Notes On American Freemasonry.

OHIO . At the fifty-ninth annual communication of this Grand Lodge , M . W . Bro . Howard Mathers , Grand Master , read his official statement and recommendations and delivered the annual addtess .

He thus notices side degrees . " Among the resolutions of the Grand Lodge now in force , is one found on page 50 of Masonic Constitutions , passed in 1853 , as folloAVS : ' That any brother conferring the so-called side degrees is , in all cases ,

a proper subject of Masonic discipline . " " I am informed that there is a growing disposition on the part of brethren in certain sections of the State , to confer a degree or degrees on the wives and daughters of Masons , and giving them

to understand that they are a part of Masonry , and urging in extenuation that they would ensure to the recipients the benefits of Masonic sympathy . In the long series of years through which Ave trace our Masonic history , we find no warrant or

authority for conferring upon women any Masonic degree , and yet have the widows and orphans of Masons ever found the fullest sympathy from the institution .

" I recommend that the Grand Lodge shall , in addition to the present prohibition , forbid the use of Lodge halls , which have been solemnly dedicated to Masonry , to be perverted to such uses . " He also states that his correspondence with

other Grand Jurisdictions has been of the most pleasant and fraternal nature . In another part of his address , he says : " I would suggest the collection and preservation of the portraits or cabinet photographs of such Past

Grand Masters of Ohio as can be obtained , or of others Avho have rendered distinguished service to the Craft in this jurisdiction . Many of those who were identified Avith our early history have passed away , and it may be impossible at this time to

procure a portrait , but there are others still living , who , in a few years , will have gone from us . I conceive that it will be a matter of interest at least to those who may come after us , and submit the subject for your consideration . "

During the session of the Grand Lodge , Rev . Bro . Willis Hall delivered an oration before the Craft , at the Opera House , which is a complete vindication of Masonry from the charge that the members of the Order substitute its teachings for

Notes On American Freemasonry.

religion . Bro . Hall shows that it is only an adjunct , preparing the character for the reception of religious truth , by teaching pure morality and universal brotherhood and good-Avill to all mankind .

A select committee reported a plan for cornmutation of Lodge dues based upon the principles of life insurance , by which a brother by the payment of a sum of money , will cease to be subject to their payment . The plan is a good one ,

provided the sum paid can always be continued to bear interest for the use of the Lodge , whilst the principal will remain as a permanent investment . Number of Lodges in the jurisdiction , 367 ; members , 20 , 265 ; initiated during the year , 3 , 260 =.

Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution.

CHESHIRE EDUCATIONAL MASONIC INSTITUTION .

On Wednesday Evening , 21 st December , a grand concert in aid of the funds of the above institution , was given in the Masonic Hall , Birkenhead , before a numerous and highly respectable audience . By a special dispensation , received from the E . W . Prov . G . M . Lord de Tableythe brethren appeared in full

, , Masonic clothing , which , being a novelty in that part of Cheshire , brought a great many more brethren tban would otherwise have come , and in itself formed a novel spectacle to the rest of the audience . The artistes , who all kindly gave their services for the good cause , were Miss Galloway , Miss Phillips ,

Miss Maria Phillips , Bros . Edmonson , Dumville , and Eobberds , ( of the Gentlemens' Glee Club ) , Vaudrey , ( of Congleton ) , J . J . Hughes , G . A . Wielopolskia Phillips , solo cornet , Dr . Moss , ( of Congleton ) , solo flute , and Bro . Twiss , P . Prov . G . O ., Cheshire , conductor and accompanyist . The programme consisted of a selection of some beautiful songs , glees , and concerted pieces , the whole of which were rendered by

the artistes in an exceedingly creditable manner . Miss Galloway was in splendid voice , and rendered the canzonetta " II Buon Angurio" with exquisite taste and finish , while her warbling of Randeggara " Only fcr one " brought from the audience a genuine burst of applauae . The Misses Phillips sung very sweetly a number of simple ballads during the evening

and rendered effective aid in the concerted pieces . Bro . Edmonson ' s singing of " Madoline " met with well merited approval , as did also the other solos given by Bros . Hughes , Vaudrey , Robberds , and Dumville . The audience were especially charmed by the flute

solos of Bro . Dr . Moss , who showed himself a perfect master of his instrument , and Bro . Phillips showed some excellent instrumentation in his cornet solo , Chapelle ' s " Serenade . " The glees and other concerted pieces , in which the strength of the company appeared , were very successfully executed . As a whole , we have reason to know