Provincial Grand Chapter Of East Lancashire.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF EAST LANCASHIRE .

PRESENTATION TO COMP . J . 11 . SILLITOE . P . G . H . The ,- ibove-i'amed meeting was he-Id on the nj ' . h instant in the Technical Schools , Eliza ' iLth-s' . re . ' i . l , Burnley , when th ; re were about 1 S 0 companion ? present . They assembled a j 30 p . m .. an-l a procession was immediately formed , and coneliicUel ihe Grard Superintendent into the chapter room , which had bee 1 las ' cfully cLoo-. MeJ for the occasion .

The roll ol Piov . I .. ancl Ollicers bung called , all answered or sent apologies . The roll of chapters was next called , all being represented bul two , which were lined , imL . ' -. s a suitable reason could be given for the absence of their representatives . The minutes of the hut Provi icial meeting held at Manchester on the 2 ^ h March , 1895 , were read and confirmed .

Comp . J . II . SILLITOE , P . G . H ., read his report for the past year . He said it was his agreeable duly to report that as a rule the working of the chapters was good , and lie strongly reonnnended and exhorted all the companions lo go on persevering , so that each Principal would not only be able to perform the ceremonies but install their successors . The G . SITT . expressed himself highly satisfied with the report .

The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s accounts were submitted and adopted . Comp . J . Sharpies Veevers was unanimously elected P . G . Treas ., whilst Comps . Goulborn and S . amucl New-ton were elected Auditors for the

ensuing year . At this stage of the proceedings the Grand Superintendent , Comp . Col . STARKIE , said he now had a very pleasing duly to perform . As most of the companions would be aware , it hael been the desire of himself and the companions of the Province of East-Lancashire lo give Comp . J . II . Sillitoe , P . G . H ., a testimonial in someway lo acknowledge the yeoman service he

had rendered lo Koyal Arch Alasonry especiall y ior the last 20 or _> i years . Comp . Sihitoe was one cf those who had won the esteem and affection of all with whom he had come in contact , lie could not speak in loo hi gh praise for what hc had done in those long years , lie had thrown his heart and soul inlo ihe cause of Royal Arch Freemasonry , and many , and many a time , at great personal inconvenience , had he travelled long distances , so

that the companions might not be disappointed . Hc felt lhat such a life of usefulness lo the noble Degtee deserved the acknowledgment they were that day going lo . 'how . Comp . Sillitoe , I have great pleasure in presenting ycu v . ilh Ibis exquisite ar . d beautiful picsent which ihe companions of ihe province ; have thought fit to give you , to mark in some manner your

valuable stivices fcr the last 20 years . I sincerely trust you may live long to enjoy it , p . v . d be assuied when that lundcomc and costly gift is at your own house it will always be looked upon by your family and those who are left alter jou villi pleasing rtco'kctions of one who was good , noble , and true , and who hael the affection of his fellownien .

Comp . SiLi . rpn :, in his reply , said : Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and Companions , —I feel sure that you will extend to me your kind indulgence , and permit me to convey lo you in biief , though sincere terms , my heartfelt thanks for the magnificent gifts \ ou have to-day made to me and mine . In llic first place , Most Excellent , I must thank you fer ) our kind expressions towards me . You have alluded to my long

services lo the province , and also to the malerial assistance I have , during a long period , rendered to you , especially in this Degree of Freemasonry , I fear I do not deserve so much commendation as you in the kindness of jour heait have given me credit for , but I can conscientiously say that I have always striven to do my best lo render you assistance in the discharge of jour important duties , and I should indeed be ungrateful had I not

done so after the uniform kindness I have al . vays experienced at your hands . I have al-. o done my utmost to promote the interests of Royal Arch Masonry throughout the province . 'Ihe presentation which you have to-day so graciously bestowed upon me proves that I have not altogether failed in my endeavours . I am more than deli ghted with the fjrm in which the presentation has been made . In the first place , I presume that it is

intended lhat the splendid watch is to be considered as a compliment to myself , and I shall we ; ir it with indescribable pleasure . Whenever I look at it I -diall think of tlie proceedings of this auspicious occasion , and I shall take care that when it shall please the Most High to remove me from amongst you , it shall pass to those who will appreciate and value it as a memento of your kindness lo me . The magnificent service of plate is , I

lake it , oitens . bly a gilt to my wife , and the beautiful bracelet for my daughter . You , Most Kxttlif . nl , I ' ave just alluded to thc inconvenience they must have experienced through my being called away from home so frequently on Masonic business . Undoubtedly they have had to put UD wilh some ii convenience in that respect , but I can assure you I have never once heard either of Ihem utter one word in protest , but they have many

times put off family engagements in order that I mi ght be free to keep my Masonic cues . Siluateel as I am in regard to the Masonic Charities , I have , n ; . tui-rthy , a good deal of Masonic literature sent to my house , and with that provcibial inquisitive-ins ; with which ladies are said to be endowed , it generally gets well read , but the more my wife and daughter read of I'Veemasonry the more hi ghly do they admire it , and when these splendid gifts icach my hoir . elhey will bear sufficient testimony that while I

am attending Masonic meetings , especially the Charities , I am not only endeavouring to promote the good of our Order and to elo good to those who thioi'gii mi torture are unable to help themselves , but that I have at the same lime been gaining ihe esteem and good-will of my brethren and companions in b " , eemasonry . Most Excellent and companions , let me again , in my own name and that of my . wife aud daughter , most heartil y avid sincerely thank jou for iht : magnificent presents .

The testimonial comprised a gold lever keyless watch , wilh open face and Arabic dial , brain g 12 holes , jewelled escapement in end , Stone ' s chronometer balance . ' 1 ho inscription re-ads as loll iws : "Presented to Comp . j . 11 . SiHi ' oe , Prov . G 11 ., by the Koyal Aioh chapters and companions of the Provir . c .-of East Lancashire , in recognition of-20 years' fa'thful service . March ni'h , 1811 ( 1 . "

A seiviceof silver plate , e : o :-. si :. ling < f a tea an 1 coffee service , together wilh I ot-w . rei jug and _\| n . th tr . ij-. The tea and coffee : service is or . e o' liie i . nest specimens of U : c silversmith ' s ail . It is richly engraved with 11 ; ral

Provincial Grand Chapter Of East Lancashire.

festoons in the true Adam ' s style , made and finished in the very best possible manner . The lops of tea-pot , coffee-pot , and hot-water jug are surmounted with ivory knobs , carved to imitate pine apples , and the centre of each of the five pieces is relieved with the monogram of the recipient . The tray is 24 inches long and is appropriately engraved to contrast with the set , the outer edges being mounted wilh an early century ornament , the centre is a

very fine oval medallion bsaring the inscription : " Presented , together with a silver lea and coffee service and gold watch , to Comp . J . H . Sillitoe , Prov . G . H ., by the Royal Arch chapters and companions of the Province of E ist Lancashire , in grateful recognition of his valuable services in Royal Arch Masonry during ihe last 2 J years . March io ' . h , 1 S 96 . " This is done in the finest manne " . The whole forms a most complete

bc-. kfast and tea service , and reflects great credit upon the manufacturers . In addition to the above was presented to Comp . Sillitos , for his daughter , a gold bracelet set with 24 pearls . After the presentation , the ordinary business of the Provincial Grand Chapter was proceeded with . The following were appointed and invested as Prov . Grand Officers for the ; year :

Comp . J . H . Sillitoe ... ... ... Prov . G . H . „ jas . Heelis ... ... ... Prov . G . J . ,, " Jas . Newton ... ... ... Prov . G . S . E . „ F . Reiss ... ... ... ... Prov . G . S . N . ,, J . S . Veevers ... ... ... Prov . G . Treas . ,, H . J . Robinson ... ... ... Prov . G . Reg . ,, W . F . Chambers ... ... ... Prov . D . G . Reg .

,, John Marshall ... ... ... Prov . G . P . S . „ G . Oldman ... ... ... Prov . ist A . G . S . ,, J . Smallpage ... ... ... Prov . 2 nd A . G . S . „ f . M . Sinclair ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . ,, J . Carter ... ... ... ... Prov . D . G . S . B . „ [ ohn Williams ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . T \\ 7 AT ., ll ^_ - 1 . _ _

;; to . H . Sy ::: ::: ;;; j Prov . A . G . std . Brs . „ W . B . Akerman ... ... ... Prov . G D . C . ,, John Partington ... ... ... ) ,, W . H . Phillips ... ... ... ? Prov . A . G . D . Cs . „ P . Bibby ... ... ... ... ,, Reay ... ... ... . ... Prov . G . Org .

The sum of £ 10 was contributed from the funds of the Prov . Grand Chapter to the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution , and - £ 10 io > . to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . The question of where Prov . Grand Chapter should be held next year was held over for the present . All business being completed , the Prov . Grand Chapter was closed .

Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution At Croydon.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION AT CROYDON .

With the kind permission of the House Committee , a concert was given by the W . M . ( Bro . Dr . J . Wayte , Honorary Medical Officer of the Institution ) , officers , and members of the George Price Lodge , No . 2096 , to the inmates of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution at Croydon , on Tuesday , the 17 th inst . The programme , which was well-chosen and admirably carried out , included in

Part I . a pianoforte duet by Bro . F . Cambridge and Mr . Royston Cambridgesongs , " Pull away , cheerily , " " The gay tomtit , " and " The merry monk , " by Bros . Colbron , P . M ., Frank Leaver , P . M ., and H . Thrift ; a violin solo by Mr . Royston Cambridge ; Molloy ' s song , " The Kerry dance , " by Mrs . Thrift ; a recitation by Bro . Rowlands ; and a quartette by Messrs . Walters , Still , Whishaw ,

and Jackson . In Part II ., Mr . Still sang " Only once more " and " The Maghie said come in , " and Dr . Whishaw " The Bay of Biscay" and " The death of Nelson ; " Mr . Royston Cambridge played another violin solo ; and Mrs . Thrift sang a second song , " Through sunny Spain ; " Bro . Frank Leaver sang " Across the blue sea , " the whole concluding with Bro . Seymour Smith ' s humorous part song , " Ye Catte , " by Messrs . Walters , Smith , Whishaw , and Jackson .

Where all did so well , it would be invidious to single out any particular member for special commendation , but we may state that Mrs . Thrift received , in each case , the well-merited compliment of an encore for the admirable manner in which she gave both her songs . This is not the first occasion on which the George Price Lodge has been thc

means of affording a pleasant evening ' s entertainment to the Old Folks at the Asylum , Croydon . On this occasion they thoroughly appreciated the music , both vocal and insti umental , and we trust there may be many similar entertainments in store for them , whether provided by the George Price or other lodges in the neighbourhood or elsewhere .

First Ladies' Night Of The Royal Kensington Lodge, No. 1627.

FIRST LADIES' NIGHT OF THE ROYAL KENSINGTON LODGE , No . 1627 .

A regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 th instant at Freemasons Hall , and Mr . Arthur Choubry was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W . M ., Bro . C . F . Bennewitz , in a very admirable manner . The lodge having been closed , the ladies were received by the W . M . and the following Stewards : Bros . Glaeser , Wilson , and Edwards .

A capital banquet was served under the personal superintendence of t " manager of the Freemasons' Tavern , at evhich the following were present : Bro . Bennewitz , W . M ., and Mrs . Bennewitz : Mr . and Mrs . Steele ; Mr . anel T , 1 R Mrs . Ranofer ; Bro . and Mrs . Marshall and Bro . J . Kingston ; Bro . J . " Ehrmann , S . W ., and Bro » King ; Bro . O . Heinemann , J . W ., and Mrs . Heinemann ; Mr . ancl Mrs . Hiller ; Bro . Major Roberts and Mrs . Roberts ; Bro . W- 1

H . Cannon and Mrs . Cannon ; Bro . Stevens , P . M ., Treas ., and Miss Stevens Bro . Hay , P . M ., Sec , and Mrs . Hay and Mrs . J . J . Smith ; Bro . Walker , S . D-i Bro . Glaeser , J . I ) ., and Mrs . Glaeser ; Dr . D , Donald and Mrs . Donald ; Miss Smith , Mr . T . T . implin , and Bro . R . Finlayson ; Bro . Prince , I . G . ; M ' Winifred Gawes , Miss Elsie Teague , and Madame Flora Mella ; Bro . Bellamy * P . M ., and Mrs . Bellamy ; Mr . and Mrs . Jackson ; Bro . Coleman and Mrs . and