Provincial Grand Lodge Of Staffordshire.

sented on the subscription list , which included the names of 621 brethren ; and Lieut .-Col . Bindley would be deeply gratified at the way in which his services were held . The presentation took the form of a silver tray , two silver salvers , and two silver bowls , chosen by Lieut .-Col . Bindley himself ; a n 18-carat gold P . D . P . G . Master ' s jewel , and an illuminated address . The tray bore Bro . Lieut-Col . Bindley ' s coat-of-arms , together with

the inscription : " Presented , with two silver bowls , two salvers , a P D . P . G . M . 's gold jewel , and an illuminated address , to Lieut .-Col . John Allen Bindley , V . D ., J . P ., P . G . D . of England , and P . D . P . G . M . of the Province of btaffordshire . May gth , 1899 . " The illuminated address reads : " To Lieut .-Col . John Allen Bindley , V . D ., I . P ., Past Grand Deacon of Eng ., Past Deputy Prov . Grand Master of

Staffordshire , we , the undersigned Freemasons of Staffordshire , be ? your acceptance of this address , together with the accompanying service of plate and a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master ' s jewel , in grateful recognition of the services you have rendered to the province during your nine years ' tenure of office as D . P . G . M . We desire to express our sincere appreciation of your kindly and fraternal bearing towards all your brethren , your

unfailing courtesy , and your tact and ability in the discharge of the onerous duties devolving upon you . We trust you may long bs spared to enjoy the esteem and regard of the Craft in general , and of this province in particular . " Continuing , the Prov . Grand Master said that if it had not been for Bro . Bindley he doubted if he would be occupying the Prov . Grand Master ' s chair lhat day . If it had not been for the self-denying assistance which had

been rendered he questioned if hecovld have had sufficient courage to begin the task he had undertaken . The example Bro . Bindley had set , and his universal courtesy , had made the task a very easy one , and he could only say that it was Bro . Bindley ' s example which had enabled him to fill that position . He considered amongst the many privileges he had had , that the greatest was that of presenting the present testimonial on behalf of the

province . Bro . Lieut .-Col . BINDLEY said he had had to steel himself for the response or he would be unable to find words to express his deep gratitude for the honour that had been paid him . What had been said in his favour was far greater than he deserved . ( No , no . ) Whatever he said emanated from his heart and he knew that from the kindness of the hearts of those present came the presentation that day . If the presentation had not been

made he could still have felt a thousand times more than satisfied with the expressions of goodwill which he had received from the officers of the province . He could only say that the magnificent testimonial which had been placed at his service would ever be appreciated . It was more than he merited , but from the gratefulness of his heart he thanked them for the kindness he had received from them and which , he trusted , he might carry with him in the future .

The banquet was afterwards held at the Council House , Handsworth , Bro . Lord Dartmouth presiding , and was supported by over 200 officers and brethren . During the evening he congratulated the province on the progress that had been made . Much of the success was due to the efforts of Bros . Walton Walker and Bindley .

Bro . NEWNHAM proposed " The W . M . and the Officers of St . James ' s Lodge , " and said that he shared in the opinion of the Provincial Grand Master in regard to the general excellence of the arrangements , which reflected great credit on the Stewards . Bro . ALLMAN responded . Bro . T . DUNBAR STEEN proposed " The Provincial Grand Stewards , " and complimented them on the work they had done in making the visit of the Provincial Grand Lodge such an unqualified success .

Bro . IVU ' or HART , in response , said that the chief honours were due to Bro . Frank Hughes , who had done most of the work . Bro . FRANK HUGHES said it had given him the greatest satisfaction to do what he had for the comfort of all . During the evening an excellent musical programme was gone through .

Consecration Of The Noel Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, No. 505.

CONSECRATION OF THE NOEL ROYAL ARK MARINERS LODGE , No . 505 .

For the purpose of the consecration of the above lodge the new hall at the recently handsomely-deccrated Griffin Hotel in Kingston-on-Thames , was placed at the disposal of the founders . The brethren having f . s <; err . Lled , the lodge was opened by Bro . the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , P . N .,

the following members being present : Bros . E . H . Lewis , Captain T . Philips , J . D . Vicary , Clement S . Rogers , F , Locket , T . White , H . W . Willis , Dr . A . R . Owst , A . M . Levy , W . King , J . H . Sumner , F . Rawlings , H . C . meron , E . 'J . Packington , J . Leach Barrett , C . Wells , and F . C . Austin .

Bts des the brethren above-named , the other founders , who were inavoid «! . ly absent , are W . Bro . H . E . Idris Bey Ragheb , Bros . H . C . Crtzier , R . Wfdge , C . Yeatman , H . C . Minnill , and G . Lunt . The G nsecrating Officer , W . Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., G . S ., took the chair as W . C . N ., and appointed his officers as follows : W . Bros . F . West , D . P . G . M . Surrey , as J . ; A . H . Bowles , P . G . T . O ., as S . ; W . Vincent , P . A . G . D . C , as D . C . ; the Rev . W . Russell Finlay , Prov . G . C . Middx .. as Chap . ; and Bro . R . J . Moyse , as Guar .

The CONSECRATING OFFICER addressed the brethren on the motive of the met ting . He mentioned with what pleasure he had attended on that evening to assist in a , to him , most interesting ceremony , a ceremony which could not but appeal to all those who were interested in the advancement of Ark Masonry . The lodge he was about to consecrate would be known to a « as the Noel Royal Ark Mariners' Lodge , No . 505 . He felt sure the lod ge would be the means of accomplishing all the objects the founders had m view , and he called upon the Chaplain to give the prayer .

The D . of C . then assembled the founders of the lodge , and the warrant , which was dated 17 th December , 1898 , was read . , A most eloquent and descriptive oration on Royal Ark Masonry was K'ven by the CHAPLAIN , this being a most intellectual , as well as Masonic , treat to the as-embled brethren .

The Presiding Officer then proceeded to consecrate the lodge with the customary ceremony , the Chaplain meanwhile intoning the prayers , the service being a choral one .

Consecration Of The Noel Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, No. 505.

The ceremony being concluded , W . Bro . Vincent took the chair , and duly obligated Bro . E . H . Lewis as the first W . C . N , of the Noel Royal Ark Mariners Lodge , No . 505 , who was presented by W . Bro . the Rev . C . E . L . Wright , the brethren below the Degree of W . C . N , having first retired before the enthronement .

The members being re-admitted , and having saluted the W . C . N ., he proceeded to invest his officers as follows : W . Bro . J . D . Vicary , as I . P . N , ( for W . Bro . H . C . Crozier , who was absent in Egypt ) ; Bros . Captain T . Phillips , J . ; C . S . Rogers , S . ; J . H . Sumner , Treas . ; Chas . Wells , Scribe ; W . Bro . C . E . L . Wright , S . D . ; Bros . F . Lccket , J . D . ; E . J . Packington , Org . ; Dr . A . R . Owst , D . C . ; A . M . Levy , Guar . ; and H . C . Minnill and C . Yeatman , Stewards .

W . Bro . Matier , the Consecrating Officer , was then presented with the honorary membership , accompanied by the handsome founders' jewel—a courtesy which he greatly appreciated . The honorary membership of the lodge was also conferred on the remainder of the Consecrating Officers , all of whom returnee ! their thanks .

Several members were proposed for elevation at the next meeting , so that the lodge , which had a most auspicious opening , bids fair to soon become one of the most promising and flourishing lodges in the Province of Surrey . Letters and telegrams , expressing regret at inability to be present , were received from several very prominent members of the Degree , after which the lodge was closed .

The members assembled in the banqueting hall , where a most elaborate menu , was awaiting them . The toast list-included "The Queen and Ark Masonry , " " The G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., " "The Consecrating Officer and his Assistants , " " The W . C , " " The Visitors , " " The Officers , " and " The Warder . "

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

St . Thomas Lodge . No . 992 . The regular meeting of this prosperous lodge was he'd at the Griffin Hotel , Lower Broughton , Manchester , on the 3 rd instant , when the following- were present : Bros . J . J . Millson , W . M . ; J . Mumby , LP . M . ; R . Taylor , S . W . ; W . H . Southern . P . M .. acting l . W . ; Thos . Threlfall , P . M ., Chap . ; J . Hancock , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . J . W . Millward , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Works , Sec . ; F . 0 . Dean , S . D . ; H . Mason , X- ?; W . Mann , I . G . j Geo . Owen , Org . ; T . W . McGill , P . M . ; W . Martin . P . M . ; T . M . Johnson , P . M . ; I . Johnson . Tyler ; I . H . Baker . W . H . Burke . R .

Williamson , D . T . Clegg , S . Millward , Frank P ' tt , Dr . Kinghorn , J . L . Grandison , C . Owens , W . Perkins , J . Parker , J . R . Gledhill , James lackson , A . Simcock , H . Uttley , and E . H . Spencer . Visitors : Bros . C . Turner , P . M . 1011 and 21 < fi , P . P . A . G . D . C . ; H . Newman , S . W . 1055 ; and Geo . J . Critchley , u 6 r . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The traditional history was ably delivered by Bro . T . W . McGill , P . M . The charge after raising was given , and the explanation of the third

tracing board by the W . M ., Bro . 1 . J . Millson . The second tracing board was explained by Bro . J . W . Millward , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., in a splendid manner , and was very impressively received by all the brethren present . The lodge was closed after "Hearty good wishes" had been expressed by the visiting brethren . The loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards duly honoured , the same being interspersed with songs , recitations , and pianoforte solos , the contributors being Bros . Millson , Threlfall , Turner , Perkins , Jacksoa , Owen , and Taylor .

Ubique Lodge , No . 1789 . This powerful military lodge held its installation meeting at the Criterion Restaurant , Piccadilly , on the Sth inst ., when , as usual , there was a good attendance . A casual visitor , on entering the lodge , would at once recognise it was " military" from the bronzed faces of the members , and their smart and soldierly appearance , which the conventional black evening dress only accentuates . This lodge , which is known over the four quarters of the globe , numbers 175 members , so that it can be imagined that the duties of Secretary , which are cheerfully and assiduously performed by Bro . Lieut , j . Learmont , are no sinecure .

The members in attendance included Bros . Major R . H . Murdoch , W . M . ; Sere Major W . H . Russell Prewer , S . W . ; Maior-Gen . F . T . Lloyd , C . B . ; Major A . B Chamberlain ; Lieut .-Col . J . T . Ritchie , P . D . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Lieut . I . Learmont , Sec ; Major J . W . Marsdin Newton ; Thomson Lyon . P . M . ; Capt . H . L . Powell Col . H . M . Hozier , C . B . ; Major A . C . T . Boileau , D . P . G . M . Nova Scotia ; Capt . C E . Reynolds , P . D . G . S . B . Hong Kong ; and many others . The visitors included Bros . Lieut .-Col . Parkyn , G . S . B . ; the Earl of Portarlington ; Dr . Clement Godson , P . G . D . 1 Lewis Thomas

. , P . A . G . D . C ; A . J . Trendell , C . M . G ., P . A . G . D . C ; W . Russell P . A . G . D . C . j C Hammerton , P G . S . B . ; J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B .. Sec . R . MI . B A . C . Spaull , P . G . Std . Br . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; T . Burne , P . P . G . D . ; Hill ' W . M . 1536 p Sinnett , Sec . « i 53 G ; G . Djer , W . M . 2399 ; H . Furlo ' ng , Sec . 3309 and many others . **' Lodge was opened and the minutes confirmed , and two candidates were impressively initiated into Freemasonry . Bro . Sergt .-Maj > r W . H . Russell Prewer was next presented as W . M . elect , and was duly installed into the chair by Bro . Lieut .-Col J T Ritchie PM Treas The officers

, .., ., P . D . G . S . B . were invested as follows-Bros . Major R . 11 . Murdoch , I . P . M . ; Major-General F . T . Lloyd , C . B .. S . VV . Maioi-A . B . Chamberlain , J . VV . ; Rev . W . G . Howard , M . A ., Chap . ; Ueut .-Cd . I ' ? Ritchie , P . D . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Lieut . J . Learmont , Sec ; Major J . W . Marsdin Newton , S . D . ; Capt . H . L . Powell , J . D . ; Col . H . M . Hozier , C . B ., I . CL ; Seret - Major G . Roberts . D . C . ; Capt . J . W . Ormiston , A . D . C ; Major H . B Lewis Barned , Org . ; Sergt .-Major W . H . Neville , Lieut . E . B . Ashmore , and Col .-Seret Maj . r W . H . Cameron , Stwds . ; and C . Warren , Tyler . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., and other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed . s

During an excellent banquet , which was admirably served , the Royal Artillery String Band played a charming selection of music under the conductorship of Bro Sergt .-Major Robinson . The usual toasts were afterwards honoured in an enthusiastic manner . In giving " The Grand Officers , " the W . M . expressed his pleasure at the presence of so many Grand Oflicers , and hoped they had been well entertained . Of those present there was Bro . Col . Parkyn , the W . M . of another military lodge , and Bro . Clement Godson , P . G . D .

/ -, « , Bro- 9 *** Parky 0 > ?• Sti P" - > ' "Ply * sa'd he had only just become a Grand Officer and was , therefore , without experience . It was absolutely necessary in an Institution like Freemasonry to have a good headquarters' organisation . The members of the Nil Sine Lahore Lodge looked upon this lodge as its godfather , and in that lodge for the last two meetings they had had the maximum number of five initiates Bro . Clement Godson , P . G . D ., on behalf of the Past Grand O . ficers , said he had not missed installation

yet one meeting , and hoped for many years to be able to visit them . The P . G . Officers had been considerably increased to the number of 46 durinz recent years on the occasions of the 21 st and 25 th anniversaries of the Grand Master ' s installation . This was ampl y justified by the large accession to the rank and file of Masonry , and he hoped in the future to see members of this loi ^ e am jngst ' the Gran 1 Officers . Bro . Mafor R . H . Murdoch , I . P . M ., in giving "The W . M ., " said that Bro Prewer was already sufficiently known to their own members , and might have been Master long ago had it not been considered in the interests of the lodge that he should