Provincial Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.

The ACTING P . G . SECRETARY read a letter from Sir H . D . Gooch , P . M ., offering to the province as a gift the handsome and valuable Provincial Grand Master ' s regalia presented to his father , the late Sir Daniel Gooch , by the brethren of Wiltshire on Sir Daniel leaving that province many years since to preside over the Provincial Grand Lodge of Berks and Bucks .

On the motion of the ACTING P . G . MASTER , seconded by the SENIOR GRAND WARDEN , it was unanimousl y resolved that the offer should be gratefully accepted , and that the thanks of the brethren should be conveyed to Sir Henry Gooch . In reply to an enquiry , the ACTING P . G . MASTER said that at present no definite arrangements had been made vvith regard to the installation of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale as Provincial Grand Master of Berks , but in all probability the ceremony would take place at Reading .

The business on the agenda having been disposed of , the Acting P . G . Master vvas saluted vvith the hi ghest honours , after which the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed , and the brethren separated .

Consecration Of The Doric Lodge, No. 2359, At Didsbury.

CONSECRATION OF THE DORIC LODGE , No . 2359 , AT DIDSBURY .

The consecration of the above lodge took place on Saturday , the 21 st inst ., at the Conservative Club , Barlow Moor-road , Didsbury . The ceremony was performed by Bro . W . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . England , P . G . Sec , assisted by Bros . T . Forrester , P . G . Std . Br . England ; J . J . Lambert , P . P . G . R ., S . W . ; G . D . Pochin , P . P . G . R ., J . W . ; J . D . Murray , P . P . G . D . C , D . C ; Rev . j . Kirby Turner , Prov . G . Chap ., Chap . ; R . Betley , Prov . A . G . Sec-, Sec . ; and Major H . M . Ormsby , P . P . S . G . D ., as LG . ; and was witnessed by nearly 70 influential members from this and adjoining provinces .

Amongst those present were the following : Bros . Geo . S . Smith , P . M . ; Clare Edgar Towell , John Fletcher , Arthur H . lefferis , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . East Lane ; E . L . Littler , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; G . A . Myers , Frederick Stretch , J . Barker , P . M . 1134 , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . Hancock , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; R . Newhouse , P . G . Sec . Cheshire ; William Ramsden , P . P . G . D . ; James Walker P M 37 , P . P . J . G . W . ; J . M . Sinclair , P . M . 163 , P . P . G . D . ; Charles Swinn , W . M . 1633 ' ; F . G . Goodacre , W . M . 2231 ; J . Woodward , S . W . 132 *;; William Moslev , Stwd . 177-r :

Charles Martyne , W . M . 13 S 7 ; A . E . Smith , 1473 ; W . W . Webster , P . M . 1713 ; John Blower , 654 ; J . E . J ack , 163 ; Henry U . J ack , 437 ( S . C ); W . H . Kershaw , 266 ; N . Dumville , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ; Stephen E . Jupp , P . M . 1140 ; E . Pike , P . M . 2019 ; W . Hothersall , P . M . 1 534 ; Alfred B . Outram , P . M . 1032 ; E . P . Mead , P . M . 1534 ; G . R . Lloyd , P . M . 1730 ; John Baker , P . M . 163 ; J . J . Tiller , W . M . 1375 ; Joseph Kershaw , W . M . 1496 ; H . H . Smith , S . D . I 7 U > : Walter Bovver . ; . Stwd .

1730 ; James Deakin , Stwd . 1730 ; B . Curr , P . M . 1161 , 145 S ; C . Cleave , 1161 ; E . A . Ehhnger , 1161 ; John Bovvers , S . W . 1730 ; ] . Wilcox , j . D . 1140 ; J . H . Marsh , Sec . 1730 ; F . Batty , J . W . 2231 ; Edwin Goodwin , 526 , 21 S 5 ; Walter Biggs , P . M . 1496 ; Alfred G . Marley , 163 ; Edwin Barron , W . M . 2109 ; A . Lewtas , P . M . 15 SS ; A . Grice , P . M . 992 ; George Langley , 163 ; John Walker , 37 : J . W . Millward , W . M . 992 ; Wilmott Holt , in ; A . K . Boothroyd , 113 ! J . B . Thok ; and W . Coles , P . M . 15 SS .

The musical arrangements were excellent , the following brethren taking part : Bros . Kershaw , P . M . ; S . Jupp ; N . Dumville , P . M ., P . P . G . Stwd . ; A . Lewtas , P . M . ; and Wilmott Holt , P . P . G . Org ., Organist . The brethren having assembled in the lodge room , the Consecrating Officer , with his assistants together with such other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers as vvere present ^ entered in procession , when the Presiding Officer took the chair and appointed his temporary officers , as above . The lodge vvas opened in the Three Degrees . A hymn was then sung .

The PRESIDING OFFICER then addressed the brethren in regard to the object for which they had met together , after which the Chaplain , by bis direction , offered up prayer . The DIRECTOR of CEREMONIES then addressed the Consecrating Officer , and

by his direction arranged the founders of the new lod ge in order , and then read the petition and the warrant which had been granted by the M . W . G . M . authorising the formation of the Doric Lod ge , No . 2359 , in answer to the prayer of the petition , and designating Bros . G . S . Smith , P . M ., W . M . ; C . E . Towell S . W . ; and John Fletcher , J . W . '

The CONSECRATING OFFICER enquired of the brethren ranged before him whether they approved of the officers named in the warrant , and the brethren having signified their approval in Masonic form , the Chaplain , at the request of the Presiding Officer , gave an impressive oration , exhorting the members of the lodge now consecrated ever to strive and maintain the princi ples of Charity , and trusted that each of its members would be a faithful exponent of the moral features of vvhich he had reminded them .

The PRESIDING OFFICER proceeded to dedicate and constitute the lod ge , and the following anthem was then sung : ( Dedication prayer of King Solomon . ) 1 . —I have surely built Thee an house to dwell in , a settled place for Thee to abide in for ever .

2 . —But vvill God indeed dwell on the earth ? Behold the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee , —how much less the house that I have builded ? 3 . —Yet have Thou respect unto the prayer of Thy servant , O Lord my God , —that Thine eyes may be open towards this house night and day , even toward the place of vvhich Thou hast said , My name shall be there . 4 . —And the Lord said to Solomon—I have heard thy prayer . I have hallowed this house vvhich thou hast built , to put my Name there for everand mine eyes

, and mine heart shall be there perpetually . Hallelujah . Amen . And the ceremony was brought to a close with the Patriarchal benediction . The lodge was resumed in the Second Degree . Bro . G . S . Smith , P . M ., W . M . designate , vvas then presented to the Installing Master by Bro . J . D . Murray , P . P . G . D . C , and dul y installed first W . M . of the lodge , and in that capacity vvas proclaimed and saluted in the Three Degrees .

The working tools were presented to him by three Worshi pful Masters of neighbouring lodges , viz . •Bros . F . G . Goodacre , Talbot ; J . S . Tiller , Architect ; and C . Martyne , Chorlton . The Worshipful Master invested his officers , being the six brethren whose names as founders appear with his own upon the Grand Lodge warrant viz .: Bros . Clare Edgar Towel ) , S . W . ; John Fletcher , J . W . ; A . H . jefferis ' P M P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; E . L . Littler , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Sec ; George A . Myers ' W . M . 1730 , S . D . ; and Fred Stretch , J . D .

The INSTALLING MASTER presented the W . M . with the warrant and Book of Constitutions , and also gave the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren . Bro . John Fletcher vvas appointed Charity Representative for the ensuing year .

" Hearty good wishes " were expressed from members of the Grand Lodge of England , Prov . Grand Lodges of East and West Lancashire and Cheshire , and a large number of other visitors . The W . M . said he could not allow that occasion to pass without remarking upon the admirable way in vvhich Bro . Goodacre performed the very important

ceremonies of consecration and installation . He said he was sure al ! who witnessed it could not fail to be deeply impressed by the perfect and efficient manner in which they were rendered , and desired to propose a hearty vote of thanks to him and the other Prov . Grand Officers who had so very efficiently assisted him .

This was seconded by Bro . A . H . J EFFRRIS , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , and carried with great applause . All other business being at an end , the lodge was closed .

Consecration Of The Doric Lodge, No. 2359, At Didsbury.

Each of the promoters wore a founder ' s jewel , of unique design and finish , it being a seven-pointed star , denoting the seven founders , whilst the circulette in the centre bore the name and number of the lodge , vvith the date of consecration depicted in blue enamel , and in the centre vvas the emblem in gold , of each

respective office , whilst above on the ribbon stood the Doric column , in solid silver , with the motto " Stat Veritas . " At its base and on the top bar the word " founder " vvas worked in gold on dark blue enamel . The whole was beautifully finished . Indeed , one brother when he had examined it , exclaimed " It hath the strength of the ' Doric , ' but the beauty of the ' Corinthian . '"

The lodge-room was decorated admirabl y for the occasion , and the handsome furniture , which is of dark solid oak polished , showed to fine advantage , and , indeed , it was the general admiration of all who beheld it . The whole of the furniture , jewels , clothing , & c , vvere designed specially for this occasion and manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , 47 , Bridge-street , Manchester , and London .

The installation banquet was held in the evening at Didsbury Hotel , where the lodge is to be located . There vvas an excellent attendance , and a first-class repast vvas provided by Bro . Fred . Stretch , whom we must congratulate upon the great success . The tables were profusely decorated vvith roses and other flowers and ferns , which gave it a most picturesque appearance .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave the loyal and leading Masonic toasts , and , speaking upon that of the Prov . Grand Officers , he said they were all exceedingly pleased and delighted to have had so large a number of Provincial Officers present , and assured them the promoters of the Doric would endeavour to bring the lodge to such a standard that they would always feel proud to say they were at the consecration .

Bro . POCHIN , P . P . G . D ., who responded , congratulated the members of the new lodge upon its consecration . From what had been seen of the petitioners , and from what had been heard of those who were likely to join their ranks , there vvas an augury of very great success . He trusted the Worshipful Master and his officers would have every prosperity in his year of office , and would lay the foundation of a magnificent lodge . Bro . SINCLAIR returned thanks on behalf of the Province of East Lancashire .

The SENIOR WARDEN proposed " The Worshipful Master of the Doric Lodge , " a toast which he predicted would be received vvith acclamation and delig ht . In striving to establish the lodge their Worshipful Master had put forth every effort , and although he ( the Senior Warden ) had striven to assist he felt that his own efforts had paled in the light from that chair in the East . He had full confidence that Bro . Smith would do honour and credit to the lodge which had been started under such auspicious circumstances , and that under the Worshipful Master ' s guidance the lodge would prosper .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER was most cordially received on rising to respond . After returning thanks , he gave a brief history of the formation of the lodge . It originated , he said , with Bro . Towell , and he ( the speaker ) vvas asked to be the first W . M . He vvas pleased to have consented to the request . It had placed him iu a proud position , and although the brilliant inauguration of the lodge might

make him doubt his capability for filling the office , he could promise that he would devote to the duties his best efforts in every sense of the word . The emblem of their lodge was a pillar of strength , and he hoped that each founder would be another pillar of strength , so that on them mi g ht be erected an admirable structure which would promulgate the principles of Masonry through a long period of time .

The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed The Consecrating Officers . He explained and expressed his deep regret that a recent heavy bereavement had prevented Bro . Goodacre from remaining to the festivity . It showed the nobleness of Bro . Goodacre ' s mind that , notwithstanding his sorrow , he had been among them for the performance of the solemn and beautiful consecration service . In the discharge of that duty their Prov . Grand Secretary was second to no man , and they were indebted to him not only for his personal services , but also for having brought with him a brilliant staff of officers .

Bro . R . BETLEY , in responding , said they had recently consecrated the Corinthian Lodge , at Hindley , now they had the Doric , and he hoped before long they would have an Ionian Lodge within the Province of West Lancashire . He was struck with a singular proof of the progressive nature of Masonry . He

and Bro . J . D . Murray were Past Masters of the Lindsay Lodge , Wigan , vvhich was established 20 years ago . The number of the Doric Lodge showed that within the period that had since elapsed , 1024 lodges had been consecrated , or about one each week , under United Grand Lodge . Bro . J . D . MURRAY , also responded in a most effective speech .

"The Charities" was proposed by Bro . G . A . MYERS , and acknowledged by Bro . LITTLER , and the "The Visiting Brethren , " given from the West , was responded to by a number of Worshipful Masters . " The Officers of the Doric Lodge " and " The Neighbouring Lodges" vvere honoured , and the meeting closed with the Tyler ' s toast .

The musical arrangements for the day were under the direction of Bro . A . Lewtas , P . M ., and the singers included Bros . N . Dumville , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; Kershaw , P . M . ; S . E . Jupp , P . M . ; and Buckley Carr . Bro . Wilmott Holt officiated at the organ .

Consecration Of The Cornish Lodge^ No. 2369.

CONSECRATION OF THE CORNISH LODGE ^ No . 2369 .

In a late edition of the Freemason last week we gave a short account of the consecration of the Cornish Lodge , vvhich took place on Thursday , the 19 th inst , at Mark Masons' Hall , Great Queen-street , in the presence of a large number of brethren . We now print a more extended report of the proceedings , which vvere of a more than ordinaril y interesting character .

The ceremony of consecration was performed by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary , who was assisted by Bros . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , as S . W . ; Dr . R . Turtle Pigott , as J . W . ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , as Chap . ; C . F . Matier , as D . of C . ; and Pollard , as I . G . ; and there vvere also

present—Bros , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , Prov . G . M . of Cornwall ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary ; Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chaplain ; F . A . Philbrick , G . Registrar ; R . Turtle Pigott , P . A . G . D . C . ; Charles Fitzgerald Matier , P . G . Standard Bearer ; R . T . Walkem , Grand Master of Canada ; N . J . VVest , VV . M . designate ; J . Roberts , George Walter , Belgrave Ninnis , Wm . Thos . Brailey , K . Greenwood , Kev . F . Hosken , E . W . Carus-Wilson , W . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . Cornwall ;

Sidney Clarke , Chas . Rawle , Rev . E . Geard , J . E . H . Stephens , J . O . VVidger , R . Bullen , W . Cock , J . Leach Barrett , Christopher V . Burgess , VV . Molesvvorth St . Aubyn , John Curnow , M . D ., E . Banfield , E . Milford Milford , R . E . Baker , T . P . Bullen , G . R . Mockridge , John Paige , C . E . Ferry , Chas . Read , Richard Pearce Couch , Thos . Kempton , Mostyn T . Pigott , J . Hodges , N . B . Bullen , P . W . Hanson . 1 \

T . Chirgwin , T . A . Kistler , F . C . Atkinson , Henry R . Redman , Chas . J . Rich , G . T . Brown , VV . A . Cooper , Charles Daniel , George M . Williams , James Herron , H . Massey , R . Dyson , F . H . Miller , C . D . Lang , F . J . Ruse , W . E . Joyce , J . H . Hoir , G . T . Waters , N . E . Pollard , C . J . Ozaum , Henry Wright , T . W . Coffin , S . W . Ray , P . D . D . G . M . Canada ; and others .

After the formal opening of the lodge , Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CI . EKKE , addressing the brethren , said the occasion on vvhich they were assembled vvas one of a very important and interesting character , viz ., the formation of a new lodge and its consecration according to the rites and ceremonies of Freemasonry . As they were all aware , it was a very difficult thing at the present day to oblain a