R. W. P. G. M. for the province, and within the past month by being installed as one of the Grand Standard Bearers of England and Wales, which the most eminent and supreme Grand Master of Knights Templar was pleased to confer and invest me with in the Grand Conclave, in London. I thank you all, and hope as we have thus happily met in the terrestrial, we shall, at last, meet in the grand celestial Lodge.

Amidst the excellent speeches made by this last named distinguished Brother, there was one which did great honour to his feelings. During a tour he made on the continent, he said he had an opportunity of noticing several Lodges, in one of which, Les amis bienfaisants of Paris, he received great kindness and warm hospitality. Since that time, he never failed to propose the prosperity of that Lodge at every Masonic meeting he attended.

Brother ROBIOU DE LA TREHONNAIS was called upon by Sir Charles Lemon to return thanks for the compliment paid to his countrymen. This Brother rose and delivered an address, with which every one appeared greatly pleased. He referred to some observations made by Sir Charles in his learned address, and added several interesting particulars tending to show where and how Masonry had relinquished the pursuits of active architecture to direct its energies and influence towards the establishment of a moral architecture, consisting of the promotion of peace, unity of interest, and destruction of prejudice.

After this interesting address which was received with great applause, and often interrupted by cheers, Sir Charles complimented Bro. Robiou de la Tréhonnais, in very kind terms, and thanked him for the gratification and instruction he had derived from his learned address.

Brother James, P. G. Organist, played at intervals on the Harmonicon, an instrument belonging to the Helston Lodge, and Brother Forfar sung several songs, in the chorus of which the Brothers joined. After a few more addresses and toasts, Sir Charles Lemon withdrew, when Brother Ellis, D. P. G. M., took the chair, and shortly after, the meeting broke up in peace and harmony.

EXETER, April 29.-The Provincial Grand Lodge of Devon assembled at the Masonic Hall. The Earl Fortescue, Provincial Grand Master, presided, and was supported by the Rev. W. Carwithen, D.D., Deputy P. G. Master, and by Col. Fulford, John W. Peard, Esq., as Grand Wardens. The Rev. Dr. Bolton, the Rev. John Huyshe, and five other clerical Brethren were present, together with Francis Hole, Esq., John Milford, Esq., Capt. Hamilton, Richard Comins, Esq., and many other Brethren of the first respectability. The usual business of the province was transacted, and amongst other charities, a third donation of £10 was awarded to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund. A Masonic banquet afterwards took place at the New London Inn, which was presided over by the Noble Grand Master, and attended by thirty-five of the leading provincial members of the craft.

AXMINSTER.-The members of the Lodge of Virtue and Honour, Axminster, having the opportunity of obtaining Mr. Clark's talent as an artist, requested their highly esteemed P. M., Brother W. Tucker, Esq. of Coryton Park, to sit for his likeness; in which Mr. Clark has shown considerable ability. A full Lodge assembled on Tuesday, the 12th May, including Brother the Rev. F. Warre, P. P. G. C., and Brother Mosse, P. P. G. S. D., of the province of Somerset, when, after the ordinary duties of the Lodge were over, the portrait, in an elegant gilt frame, was presented to the worthy P. M., by the S. W., Brother Keech,

VOL. IV.

I I

in an address embodying the general feeling of attachment, gratitude, and love, the value of the portrait as an inheritance, and the only means of handing down to posterity the lineaments of the form and countenance of one who ranks so high amongst Masons, and who had so nobly and successfully exerted his genius and abilities as the founder of the Lodge, and in the cause of Masonry in general; that the Lodge may long be blessed with his society for its rule, governance, and instruction, and that the Brethren of future ages may look at the portrait with the esteem and veneration the representative so justly merited. To this the worthy P. M. replied in a lengthened speech,* expressive of the pleasure he had experienced, and replete with practical knowledge, evincing the interest he had felt from its commencement, the delight it had afforded him to witness the advanced position of the Lodge, and enlarging upon the duties of the Brethren as to their general conduct, affording, at the same time, instruction, as well as a guide for its future discipline.

BRISTOL.-April 21.-Efforts in favour of the restoration of the fine church of St. Mary Redcliffe have been made for several years past; an able and energetic committee have sat constantly, and a considerable sum of money has been raised. This day was appointed by the Mayor, John Kerle Haverfield, Esq., and the corporation, assisted by the ancient Society of Freemasons, to lay the first stone in restoration of the fabric.

The stone to be laid, formed part of the last buttress on the north side of the chancel. Galleries were erected on each side of it for the Mayoress and about five hundred ladies, and were filled at an early hour.

The procession formed on Colston's parade, and must have been more than a quarter of a mile in length; the Freemasons, about two hundred in number, with their banners and insignia, forming a prominent feature. The effect of the scene, as the procession ascended the steps of the beautiful north porch, and gradually filled the churchyard, around the platform prepared for the ceremony, was very striking.

The Rev. Martin Whish, the vicar, having offered up an eloquent prayer, the chairman of the committee read an address, which was inscribed on vellum, and afterwards handed it to the Mayor. From that address we make the following extracts:

Upwards of four hundred years ago, a princely citizen of Bristol erected this church :-to-day, you, another citizen, commence its renewal; and may it be considered a singular and interesting coincidence in favour of your fitness for the task, that the office of chief magistrate was held by Canynge, six years, and that you have been already called thereto three times.

"To aid you in the pleasing task, we invite the assistance of the ancient Society of Freemasons, to whose progenitors Europe is indebted for the greater number of the wonderful buildings raised in the middle ages; and we offer our cordial thanks for their ready co-operation." The Mayor replied at some length, and concluded as follows:"It remains for me to mention, that I feel a great honour has been conferred on me in being permitted to take a part in these proceedings. I beg to express my warmest thanks to the very Reverend the Dean of Bristol, to those gentlemen who have honoured me with their attendance, and especially to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and the Society of Freemasons, for their kind assistance in the ceremony of this day."

* Vide page 152.

The Freemasons then surrounded the stone, and Deputy Grand Master, Brother W. Done Bushell, applied the level to the stone, sprinkled corn, wine, and oil upon it, and called upon the architects to exhibit the plans, and the various officers to perform their several duties. Mr. A. H. Palmer, the Secretary, read aloud the inscription on the stone, and the Chaplain, the Rev. Caddell Holder having delivered an excellently worded prayer, the Deputy Grand Master spoke as follows:

"I assure you, that it has afforded the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of this Province, great pleasure in accepting the invitation of the Restoration Committee to attend here this day, for the purpose of lending their assistance to fix the foundation-stone of the restoration of this magnificent structure of former ages.

"It is an act strictly within their line of duty, and as they have recently assisted at similar ceremonies at the Guildhall and the Barracks, the Fraternity here consummate their labours by assisting to rebuild, and preserve from ruin, a temple dedicated to the worship of the Most High. This, too, is not the first occasion on which Freemasons have worked in this building, for the experienced craftsman will readily discover various marks and proofs of the labours of our ancient Brethren.

"To no purpose more noble could we now lend our aid, for as Freemasonry totally discountenances impiety, immorality, and irreligion, so should we lend our warmest efforts to maintain a structure, wherein the ignorant may be taught, the vicious reclaimed, and the great and eternal interests of Godliness promoted.

"I congratulate the Mayor on his participation in such a delightful work, and to the Restoration Committee I would say,-Go on, and prosper in your doings; may you live to see that which is now begun in harmony and peace conducted with order, and, I would most sincerely add, finally concluded in brotherly love."

The architects being then invited to address the meeting, Mr. Godwin accepted the offer, and delivered a most impressive and interesting address.

The following extract will convey some idea of his subject:

"The presence of the Freemasons on this occasion must be a source of pleasure to all who, like himself, had inquired into their early history, and had found how much was owing to them. Even at a time when information was confined to a few, and the other sciences were in a low state, architecture flourished, and Europe was covered with wonderful edifices-bardly to be imitated. This was chiefly owing to the Freemasons, who, when the clergy were sent into distant parts as missionaries of religion, followed them as missionaries of art, and raised for them fitting temples. It was curious to note that one of the few ancient documents describing for the workmen the parts of the building, which remained, related to the doorway of St. Mary Redcliffe, and had been of great value in determining the meaning of many technical expressions. He would not detain them longer than to say he trusted all would unite to obtain the completion of the building, each in their several circles, and he would ask them for three honest, hearty, English cheers for the Restoration Committee who had worked so well, to be received by them as thanks for what they had done, and encouragement for what they were going to do."

The cheers, which were taken up by the multitude, and prolonged for several minutes, having subsided, Mr. Proctor, replied at some length in an address that was received with much cheering.

The ceremony being over, the hundredth psalm was sung by the children of the various Free Schools, and the meeting then adjoured in regular order to the church, where a selection of anthems, ending with God save the Queen, was sung, and terminated the proceedings.

WEYMOUTH.-Brother W. Tucker, Esq., of Coryton-park, Axminster, has been appointed D. P. G. M., for Dorset. We hear, with much regret, that William Eliot, Esq., has felt it right to resign the high and important situation he held as Provincial Grand Master for Dorsetshire, on the ground that his private avocations and engagements so engross his time, that he fears he must either discharge the duties of P. G. M. inadequately, or neglect his private concerns. We are confident that the whole Province will concur in an unanimous feeling of esteem to the P. G. M. for the zealous attention which he has devoted to the interests of the Order since his elevation to the high office he has held ; and though lamenting that he has felt it necessary to retire from that situation, will estimate his conduct still higher from that regard for the interests of the Order in which it has arisen. The truly Masonic spirit which he has ever manifested, and his anxious desire ever to promote those charitable purposes which constitutes so distinguishing a feature of the order, will never be forgotten by the Brethren of the province, who hope that they may long rank amongst them so estimable and distinguished a Brother.

SHERBORNE.-Lodge of Benevolence, No. 459.-June 17.-At a Lodge of Emergency, the following resolutions were unanimously passed :"That an Address be presented to our late worthy Provincial Grand Master, William Eliot, Esq., expressive of our great regret at his resigation, and of the thanks of this Lodge for the kind care and attention e has uniformly bestowed upon it, and upon the other Lodges in he province; wishing him, by the favour of the Grand Architect of the Universe, health, wealth, and every blessing, in his retirement from the active duties of the province.

"That an address be presented to Brother Edward Thomas Percy, Esq., Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, expressive of the regret of this Lodge, that the resignation of our late Provincial Grand Master should also deprive this Lodge, and the province generally, of his able and valuable services as Deputy Provincial Grand Master; hoping that he will, by favour of the Most High, continue his fostering care to this Lodge, established by him, in 1818, so that it may continue to flourish, and assuring him of our hearty good wishes for his health, happiness, and prosperity.

"That a Committee of the whole Lodge, of which three shall be a quorum, are desired to prepare the said addresses, and to take such other steps as are needful on the occasion.

"That the Secretary notify the same to the several Lodges in the province."

SCOTLAND.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

AN OLD BUT A POOR BROTHER.-There is some talk in Grand Lodge about a Benevolent Fund! but we fear our poor old Brother will have to wait long for the practical proof of its existence.

A WAG, OF A WIG (the words are doubtful,) inquires, "Where is the Pocket Freemasons' School?" Echo answers," Where, indeed."

AN UNCANNIE wishes us to state the advantages of the Freemasons' Assurance. We refer him to those who profit by it.

DR. GAVIN-Many thanks.

EDINBURGII.-Picture of the Grand Election of the Order of the Temple.-Fra. Stewart Watson, who has so distinguished himself by the painting of the Masonic Inauguration of the Bard of Scotland, has been engaged in preparing a pictorial representation of the last election of the Grand Conclave, the point of time chosen being the moment of the installation of the Grand Master, Lord Glenlyon. The Grand Chapter was, we believe, most numerously attended; the picture will consequently require a considerable extent of canvass. The characters represented will be veritable portraits, and a great many excellent likenesses have already been taken. Such historic illustrations will live when mere written records shall have mouldered and been forgotten; and we think the Order chivalric, as a body, have shown an example to the Order Masonic (which professes peculiarly to cherish the fine arts,) by thus enlisting the aid of genius in illustrating their acts or assemblies. The picture of Burns was a conception of the artist.

Grand Chapter.-March 23rd.-A banquet was held this day at which the Earl of Strathmore presided, supported by the Hon. Captain Jocelyn and Captain Donaldson Boswell, which passed off very pleasantly... The Grand Chapter is making a collection of rare manuscripts. The following are the Grand Officers:-Earl of Strathmore. Z.; J. W. Melville, H.; Hon. Captain Jocelyn, J.; Lord Glenlyon, P. Z.; Dr. Arnott, Depute Z.; Morris Leon, E.; A. Douglas, N.; H. Gavin, Treasurer; T. Boog, Recorder; T. E. Macintyre, Chancellor; C. F. Shand, S. Somerville, M.D., and Dr. M'Ritchie, Sojourners; A. Murray, Sword-Bearer; J. Bell and J. Dick, Standard-Bearers; J. M'Pherson, Architect; J. Law, Jeweller; W. Donaldson, Clothier; J. M.Lean and W. Brice, Janitors. Standing Committee, J. Hendrey, J. Gellatly, W. Donaldson, T. Bogg, A. Murray; H. Gavin, Convener. Finance.-Received 2077. 11s. 4d., expended 1527. 28. 11d., balance in hand, 551. 8s. 5d.

New Chartersgranted.-Amsterdam and Holland, GEORGE WILLIAM, 94th Regiment; CALEDONIAN, Namur ; GLENLYON, Jamaica.

Royal Arch Masonry is thriving here, especially in No. 1, which has lately presented an elegant testimonial to Comp. Henry, and has purchased Dr. Oliver's works, as well as other books; also some rare old books of the late Bro. Deuchar, with many old French books.

5th May. The ancient Lodge of St. Mary's chapel, whose extant archives reach back beyond the year 1600, received the arranged annual re-union of the Edinburgh Lodges, the R. W. M. Bro. Ward presiding. From the anticipated numbers, the meeting was held in the great room