The Approaching Grand Festival And The New Masonic Buildings.

THE APPROACHING GRAND FESTIVAL AND THE NEW MASONIC BUILDINGS .

LONDON , SATURDAY , APRIL 20 , 1867 .

In the proceedings of tlie last Grand Lodge reference was made to the report of the Building Committee to the assurance they had received that the new grand banqueting room would be in such a state of forwardness to allow of ib being used

on the occasion of the Grand Festival , and although Bro . Havers , the Chairman of the COEQ - mittee , said he Avas by no means sanguine that such assurance was well founded , there is little or no doubt now that such will be the case , and that

it will be inaugurated upon that clay . No more appropriate time could have been chosen than the day on which the Most Worshipful the Grand Master will be installed into his dignified office for the tAventy-fifth time , and the third anniversary

of the day on which the first stone of the new building Avas laid by his lordship , who Avas then accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl de Grey and Ripon , the Duke of Leinster , Grand Master of Ireland , and surrounded by the most eminent and distinguished members of the Craft . The time that has been occupied in

bringing the new structure to its j > resent state has been exceeded far beyond what Avas anticipated , but many unforeseen causes have contributed to that delay . Still , it is believed that the result Avill show that the time has not been spent

in vain , and that the Craft will possess a building conjointly for Masonic and tavern purposes of which they will have just cause to be proud . When we say conjointly , it is merely in reference to being * the entire property of the Craft , inasmuch

as that portion of it devoted to Masonry will be quite separate and distinct from tavern accomodation , although immediately contiguous to it , and nnder no circumstances "will one part have any necessary connection with the other . The old hall ,

the scene of so many historical recollections , Avill henceforth be trodden only by those who have entered the Masonic poital and ascended the Avinding staircase , and it is to be hoped that , when exclusively devoted to the Craft , the efforts that have been made will be appreciated and estimated by all who "will assemble within its walls .

Before describing the new banqueting hall , to which this notice is more particularly directed , Avill be as Avell just to advert to what has been

done as regards that part of the new building which , as we have mentioned , is to be devoted exclusively to Masonic purposes . The original design included a suitable provision for the business of the Craft , and the building of a place which

should contain ample provision for lodges and chapters , and Avhere the proceedings could take place with all the accessories and accompaniments so essential to the celebration of the rites of Freemasonry . This portion has been completed and

in use for several months , and those Avho have had an opportunity of attending the lodges held in the Zetland , De Grey and Ripon , Dalhousie , or Moira , will agree with us that the most ample accommodation is provided . It is true that little

has been done in the way of ornamentation , but this is a matter Avhich . has not been lost sight of , and has only been deferred until the Avhole of the

building is completed and paid for , when an additional grant to carry this out will be presented to Grand Lodge to complete the general and ornamental arrangements . It has been found from experience that the spacious lodge rooms and

ante-rooms are very convenient , and those brethren who have not seen them Avill be well rejDaid by a visit . In addition to the rooms set apart for the use of lodges and chapters , there are apartments for offices for each of the Masonic Charities , viz .,

the Royal Benevolent Annuity , the Boys' School , and Girls' School , together Avith a room for the Grand Master , the Grand Secretary and clerks '' offices , board-room , Avaiting-rooms , & c , all being concentrated and contiguous to each other .

Especial care , too , has been bestowed upon the lavatories and other offices which are conveniently situate on every floor .

There are also spacious apartments for the use of the Grand Officers , for brethren clothing before they enter the Grand Lodge , and other purposes intimately connected with the Craft . On each corridor there is a ready aud distinct

communication from the different lodge rooms with the tavern for the convenience of brethren adjourning after the labours of the lodge , and from what Ave have seen this portion of the building is on such au extensive scale that banquets

can be furnished almost ad libitum , and in an incredibly short space of time . Indeed , judging by the immense fittings of the culinary department , one Avould be almost tempted to suppose that for the nonce , Freemason ' s Tavern Avould be called upon to act as the general " victualling . ;