Provincial.

tions , is the Freemason ' s guide ancl text-hook . Their principles are embodied there . I proclaim in the presence of this assemblage that Freemasonry in the United Kingdom—whatever it may be in other parts of the world where the glorious truths of Christianity have not yet been received—I proclaim , I say , that in Christian lands Masonry is essentially , and cannot exist ivithout being practically , a Christian society . From the Bible alone do we get our beautiful rules and regulationsancl learn our duty as Masons .

, It is true we have special obligations to each other , but they only add to the obligations by which we are bound , teaching us to be true and faithful in all our dealings with our neighbours . Masonry teaches us that " true religion ancl undefiled before God and the Father is this—to visit the widows and the fatherless in their

afflictions , ancl to keep ourselves unspotted from the world . " These are the convictions of my heart ancl conscience ; and if we , as brother Masons , will only act up to our religious duties , depend upon it themoral ancl social influences of Masonry will be daily and adequately carried out . My earnest prayer is , that this ceremony of to-day will not prove to he an empty one , non-productive of good , but that we shall feel that the labours of the Craft are more than a mere ceremony ; that it is a practical society , and

that unless every Mason practically works out in his life ancl conduct tbe great principles of our Order , he will be only nominally a Mason , ancl not one in reality . I trust this clay will prove one of harmony , not only in our loclges , hut also in our homes , ancl that , when we return to the domestic circle , the remembrance of what we have seen ancl heard will conduce to make peace ancl comfort to dwell with us ; and I trust that these things will reign and prosper in private societas they do at our own meetiugs . I will

y not trespass further upon your time . I think this day has been blessed to us in an especial manner . AVe have heen favoured with fine weather , for which we are all , I trust , grateful . AA e have new a prospect of a local habitation , as well as a name in this island , and I am sure all the brethren will unite with me in praying God that the Temple that is to stand here may long continue to exist , and the conduct of anyone of the individuals

belonging to it may discredit be brought npon our Craft and upon our character as Christians . ( His Excellency was warmly applauded throughout . ) At the close of the above spirited address , which was distinctly heard in all parts of the vast assemblage , some money for the workmen was placed on the stone by Bro . Manuel , Treasurer of the Board of Management , after which a Masonic hymn was sung , which has already appeared in our columns , to

the tune of the Spanish Chant . At its close the Prov . Grand Chaplain offered up a prayer . The band and choir then gave " God save the Queen , " and thus concluded perhaps the most imposing ceremony ever witnessed b y the Jersey public , rendered brilliant by the decorations of those who took part in it ; stirring by the addition of first-rate music efficiently performed ; solemn from the sacred character given to it ; dignifiedas sanctioned by the

, presence of the civil authorities ; yet withal simple and affecting . AVe congratulate the Freemasons on the impression that has been produced ; and we hesitate not to say , that it must have the effect of inducing large numbers of thinking men , who have hitherto scrupled to join their ranks , to seek admission to " the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . " [ Want of space compels us to defer until next week the account of the banquet , which followed the ceremony . ]

DERBYSHIRE . REPTOJ . - . —Royal Sussex Lodge ( No . 446 ) . —On Monday , the 15 th inst ., the anniversary of the above lodge was celebrated at the Masonic Tavern , Boot Inn . The lodge was opened at three p . m ., and after the usual business had been transacted , the hrethren adjourned to the banquet which had been provided b y Mr . Roberts . Every delicacy in season was placed upon tbe tableincluding a haunch of venison from the Earl of

Chester-, field . ^ In the absence of Bro . Somers , the AV . M ., through indisposition , the chair was taken by Bro . Henchley Mason , P . M ., Bro . H . Carson , P . M ., being the vice-chairman . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to , the honours peculiar to the Craft being given . The toast of " The Army , Navy , and Volunteers " was responded to by Lieut . Prince , of the 53 rd Footand Lieut . W . Princeof the Burton "Volunteers

, , . " The Health of the W . M . Elect" ( Bro . AV . T . Prince ) was heartily drank , ancl appropriately responded to . The toast of " The Visitors" was responded to by Bro . Merchant , who has recently returned from the Cape , and who gave an interesting account of the progress of Masonry in Africa . After the toast

list had been gone through , "To all poor and distressed Masons through the AVorld , and speedy Relief to them , " was given from the chair , and the party broke up , after spending a most enjoyable and truly Masonic evening . Amongst the brethren present were Bros . S . Henchley Mason ^ P . M . ; AV . Allen , P . M . ; R . Baylis , P . M . ; H . Carson , P . M . ; AV . T . Prince , W . M . Elect ; S . Willder , P . G . Treas . of Derbyshire ; T . Coxy W . M . Tyrian Lodge ( No . 315 ); Ison , W . M . Arboretum Lodge ( No . 1033 ); AV . Mayer Lieut . Prince , T . Merchant , A . Bennett , W . Peach , Turner , Roberts , Hanson , & c .

ESSEX . BraGHTXii-GSiA . —Lodge of Hope ( No . 62 V ) . —At the last monthly meeting of this lodge , a silver tobacco-box was presented to Bro . James Webb , P . M ., hearing the following inscription .- — "Presented to Bro . James AV ebb , hy the brothers of the Lodge of Hope ( No . 627 ) , Brightlingsea , as a mark of their great esteem ancl appreciation of his services in Freemasonry . ' '' The testimonial was presented by the W . M ., Bro .

Bishop , who alluded to Bro . Webb's indefatigable exertions in reopening the lodge , after a temporary discontinuance , and taking a leading part in its working for a long period of years . The presentation was followed hy Bro . AA ' ebb's good health , drank with Masonic honours ; after which Bro . AA ^ ebb returned thanks for the double compliment in an address of some length , characterised by strong attachment to the principles of the Masonic Order .

CHELMSFOKD . —Lodge of Good Fellowship ( Mo . 343 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Shire Hall , on Thussday , December 18 th , when there was a large attendance of members , including the R . W . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Major Skinner , R . A . The ceremony of installation as AV . M . of Bro . G . B . Hilliard , M . D ., in succession to Bro . J . W . Myers , was performed by Bro . Peter Matthews , P . M ., P . Prov . J . G . W . The W . M . then proceeded to appoint his officers for the ensuing as

year follows .- —Bro . the Rev . G . F . E . Shaw , Chap . ; Bros . A . Goodchild , S . W . ; W . Humphreys , J . AV . ; F . AVood , S . D . ; T . Wood , J . D . ; J . Gardner , I . G . ; W . Lidington , Tyler ; Joseph Burton , Treas . ; J . AV . Hair , Sec ; S . Blyth , jun ., F . Mann , E . W . Robbins , ancl S . G . Green , Stewards . Several gentlemen were initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . The sum of five guineas was voted from the funds of the lod to which the R . AV . Bro .

ge , Bagshaw added a like sum , as from this lodge , in aid of the Lancashire Relief Fund . The formal business having been brought to a close , the brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet at the AA'hite Hart Hotel , presided over by the new AV . M ., supported on the right and left by the provincial grand officers above mentioned . The usual loyal ancl Masonic toasts were drank , ad the company separated at an early hour .

KENT . RAMSGATE . —Royal Navy Lodge ( No . G 21 ) . —The annual meeting of this unique lodge was held on AVednesday last , 17 th inst ., for the purpose of electing the AV . M . and the Treasurer for the ensuing year , when the brethren , almost unanimously elected Bro . J . Sickling to the former , he having ably filled the S . W . 's chair , and re-elected , as Treasurer , Bro . S . Beechiug , and Bro . G . MeagerTler . Mr . Edward Hinds was afterwards

, y initiated , the ceremony being performed in the usual impressive manner , by Bro . T . H . G . Snowden ; and the charge by Bro . Rolfe , J . W ., was rendered very effectively . The lodge was closed , ancl the hrethren and visitors adjourned to refreshment , in goodly number , ancl spent a very pleasant ancl agreeable , as well as instructive , evening .

YORKSHIRE ( AVEST ) . . HIIDDEKSIIELD . —Lodge of Truth ( No . 7 G 3 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Fitzwilliam-street , on Friday , December 5 th , at 7 . 30 p . m ., the W . M ., Bro . J . AV . Tempest , occupying tbe chair , supported by a goodly number ofthe brethren of the "Truth , " and a gratifying proportion of visitors . The only business announced on the summons was the installation of the AV . M . elect ; but previous

to entering thereupon a very interesting episode occurred , which it is pleasing to contemplate as an evidence of the unfailing cordiality and good feeling ivhich exists in a marked degree between the three sister loclges of the town—the Harmony ( 342 ) , Huddersfield Lodge ( 365 ) , and Lodge of Truth ( 763 ) . A deputation ivas in attendance from the lodge of Harmony ( 342 ) , consisting of Bro . Richard Sissons , newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Geo . W . Rhodes , I . P . M ., and Bros . J . Wignev and Henry