Freemasons' Hall.—The New Buildings.

confidence reposed in them by the Gommitfcee , and set an example for the future . The mallet to be used on this interesting occasion is the one with ivhich Sir Christopher Wren , the Grand Master of Freemasons , laid the

foundation-stone of that- master piece of architectural art , St . Paul ' s Cathedral , and which is religiously preserved by the Lodge of Antiquity of which Sir Christopher was so distinguished a member .

To add due zest to the ceremony Bro . Plucknefct , the head of the well-known firm of Cubitt and Co ., has kindly given the services ofthe band of that establishment gratuitiously—and an ode has been written for the occasion , to do justice to

which an efficient chorus has been engaged , and , however great the temptation , we trust the brethren will not attempt to join in the chorus , but leave that to the professionals , as though eight hundred voices might add . to the noise they

certainly would not contribute to the harmonynor to the solemnity of the proceedings . The business of the day , alter the appointment of the officers , closes with the Grand Festival ; and here the Stewards have found themselves in

the same difficulty as the Committee who have had to arrange the ceremonial for the day . The applicants for tickets are so numerous that they cannot all be supplied , for the sufficient reason that the hall will not hold them , and the Stewards must refuse to sell , or the foundation will be at

once laid for destroying the comfort and harmony of the evening . It is true that the " Book of Constitutions" says , every Mason has the right to attend the Grand Festival , but that right must be governed by the capacity of the hall to hold the

company—as a new hall cannot be extemporised for the occasion ; and it is better that some should be disappointed of the opportunity of attending than that all should be inconvenienced by the attempt to seat 500 , where there is not room for

400 . We may regret the disappointment occasioned to the brethren , but it cannot be avoided , and must , therefore , be borne with resignation . When the new hall is built , there will be more" room should it be required for the accommodation of

the brethren , as there will be then two halls available for extraordinary occasions—though even then it will be impossible for the Grand Master to preside in both , though that would be a difficulty easily surmounted . With the foundation-stone laid , an important

step will have been gained towards obtaining for English Freemasonry a befitting home ; and we trust that early next year the brethren will be called upon to assist in its consecration ; and thenceforth the brethren will have that

trysfcingplace which has long been considered a desideratum amongst those who wish to elevate the Craft to that importance which its numbers , its legends , and its solemn ceremonies , so eminently fit it to hold . At present , the outside public too often

associate Freemasonry only with the Tavern , not knowing that the latter is but the adjunct to , aud not the main-spring of , Masonry . At the time the Tavern ivas built , the Craft was not large enough or rich enough to support an

establishment entirely for its own use , and the Tavern has therefore done good suit and service as the nucleus of our now magnificent property ; but henceforth , though the Tavern will doubtless remain as it has been , one of the best known and appreciated

in the metropolis , the immediate connection with the Craft must cease , and the brethren hold their ceremonies in proper apartments devoted only to the purpose , and in which the business of the outer world can never intrude .

The following is the official programme of the proceedings at laying the foundation-stone on Wednesdav next : —

The brethren having previously assembled , tho Grand Lodge will be opened in the Temple punctually at three o ' clock , and , being adjourned , tbe ceremony will be at once proceeded with . As the space in tbe Temple and in tbe corridors is limited , and in order to promote as much as possible the

convenience of the brethren , it is requested that as many as may feel disposed to do so will , without going into Grand Lodge , take their places on tho platform in tbe situations to which they will be directed by tbe Graud Director of Ceremonies and his assistants . The band aud choir will take the laces provided for

p them ou the platform before the oi ^ oning of Grand Lodge . In consequence of the continued indisposition of Bro . Albert "Woods , G . D . C , the M . W . Graud Master bas been pleased to direct Bro . Jennings , P . G . D . O ., to assist in

superintending the ceremonies of tbe day . The brethren , marching two and two , will leave tbe Temple by the west door , will pass through the south room , down the staircase , and along the corridor to the temporary doorway opening to tbe platform . ( It is not necessary that brethren , below the dais

should take their places in tbe procession according to the seniority of their lodges , but those nearest to the west door are requested to proceed first . ) The order of procession will be as follows -.- — Tylers .