Provincial Meetings.

although it is rumoured that a distinguished officer of the former corps , in compiling its history , is endeavouring to prove that the child is at least a century older than its father ; but the official records of the Royal Artillery show that down to the end of the sixteenth century both the Artillery and the Ordnance Store Corps were designated "Officers of Thordinances , " i . e ., Officers of Thor ( the

Saxon war god ) , or Sons of Thunder . It was , however , a fact more than remarkable that the records of Freemasonry could not be disassociated from the records of the Artillery and Ordnance even to the dawn of history , the epochs of the one being the epochs of the other , in dates , organisation , and founders ; they even claim parentage in common not only from their first father—Tubal Cain—the inventor

of "tubes of brass and of iron , and first "artificer instructor , " who built walled cities for defences , but also from their modern first father—MamusGraecus—who introduced the sciences into Europe in A . i ) . iooo . What was the celebrated Elias Ashmole who in the seventeenth century discovered the ancient charges of Freemasonry ? He appears in Ordnance official records as " Master of the Ordnance . "

Who was the first Speculative Grand Master of modern Freemasonry ? Was he not the Duke of Montagu , who at the same time was " Master General of the Ordnance , " and first father of Speculative Artillerists , the founder of the Royal Military Academy , Woolwich , as a lodge of instruction ? Who was the Mam us Graecus , those ancient parchments , in the hands of Elias Ashmole , restored our Ancient

Charges ? Was he not the Mamus Graecus whose ancient parchments Friar Bacon acknowledged to have unfolded to him the mysteries of nature and science in the ingredients of gunpowder , or the artificial thunder whom the sons of Thor or Ordnance , brethren , whom 1 am addressing , have to administer ? And whom did the ordnance corps of the continental armies claim to be their first father but the

same Mamus Graecus—which anyone could verify by referring to the pages of the earliest English translation of the first descriptive ordnance history , by Le Blon , copy of which , in good preservation , is in possession of that successful collector of curiosities , Bro . Capt . Weston , P . M ., who was present with them that night , and it might not be impossible to show that even civilian Freemasons were but

younger brothers of the military artificers , who , in the year of grace 1 S 93 , were still distinguished as the "Scientific Corps . " Might that young Ordnance Lodge prove as vigorous as its venerable parent , now known among moderns as the " Ubique " Corps , and , in turn , endure to bring forth fruit likewise in old age . The officers having responded , the proceedings , which were most harmonious , were brought to a close .

SOUTHALL . Jersey Lodge ( No . 2163 ) . —A regular meeting was held at the Railway Hotel , on Monday , the ist inst ., when there were present : Bros . William Alfred Cocks , W . W . ; G . Harper , I . P . M . ; C . Mead , W . M . 3 S 2 , S . W . ; W . Freemantle , J . W . ; J . Tidmarsh , P . M ., Prov . G . Steward , Sec ; C . C . Sanger , S . D . ; A . L .

Butters , J . D . ; E . H . Moseley , I . G . ; Russell Pontifex , Stwd . ; S . Meech , P . M . ; G . L . Duffin , T y ler ; W . A Buckland , L . H . Walker , S . Johnson , T . S . Hardman , W , F . Sanger , W . Roaks , W . H . Matthews , R . Hamman , A . A . Hardy , F . W . Noakes , H . R . Lancaster , and J . Webb , Visitors : Bros . E . Prince , I . P . M . 209 ; J . Wells , P . M . 1612 ; J . Passmore , 39 ; W . H . Wallden , 1339 , and W ,

Graves , Org . 1685 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the March meeting read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for Mr . James R . Whittle , and , it proving favourable , he was initiated into the mysteries of the Order . Bros . W . Roaks and W . H . Matthews were raised to the Sublime Degree . The ceremony was very impressively performed

by the W . M ., who also gave the traditional history . All the officers performed their work in a _ highly efficient manner , that of the Deacons being speciall y deserving of praise . The balance-sheet of the Masonic ball showed a substantial balance , and the sum of 10 guineas was voted to the list of the W . M as Festival Steward of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . Amongst the communications were notice of the Provincial Grand Lodge on the 6 th

inst ., which gave the Secretary an opportunity of announcing that he had been honoured with the offer of the collar of Provincial Junior Grand Deacon , and that he had accepted the same . The announcement was received with much satisfaction by the lodge . A candidate for joining having been proposed , the visitors tendered " Hearty good wishes , " and the lodge was closed . The brethren subsequently dined together .

STAINDROP . Rose of Ruby Lodge ( No . 1650 ) . —The annual festival and installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at the Scarth Memorial Hall , on the 25 th ult ., when there were present Bros . J . K . Wilkes , W . M . ; Dr . C D . Hill Drury , P . M . 2379 , P . S . G . W . ; J . Bailey , P . M . in , P . P . J . G . W . ; R . Hudson , P . G . S . B . England ,

P . G . S . ; Rev . J . M . Shepherd , P . M ., P . P . G . C ; T . Watson , P . M . 111 , P . P . G . Treas . ; Wm . Hobson , P . M . MI , P . P . S . G . D . ; Wm . Lear , P . M . in , P . P . G . S . of W . ; John Robinson , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; B . S . Beckwith , P . M . 1230 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Wm . Mitford , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br . ; Richard Coulton , P . M . 111 , P . P . G . C . ; T . Farthing , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D : ; Wm . Swales

P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Sec ; I . Thompson , P . M . 1230 , P . P . G . Stwd . ; Ewbank Harrison , P . P . G . Stwd . ; Wm . Sewell , W . M . m ; J . R . Thompson , W . M . 1230 ; T . H . Thompson , W . M . 1121 ; I ' . Martin , P . M . in ; M . Bradley , P . M . ; J . P . Daley , P . M . ; T . Coates , P . M . ; J . Fawcett , P . M . ; R . S . Benson , P . M . 1379 ; H . Dowdeswell , P . M . 1230 ; the Right Hon . Lord Barnard ; and many other

brethren . The minutes of last meeting having been confirmed , Bro . Thomas Wood , S . W ., W . M . elect , was installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . C D . Hill D , ury , M . D ., LP ., P . M . 1379 , P . P . S . G . W ., and . as on past occasions when he has performed the ceremony of installation , ihe ritual was rendered by him with that impressiveness which is usual with

Bro . Dr . Hill Drury in all his work . The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . K . Wilkes , l . P . M . ; the Right Hon . Lord Barnard , S . W . ; R . A . Meacock , J . W . ; Rev . J . M . Shepherd , Chap . ; John Rubinson , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . Swales , P . M ., Sec ; T . Imeson , S . D . ; G . P . Andrews , J . D . ; K . B . Franklin , I . G . ; J . J . Wilkes , P . M . in , D . C ; J . T . Elliott , Org . ; W . Chapman , W . G . Imeson , and Wm . Robinson , Stewards ; and , I " . Coates , Tyler , pro tern .

Provincial Meetings.

"Hearty good wishes" having been tendered by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The various loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

WISBECH . United Good Fellowship Lodge ( N 0 . 809 ) . —On the 27 th ult ., Bro . W . R . Girling , P . P . G . S . B ., was installed as W . M . by Bro . H . Thorns , P . M ., assisted by Bro . G . W . Whitehead , P . M ., D . C . Amongst the visitors present at the installation were Bros . Oliver Papworth , P . M ., P . G . Sec ; W . Purchas , P . M . SS ; Rev . L . R . Tuttiett , Prov . G . Chap . ; Dixey , P . M . ; Barrington , and

others . Ihe following officers for the year were appointed and invested : Bros . John Glover , I . P . M . ; A . J . Elworthy , S . W . ; J . R . Bambridge , J . W . ; J . Leach , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . Bray , P . M ., Sec . ; E . B . Bellars , S . D . ; T . B . Sullivan , J D . ; E . E . Girling , Org . ; Wm . Gilling , I . G . ; J . H . Foster , R . J . Sharman , and J . S . Johnson , Stwds . ; H . Thorns , P . M ., D . C . ; and A . Bothamley , P . M ., Tyler . A banquet followed .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Fidelity Chapter ( No . 3 ) . —This chapter met at the Freemasons' Hall , Great-Queen-street , W . C , on the 5 th inst . Amongst those present were Comps . C E : Birch , M . E . Z . ; W . Radcliffe , H . ; J . B . Stevens , J . j W . j . Collins , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., S . E . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . P . G . P . S ., 1 st A . S . ; H . J . Lardner , P . Z ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., D . C ; W . Hart , Stwd . ; F . Graves

P . Z . ; F . McDougall , P . Z . ; A . W . G . Weeks , P . Z . ; C . Greenwood , P . Z ., P . G . S . E . Surrey j Captain W . E . Williams , I . P . Z . ; H . Nash , J . J . Birch , J . C . Pratt , and others . The minutes of the previous convocation were read and confirmed . Apologies for non-attendance were received

from Comps . J . Heming , P . Z ., Treas . ; S . Cochrane , P . S ., G . Treas ., and others . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the banquet . The M . E . Z . ably presided . During the intervals Comps . A . W . G . Weeks , C . Greenwood , H . Nash , and others entertained the companions . The proceedings terminated at an early hour .

Sir Hugh Myddelton Chapter ( No . 1602 ) . —A meeting was held on the 27 th ult ., at the Old Cock Tavern , Highbury-corner , N . Present : Comps . J . Bailey , M . E . Z . ; McClaren , H .. W . Langdale , J . ; J . S . Weston , P . Z ., Treas . ; J . Osborn , P . Z ., S . E . ; W . Wright , S . N . ; A . Cox , P . S . ; T . Green , 2 nd A . S . ; lames Bayne , Org . ;

C Shepherd , Janitor ; R . D . Homan , P . Z . ; F . J . Bird , P . Z . ; J . Greenfield , P . Z . ; C . A . Dettmer , H . T . Skinner , J . G . W . James , and J . Chinery . Visitors : Comps . H . E . Dehane , M . E . Z . S 62 , P . Z . S 90 ; T . C . Edmonds ,. P . Z . i 5 ° 7 5 J- Cruttenden , 779 ; Oscar J . Von Holtorp , 1602 ; Rob . H . Johnston , 753 ; and John Foote , 153 , Kimberley ,

S . A . The chapter having been opened , the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . Bro . A . Skudder

was exalted , and a brother proposed for exaltation at next convocation . After other routine business , " Hearty good wishes " were accorded , and the chapter closed . The companions adjourned to the banquet , after which the usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were honoured . Comp . Osborn , in proposing the toast of " The M . E . Z ., " complimented him on his perfect working , and if he was to

go on speaking he could not impress them as Comp . Bailey had done by his beautiful working . Comp . Bailey , in the course of his reply , felt some difficulty in responding after the warm reception the toa t had received , but what he wished to say was that he felt their kindness deeply , and assured them he would do his best for the interest of the chapter , and his greatest desire was that

the high reputation the Sir Hugh Myddelton Chapter had enjoye 1 so long would be in no way detracted from when his surcessor took his place . The toast of "The H . and J . " followed . The M . E . Z . gave " The Exaltee" in very happy terms , and Comp . Skudder expressed his thanks for the kind remarks of the M . E . Z ., also for exalting him in the manner

he had , which would have a lasting impression on his mmd , it being so different to what he had expected , and hoped he should make a good companion amongst them , and would do his utmost to merit their approval as time went on . " The Visitors' " toast was heartily received . Comp . Dehane expressed his warm thanks for the pleasure he had derived from the admirable work of Comp .

Bailey , and the hospitality extended to the visitors , and pointed out that the companions might congratulate themselves on having such an excellent worker and genial companion to preside over the chapter . Comp . Edmonds , as a Preceptor , entirely approved of the work . Comp . Dr . Johnson also replied .

Comp . Foote agreed with what had been said , and described the proceedings that usually take place in his chapter at Kimberley , and would be able to tell them on his return to South Africa of the excellent working done by that chapter . During his 23 years ' ^ membership of the Royal Arch , he could not recollect having witnessed better , and wished it happiness and prosperity .

Comps . Holtorp and Cruttenden were also called upon . The latter said he had worked with the M . K . Z . for several years , and that his perfect rendering of the ritual that evening reflected credit on the Hornsey Chapter of Improvement which he attended . The toasts of " The P . Z . 's , " acknowledged by Comps ,

Weston and Osborn , who were both founders , " The Officers , " and the Janitor ' s toast followed . The speeches during the evening were brief , as an excellent programme of music was provided , and ably rendered by Miss Jessie McClaren , Mrs . and Miss Skudder , and Comps . Willie Wright and Bayne , Organist .

Aldersgate Chapter ( No . 1657 ) . —A convocation of this chapter was held at the Aloion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , on the 15 thinst . Present : Comps . John Larkin , M . E . Z . ; Arthur B . Hudson , H . ; George Kenning , Treas . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , P . Z ., S . E . ; G . Rawlinson , S . N . ; J . Shotter , P . S . ; S . F . Staples , ist A . S . ; M . M . Marsden , 2 nd A . S . ; P . Saillard , P . Z . ; E . Anderton , P . Z . ; G . Couchman , Janitor ; Visitors : Comps . Col . L . G . Dundas ,

Royal Arch.

P . Z . 370 ; Vickers Dunfee , 370 ; Ernest J . Humphery , S . N niS ; Dr . W . Mackie , P . Z . 120 S ; R . S . Cummings , P . Z * I 2 QS ; Nelson Reed , P . Z . 1572 ; J . C McLearn , P . Z * 1572 . ; J . Percy Fizgerald , P . Z . 22 ; Col . T . Davies Sewell , 5 ; H . C . Clowes , P . Z . 169 ( S . C ); R , p ; Walkden , 1366 ; A . T . Pearce , P . Z . 1572 ; Geo . Harlow I . P . Z . 2147 ; Samuel White , late 16 57 ; W . S . Whitaker '

P . Z . 1572 ; and W . H . Cole , S . E . 2147 . The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , a ballot was taken for Bro . George Hand , of the Alliance Lodge , No . 1827 , and that brother being present he was duly exalted . Comp . W . S . Whit'aker , acting as First Principal , most ably performed the ceremony , and he was as ably supported by Comps . Geo

Harlow , as H ., and A . T . Pearce , as J . The Principals and officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows Comps . A . B . Hudson , M . E . Z . ; M . R . Webb , H . ; E . Anderl ton , J . ; George Kenning , P . Z . 192 , Treas . ; E . Y . Jolltffe , P . Z ., S . E . ; Jas . Shotter , P . S . ; . S . F . Staples , ist Asst . Soj . ; M . M . Marsden , 2 nd Asst . Soj . ; and G . Couchman , Janitor . An Audit Committee was then appointed , and the chapter

having been closed , the companions adjourned to an excellent banquet , presided over by the M . E . Z ., Comp . John Larkin . The usual toasts were proposed and duly honoured , and the enjoyment of the evening was much enhanced by a charming programme of music performed by the " Schartau " glee singers .

HITCHIN . Cecil Chapter ( No . 449 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., at the Sun Hotel , when there were present Comps . L . P . Nash , M . E . Z . ; A . Shillitoe , H . ; F . H . Weiss , J . ; James Shilcock , P . Z . 403 , P . P . G . S . N ., Treas . ; John Read , P . Z ., P . G . S . B ., S . E . ; J . Gilbertson , S . N . ; W . Weiss , P . S . ; W . Van Praagh , 2 nd Asst . S . ; H . H . Shirley ,

M . A ., P . Z . ; and Charles Robinson . The chapter was opened , and after the usual routine business , Bro . J . R . Gamble , who had been previousl y accepted , was exalted into Royal Arch Masonry . This being the annual period of election a ballot was taken , and the election of officers was made . The chapter was then closed , the companions afterwards dining together , and a very pleasant evening was spent .

SOUTHPORT . Southport Chapter ( No . 1070 ) . —An emergency meeting was held on Monday , the ist inst ., at the Masonic Buildings , Lord-street , when there were present Comps . John Fletcher , M . E . Z . ; Hy . Harrison , H . ; M . H . Boyd , J . ; J . H . Harrow , P . Z ., P . P . G . S ., Treas . ; Wm . Piatt , P . Z ., P . G . Treas ., S . E . ; Dr . A . J . Charlick ,

ist A . S . ; W . W . Webster , 2 nd A . S . ; Geo . Rockliff , Janitor ; D . Jones , P . Z ., P . P . G . T . ; W . Goodacre , P . Z ., P . G . Std . Br ., Prov . G . S . F .. ; J . C . Robinson , P . Z ., P . P . A . G . S . E . ; Wm . Taylor , Wm . Derry , H . A . Clarke , W . E . Bland , Geo . Austerfield , Dr . Wm . Macvie , and Dr . G .

C . A . Moir . Visitors : Comps . W . C Erwin , P . Z . 1393 , P . P . G . R . ; H . Cowbrough , M . E . Z . 1042 ; R . Sharrock , C 13 ; and T . R . Davies , 1839 . The ceremony of exaltation , as well as the historical , symbolical , and mystical lectures were delivered by Comp . Fletcher in a most able manner .

TUNBRIDGE WELLS . Holmesdale Chapter ( No . 874 ) . — On Wednesday afternoon , the 2 nd inst ., a convocation was held at the Pump Room , when there was a tolerably large attendance , including Comps . T . Ryder , M . E . Z . ; R . Stevenson , H ., M . E Z . elect ; J . Alrey , J ., H , elect ; R . Martin , P . S ., J . elect ; J . S . Fletcher , S . E . ; J . Willmot ,

S . N . ; W . T . Hammond , ist A . S . ; C . Graham , P . Z ., P . P . G . R ., Treas . ; T . W . J . Chapman , P . Z .. P . P . G . S . B . ; F . Brown , P . Z . ; A . H . Tester , J . A . Anscombe , P . S . Allan , M . A . H . Edwardes , D . Hiodley , G . Grover , G . Glanville , W . Rule , and others . The minutes having been read , the Principals were installed in an impressive manner by Comp . Brown , who was

the Installing Officer . The investiture of officers was as follows : Comps . Rufus Stevenson , M . E . Z . ; J . Alvey , H . ; R . Martin , J . ; J . S . Fletcher , S . E . ; WellesleyT . Hammond , S . N . ; C . Graham , P . Z ., Treas . ; A . T . Simpson , P . S . ; A . H . Tester , ist A . S . ; J . A . Anscomoe , 2 nd A . S . ; G . Grover and T . S . Allan , Stewards ; W . Rule , D . C ; and lames Boulter , lanitor . Comp . Allen

reported that the accounts had been carefully audited and found correct , and the Treasurer " •as pleased to announce that they had a balance on the right side , and he looked forward anxiously to the time , which he believed was not far distant , when the chapter would be one of the most influential in Kent . Comp . Graham then proposed that a P . Z . 's jewel should be presented to Cjmp . T . Ryder on his

retiring from the chair , in recognition of the admirable services he had rendered during his year of office . Comp . Chapman seconded , and spoke in eulogistic terms of the admirable services Comp . Ryder had rendered to the chapter . He expressed his great pleasure at finding the finances of the chapter in such a healthy condition . The M . E . Z ., in presenting the jewel to Comp . Ryder , said he

did so with the greatest possible pleasure , for they had worked together both in the Craft and the chapter . Comp . Ryder had well earned that recognition , and he hoped he would long live to wear the jewel . Comp . Ryder having briefly but appropriately responded , expressing his appreciation of the compliment paid him , the chapter proceeded to other businessand afterwards

, adjourned to the Swan Hotel , where Comp . Rule had provided one of his capital banquets , which was well served . The usual toasts were proposed from the chair . , Comp . Hammond proposed " The Prov . Grand H . and J ., and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupled with the names of Comps . Graham and Chapman , the latter of whom responded . „ Comp . Ryder proposed "The Health of the M . E . Z .,

who had always taken such an active interest in Masonry that the brethren had a positive affection and reverence 'or him , and would give him every possible support of which ne was so deserving . . The M . E . Z . having responded , referring to the fortn " coming visit of the Grand Chapter , proposed , in eulojjistic term , "The Health of the Installing Officer , Comp . Brown , " who responded . He also proposed " Ihe Secon and Third Principals , " to which Comps . Alrey and Mart '" responded , and with "The Past Principals of the Chapter , he coupled the name of Comp . Ryder , who responded .