The Masonic Temple, Philadelphia.

at Grenada , Spain . The ceiling is divided into seven thousand panels of various shapes and forms . " All the architectural features of Corinthian Hall are in strict conformity with the principles of Grecian classical architecture and the best known examples of the Greek Corinthian order , the columns being modelled after the

perfect type of Corinthian tinted column and capital of the historic monument of Lysicrates at Athens . The panelled ceiling is after the celebrated- Portico of the Caryatides of the Erectheum . it Athens . The seats on the circular platform are in accordance with those found in the ancient Theatre

of Dionysus , also at Athens . The subjects of the bas-relief medallions over the entrance doors and on pilasters , north and south walls , were taken from antique Grecian coins and medallions . The pictorial representations in the panels of the large frieze running about the walls are copies of

historical fragments from Grecian mythology , relating mostly to spiritual life . There are eighteen of these splendid mural paintings , each with a different subject . The general scheme of decorative treatment , from floor to cornice , is ivory of a dull finish , all relief detail , colour and figure

ornament being accentuated by gold . The large cove and ceiling are treated in blue with stars in gold , the ivory , blue and gold thus effecting a soft and attractive atmosphere . " The architecture and style of decoration of the library is the intricate Byzantine . The columns have fluted shafts , with capitals of the bold Corinthian type . The ceiling is

divided into sixty-six oblong coffers . The purpose of this hall as a library , and the virtues derived from education , are illustrated by the Latin inscriptions on the frieze and twenty allegorical figures . On the north wall are pictured the departments of human knowledge : medicine , philosophy ,

poetry , history , astronomy and mathematics . On the south wall are typified the sources of natural happiness : charity , peace , industry , internal trade , international commerce and reflection . On the east wall and continued on the west , are types of the ancient cities from which learning and culture

have been handed down to us : Rome , Alexandria , Corinth , Athens , Byzantium and Ravenna . In the other division of the west wall are symbols of two great qualities enjoined by the principles of Masonry—fidelity and virtue . In the decoration of the ceiling the age and universality of

Masonry is indicated . Here are shown signs derived from the works of the ancient stone-cutters and elaborate designs taken from the coats-of-arms , ancient and modern , of various Masonic bodies in Europe and America . " We feel sure our readers will agree with us that if one

out of the fifty Sovereign Grand Bodies forming , of which American Masonry is composed , can erect and maintain such a palatial structure as the Philadelphia Masonic Temple , it is surely not a Utopian idea that has taken hold of so many members of the English Craft , which causes them to look forward to the adoption , at no distant clay , of some practical scheme which will effect a similar object .

COlt I XT 11 IAN HAT , ! , ( LOOKING WF . ST )

The Library And Museum Of The Grand Lodge Of England.

The Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of England .

cTheir Origin and Progress . —( Continued . ) BY HENRY SADLER .

AT the time these words were uttered the Grand Lodge was already in possession of marble busts of live of our Royal Past Grand Masters , executed by the foremost sculptors of the day—two of them being by Sir Francis Chantry—two by his pupil , John Francis , and the other by

Edward H . Baily , R . A . A bust of Havers himself , as Chairman of the Buildings Committee , has since been added , but strange to say portraits in marble of our late Grand Master , the Earl of Zetland , and His Majesty King Edward VII ., are conspicuously absent .

Now . if Grand Lodge could afford to pay for such works of art when its funds were at a very low ebb , surely it should be able to find means to do likewise in the present day . We sincerely trust our Rulers may see their way at no distant period lo rectify the omission—at all events—so far as His

Majesty is concerned . In preparing for the new Grand Lodge buildings , commenced in 186 4 and completed in 1868 , it was a sine (/ a 11011 that a Library and Coffee Room should form part of the structure . Eventually , the front room on the ground floor ,