Craft Masonry.

Derby Allcroft Lodge , No . 2168 . The installation meeting of this successful Metropolitan lodge—which worthily maintains the name of the distinguished Mason who was its first W . M . —was held at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on the nth inst ., when there was a goodly gathering . The retiring Master , Bro . R . D . Cummings , P . M ., who at this meeting handed over the reins of office to his successor , Bro . Smerdon , is well-known as a hard working Mason in connection with various lodges , but more particularly on the

management ot our Masonic Institutions , where his excellent services are appreciated ani testified to by the executive officers . The members of the lodge present included Bros . R . D . Cummings , P . M ., W . M . } W . Lawrence , P . M . ; j . P . Fitzgerald , P . M . ; J . Corbett , P . M . ; R . J . Smerdon , S . W . ; J . Nash , J . W . ; W . Thomas , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Dixon , P . M ., Sec . ; R . Gregory , J . D . ; Nathan Robinson , P . M ., L . C . C , I . G . ; Samuel Garcia , P . M ., D . C ; Dr . J . F . Haskins , P . G . Org . Herts , Org . ; Dr . Wholey , Stwd . ; and others . Visitors : Bros . R . Eve , P . G . Treas . ; J . E . Le Feuvre , P . G . D . ; J . J . Thomas , P . P . G . S . B . ; S . Cochrane , P . G . Treas . ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; J . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; H . C . Kimell , W . M .

K 63 ; J . Chumley , W . M . 53 S ; G . Arnold , P . M . 2335 ; J . Romer , 230 S ; T . J . Mercer , W . M . 27 ; H . P . Edwards , 197 ; T . Moss , J . W . 1427 ; VV . Burch , 14 S ; W . J . H . Dixon , 27 ; J . Thomson , I . P . M . 2309 ; T . D . Myers . W . M . 2020 ; W . J . Gregory , W . M . 3 ; T . H . Jarvis , W . M . S 62 ; F . Bolton , I . P . M . 1 GS 7 ; W . A . Brown , 73 ; T . Wholey , P . M . 172 ; VV . Kipps , P . M . 1275 ; C D . Richards , S . D . S 34 ; J . H . Milton , 2511 ; J . Kift , 1791 ; CChilley , 2005 ; W . Davson , 7 S 8 ; J . D . Hood , iGGS ; W . F . Hughes , Treas . 179 ; S . Croneen , 16 S 6 ; H . J . Sanlick , 72 ; J . Sandbrook , 1929 ; R . Stebbing ,, P . P . A . G . D . C . Essex ; C . F . Quicke , P . M . 1531 ; T . Sandiland , P . M . ; VV . W . Lee , P . P . G . D . ; and others .

The opening of the lodge was followed by the confirmation of the minutes . Bro . R . J . Smerdon was next presented as W . M . elect and Bro . Cummings , P . M ., proceeded to perform the ceremony of installation . Immediately after the obligation as Master elect , the solo , " Be thou faithful unto death , " was sung by Bro . Charles Chilley . Bro . Smerdon was then duly installed as W . M . of the lodge , the ceremony being rendered throughout by Bro . Cummings with an impressiveness and fervour borne of a perfect knowledge of the ritual and the sincerity of an enthusiastic Mason . The following officers were invested : Bros . J . Nash , P . M ., S . W . ; R . Gregory , J . W . ; W . Thomas ,

P . M ., Treas . ( whose son has the distinction of being the youngest Vice-President of the Boys'School ); J . VV . Dixon , P . M ., Sec ; Nathan Robinson , P . M ., S . D . ; Dr . Wholey , P . M ., J . D . ; F . Patterson , I . G . ; S . Garcia , P . M ., D . C . j J . F . Haskins , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ; J . H . Mitchell and A . Ingram , Stwds . ; and R . H . Goddard , Tyler . The I . P . M . was elected as Steward for the Centenary Festival of the Boys' School , and notice of motion was given to place a sum of money on his list . On the proposition of the Treasurer a sum of 10 guineas was voted to a very deserving case and the lodge was closed , the W . M ., Grand Officers , Past Masters , and officers retiring from the lodge room in procession , under the direction of the D . C , the usual custom in this lodge .

A recherche banquet followed , and the usual toasts were afterwards given by the W . M . with commendable brevity . Bro . R . Eve , P . G . Treas ., responded for " The Grand Officers , " who said the toast required no words from the W . M . in proposing it , yet received an enthusiastic reception . So long as that feeling predominated , so long would the Grand Officers uphold the dignity and power of Grand Lodge on all occasions . Meeting in that lodge they were under the banner of a most esteemed Grand Treasurer , who was beloved and admired ,

and it was therefore a pleasure to witness the installation of another W . M . That was a strong lodge , but they embodied in themselves the principles that guided the late Bro . Derby Allcroft , who did his utmost for the Charities . The installation ceremony was wonderfully well worked not only in the exact ritual , but it WJS SO perfectly delivered . So long as they had Past Masters of that order , it would be impossible for the lodge to do anything but rise superior to lodges generally . He had known Bro . Cummings for many years , and knew no brother who could so well perform his duties .

Bro . R . D . Cummings , I . P . M ., proposed " The W . M ., ' and said he was not very entertaining as a rule when on his legs , but he would venture to say that the toast he submitted was one dear to them all , and although they had many Grand Officers and visitors present , still it would appeal to the members who all appreciated Bro . Smerdon . It had been a great delight to him to have had the opportunity of installing a brother who would do credit to himself and reflect credit on the lodge . Bro . Smerdon had been

elected unanimously by them to this position , and could be relied upon to do everything they expected of him in upholding the traditions of the lodge in every conceivable way . The W . M . had worked steadily in every office , and would faithfully perform his duties in the chair . He did not think he need say anythingmore to recommend this toast to their notice , but ask them to join heartily in wishing the W . M . a successful year of office , and in drinking to his good health .

Bro . R . J . Smerdon , W . M ., returned thanks for the kind things said of him by the I . P . M . He would try to merit them all , but those who knew him best knew him to be a man of few words . He was a little diffident in what he said that night , and would only hope that the prestige of the lodge would not suffer in his hands . He would do his best to extend the hand of hospitality to any visitor , and he hoped that when his year of office was ended , they would not regret the votes they recorded for his election . In response to " The Masonic Charities , " Bro . J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ..

briefly replied , expressing the hope that when the lodge had supported the Boys' School they would not forget the Old People's Institution and the Girls' School . Bro . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . LB ., congratulated the W . M . on reaching the chair , feeling sure he was a man of deeds , and that the lodge would gain by his accession to office . It seemed that the real duty of replying had fallen upon him , and he welcomed the opportunity in order to commend the Institutions , if necessary , to their further support . The three grand Institutions did not comprise all the Masonic charity

dispensed yearly , for the brethren were always helping and doing good Masonic work whenever cases came before them . It might be true that their attention had been diverted to one particular Institution during the last few years , but he had a lively recollection of the jubilee of the Benevolent Institution , which assumed great proportions . He knew that as opportunities arose , no matter whether it were for the Girls ' School or the Old People , they would never be backward in that lodge . It was to their credit that such a comparatively young lodge—that could not have any claim upon the

Benevolent Institution , although it had some claim upon the Educational Institutionsshould support them so well . He had had to thank them for the liberal support given them . In the Boys' School they claimed they were doing good work , and he could not enlarge upon it . They had knocking at their doors a larger number than ever before . After full consideration , it had been determined to celebrate its Centenary by erecting on a new site sufficient Schools to give the boys room to develope their bodies as they had developed their minds . They were going to sacrifice something

by their removal , but what was of far greater importance—they would give greater accommodation to those in the Institution and those coming in . No words were necessary to impress that upon them . They had proved the work to be good in the past , and were determined to make it better in the future . The lodge was sending up as Steward one who had rendered most excellent service in the lodge and in the management of the Boys' Schcol . 1 hat being so , he had only to rely upon the generosity of the lodge , and was sure it would maintain its reputation . On behalf of the Stewardon behalf of the

, 279 boys , which number they hoped would be increased to relieve the number of candidates — he asked them not to consider what they had given , but to consider Ihe needs of the Institutkn and Ihe importance of the work . It was true that in 1 S 9 S the Boys' Institution might take more than was required for immediate wants—it might be to the detriment of other Institutions for that year—but before the next centenary all that would come round in the true , generous

spirit which was manifested in all lodges . He asked them to give of their riches as far as they could without detriment to any claims that any other Institution might have upon them , and to remember that they had a Steward representing them who had a claim for the services he had rendered to them and the Boys' Institution , and to try and beat all other records , which possibly would be beaten on seme future date for one or other of the Institutions .

On behalf of "The Visitors , " Bros . W . J . Gregory , W . M . 3 ( Mayor of Tenby ); Moss , S . W . ; Davies , and Passmore Edwards , replied . The W . M . proposed "The Immediate Past Master , " and presented Bro . Cummings , LP . M ., with a Past Master ' s jewel . Bro . R . D . Cummings , I . P . M ., said he was extremely obliged for the reception given the toast , which was very much beyond his desserts , although he was grateful for it . He had had a most delightful year of office , and he told them frankly he left the chair reluctantly , although he was followed by a bigger and better man . Whatever he had done had been done with the best of intentions , and to the best of his ability . They

Craft Masonry.

might not know that that night the lodge was taking a new departure . The fact re . mained that he happened to be the last of the founders who was likely to pass the chair . There were two whom he was pleased to see in the lodge—Bros . Wettenhall and Muir Smith—who , for reasons of their own , had not thought fit to pass the chair . Those who had gone before him in that distinguished lodge , and himself as the last , had cherished the trust , and he hoped this would continue , and that when the lodge attained

its majority—it was getting on in its teens—it would have a reputation unbeaten in London or elsewhere . He was happy in the knowledge that the reputation they were handing over would be still maintained . The jewel given to him was the crowning joy of his Mastership . He should like to say how much he was indebted to the officers for their kindly support , and especially to Bros . Thomas , P . M ., Treas ., and Dixon , P . M ., Sec . In conclusion , he would only hope that the words used by the W . M . would be phrophetic , and that he would wear the jewel for many years to come .

Bros . J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M . ; Corbett , P . M . ; and Lawrence , P . M ., answered for "The Past Masters , " and other toasts were given before a successful meeting terminated . The musical programme included items by Bros . J . F . Haskins , Org . ; J . Kift , C Chilley , J . Sandbrook , and Fred Russell .

Duke of Edinburgh Lodge , No . 1259 . The installation meeting was held on Monday , the 6 th inst ., the proceedings being opened by Bro . J . VV . Westmoreland , W . M ., who was supported by his officers and an exceptionally large number of members and visitors to the number of about 96 . Lodge having been opened , and the preliminary business disposed of , Bro . J . Coote was yery _ impressively installed in office as W . M ., this being the second chair into which he was inducted within the brief

period of four weeks , the necessary dispensation having , of course , been granted for the purpose . Having been proclaimed and saluted , the new W . M . appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the year , namely : Bros . J . W . Westmoreland , I . P . M . ; H . Warner , S . W . ; R . S . Hinderwell . J . W . ; C W . Wakefield , P . M ., Treas . ( elected ); Geo . Parrett , P . M ., Sec . ; C . W . Chandler , S . D . ; J . H .

Wilson , J . D . ; T . Sweeting , I . G . j D . Gower , D . C ; and G . D . Lusty , Stwd . In the course of the proceedings a Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Westmoreland , I . P . M ., in recognition of his services in the chairduring the past year , while among the toasts which were received with especial favour were those of the W . M . and I . P . M . An excellent programme ot music , admirably carried out , was the great feature of the evening .

Provincial Priory Of Sussex.

PROVINCIAL PRIORY OF SUSSEX .

The meeting of the above Provincial Priory of the United Orders of the Temple and Hospital was held at the Pavilion , Brighton , on the 12 th instant , and was very largely attended . The Priory was opened by the Provincial Sub-Prior , Sir Knight Richard Clowes , and after the preliminary and routine business had been t . ansacted , it was announced that the Provincial Prior , H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , K . G ., G . C . T ., desired admission .

A procession of Great Officers" was formed , and his Royal Highness was received under the arch of steel and conducted to the Throne . The M . E . and E . Grand Master of England and Wales , the Earl of Euston , G . C . T ., was announced and was received and conducted to his stall , and saluted in customary form . His Royal Highness , the Provincial Prior , then appointed and invested the officers for the province :

Sir Knight Vincent Paine Freeman ... ... Prov . Prelate „ Major John Richard Pearson , P . G . Aidede-Camp ... Prov . Chancellor ,, J . H . Campion Coles ... •••) ,- > / -. . 1 ,, John Henry Ewart ] Prov . Constaoles

„ beymour Burrows ... ... Prov . Treas . „ William Wright ... ... Prov . Registrar . „ Alfred King , Mus . Doc . ... ... Prov . Vice-Chancellor . „ Lieut . Claude de Montmorency Franklyn Prov . Marshal . „ Rev . Wm . Wakeford ... ... Prov . Almoner . ,, Richard Percy Clowes ... ... Prov . Warden of Regalia „ Henry Langton ... ... ... Prov . Herald .

„ John Wood ... ... ... ) „ Horton Ledger ... ' j Prov . Std . Brs . „ Lawson Lewis ... ... ... prov . Banner Bearer „ Col . A . Mordaunt Egerton ... ... Prov . Sword Bearer . „ William Carless ... ... ... )„ A ., , ^ Maior E . W . Stillwell ... _ Prov . Aide-de-Camp :

„ Frederick Duke ... ... ... p v . Chamberlain . ., Henry Pearce ... ... ... ) ,, r . , r . , „ Walter Hughes ... ... j Prov . Captain of Guards „ Henry Robert Rose ... ... Prov . Organist .

H . R . H . the Duke of CONNAUGHT then addressed the sir knights assembled as follows : Excellent Knights , —After an interval of four years , I am once more able to come amongst you , and am glad to find that with two preceptortes in the province , so many members have been able to attend , notwithstanding the early hour at which the meeting has been called , and am also proud to have the presence of the Great Prior and so many Great Officers of the Order , as well as visitors from other provinces . I am not unmindful of the claims of the East

Sussex Preceptory , and 1 believe they will find in the selection of my officers I have borne in ' mind the extraordinary resuscitation which has taken place in the numbers of that preceptory , and , although , from my manifold engagements , I was obliged to embrace the opportunity of my attendance at the Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons , to hold the meeting again at Brighton , I shall hope on a future occasion to have the pleasure of visiting Eastbourne , and hold a Provincial

Priory there . 1 feel certain that in my absence my energetic Sub-Prior looks after you well , and I assure you it has not been his fault that I have not held a meeting before , but really my military duties occupy so much of my time that combined with the requirements of my Sovereign and Grand Master as well as my public , private , and social engagements , it is difficult for me to fix any date a long time in advance . I hear that both preceptories are flourishing and that the members who have been introduced are those who will

reflect credit upon and take an interest in our Order ; there has been recently , as no doubt you are all aware , a revision of the statutes and it is necessary that the alterations in the names and ranks of the officers should be duly attended to . I am sorry I cannot stay to attend the De Warenne Preceptory , more especially as E . Knight Richard Percy Clowes , son of my respected Sub-Prior , is at present the Eminent Preceptor : but I must

return to London immediately after " the meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge . I am glad to know that the Order is prospering . I feel I may depend upon you all to unite in endeavouring to make this Order as successful as the other Masonic functions in the province ; and in bidding you farewell , sincerely trust that I may be able to attend your meetings more frequently , and hope in future that if I am unable to be present , my Sub-Prior will hold a meeting of the Prov . Priory in each year . The Prov . Priory was ' closed , and his Royal Highness and the visitors were entertained at luncheon .