Knights Templar.

mystery in connection with the early formation of their interesting preceptory . "The Eminent Commander" followed , and , in proposing lhe toast , the I . P . E . C paid a high tribute to the zeal and excellent qualifications of Sir Knight Captain Stohwasser .

The E . C . having replied , gave "The Newly-installed Knights . " . Sir Knights Bell and Hawkins having expressed their acknowledgments , The E . C . proposed " The Health of the Visitors . " In the course of his speech he congratulated the encampment receiving a visit that day from such distinguished

upon Knights Templar as Sir Knights Philbrick , Thrupp , and Ganz . The latter ' s assistance , both in the encampment and at the banquet table , had been most valuable and delightful . Sir Knight Philbrick , in reply , made one of those happy and humorous speeches for which he is so well known . In concluding his speech , he also touched upon the masterly

working of the preceptory and its undoubted antiquity . Sir Knight Thrupp took the opportunity of saying many vi ry complimentary things in connection with his visit that day . Sir Knight W . Ganz modestly expressed his thanks for the kind manner in which his humble efforts had been received .

"The Past Commanders" was responded to by Sir Knight J . H . Dodson ; "The Treasurer and Registrar " by Sir Knight Walls ; and " The Officers " by Sir Knight H . J . Lardner . Sir Knight Ganz charmed his hearers by his magnificent playing on the piano , and he also ably accompanied several vocalists , who lent their aid to enhance the general enjoyment .

YORK . —Ancient Ebor Preceptory ( No . 101 ) . — The annual chapter of this preceptory was held at the Freemasons' Hall , St . Saviourgate , on Tuesday , the 12 th inst ., when there vvere present , amongst others , Fratres W . Brown , E . P . ; J . T . Seller , Constable ; A . H . H . McGachen , Marshal ; T . B . Whytehead , P ., Registrar ;

Donald Grant , as Chaplain ; W . B . Dyson , Sub-Marshal ; W . H . Cowper , P ., Capt . of Guards ; J . Marshall , P . ; F . W . Halliwell , and others . The Provincial Prior , Bro . J . W . Woodall , was announced , and , a deputation having been formed , he was introduced , received under the arch of steel , and saluted .

The Provincial Prior was accompanied by Frater M . C Peck , Past Prov . Chancellor , and other visitors . Comp . W . H . V . Milbank , who vvas in attendance , was admitted to the Order , and installed a member by Frater T . B . Whytehead , acting as Preceptor , Frater W . Brown acting as Sub-Marshal . Frater J . T . Seller , the E . P . elect , vvas

then presented , and was installed in the throne by Frater T . B . Whytehead . The officers were afterwards invested as follows : Fratres A . H . H . McGachen , Constable ; W . B . Dyson , Marshal ; T . B . Whytehead , P ., Registrar ; Donald Grant , Sub-Marshal ; W . P . Cochrane , ist

Herald ; W . Brown , P ., 2 nd Herald ; J . Marshall , P ., Beauceant ; E . Simpson , P ., Vexillum Belli ; W . H . Cowper , P ., Capt . of Guards . The alms were collected , and the precepts having been read by the acting Chaplain , the meeting was dissolved . The fratres afterwards adjourned to dinner .

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

CONSECRATION OF THE HENNIKER LODGE AT IPSWICH . Previous fo the anniversary meeting of the Albert Victor Lodge of Mark Master Masons at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., a lodge of Royal Ark Mariners was consecrated , under the name of Henniker Lodge . A Royal Ark Mariners lodge vvas opened , Bro . B . R . Bryant

acting as Commander N . ; Bro . the Rev . C . J . Martyn , D . P . G . M . M ., as S . ; and Bro . Robt . Berridge , G . D . of C , P . G . M . O ., as J . The other Ark Mariners present were Bros . Lord Henniker , P . G . M . Eng ., P . G . M . East Anglia ; the Earl of Caithness , C F . Matier , P . G . W . ; N . Tracy , and the Rev . R . O . Davies , B . D ., D . C . L .

After the opening of the lodge , the following brethren were elevated to the Degree of Royal Ark Mariners : Bros , the Rev . R . N . Sanderson , 70 , P . G . C ; Harris Hills , 154 ; Major W . Dods , 317 ; Hugh W . H . Elwes , 317 ; C A . B . Bignold , Geo . Abbott , 70 ; A . J . Grimwade , 70 ; J . A . James Peck , 70 ; J . C Norman , 70 ;

J . R . Geard , 70 ; Fred . C . Atkinson , 70 ; and Geo . Gould , 70 . The ceremony of the consecration of the new lodge vvas then proceeded with . Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . W ., vvas the consecrating N ., the chairs of S . and J . being filled respectivel y by Bros , the Earl of Caithness and the Rev . R . Peek , Bro . the Rev . C J . Martyn acting as Chaplain , and Bro . R . Berridge as D . of C . The petition and warrant having been read , Bro . the Rev . C . J . MARTYN delivered an oration on the Principles of Ark Masonry . He said the traditional history ° r Ark Masonry which the brethren had heard in the

ceremony just being concluded showed it vvas derived from the traditional history of the great patriarch Noah , who , with bis sons , Shem , Ham , and Japhet , were saved in the ark jtom the deluge which overwhelmed the rest of the world . Uro . Martyn pointed out the way in which the Degree emphasised the virtues of moderation , temperance , brotherly

° > and Charity , and said if they endeavoured to carry ° wt those virtues in their daily lives they vvould do some-JJ'ng towards realising that grand ideal which ought to be "e desire and ambition of all of them . He prayed that inflT- " ^ Commander of the Universe might bless them H , " !? ' meetingsthere , and that the principles upon which 1 , Urder was founded would be transmitted thmncrli H IP

enniker Lodge from generation to generation , ceed ' J lm . Press ' consecration ceremony was then pro-Cha 1 w't * 1- The dedication prayer vvas read by the PrwRr' the invocation by the Consecrating N . The sion f 0 fficer and Grand Officers then formed a procesoji ' j d "ade a circuit of the lodge , bearing corn , wine , 'od ' eo h } ' These were respectively sprinkled upon the si ( jj „_ S ? ( B' antJ the ' r s'g n ! ficat ' ° n explained by the Pre-, > g Uthcer . At the conclusion of the ceremony , in

Royal Ark Mariners.

accordance with the prayer of the petition , Bro . Lord Henniker was installed as the first C . N . Bro . Lord HENNIKER , in taking his seat , thanked the founders of the lodge for placing him in the honourable position of fir * t Commander N . " He was always very glad , as an old Suffolk Mason , to have a fresh link between himself and the brethren living in the province over which

he presided , and particularly to have a fresh link connecting him with any lodge situate in Ipswich . He was very grateful to them , and he was sure the brethren would join with him in thanking the two brethren who had come down from Grand Lodge to help them in the consecration , Bro . Matier and Bro . Berridge . It had been his good fortune to work with them for a good many years in the Mark

Degree , and he did not know two more valuable brethren . He also thanked Bro . Bryant for the admirable manner in which he presided over the lodge and elevated the newlyelected brethren . In conclusion , Bro . Lord Henniker expressed the hope that the Henniker Lodge of Ark Mariners would prosper to the same degree as the other lodges in

the Province . The officers of the lodge were installed as follows : Bros . Rev . C . J . Martyn , J ; N . Tracy , S . ; Rev . R . N . Sanderson , S . D . ; Rev . R . Peek , J . D . ; A . J . Grimwade , Scribe ; H . W . H . Elwes , D . of C ; J . C . Norman , Stwd . ; Rev . R . O . Davies , Org . ; and G . Abbott , Guardian . The Ark Mariners Lodge was then closed .

Juvenile Ball Of The Lodge Of Unity, No. 1868, At Oldham.

JUVENILE BALL OF THE LODGE OF UNITY , No . 1868 , AT OLDHAM .

On Thursday evening , the 14 th inst ., a juvenile ball vvas held in connection with the Lodge Unity , No . 1 S 6 S , at the Freemasons' Hall , Union-street . The event vvas much looked forward to by the invited guests , through its being the first of the kind held in the town initiated by the

Freemasons . It vvas a great treat to see the youthful guests arrive ; they all looked pretty in their beautiful dresses . The hall was tastefully decorated , by Mr . Toppin , with rich hangings , lace curtains draping the windows . Several rare and beautiful plants vvere kindly lent for the occasion , and they added much to the beauty of the scene . The members of the party arrived at the hall from 5 . 30

to 6 . 30 p . m . At 6 . 30 a grand march was formed , and as the guests passed up the centre of the room they were presented by the M . C . to the W . M . ( Bro . Clement V . Haworth ) , the S . W . ( Bro . Broadbent ) , and the J . W . ( Bro . Hilton ) . They afterwards passed round the room , and the grand march vvas then proceeded with . Dancing continued

during the evening , and various entertainments followed in rapid succession . Professor Greenwood vvas engaged for the occasion , and he gave much amusement with his conjuring , ventriloquism , dark seance , & c . Several songs and recitations were given by the juveniles . The little folks were in the best of spirits , and it

vvas with many expressions of regret that the party separated at 11 . 30 p . m . A quadrille band played for dancing . All the brethren present appeared ih full Masonic regalia . Bro . J . C . Toole acted as M . C , and Bro . Partington as Hon . Sec . Bros . C V . Haworth , W . M . ; J . Broadbent , S . W . ; J . Hilton , J . W . ; James Dawson , I . G .,- A . Whitehead , Stwd . ; and Thomas Wood , Treas ., vvere the

acting Committee . 1 he following ladies also formed themselves into a Committee , and acted as stewards and superintendents during the evening -. Mrs . C . V . Haworth , Mrs . Broadbent , Mrs . Hilton , Mrs . Toole , Mrs . Whitehead , Mrs . Partington , Mrs . Ogden , Mrs . Marsland , ! Mrs Hanson , and Miss M . Dawson . The catering was under their charge , and everything

connected therewith was satisfactorily carried out and in the best taste . The success of the gathering was greatly owing to the active interest the ladies took in the proceedings . During the evening the W . M . delivered a short address , welcoming them all , and hoping they would one and all enjoy themselves .

Ihe following are the names of the invited guests : Masters J . H . and H . Broadbent ; Master James A . Buckley ; Masters John and James , Miss and Misses C , M ., and A . Cottam ; Masters John T . and Benny , and Misses Edith and Margaret Dawson ; Master John Dewhurst , Master Sydney and Miss Amy Edwards ; Miss and Misses F . H . and N . Glover ; Miss Hanson , Masters Vincent and James ,

and Misses Alice and Florrie Haworth ; Master Arthur and Miss Annie Hilton ; Misses M . E . and Ethel Hall ; Masters Hamlet and James L . and Miss Ellen Lees ; Master J . and Miss L . Marsland ; Master H . M . and Miss A . L . Mitton ; Misses Lizzie and Kate Ogden ; Miss

and Misses Florrie and Edith Partington ; Miss Shaw and Miss Fletcher Shaw ; Miss and Miss Jessie A . Street ; Master Jim and Miss Toole , and Misses E . and B . Toole ; Miss and Miss Amy Thorpe ; Master Charlie and Miss A . M . Turner ; Master John W . and Misses Fanny and Lizzie Wood ; and Miss Whitehead .

Presentation To Bro. Pitt.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . PITT .

At the recent meeting of the Capper Lodge , No . 1076 , on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , a handsome presentation was made to Bro . J . Pitt , who was for eight years Secretary of it , and who , on account of pressure of business , was Compelled to resign the position at the installation meeting in November last . The presentation took the form of a handsome iS-carat

gold double Albert ' chain , with a Past Secretary's jewel as a pendant ; and , in presenting it , the W . M ., Bro . MEARS , referred in eloquent terms to the long and faithful service rendered the lodge by Bro . Pitt . Several of the Past Masters added their testimony to the merits and abilities of Bro . Pitt ; and then , amid ringing

cheers , the W . M . delivered the testimonial into the care of Bro . Pitt , wishing him many years of happiness and prosperity to wear it . Bro . PITT vvas much moved in his reply , yet managed to thank the brethren for theirmagnificent present , which he declared vvas more than he deserved . He should always wear it with pride , and remember with pleasure the events of such an auspicious occasion . With toast and song this prosperous lodge passed the rest of the evening in harmony .

Annual Banquet Of The Friars Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1349.

ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE FRIARS LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1349 .

Thc annual banquet of the above Iodge of instruction took place at the Liverpool Arms , Canning Town , E ., on Tuesday , the 12 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Woods , 212 , with Bros . Bradford and Vinnicombe as S . W . and J . W . respectively . There were also present Bros . Alderman Hay , Alderman Govier , Alderman

Worland , Alderman Barry , Councillor Pavitt , Councillor Wood , Councillor Vinnicombe , Councillor Hammond , Ex-Councillor Wagstaff , C . Winterton , Hon . Sec . ; W . Musto , Preceptor ; Buwton , Heritage , Harnwell , McGinnis , Bennett , Leonard , Cramp , Boulton , Lowry , Evans , Pomeroy , Deeks , Riches , and many other brethren . A most excellent banquet was served by Bro . Pavitt ;

after which the usual toasts were proposed , Bros . PAVITT and WINTERTON responding on behalf of " The Treasurer and Secretary . " Bro . MUSTO proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and vvas sure it would be received most heartily . Bro . WOODS returned his sincere thanks for the kind reception accorded the toast .

Bros . Aldermen HAY , GbviER , and BARRY responded on behalf of "The Visitors . " Bro . MUSTO , Preceptor , and Bros . BRADI- ' ORD and VINNICOMBE replied on behalf of "The Officers of the Lodge . " During the evening some excellent songs were rendered by some of the brethren , which vvere greatly appreciated .

Presentation To Bro. Joseph Da Silva, P.M. 205, W.M. 2265.

PRESENTATION TO BRO . JOSEPH DA SILVA , P . M . 205 , W . M . 2265 .

On Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., some of the members of the Lodge of Israel , No . 205 , met at the Cannon-street Hotel to wish Bro . Joseph Da Silva , P . M . and Sec , God speed on his leaving England for Johannesberg , and also to present him with a souvenir of their regard for him . The

W . M ., Bro . C . F . Hogard , took the chair , and amongst those present vvere Bros . A . M . Cohen , P . M . ; S . M . Harris , P . M . ; H . M . Harris , P . M . ; A . J . Henochsberg , P . M . ; S . Jacobs , P . M . ; M . I . Emanuel , P . M . ; J . A . Gartley , P . M . ; H . J . Phillips , P . M . ; I . P . Cohen , P . M . ; J . Lichtenfeld , M . Bash , John Da Silva , Rev . M . Haines , I . White , J . Levy , and others .

Bro . C . F . HOGARD , in opening the proceedings , said : Brethren , we are assembled together this evening to do honour to a well-known member of our lodge—io wish him a safe and prosperous journey , and , above all , in due time a safe return to his native land , and at the same time to show him that the brethren vvere desirous of showing him that they were not unmindful of his many services to the

lodge . Bro . Joseph Da Silva , I cannot say that I address you with entire feelings of pleasure , because the pleasure is mingled with sadness at the knowledge that we are about to lose you from amongst us . So genial and kindly a brother is sure to leave a great void behind him ; but , while we do feel sad at parting with you , we cannot but believe that a brother who has shown such energy here will

meet with much greater success in that great field or industry to which you are going . We desire to show you the great affection and esteem in which you are held by us by asking your acceptance of this gold watch . VVe ask you to accept it in the same spirit in which we offer it , not for its intrinsic value , but as a bond of union between you and us , and while

wishing you all the health and happiness you can desire , vve also wish to express our admiration of the plucky way in which your good wife has torn herself from all her ties of relationship here to ascompany you on your long journey . May the G . A . O . T . U . protect and prosper you both , and grant that you may return to us very shortly endowed with a goodly portion of this world's treasure . The

inscription on the watch is as follows : " Presented to Bro . Joseph Da Silva , P . M ., by some of the members of the Lodge of Israel , No . 205 , on his leaving for South Africa , with their best wishes for his prosperity . March 19 th , 1 SS 9 . " and I trust that vvhen you look upon this watch you will have in friendly memory those who present it to you . Bro . A . M . COHEN and other BRETHREN having also addressed Bro . Da Silva in words of kindly sympathy ,

Bro . DA SILVA , who spoke with much emotion , said that if anything could compensate him for the sorrow of parting it was the kindly reception he had met with from the members of his mother lodge , and their fraternal good wishes . For the very handsome present which they had made him , he tendered his most grateful thanks . He then gave a very graphic descripti on of the place to which he ^ was about to proceed , and said that the prosperity which had

attended so many of his friends who had been to the South African diamond and gold fields hc thought augured well for his own chance of success , and he hoped that he should not be very long away from them ; but , that while absent , he should ahvays think of their meeting , and on his return should only be too glad to come amongst them again . The brethren then drank Bro . Jos . Da Silva ' s good health , wishing him a safe and prosperous voyage and a safe return .

Masonic Charity In West Lancashire.

MASONIC CHARITY IN WEST LANCASHIRE .

RESULT OF THE MASONIC BALL . A largely-attended meeting of the General Committee of the annual Masonic ball for 1 SS 9 vvas held at the Masonic Hall , on Friday evening , the 15 th inst ., under the

presidency of Bro . T . M . Shuttleworth , P . S . G . W ., Chairman of the Committee , the vice-president's position being occupied by Bro . J . H . Tyson , Vice-Chairman . The Hon . Sec , Bro . T . A . WITHEY , P . M . 1299 , in thc absence through illness of the Hon . Treas ., Bro . R . H . Leake , submitted the final accounts of the Festival , from

which it appeared there remained a balance of . 4 , 240 6 s . 3 d . to be handed over to the funds of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution—the announcement of thc result being received with great applauie , as this is amongst the largest amounts ever realised . In recognition of his

valuable Secretarial services , Bro . Withey vvas presented with a Life Governorship of the Institution . The ballot for 11 Life Governorships amongst thc Stewards was then taken , and the following secured the position : Bros . J . J . Ramsay , P . P . G . P . ; i < . H . Wells ,