SCOTLAND.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A MASON, A SUBSCRIBER, and A TEMPLAR, are suspected to be "three in one." "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes." Tell your Grand Lodge this, if you have courage to do so. "Raise a fund for your poor, educate the children, and protect the widow."

Report points to the probable return home from Bombay next year of Dr. James Burnes, K. H.; if so, his activity may infuse new life into the Order of Freemasonry in Auld Reekie. Meantime the results of the non-Masonic experiment, like that of free-trade, remains to be seen. We suspend our judgment accordingly, hoping for the best. It can hardly, however, be concealed that the first effects are more than doubtful; for already the monthly nights of many Lodges are suspended by general consent, in order to have one great assembly in each Lodge at the ANNUAL VISITATION of the Grand Master, who visits each in rotation. What if this one annual meeting be suspended? Altogether, we are not in a palmy state at present.

EDINBURGH.-Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, Dec. 30.—The M. W. the Grand Master Mason of Scotland visited, accompanied by a cortége of office-bearers, and was received by the M. W. Bro. A. D. Campbell, and a numerous assemblage of the members. Several deputations from the sister Lodges also attended, headed by their several Masters. The proceedings were marked by Masonic dignity, gentlemanly courtesy, and fraternal sociality, and the assembly separated with feelings of perfect harmony. Ever in the van, this the leading Lodge of bonnie Scotland, continues to increase in number and reputation. Many new and worthy members have been recently added to its roll.

Militia Templi.-A circular under date the 20th of January, intimates that a reprint of the Statutes, with all recent alterations and additions, is in the press, and will appear early. A second circular, under date the 17th of February, announces that a CHAPTER-GENERAL will be held on the 11th of March, and contains a list of the Grand Officers to be proposed for election, commencing with the LORD GLENLYON as Grand Master. Directions are therein given as to preliminary proceedings, and announces that a banquet will take place after the installation, and that "the uniform of the Order, lately superceded, is admissible, but no feathers in the cap are now allowed." Instructions

are also given as to costume, regulation-swords, &c. A general outline of the order of procession, and the ordo negotii is detailed.

The Order of the Temple.-March 11.-The interesting ceremonial of installing the Grand Master and Grand Officers of this religious and

VOL. IV.

P

military Order took place in the Music Hall, which was decorated with the banners of the Knights, and stalls were arranged on each side for their reception. The Grand Master's throne was placed at the north side of the altar, under a canopy richly decorated with velvet hangings. At eight o'clock, the procession entered the hall. The Regent of the Order, William Burn Callandar, of Westertown, took his seat in a stall at the right of the throne. The Regent addressed the Chapter-General, and after passing a high eulogium on the virtues and services of the late Grand Master, Admiral Sir David Milne, of Milnegraden, G. C. B., informed the Knights that the Right Honourable Baron Glenlyon, of Glenlyon, had been unanimously elected to fill the vacant throne of the Order.

Lord Glenlyon was then conducted into the hall by the Grand Officers, and after taking the usual oaths, was solemnly crowned by the officiating prelate.

The following Grand Officers and Knights of the Order were present: John Whyte Melville, Preceptor; the Master of Strathallan, Constable ; James Graham, Admiral; John Gordon, Hospitaller; Sir David Dundas, bart., Chancellor; J. L. Woodman, Registrar; A. D. Campbell, Bearer of the Vexillum Belli; Sir John Ogilvy, bart., Chamberlain; W. A. Lawrie, A. D. C.; J. S. Hepburn; George Galbraith, Provost of Stirling ; Walter Laurence, jun., Prior of Kilmainham; Colonel Macdonald, C.B. 92nd Reg.; W. B. D. D. Turnbull; Sir William Stewart; Captain Walter Scott, E. I. C. S.; Alexander Penrose Miller, 92nd Reg. ; Samuel Somerville; W. S. Steven, M. D., E. I. C.S.; D.W. Balfour Ogilvie ; Captain Drake, 92nd Reg.; Viscount Suirdale; G. P. Stanhope; William Miller; James Hunter, jun.; Viscount Kirkwall; Francis Nicoll; W. O'Brien; H. Buchanan, 92nd Reg.; Captain Mackenzie, 92nd Reg.; Major Thorold, 92nd Reg.; Colonel Chatterton, K. H., 4th D. G.; the Master of Kilmaine; C, Bellew, jun.; James Horne, 71st Reg.; Major Forbes, 92nd Reg.; Captain Reczynski, &c.

Frater Stewart Watson, a Companion of the Order, who was present, has been requested to execute a picture commemorating the imposing ceremonial.

It is somewhat remarkable that one hundred years have just elapsed since William, Marquis of Tullibardine, ancestor of the present Grand Master, demitted his authority to Prince Charles Edward, who was unanimously elected Grand Master, and solemnly installed as such in a Chapter-General of the Order, held in the Palace of Holyrood, on the 24th September, 1745.

GREENOCK-St. John's Lodge, Dec. 26.—After partaking of a sumptuous dinner in the Buck Head Hall, the Brethren met in the Assembly rooms, which was fitted up and decorated in the most tasteful way. From an early hour in the evening, the Assembly-rooms were honoured with a large attendance of the fair sex, who were entertained by a well-filled orchestra, consisting of a choir of fourteen vocal and seven instrumental musicians, led by Bro. Inglis, teacher of music, who delighted them with their beautiful execution of a variety of anthems, &c. The Brethren and visitors having joined the choir in singing a sacred anthem, the R. W. Master expressed his deep regret that the rules of the Craft did not, as yet, permit them to enjoy the company of the ladies any longer. The strangers then took their departure, much pleased with the attention paid

to their amusement. The Lodge being then constituted, the Brethren continued to enjoy themselves in true Masonic order and harmony till "high twelve.' As one proof of the truly benevolent principles on which the Lodge is founded and carried on, we may mention that the income of the Lodge amounts to about 1807, per annum, the whole of which is expended in relieving the wants of the poor, and in supporting the widows of deceased members. This will be considered a good trait even by those who have doubts about the principles of Freemasonry.

Right Worshipfu! Masters elected 1846.-Glasgow, Bro. G. Bridges; Thornhill, William Brown; Mar, James Farquharson; Strichen, John Thomson; Cullen, James Hay.

ABERDEEN.-Mason Lodge, Bro. T. Blaickie, Lord Provost; St. Machars, Alex. Hadden; St. Nicholas, Morris Leon, of Edinburgh, Proxy Master; John Mannel, R. W. M.; St. George, John Booth.

IRELAND.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

S. P. R. C. is probably a wag, but we differ in our notions, and prefer the "medley" of the Kilwinning, notwithstanding a would-be sagacious critique thereon. Sherwood Forest had its bold Robin Hood, Peer, Peasant, Groom, and Friar Tuck, among whom the Cœur de Lion himself was said to have been entertained. Our M. W. S. Macdona presides over a stalwort body, many of whom have been in the van when wanted, and we are pleased to hear that a pair of silver goblets are about to be presented to him; how much we should like to quaff therefrom a draught of Poteen, or even Parliament-Punch, and drink his health, with better manners to our correspondent, S. P. R. C. Several other Correspondents will perceive we have complied with their wishes.

DUBLIN.-Prince Mason's Chapter, No. 5, Jan. 17.-A numerous meeting of this Chapter took place at the Grand Lodge Room, for the Installation of its officers, but more especially to do honour to their outgoing Sovereign, Bro. George Macdona, on his vacating the Throne. The Chapter was opened by the P. M. W. S., Bro. Malachi Fitzpatrick, and the preliminary business of the Chapter having been concluded, Bro. Geo. Macdona was led to the foot of the Throne by two Senior Knights, and the following address having been read by the Sovereign, was presented to him, together with a magnificent gold box :—

"Address of Chapter No. 5, of Knights of the Eagle and Pelican, Princes Grand Rose Croix, to the Most Excellent Prince and Brother George Macdona, M. W. S.

"Most Excellent Sir and Brother-We gladly seize the opportunity of your occupying the Throne of our Chapter to express the warm feelings of fraternal affection which we entertain for you personally as our Sovereign. We have beheld with pleasure and admiration your whole Masonic life, exhibiting a complete illustration of the exalted and benevolent principles inculcated by our Order; and whether we

consider your conduct and character as a man or a Mason, we are alike struck with the right feeling, the sound judgment, and the manly energy and decision with which you have advocated and supported every good and rightful cause. We deservedly feel proud of every Brother who proves by his life that the principles of Masonry help to make those who practice them good husbands, fathers, citizens, and friends, not to speak of those higher and nobler subjects to which they lead us, as members of a religious institution of the most perfect and sublime character. In all those relations of life you have ever acted with the foremost and the best, and in presenting you with this expression of our approbation and our love, together with the accompanying gold box, we gratify the best feelings of our hearts, and indulge in the earnest hope, that however inadequate they may be to our wishes or your worth, they may prove an incitement to those coming after to follow in your steps. That your long career of Masonic usefulness may be followed by your fullest prosperity both here and hereafter is the sincere and ardent hope of your much attached friends and Brothers of this Chapter.

"Signed on behalf of the Chapter,

"MALACHI FITZPATRICK, P. M. W. S., Secretary."

Brother Macdona delivered the following reply :

:

"Most Wise Sovereign and Brethren-With the deepest feelings of affectionate and respectful gratitude I accept from the Chapter this magnificent token of their approbation and esteem. Proudly must I estimate the honour conferred on me, and I must ever feel a grateful remembrance of the good fortune which united me in fraternal intercourse with the members of this Chapter, and if my future conduct, not only as a member of the Masonic body, but as a citizen, a friend, or in any of the other relations of life, shall be such as at the close of my existence I may calmly look back upon without regrét, I trust I shall in the same hour be able to rejoice that I have never, by any act unbecoming a Mason or a Christian, forfeited a single one of those friendships and alliances which I so highly prize, and which are amongst the best securities of virtue as well as the most delightful consolations of life. It is not by any studied combination of words, nor upon any occasion such as this, that I can hope to express the warmth and depth of feeling with which I cordially reciprocate the esteem and regard which has been this evening bestowed upon me. By my life and actions alone the sincerity of that feeling can be tested-by my life and actions alone can I expect to justify any portion, however small, of the flattering opinions of which this truly valuable testimonial is the pledge-neither length of years, nor absence, nor distance, nor any human change shall ever weary me in acting so, that neither this Chapter nor any of its distinguished associates, may ever regret proceedings which confer upon me the highest of all distinctions, being one not given to rank or to talent, but to honesty of purpose and integrity of life."

The Chapter then adjourned to a sumptuous repast at Jude's Hotel. Among the guests were Bros. John Norman, Vice-President of the Supreme G. C. of Rites; Thomas Wright, Grand Secretary to the Supreme Council; Captain W. Laurence, 33rd et Dernier Grade; Lord Viscount Suirdale, Order of Mizraim; Hon. G. P. Stanhope,

N. P. U.; Hercules Ellis, P. M. W. S.; Henry O'Connor, P. M. W. S.; Henry M'Dona, P. M. W. S.; Thomas Snowe, P. M. W. S.; John Macnally, N. P. U., &c., &c.

Extract, from a Correspondent." I am happy to have it to tell that our Chapter (the Kilwining, late Grand Chapter of Ireland, which now occupies the first rank among the Prince Masons of this country, and which contains upon its roll the most exalted names connected with Irish Masonry) has resolved upon presenting to its present worthy sovereign, Bro. Henry Macdona, an address upon his retirement from the chair. This proceeding has been considered the inore necessary, because the services of Bro. Macdona have been rather substantial than showythe services of unremitting assiduity, continuing perseverance, and indomitable integrity of purpose, rather than those which any man of similar ability would be tempted to offer upon a great occasion of display. For many years he devoted himself to the true cause, of all men who adhered to that cause, he мOST put in peril the consistency of private friendship, yet, above all men who were actively connected with him in the recent Masonic struggles in Ireland, he has escaped the censure of those who were opposed to us. He has neither gained the éclat which he deserves among his friends, nor has any of his opponents ever found an opportunity or excuse for becoming his enemy. In him the true spirit of Masonry was implanted by nature, and no honour can be conferred upon him by his Brethren which will not confer a higher honour upon themselves.

66

You, Sir, are not, and cannot be, acquainted with the facts and acts which fully justify these encomiums, but which were not the less real, because they have been unobtrusive-and I feel that I am but performing my duty in making this communication, in which every member of the Grand Chapter, especially those who have signalised themselves as its champions, will most cordially coincide, and which the most determined of our opponents will be amongst the first to verify and approve.

66

I understand that an elegant service of plate has been manufactured for this occasion."

The Rev. Dr. BOURKE, P. P. of Clonmel, is again publicly denouncing the Order of Masonry in that town, where its sublime and Christian spirit is diffusing itself, despite of all hostility. With the simplicity of a man, who has been immured all his life in a cloister, and unacquainted with this world the Rev. Gentleman asks-"Where is the asylum Masonry ever erected or endowed to afford shelter to the needy, or consolation to the afflicted? Where the hospital for the sick, the almshouse for the destitute, or the refuge for the homeless and the wanderer they boast of?" We should blush for the poor boy in the lowest form of any National School in Ireland, who could not give an immediate and satisfactory answer to these queries so discreditable to him, whose garb and station would indicate a man of general knowledge and academic education. Masonry is the living essence of Christian love and benevolence, in its largest and truest sense. Dr. Burke concludes with this uncharitable reflection upon "a man named Adjutant Kelly, who, at no distant period kept a Masonic Lodge in Clonmel. For a time the flow of fortune ran in his favour, but a reflux soon set in, which brought ruin to his prospects, and desolation to his home. I am not much given to the prophetic mood; nevertheless, it would not be at all wondrous that our town were destined soon to see a second Adjutant Kelly." Possibly there may not come a second Dr. Bourke.