G.C.B., and author of several literary works, was duly installed W.M. of the Lodge for the ensuing year, with the unanimous choice of the

Brethren.

66

STAFFORD Energy might rally us, but supineness has, it is feared, done its worst; whilst other provinces are expressing their thanks to provincial chiefs for services performed, we feel the force of the words, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." Many of the Craft, more than dissatisfied, have actually joined the Oddfellows; and, ere long, it is not unlikely that others will follow their example. Our indefatigable Brother Brutton struggles hard; and if any one can preserve the Craft in this district, it is "the Governor."

SOUTH SHIELDS.-On Tuesday, Dec. 27, St. John's-day, the Brethren of St. Hill's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 292, held their Annual Festival in their Lodge room, at Brother Towers Golden Lion Hotel, King-street, when the following officers were duly installed for the ensuing year:-T. B. Oyston, W.M.; R. B. Ridley, P.M.; J. Heppel, S.W.; H. Hewison, J.W.; R. M. Kelly, Treasurer; J. Cummings, Secretary; J. Davis, S.D.; J. Lackland, J.D.; J. Robb, I.G.; and R. Grieves, Tyler. After the conclusion of the ceremonies, which were very ably and impressively performed by Bro. T. Hardy, of the Palatine Lodge, Sunderland, upwards of thirty Brethren partook of an excellent dinner. The usual loyal, local, and Masonic toasts were given and responded to, and the evening was enlivened by some admirable songs, and spent in harmony and interchange of cordial and true fraternal feelings, which animated every one present.

BRADFORD-LODGE OF HOPE, 379.-Jan. 13.-The Brethren of this Lodge held their 45th Festival of St. John's in the hall in Darley-street, when Christopher Ward, Esq., was installed W.M. by the R.W. D.P.G.M., C. Lee, Esq. The kind, Masonic, and truly paternal advice he gave to the Master and Past Master, when he presented them with the jewels of their office, was impressively felt. Many visitors from other Lodges were present, and afterwards at a cold collation; after which the usual Masonic toasts were drank, with all the honours of the Craft. "Prosperity to the Lodge of Hope" was proposed by our R.W. Brother, prefaced by a speech which at once dignified the Mason, the Christian, and the man. This Lodge has, for a length of time, been in a languishing state, and, but for the firm standing of a few old and tried Masons, must have sunk into oblivion. Too much praise cannot be given for this Masonic conduct in the time of difficulty, and all young Masons ought to take a pattern by their example. We hope "the winter of discontent is past, and made glorious summer by the Sous of York." A number of Masons in the town and neighbourhood have enrolled themselves; and one gentleman has been initiated into our mysteries, and two others stand on propositions. The instruction nights are well attended every Tuesday. The Royal Arch, which has been long dormant, has been revived under the fostering care of that old tried and strict disciplinarian, Bro. Scholefield; two Brothers have been enrolled, and others stand on proposition.

BARNARD CASTLE.-The Brethren of the Union Lodge, 667, celebrated the Festival of St. John the Evangelist at the house of Bro. Peacock, Turk's head Inn, on Tuesday, the 27th instant. The officers

for the ensuing year are Bro. Robert Middlewood, Master; John Heslop, P.M.; Thomas Pulman, S.W.; J. S. Lightfoot, J. W.; James Winskill, Treasurer; James Crampton, Secretary; John Dunham, S.D.; George Peacock, J.D.; Joseph Carnell, I.G.; Robert Crampton, Tyler. The day was spent in true Masonic harmony.

SUNDERLAND, March 6.-The Phoenix Lodge, No. 111, gave a concert of vocal and instrumental music to their friends, at their hall in Queen-street, which was numerously and respectably attended. The Sunderland quadrille-band performed several overtures in their best style; and a variety of songs, glees, catches, &c., were sung by Bro. P. M. Spark, and others.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE.-Dec. 27, being St. John's-day, the Brethren of Lodge No. 24, assembled in their Lodge-room, Nelson-street, for the purpose of installing the W. M. elect, Mark L. Jobling, Esq.; after which ceremony the W. M. appointed the following officers:Thomas Bourne, S.W.: R. T. Brandling, J.W.; J. S. Wilkinson, Treasurer; Geo. Wilkinson, Secretary; Geo. Hobbs, S.D.; Wm. H. Taylor, J.D.; Thomas Bamford, S.S.; John Balmbra, J.S.; William Richardson, I.G.; and G. H. Chipchase, Tyler. A Masonic festival was afterwards held at Bro. Taylor's, the Half-moon Inn.

BIRKENHEAD.-MERSEY LODGE, (701).-St. John's-day, the Brethren assembled to witness the Installation of the W. Master elect; the ceremony was performed by the P.M. of the Cestrian Lodge (615), Bro. Charles Hamilton, in a most impressive manner; he wore, upon that occasion, the splendid jewel, recently presented by the Cestrian Lodge, over which he has presided for three years with so much credit to himself and advantage to the Craft.

The Officers were then appointed and invested, with suitable addresses to each. The Brethren adjourned, after labour, to refreshment. When the cloth was removed, and it was ascertained that the Tiling of the Lodge was secured against rain, the Brethren proceeded to enjoy themselves in a truly Masonic way. The W.M. observed, that as several young members had been initiated since their last festival, it would be desirable to let them have as good a specimen as possible of the very social and fraternal manner in which the " Brethren usually dwell together in unity."

The W.M. then proposed as the first toast with the Fraternity, "The Queen and the Craft," observing, that could our beloved Sovereign have taken a peep within our sacred walls, and witnessed the enthusiastic manner in which the toast was responded to, she would not have allowed a day to pass without advising her worthy Consort to add to the dignities already heaped upon him, that of becoming a Mason; and the Craft would have had the gratification of beholding in H.R. H. Prince Albert, the Heir-apparent to the Masonic Throne.Song and Chorus, "God save the Queen."

The W.M. next proposed the M.W. Grand Master, H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex, who had had the honour of presiding over the Craft twenty-nine years that very day, a continued honour which had never been enjoyed by any predecessor, and probably never would be by any successor. The W.M. observed, that as they would be entirely dependant upon each other for the musical part of their social enjoyment, he would set them the example by breaking the ice, though he believed it would be difficult to find any among Masons.

Song-"Arise and blow thy trumpet, Fame."

"The Provincial Grand Master, Lord Combermere.”—Song, “We shall never see his like again."

"The D.P.G.M. John Finchett Maddock, Esq.."-The W.M. observed that this toast required some little comment. It was very well known that in this province, as in many others, all the arduous duties, if not the responsibility of the Provincial Grand Lodges devolved upon the D.P.G.M., and it must be very gratifying to the P.G.M. Lord Combermere, to find that, during his unavoidable and frequent absence, the Masonic affairs of his Province were so ably conducted by his Deputy. The toast was responded to in a very complimentary manner. Song-(written for the occasion):

"The Free and accepted Mason,

One of the olden time."

"The Installing Master, Charles Hamilton, with thanks to him for his valuable services during the day."

Bro. HAMILTON acknowledged the toast at some length, and complimented the Mersey Lodge on the progress made by so young a Lodge; he wished to see it go on and prosper. Bro. Hamilton then claimed the privilege of proposing to toast, which he did in a very complimentary manner.-"The W.M. of the Mersey Lodge."

The W.M. in reply, thanked Bro. Hamilton for the compliment he had paid him, and assured him that being a Member also of the Cestrian Lodge, over which he (Bro. Hamilton) had presided for three years, it was the display of zeal and ability which he had witnessed in him there, that had aroused within his own breast a spirit of emulation, proving to him the admitted superiority of example to precept; it would be his anxious endeavour to tread in his steps.

SONG.

"In hist'ry we're told,

How the Lodges of old."

The W.M. then proposed the Immediate Past Master, who had had the honour of being the First Master of this Lodge; his name appeared in the Warrant of Constitution, and would be handed down to posterity as the Father of the Mersey Lodge. The worthy Past Master returned thanks in a very appropriate speech.

Song-" With harmony and flowing wine."

The W.M. in proposing the health of the Wardens and Officers took the opportunity to remind them, that however desirous he might be to bring the Lodge to some degree of perfection, yet his individual exertion would be of little avail without the co-operation of his Brother Officers.

The SENIOR WARDEN returned thanks, and in the name of the Officers promised to give their mutual support to the W.M. in carrying out his object.

"The Officers and Brethren of the Cestrian Lodge."

Bro. HAMILTON acknowledged the compliment.

Song-" The Enter'd Apprentice."

The W.M. then said, that the next toast he should propose was one which, he was sure, would be responded to with a great deal of cordiality; it was the health of a venerable Brother, who, through a long course of years "spent in acts of piety and devotion,"-piety to his

Maker and devotion to his fellow-creatures "had answered the great end of his creation." He was sure the Brethren would anticipate the name of their Rev. Bro. Dr. Oliver, he was now about to retire from Masonry in public; but he felt confident that they would continue to receive his valuable services in private life, and he was happy to acknowledge that but for the works of their Rev. Brother, he should, probably, never have felt that inclination which he then did, to search into the hidden mysteries of Masonry. There had been some misunderstanding between our worthy Brother and the Grand Master of his Province; but he was happy to find that that misunderstanding had been amicably cleared up, and the fraternal embrace had been exchanged between them. He would not detain them longer, but propose, "The health of their venerable Brother, Dr. Oliver."

Song-"Burns's Farewell."

The W.M. then called their attention to the day-a day held sacred by their ancient Brethren from time immemorial, when they have met together, as the song says,

" This day, by express invitation,

I go to the Feast of St. John",

to celebrate the anniversary of their Grand Patron. He called on them to fill to "the pious memory of the two St. Johns- the two Grand Parallels in Masonry," adding, " May we ever imitate their virtues, and profit by their pious examples."

Song for St. John's-day.

The W.M. then proposed Bro. P.M. Herbert, who had kindly attended that day, by express invitation, as one of the Board of Installed Masters. Bro. Herbert returned thanks, and afterwards volunteered an old Masonic song-" Let's have no idle prating."

After giving several other Masonic toasts and sentiments, the W.M. begged to remind the Brethren that it was long past meridian, and the sun was fast declining toward the west, and as the S.W. said that every Brother seemed to have had his due, he called upon them to take a parting glass to an old Masonic_toast-" May every Brother provide against rain." After which, the Brethren separated, and each sought his own fire-side.

CHESTER, Dec. 27.-The Brethren of the Cestrian Lodge, 615, held at the Royal Hotel, assembled to celebrate the festival of one of their patron saints (St. John the Evangelist,) at half-past two o'clock. On the present occasion, our respected fellow-citizen, W. J. F. Bage, Esq. was inducted to the chair: after the ceremony of installation (ably conducted by the late W. Master, C. Hamilton,) had been performed, the W.M. appointed his officers.

The Masonic duties of the day having ended, the Brethren walked in procession, preceded by two Tylers, to the great Westminster-room, where a banquet was served up. The worthy R.W.D. P. Grand Master, John Finchet Maddock, Esq., occupied the throne, supported by several provincial officers, and distinguished visitors from this and the neighbouring provinces. The cloth having been removed, and benediction pronounced, the usual toasts were given by the president.

The worthy Deputy Provincial returned thanks, at considerable length, for his health being drunk, and concluded by congratulating the Brethren on the prosperous state of the Cestrian Lodge, and the Lodges generally within the province of Cheshire, and hoped to see a good muster to meet the P.G M., Lord Comberinere, at the next provincial Lodge.

VOL. I.

L

A new song, written for the occasion, by Bro. Cudlip, of Birkenhead, to the tune of "The fine old English Gentleman," was then given with good effect by Bro. S. Brown.

"The Officers of the Province," with honours, was given; after which Bros. Brassy and Bennett severally returned thanks. Song"Our overseer.

"The late W. Master, Bro. Hamilton"-(honours.)-Bro. Hamilton acknowledged the toast.

"The present W. Master."-(honours.)

The W.M. Bro. Bage, returned thanks, in a speech replete with true Masonic feeling, observing, that he should endeavour to tread in the steps of his predecessor. Song-"The Entered Apprentice."

"The W.P.M, Bro. Thomas F. Maddock," who returned thanks in a very neat speech.

"The Senior and Junior Wardens."-Bros. Moss and Willoughby each acknowledged the toast.

The health of Bro. Lloyd Wilbraham was next given.-Bro. W., in acknowledging the toast, delivered an interesting Masonic oration. "The W.M. and Brethren of the Mersey Lodge, 701, Birkenhead." The "W. Master elect."-Bro. Willoughby returned thanks. Many other toasts and songs were given, and the Brethren continued to enjoy their festivities until called by the J.W. from refreshment, and reminded that it was "high time" to adjourn.

During the proceedings of the day, a most superb Past Master's Jewel was presented to Bro. Charles Hamilton, by the R. W. D.P.G.M., in the name of the Brethren of the Lodge, for the zeal and attention Bro. Hamilton had shown in his capacity as W.M. for the last three years. The address was delivered by the worthy Deputy with that feeling which called forth the admiration of every Brother present. On the back was engraved the following inscription:" Presented to Brother Hamilton, by his Brethren of the Cestrian Lodge, 615, as a mark of their high and fraternal regard.-Dec. 27, 1842."

HEREFORD.-The Brethren of the Palladian Lodge celebrated the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, at the Green Dragon Hotel, on Tuesday the 27th of December, when the attendance of the Brethren

was numerous.

WORCESTER, Dec. 27.-The festival of St. John the Evangelist was celebrated by the Brethren of the Worcester Lodge, which was opened at the appointed hour, after which the Brethren were called from labour to refreshment, and about half-past four nearly seventy sat down to a banquet served in the newly-erected spacious and magnificent Masonic Hall. The W.M., Bro. H. Eginton, presided. Grace was said by Bro. the Rev. F. Palmer, of Alcester, Chaplain to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire. "The Queen and the Craft," "H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, G.M.", "The Earl of Zetland, the Marquis of Salisbury, and the other grand officers," stood first upon the list of toasts, and were drunk with the usual Masonic honours. A long succession of Masonic sentiments followed. Bro. Ribbans, of Birmingham, returned thanks for the visitors. The appointments of the Lodge he had never seen surpassed, if equalled, in the provinces. The Rev. Bro. Palmer was pleased, in a truly fraternal spirit, to signify his entire concurrence in the sentiments so beautifully conveyed by Bro. Ribbans. Never before has the faithful city beheld such a Masonic gathering—a gather