . VV . Pullan , I . G ., Geo . Beanland , and ] ohn Pickles , 01302 ; S . Render , P . M . 600 ; Jno . E . Russell , 164 S ; Wm . Miles , 164 S ;

and W . B . Sewell , 600 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . J . Morton was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason by the W . M . in his usual able manner , the working tools being explained , and the charge in the Third Degree , delivered by Bro . J . Wilson , P . M ., P . G . S ., J . W . The by-laws were signed by the brethren present , and the ballot taken in

Section A by the Lodge Benevolent Association in aid of the Masonic Charities , which will probably result in adding another Steward to the coming Boys' School Festival . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to refreshment , when a very pleasant evening was spent . Bros . Pullan . Miles , and Sewell ( visitors ) added materially to the harmony of the evening by rendering songs and recitations in capital style .

Provincial Meetings.

CHESHUNT . Gresham Lodge ( No . 869 ) . —The installation meeting was held at Cheshunt Great House on Saturday last , when the lodge and its visitors must have mustered close on 50 strong , and the proceedings passed off with more than the usual success . Bro . W . A . Dingle , M . D ., W . M ., occupied the chair , and was supported by Bros . Sharpe

l . P . M . ; Richard Bird , P . M . 2054 , P . P . G . S . B ., S . W . and W . M . elect ; S . M . Banker , J . W . ; Walter E . Gompertz , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Sec . ; W . T . Grant , S . D . ; S . S . Hasluck , J . D . ; T . F . Wild , I . G . ; W . R . Dixon , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., D . C ; Chas . A . Gompertz , P . P . G . S . B . ; H . Hughes , P . M . ; W . H . Dunn and C . J . Everitt , Stwds . ; J . J . Marsh , Tyler ; W . E .

Marsh , Ernest Ii . Street , I ' . A . Taylor , W . J . Marsh , John T . Reynell , F . Rees , A . Laker , A . Mann , W . J . Jackson , A . Maddox , and E . Apelt . The visitors included Bros . E . M . Money , P . M . 23 , G . Steward ; Alfred Cank , P . M . 101 G ; Walter Fowler , 194 ; John Brittain , P . M . 13 SS , P . P . J . G . W . ; John E . Lloyd , P . M ., H . Newland , P . M ., and VV . Pace , all of No . 2 S ; E . Johnson , P . M . 311 ; S . F .

Hill , 1216 ; G . B . Abbott , S . D . 13 S 5 ; C . W . Williams , 19 S 2 ; ] as . Parvis , 504 ; H . Parkinson , 132 S ; H . Bird , 1364 ; G . H . Watson , 36 , Belfast , Ireland ; C . F . Ellis , 1962 ; H . Poulting , 1 S 6 ; H . Gross , 1314 ; Price , and others . There were others also whose engagements prevented them being present early in the day , but who made a point of attending on this important occasion , such as Bros . F . D . R . Copestick , P . M ., Treas ., P . P . G . S . B ., W . F . Potter , and others .

Lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the preceding meeting having been read and confirmed , the several visitors were presented in turn by the D . of C . to the W . M ., who gave them one and all a most cordial welcome to the lodge . Bro . E . Apelt was balloted for and elected a joining member , and personally expressed his thanks to the brethren for the honour they had done him . The Auditors '

Report was then submitted by Bro . A . D . Mann , and having , on motion duly made and seconded , been unanimously adopted , was ordered to be entered on the minutes . Bro . Sharpe , I . P . M ., having taken the chair as Installing Master , Bro . R . Bird , W . M . elect , was duly presented by Bro . Past Master Dixon , D . C , and having been duly obligated , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro .

Bird was regularly installed in office as W . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony having been most ably performed by Bro . Sharpe . The Board of Installed Masters having been closed , the brethren were re-admitted into the lodge , and the new Master was saluted in accordance with the usages and customs of the Craft , and Bro . Sharpe completed his task , with the exception of the address to the Wardens and

brethren , which was delivered by Bro . C . A . Gompertz , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . The following brethren were appointed as officers for the ensuing year , namely : Bros . S . M . Banker , S . W . ; W . T . Grant , J . W . ; F . D . R . Copestick , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; VV . E . Gompertz , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., Sec . ; S . S . Hasluck , S . D . ; T . F . Wild , J . D . ; G . S . Elliott , I . G .: - VV . R . Dixon .

P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV ., D . C ; C . G . Everitt , A . D . C ; W . H . Dunn , Org . ; A . G . Maddox , Asst . Org . ; VV . F . Potter and A . D . Mann , Stewards ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler . After the usual congratulations , lodge was closed , and the brethren spent the interval between labour and refreshment in roaming about the neighbourhood and enjoying the beautiful country in which the Great House is nestled .

On re-assembling at the dinner table under the presidency of Bro . R . Bird , W . M ., it was found that the Gresham had well maintained its high character for hospitality , and an excellent menu was discussed with all the greater relish from the exercise which had preceded it . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , that of "The Provincial Grand Master , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., " being

received with the greatest enthusiasm . So , too , was the toast of "The W . M ., " whose past distinctions in Freemasonry were referred to as justifying the expectation which the lodge had formed of the services he would be in a position to render during his Mastership . Bro . Bird , in his reply to this compliment , modestly said that they might rely with confidence on his doing his very

utmost to promote and extend the interests of the lodge . As regards the toast of "The Visitors , " the duty of replying was entrusted to Bro . J . Brittain , P . M . 13 S 5 , P . P . J . G . W . ; E . M . Money , P . M . 23 , G . Stwd . ; and Purvis , 504 , the first-named remarking that it was his first

visit to the Gresham Lodge , while Bro . Money said that in the course of a varied career in Masonry extending over some 20 years , it was a unique experience to him to have visited a lodge which held its meetings in so fine a hall and surrounded by so many and such interesting memorials of bygone days .

In proposing "The Health of the l . P . M . and the Past Masters" generally , the W . M . congratulated Bro . Dr . Dingle on the manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office , and took the opportunity of presenting him with the Past Master ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George

Kenning ) which had been voted unanimously to him by the lodge at its preceding meeting in recognition of the services he had rendered the lodge and the genial and kindly manner in which he had presided over the brethren , both in lodge and at the festive board .

Bro . Dingle having gracefully acknowledged the mark of esteem thus presented , and thanked the W . M . for the many kind things he had said about him , the toasts of " The Treasurer , " " The Secretary , " and " The other Officers " was proposed , and drunk most heartily . In their several replies the Treasurer , the Secretary , and the S . W ., Bro . Banker , expressed their thanks for the

hearty manner in which the toast had been honoured . The Treasurer stating the gratification it afforded him to find he had been annually re-elected to office for some 16 or 17 years , while the Secretary expressed himself somewhat similarly as regards the post of Secretary , to which he had been annually appointed ever since he had quitted the chair

of the lodge ; both these veteran officers of the lodge adding that so long as they had health and strength , they should be willing to go on fulfilling the duties required of them . The Tyler ' s toast brought the meeting to a close , and the brethren , or the majority of them , were driven to the station and caught a tolerably early train , in which the railway authorities had had seats reserved for them .

We should add that in the intervals between the speeches there was some grand singing by Bros . Cank , Price , and others , the chief regret in connection with this part of the festive duties of the day being that time did not permit of