Our Architectural Chapter.

first recorded initiation in London , that of Elias Ashmole , iu 1 C 44 , took place , not in a tavern , but what was then a public building , Masons' Hall , near Basmghall-street . It was only towards the close of the seventeenth century , that as a matter of convenience the Lodge concerned in the building of St . Paul ' s met in a tavern in the nei ghbourhood of the worksand this unfortunatelbecame an CA' 11

, y example for meeting in taverns . This matter has not been properly investigated ; but it is most likely , that as soon as tho works of the cathedral were properly advanced , that tho business of tho Lodge AA-as conducted on the works , and that adjournment only took place to tho tavern for refreshment . Still it will be observed , that on tho restoration of the Craft to vigourthe meetings wore held in halls and

, public buildings . At the present time , when so many endeavours are being mado to establish Masonic Halls , some account of the Hall now in progress under the direction of the Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works ,

ancl the spirited Brethren at Leicester , will be of interest . They grounded their plan on the fact that many towns of less importance than Leicester had provided themselves with a hall , and that such measure had been followed b y highly satisfactory results . The property purchased is in Halford-street , a central yet quiet locality . The estimated cost of the site , including a houso now let out on lease , and of the

erection ancl decoration of the building , is only one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds . The building will consist , on the ground floor , of an entrance hall and staircase , Tyler ' s parlour , kitchen , bedroom , and offices ; ancl on the upper floor , of a supper room , which may be used at other times as a Masonic library and reading rooman ante-roomclosets < fecand a

, , , , hall , which includes a gallery placed ovor the ante-room . The hall is li ghted from the roof , and is sixty feet long by twenty-five feet four inches wide , aud twenty feet high . Tho supper room , is twentysix feet six inches by seventeen feet ; tho height not stated , but we presume ofthe same height as tho hall . It will be seen how much accommodation is cot for such a small

sum , and that in the course of a few years , if properly applied , tho contributions of tho brethren will leave the building free . Seven hundred and fift y pounds has been provided by mortgage , and five hundred pounds is to be contributed in one pound shares . This is the general basis of the plan , but tho ultimate design is to make a free Craft property by the provision of a sinking fund . The

Grand Officers of the province very liberally came forward ; the Earl Howe , Prov . Grand Blaster , giving one hundred pounds , and others contributing sums by way of shares , as Bro . Kelly , 3 D . Prov . G . M „ twent y pounds , Bro . J . Underwood , Prov . G . Treasurer , thirty pounds ; Biu R , Brewin , jun ., Prov . GD . C , twenty pounds ; Bro . H . Kinder , P . Prov . G . Reg ., ton pounds ; and various other Past Grand Ollicers , ten pounds . The Worshi pful Masters of tho several Lodges in Leicester likewise freely contributed . Tho most liberal contribution K 2