Consecration Of The Abbey Lodge, No. 2030, Westminster.

makes my appointment a double honour and pleasure to me . Then again there is the ^ locality xvhich has given a birthplace lo this lodge and the associations that hover over it . This dear old Westminster—like its traditions lost in the mists of by-gone ages , xvith its modern developments of thought and action reaching far into the unknown future ; Westminster , the centre and heart of this mighty London , xvith its swift popular emotions and

its vast , eager , busy , struggling population ; Westminster , representing in a concentrated form all the characteristics of London—the home of ex'ery class , the focus of ex'ery interest , the goal of every ambition ; Westminster is the home of this lodge , and the lodge itself is composed mostly of Westminster men . Nay , more ; so proud are xve of the peculiar character attaching to this lodge , so anxious to perpetuate its inseparable connection with Westminster ,

that we have hung the banner of it on our outward walls , and have named it after that stately Abbey beneath whose holy and historic shadow xve shall always meet . We have so named it , not only as a tribute of honour and respect to its mighty past , but because we know and feel that its traditions and memories are so glorious that the x-ery dust enshrined xvithin its walls is in itself recreative and inspiring . To any one this

connection xvith Westminster xvould invest this lodge xvith an added interest , but to me that interest is ten-fold greater . I need not say that anything that connects mc with Westminster gives me thc greatest satisfaction and pleasure , for it is carrying on and fulfilling a line of association into which circumstances hax-e happily called me , xvhich is very dear to me , and xvhich 1 shall always endeavour to strengthen and perpetuate , though I cannot

hope to compete in interest xvith those txvo illustrious characters who have successively formed and maintained it . Sir Francis Burdett , one of the most auspicious and singular figures in the political history of this century , the head of a family xvhose present head wc are so glad to see here to-night in the person of my cousin , Sir Francis Burdett —( loud cheers)—the head , I repeal , of a family xvhich had sent many representatives to Parliament

before him , a family—I say it xvithout hesitation in the presence of my friend the Garter King-at-Arms , Sir Albert Woods —( cheers ) —xvith an uninterrupted line of descent from thc Conquest , possessed of two splendid estates , gifted with thc inxx * ard and outxxarcf graces of an English gentleman of the olden type , did , as your representative , champion thc rights and liberties of the people xvhercver and

xvhenever they xvere assailed , and did so xvith a xvarmth of conviction , xvith a power of eloquence , and a purity of motive that rendered him a popular idol . And after him his daughter , just as much as he , but perhaps in a different xvay—the champion of thc rights , the rcdressor of thc xvrongs , of her less fa \ -ourcd felloxv-subjects , not less than he keenly jealous of the honour and reputation of thc country , took up and

continued her association xvith Westminster in a spirit xvhich has endeared her to its citizens , which has placed in its poorest districts a beautiful church , the centre—with its parish organisation , so much of the success of xvhich is due to our Bro . Senior Warden —( cheers)—the centre of an active Christian inlluence , a spirit which has connected her xvith many useful movements xvithin its precincts , the last and not thc least when xvith her own hands she laid thc foundation-stone of this noble building in xxhich we are assembled

this enduring monument of your enterprise and progress . ( Loud cheers . ) If I have said too much on this point you xvill forgive me , for I am only shoxving thc extent to xvhich the position in xvhich you havc placed mc is enhanced in \ -alue to mc by its indirect connection xvith her xvhom I value above all . I xvould remind you that her father xvas a Mason , and that she herself has alxvays shoxvn an interest in the Craft , as xvitness the Burdett-Coutts Lodge ,

xvhich years ago she assented to found , and xvhose W . M . wc arc so glad to see here . Vou havcalready : seen hoxv it has pleased the founders to illustratcand perpetuate these associations by adopting our united shield , emblazoned on thc front of the Abbey , as thc arms of thc lodge . Apart from these considerations special to myself , and which enhance the depth and sincerity of my response to this toast , there arc general reasons for congratulation on the formation

of this lodge which I know arc present to your oxvn minds in sufficient force not to require their enumeration b y me . But 1 xvould point again to thc special opportunities it xvill give to binding together in a confraternal and sympathetic union men who have common objects , common aims , and , to an extent , kindred occupations in the great xvork of local self-government as organised and concentrated in this Town Hall . Union in this , as in other

cases , is strength—strength to thc individual member xvho is xvell and fortunate , for xvho xvill deny that each member partakes of and gains from thc combined inlluence of the xvhole body as well as from thc particular and special inlluence of every other member— ( cheers ); xvhile for the less fortunate and prosperous also thb union is strength . In these days , xvhen the struggle of life is so keen , xvhen the race is to the sxvift and the battle to

the strong , many a weaker brother crushed by sume passing storm of adversity , his cries lor help lost in the din and rush of the advancing tide of life ' s struggle , is apt to be left helpless by the xvay-side . Where , brethren , I ask , can such a one find a securer haven of rest and relief than within thc bosom of an Order which is so liberal and generous ' i In conclusion , I xvould only say lhat I trust that these and the many other

beneficial objects of our Order may groxv and prosper in this lodge . So then may it , in the xvords of thc motto of my family , " Cleave Fast " —( loud cheers)—may it ever be the home of loyalty and faith , of loyalty to the Crown and Constitution , loyalty to all the nobler and kindlier instincts and aspirations of man , loyalty to those great principles of justice and mercy xvhich lie al thc base of this great Order ; and , lastly , may it be the home

of faith , of that great and priceless treasure which Freemasonry has in no small degree , it seems to me in these latter days of ours , the high privilege and duty of safe guarding—the home of faith in the Great Architect of thc Uuniverse . ( Continued cheering . ) Thc Worshipful Master concluded by proposing , in very complimentary and graceful terms , "Thc Health of Bro . Shadxvell H . Clerke , Grand Secretaiy , the Consecrating Officer of the Lodge . " .

, Dro . Col . Sn . \ D \ vF . LL H . C LERKE having acknowledged the compliment , the WORSHIPFUL MASTER proposed "The Health ot thc Visitors , " to which Bros . Sir J WHITTAKER ELLIS , P . G . J . W . ; F . A . PHILBRICK , Deputy Prov . Grand Master Essex ; and EDWARD CLARKE , O . C , M . P .,

replied . Thc WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed " The Health of the Officers of the Lodge , " and Bro . VV . II . BAKF . R , the S . W ., having returned thanks , the proceedings of a most successful evening terminated xvith thc Tyler ' s toast .

The musical arrangements , which xvcre excellent , xvere under thc direction of Bro . Henry Baker xvho was assisted by Madame Agnes Ross , Madame Antoinette Stirling , Bros . H . VV . Schartau , A . L . Fryer , J . Nettleship , and W . Lloyd . Bro . H . Maunder presided al the pianoforte . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .

Consecration Of The Crook Lodge, No. 2019.

CONSECRATION OF THE CROOK LODGE , No . 2019 .

On Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., the ceremony of consecrating this nexv lodge took place under very auspicious circumstances at Crook , one of the busiest centres of the coal and coke producing districts of the county of Durham . On the arrival of the train by xvhich a large number of the brethren proceeded from various parts of the province , there xvas a large

concourse of the public assembled , The carriage of Bro . the Rev . G . P . Wilkinson , P . P . G . S . W ., xvas in waiting for the Most Hon . the Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., Prov . G . M ., xvho , xvith Bro . Robert Hudson , Prov . G . Sec , xvas drix * en to the Mechanics' Institute , where the ceremony took place . The lodge was duly opened by Bro . E . D . Davis , acting D . P . G . M ., after which the brethren receix'ed the Prov . G . M . The other officers present were

Bros . C . S . Lane , acting Prov . G . S . W . ; John VVood , Prov . G . J . VV . ; Rev . E . Collier Biggs and the Rev . VV . C . Harris , Prov . G . Chaps . ; Babington Boulton , Prov . G . Treas . ; Henry Maddison , Prov . G . Reg . ; Thomas Bradley , Prov . G . Asst . Sec . ; C . D . Hill Drury , acting Prov . G . S . D . ; G . C . Watson , Prov . G . J . D . ; J . J . Clay , acting Prov . G . Supt . of Works ; Edxvard Hudson , Prov . C . D . C . ; George Hardy , Prov . G . Asst . D . C . ; Mark frampton , Prov . G . Sxvd . Br . ; R . J . Talintyre , Prov . G . Org . ; R .

Kinmond , Prov . G . Purst . ; Joshua Curry , Prov . G . Tyler ; G . Greenxvell , P . P . G . D . of C . j C . R . Fry , P . P . G . J . W . ; XV . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B . ; George Stillman , P . P . G . D .: Thomas Bell , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Walker , P . P . G . Org . ; and VV . A . Malcolm , P . P . G . P . Among others present xvere Bros . A . Allan , P . M . 1121 ; D . P . Huntley , P . M . So ; VV . Hobson , P . M . in ; J . Hudson , I . P . M . 94 ; J . C . Moor , W . M . 97 ; N . VV . Apperly , J . D . ; VV . C . Blackett , P . M . 124 ; VV . Hines , P . M . 1121 ; J . Ostle , P . M . 1121 ; I .

Probert , P . M . 424 ; K . H . Dickenson , W . M ., and J . C . Wilson , I . P . M . 636 . The petition for the nexv lodge and thc warrant xverc read by the Prov . Grand Secretary , after xvhich the VV . M . and Wardens of thc new lodge xvcre presented to the Prov . Grand Master . An oration xx * as delivered by Bro . E . C . Biggs , Prov . G . Chap ., after which the new lodge was solemnly consecrated by the Prov . Grand Master . The installation of the VV . M .

designate , Bro . Samuel Holdsxvorth , P . M . 1121 , was then ably performed by Bro . W . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B ., the officers of thc new lodge being afterxvards invested as folloxvs : Bros . John Ostle , I . P . M . ; Win ' . Lo \* c , S . VV . ; Thomas Hard y , J . W . ; Rev . Richard Conlton , Chaplain ; Richard Proud , Treasurer ; Daniel Ostle , Secretary ; Thomas Young , S . D . ; Wm . Arrowsmith , J . D . ; J . Graham , D . of C . ; E . Milbnrn , Organist ; Wm .

Cochrane , I . G . ; J . Ord and T . Hall , Stewards ; and John Dowson , Tyler . Thc founders of thc lodge xverc Bros . S . Holdsxvorth , W . Love , T . Hardy , T . Young , the Rev . G . P . Wilkinson , J . Ostle , and George Pearson . The musical portion of the ceremony xvas very ably rendered by Bros . D . Whitehead , Nutton , and Walker , of Durham Cathedral choir , and Bro . Talintyre ,

Prov . G . Org . A number of initiates and joining members xvcre proposed , after which the proceedings of the consecration terminated . A luncheon xvas served in the room below , al xvhich Bro . S . Holdsxvorth , W . M ., presided . The loyal and Masonic toasts received full acknoxvledgment , that of " Thc R . W . Prov . Grand Master" being most enthusiastically received .

Thc Marquess of LONDONDERRY in replying said this xvas his first visit to Crook , but after the reception he had had that day , as Provincial Grand Master of Durham , he hoped it xvould not be the last . He trusted and hoped that the lodge he had just consecrated , which made the twentyninth lodge in his province , might conduce to the adx'antagc and prosperity of Freemasonry in general . Thc Provincial Grand Secretary had

informed him that in September next in all likelihood there would be the Londonderry Lodge , upon temperance principles , xvhich xvould make up the 30 lodges , and xvould give them an important increase in the number of their provincial officers . He thanked them very sincerel y for the honour they had done him by receiving the toast of his health so cordiallv . He

felt he ought not to take his scat without proposing the toast of" The Health of the first W . M . of the Crook Lodge . " Bro . R . HUDSON , P . G . S ., afterxvards proposed "The Officers of the nexv Lodge , " to xvhich Bros . LOVE and HARDY replied . Other toasts xverc also given .

The Recent Festival Of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE RECENT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

We havc much pleasure in stating that thc increase in the proceeds of this festival xvhich xve announced last xveek has been still further extended , so that thc total , as it now stands , is £ 14 , 642 ios ., or xcry considerably more than xve in our careful estimate had reason to anticipate . The nexv lists that have been received are those of Bro . F . G . Broxvn , No . 1 , £ 10 ios ; Bro . H . P . Gordon , No . 007 , £ 37 16 s . ; and Bro . John Hammond , No . 1986 , , £ 45 3 s . These xvith the further additions made to lists already

received gi \ -e a total for London amounting to £ 0 , 422 13 s . As regaids the provinces , Bro . Toms , unattached , Berks and Bucks , has sent in £ 10 ios ; and Bro . J . M .. Collins , No . 1861 , Surrey , , £ 5 5 s . While totals for Hants and thc Isle of Wight and Suffolk have been increased by £ 17 and £ 21 respectively . These give the provincial aggregate as £ 6210 17 s ., and thc grand total at £ 14 , 642 ios . It should be mentioned thai Friends in Council Lodge , No . 1382 , ranks among the London three-figure lists , the sum of £ 94 ios . as first announced , having been since increased to £ 105 ios .

The final meeting of thc Board of Stexvards of thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution xvas held at FVcemasons' Hall on Friday last , the 7 th inst . Bro . lidgar Bowyer , G . Std . Bearer , and Hon . Treasurer to the Board , occupied thc chair , and thc minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed , a letter from Bro . H . B . Marshall , apologising for his inability to attend , xvas read . It xvas reported that 338 brethren and 127

ladies xvere present at the Festival , and that the total collection , xvhich had originally been stated as £ 14 , 343 , " ¦ 'id since been raised to £ 14 , 609 8 s . 6 d ., with nine lists still outstanding , and , as will be seen above , this amount has since been still further increased to £ 14 , 642 ios ., xvith seven lists yet unaccounted for . A vote of thanks from the Committee of Management to the Board of Stewards for their exertions was read , after xvhich a most cordial vote of thanks was passed

to Bro . Allcroft , Grand Treasurer , for having undertaken the responsibilities of Chairman , as xvell as to Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , who , at almost a moment ' s notice , so loyally supplied the place of Bro . Allcroft , xvhen it xvas found thc latter ' s state of health prevented his attending . A statement of the accounts xvas submitted and audited , and the balance remaining over and above the expenses appropriated , as usual , the services rendered by Bros . Mason and Recknell being duly recognised . The board then dissolved , after voting a resolution of thanks to Bro . Bowyer for presiding .